The American Dream no longer exists.

[SinkingFast]

I believe in showing mercy and compassion to all, but what about "charity beginning at home?" I, too, am so sick of being politically correct!!!

I love that one!!

Makes me think of Oprah!!

She's the first one to complain about how things are handled in the South, but when she goes to do a big charitable donation event, where does she go??!!

AFRICA!!

And Oprah was raised in Mississippi or some such place in the deep south. You'd think she coulda done the same thing in Louisianna or Alabama or such. But NOOOOOOoooooooo We gotta go to AFRICA!! Cause AFRICA is glamorous where deep south USA isn't. Blech!

Don't get me wrong. It's her money. She can spend it however she wants. But excuse me, let's not talk outa both sides of our mouth. Let's not complain about the circumstances of people here in the US and then go and do for people in Africa. There are starving kids, kids in need of medical attention, illiterate kids right here in our own backyard. Let's feed them first. Let's treat them first. Let's educate them first. Then we can minister to the rest of the world.

Whoopie Goldberg was really kewl after the hurricanes. She didn't just write a check and fell all warm and gooey inside. She went there to see what was needed. People needed water and food. Whoopie bought water and food. People needed shelter. Whoopie bought tents. Whatever people needed, the Whoopster bought. Now that's a lady after my own heart!!

[jane taylor]

You are so right, Sinking! I'm from MS and it is shameful how some celebrities seem to be ashamed of where they were born and don't give back. I heard from a very reliable source that when Oprah did come down here that the Red Cross put up banners and looked like they were doing something, but then took everything down immediately after she left.

I know that the Red Cross was wonderful to members of my family, but I have heard those horror stories as well.

[fellowpoorman]

Can I add my two cents? Part of the problem with housing, in my area at least, is that people are trying to keep up with the Jones'. They want a 5 bedroom house perfectly decorated and furnished, when a 3 bedroom home would work wonders....

Totally agree, I live in the New England, I have lived in the West and alaska, and I see that here , seems it doesn't matter what your real ability is as affording luxeries , but as long as you look rich that is what matters, its F-ing crazy , people buy these huge houses and live by themselves, cannot furnish it, but as long the neighbors are impressesd they are are happy, and these damn credit card companies are right in on it, saying buy , buy , buy, you can out do them, that is the new america folks.

[extremelyhumble]

Lots of Cheap Houses in Ohio!

We have lots of cheap houses in Ohio - particularly southeastern part of state. I paid $79,900 for my house - it's not the best, but it's not a slum. There are really nice historic houses in my area that go for $100K to $200K. Of course, since Ohio is a manufacturing state, we have no jobs. Can anyone spell C-H-I-N-A? Both Goodyear and GE pulled out and closed up down here a few years back - they built a WalMart though so everything is all smiley faces now.

[debtisbad]

Fellowpoorman,

It is completely crazy. My kids came home from school and said "such and such is very rich--you should see their house. And their daddy has a lexus" I told my 11 year old "how do you know that they are rich", "Maybe they just owe alot of rich folks a bunch of money!" It is all about perceptions. As a matter of fact, our entire society is all about perceptions. I believe that is where the idea of keeping of with the jones came.

[robivi3]

Have had to deal with that with my middle kid debt... so and so has this and that... and then the massive problems are revealed.

Remember the 80's, early 90's when Wal-Mart had all that Made in USA advertising?

[robivi3]

I remember after Andrew living in a one bedroom (it was a great place and we had lots of fun because the boys were small) with five of us for THREE years! The dining room served as a bedroom for three boys, one on top, one under and one on the under the under pull out. My wife was home, baking all the time, the kids had no idea we were struggling and the Pony Rides were still open in North Miami by Biscayne Blvd. hidden in the park at 135 street, we used to go there evereyday. Oh well, at least my kids can remember some of the last stuff from Old Miami, the way it used to be. We used to walk the hiking trails back there everyday. Driving my 79 Sunbird and my old Mustang. Going to Kuko's Superfood Center across the way for treats and Cuban Bread and being well off the beaten path in a little tree filled fourplex with good neighbors, we loved it. But always thinking, we gotta get back on our feet and get another house... and all the freaking headaches that go with it. It is cheap to rent here, expensive to own and since we have the other property I really would like to sell and rent and be done with the damned storm repairs. There are some beautiful "Townhome rental Apartments" in our area that rent for less than my Mortgage and fees. Don't get antsy everyone, home ownership ain't all that fun.

