I am about to be a first time homeowner.

Any tips or advice?

Right now, I'm pre-qualified and looking for a realtor to help me find a home. Any tips with that?

Thank you DU!

I need information about raising the minimum wage

I was having a conversation with someone who said they felt raising the minimum wage was a stupid idea because it would lead to inflation that would make the cost if living higher for everyone.

how and why is this not true, and if it is true, how is it bypassed with other benefits?

LOL Has anyone seen this? Our 2016 election process, as a video game.

If my Dog could talk.

DU Family! Christmas Miracle UPDATE!!! THANK YOU

So a few days ago, I went out on a limb and asked you all a big favor.

And truly, many of you came through.

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

You are all heroes to my family and they are very grateful.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, or are interested in knowing the full story of what happened within the past 3 days regarding our little Christmas Miracle.... Just check out the fundraising link and scroll down to the bottom to read the latest fundraiser update to get the new full story.

(Also, I took a photo with my in laws right after we told them how much we've raised so far. They are still in shock in the photo, and they still are.)

https://www.youcaring.com/the-st-onge-family-492102

Again, I can't believe how shaken my paradigm has become. I'm so used to living in a world where random acts of kindness are rare and truly hard to come by. But you've all proven me wrong, because all we had to do was ask. And a true love shined through, and aided the ones I care for. Thank you all, so much.

This is just an update, and we still have a goal to reach, so if you can still lend a hand, we'd appreciate it greatly. And if you can't contribute, please share the fundraising link, because that is just as helpful.

Thank you all again. Thank you, thank you, thank you...

Sincerely,
retrowire

UPDATE: Original OP is here, for those of you who want to see what an outpouring of true love from our community looks like: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027471196

My family is in need of a Christmas Miracle.

This is cross posted in the GD.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027471196

I'm sorry if you've already seen the request, but considering the circumstances, I need to do whatever it takes to help them out.

So, just check this out if you've got a moment. At least, share the fundraising page in your social media pages. Thank you so much.

https://www.youcaring.com/the-st-onge-family-492102

DU Family. I need a Christmas Miracle I think. I'm sorry. (UPDATE)

I was told that, if you ask, you shall receive.

But I also know that, no one is ever obligated to help you. So I understand if no one can extend any kind of helping hand.

But if you'll hear me out and you think you can help, please read onward.

--

My wife's side of the family has been on very hard times for quite a while now. They are a family of 5 that live in an old house on the side of the highway. The old house has no insulation in the walls, the only means with which they can heat the home is with space heaters. This obviously leads to high electrical bills.

The only members of the family capable of working, (2 of the 5, the others suffer from disabilities beyond their control) have either A) lost their job due to downsizing, even though she is a college educated Medical Scientist (that's my mother in law btw) and B) isn't getting any work at the moment. (that's my brother in law, who works in contractual contruction). My mother in law's unemployment benefits ran out months ago, and we fear she keeps getting rejected for job interviews because of ageism.

A few weeks ago, she fell and tore her shoulder, now she needs surgery. She's currently trying to apply for disability as it's the only way she'll be able to afford surgery and that could take years.

Before winter, this is the worst time for them to come up short on money. My father in law is stricken with many physical ailments, from MS to Glaucoma and much more, needs the heat on in order to basically, survive.

They are an honest and good family, despite their own financial troubles, they will still give anyone the shirts off their backs if anyone else needed it. They are the most amazing people I've ever met, I've never known anything but kindness and selflessness from them.

What my father in law thought of the debate last night.

I heard that he had an opinion on the debates last night, I wanted to hear it. I respect this man, alot.

He said that he found O'Malley to be way too aggressive. Scary even. He said that, despite O'Malley's thrashing, he could tell he didn't really mean it. His passion was interpreted as fake.

Regarding Hillary is "Well I don't like her." He said she's a liar. She would manipulate wording right there on stage and hope the average person wouldn't catch it.

Regarding our main man Bernie, he said that he likes him. He said, and I quote, "He's the only candidate that truly has the balls to deal with Russia and Isis."

This surprised me! I didn't really think of Bernie's foreign policy as being one of his brightest platforms, even though I myself TOTALLY agree with it. I feel that most people would look at it and think "Why not fight?"

But here my father in law, and EXTREME HISTORY BUFF and VETERAN, a man who's favorite movie genre is war films, documentaries and such. (Oh man, you should see his collection.) This man says that it was Bernie! Bernie was the only one that he believed on that stage. Bernie is the only one he believes CAN and WILL do something for our nation.

Let me add, he wasn't for Bernie or anyone before watching this debate. He's a very studious man. He doesn't follow others opinions, he makes his own.

The livestream is messing up so bad for me, I can't watch it.

Will it be online later in it's entirety?

Debate watch thread! Join me!

Be wary though, the media just described Bernie as "drawing nearly as large crowds as everyone else" even though it's an irrefutable fact that he's drawn the largest of anyone.

Let's enjoy! *drinks heavily*