The Human Face Of Economic Uncertainty

[Better Believe It]

The human face of economic uncertainty
By Jim Kavanagh
CNN
September 28, 2008

(CNN) -- The crisis in the financial industry is all about huge banking, insurance and investment firms, but the general economic slowdown is hitting regular people right where they live.

Deborah Walker of Vista, California, 47, a widow whose sole source of income is Social Security disability payments, said she couldn't afford clothes for her son, David, 13, even before the crisis hit. "For a while there he was actually wearing my clothes to school," she said. "And now he's pretty much outgrowing my jeans even, so he's actually wearing clothes that are too small for him and pretty worn out."

David is mainly home-schooled but takes some classes at a nearby school, where the other kids make fun of his attire, she said. "It's hard enough to go through those years as it is," without having to endure that kind of teasing, she said.

"You just have to keep thinking, 'OK, what is the one thing we have left that we can live without the most?'" she said.
Walker said that she often skips meals so there is enough food for her rapidly growing boy, and her weight has dropped from about 120 to 94 pounds in the past nine months.

She learned Saturday that a $350 annual assistance check from the state would not be forthcoming. "I usually use this to purchase school clothes and tuck the rest away for Christmas, but now, David won't get either one," she said. "I don't understand why, every time there is a crisis, it's the poor, disabled, children and seniors who end up having to pay for it."


Please read the entire article at:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/09/27/bailout.real.people/index.html

Deborah Walker and son David are struggling amid the economic slowdown.

[Delphinus]

1. Damn.

Therefore but the grace of God ...

Blessings to all in this boat.

[Better Believe It]

2. What Is Happening To People Is Horrible And Makes Me Mad As Hell

OK. What can we do about it besides vote?

[wildflower]

5. I think trying to educate others is a start

So many think that this crisis is only about greedy people living beyond their means or buying more house than they could afford.

[melody]

3. There has to be a way to help these people

We need some kind of grassroots organization for something like this.

[tblue]

4. Cindy should sell her $300K outfit on eBay and give the $$ to the poor