We are looking at another "active" season. I just love watching "The Day After Tommorrow", I just hate living it several months per year. This has been a great thread, the venting has been helpful. Oh well, the new front door opens out so it won't blow in this year. I've had enough, if it wasn't for work I'd be gone back to Tennessee. I live North in Broward now, my beloved Miami - Dade County is nearly unliveable.

[FilingOnMyOwn]

We have lots of cheap houses in Ohio - particularly southeastern part of state. I paid $79,900 for my house - it's not the best, but it's not a slum. There are really nice historic houses in my area that go for $100K to $200K. Of course, since Ohio is a manufacturing state, we have no jobs. Can anyone spell C-H-I-N-A? Both Goodyear and GE pulled out and closed up down here a few years back - they built a WalMart though so everything is all smiley faces now.

Exactly. Where are you going to work? Should people live in a sprawling area and rent for 30 years just to save enough to go buy a house in the middle of nowhere and retire? I think that would just defeat the whole purpose...

[Minnymouth]

Show a program the other nite where people our through buying homes in the big cities...... buying rural. Then they have to drive 2-3-4 hours to work every day one way....
They said thats the only way they could afford they kind of home they wanted......
So they sacrifice their "family time" to driving time!!

These days, seems like they would spend all their income on gas.......

Wasn't aware of it but my oldest brother is now driving 3-4 hours too work every day. He lives in Ohio and works out of a company in Michigan hauling big rigs piggyback....
His company closed down the terminal in Ohio.... so in order to keep his job of 28 years he has to drive 3-4 hours to Michigan every time he gets a new load out.....

He then delivers his load over (2 or 3 days), flies back to the terminal and drives home. Gas is eating him up not counting wear and tear on auto.

Not me Folks, I LOVE working one mile from the house.....can walk if I decided too.....

Minny

[FloridaGirl]

I think it is bull for people to come here and fly flags from other countries. Utterly disrespectful. But nobody cares anymore. This country is becoming a place where outsiders have more rights than those who were born here. I don't get it. And I definitely think the day we can't even fly the US flag is right around the corner. Hell, people from other countries want to have the pledge of Allegience banned from schools because it is offensive to them. What in the hell???? You want to come to America, yet you don't even want to show any loyalty to her? The whole subject really ticks me off. This country is going down, down, down.

[robivi3]

Rallys for illegals BY illegals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And no immigration cops??????????????????????????

[fellowpoorman]

Bottom line once again is that if you ask them why they came to America, they will say because they can make more friggin $$$$, not the supposed freedoms or luxeries, the $$$$, send it home and its worth 10 times as much, think they care about us, no way. You are right , foreigners have more rights , even illegal foreigners. Just ask GW, they are "guest workers", wake up George they're ILLEGAL!! What a president, saying to tighten the borders to prevent terrorism , then welcoming the ILLEGAL GUEST WORKERS, If you want a job, denounce your citizenship , move to Egypt and then come back and you are all set. Thats todays America! And by the way If someone is an illegal alien, how can they pay taxes?? Its a friggin free ride. WTF

[fellowpoorman]

And also just to come here they have to have cash, they are't the dirt poor in thier country, THE USA "The land for the rich" guess we just are the "guest poor"

[debtisbad]

Personally, I think there is going to be an outrage at the next election. Actually, I am suprised it has not happened yet. I have never seen this country in such shape in my life. This is absolute bullsh*t. There is an tsunami of illegals coming over the border states right now because they are well aware of the guest worker status. They want the benny's without having to pay the taxes. I mean hell, if you could go to mexico, get free health care, jobs, and everything handed to you, would you not be there. Get real George, this country is a mess!! I don't know about any of you, but
I am pissed about what is happening. I have tried to be a good citizen all my life, paid taxes, never done anything wrong. I feel like my own country is trying to screw me. Lets see, companies laying off, moving to China, healthcare out of sight, gas prices out of control and what does GW do--lets change the BK law. Oh and by the way, GW should be focusing on more important issues at hand--but no, what is he worried about--mexican illegals--making them legal. I am really *****ing tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[fellowpoorman]

Theres alot to ***** about man! Hope all the Bush supporters are happy, Face it we are losing our country, or to better put it the ELITE or WEALTHY are selling it. All for the precious "Profit", Makes me sick, This country is nothing like it was when I was growing up, somewhere along the way it became all bout Selfishness and screwing anyone you can to make a buck, Community? aah whats that, Equality? Thing of the past, Even education is expensive , its all about debt , consumer debt keeps the economy strong, BUY. BUY, BUY, even if you can't afford it BUY, BUY, BUY, the 50 stars on our flag should be replaced by 50 $ signs.