I live on a lake where a great deal of people of second homes, some of them in the millions. People here have depended on these "part timers" and tourists during season to support them the rest of the year. What we saw here this summer is people are scimping, economizing. They have downsized the boats (used to see these huge, fancy boats on the water) not so many now. They are spending less, when they bother to come to their second homes. We decided when we got here last year to build our base on the locals and cater to them instead of "waiting for the season and tourists". Glad we did, because the ones that depend on the tourists and part-timers are hurting.

Maybe the ones trying. I mean, come on would you rather just have the government give everyone their life or a flat $5 million? This is an economy. the economy will always fluctuate for many different reasons. Some of us will thrive in this type of enviornment and some of won't. It's called capitalism. It's not a system built on equality despite what everyone would like to think. It is up to us to do the best we can in this life so that our kids are taken care and our spouses are taken care of. So, yes that does include owning a home or a 401k or other investments that weren't around 30-40 years ago. People are also more in debt because they have to have that 50 inch wide-screen. Well, I have a 52 inch television. But, I saved for it before my son was born knowing that I wouldn't be able to afford it after. It's about being responsible for yourself. If you see a credit card will charge 18% interest then you don't really need the credit car. Like my Dad says: "Credit cards are for the rich". This constant notion that everyone has to be happy and satified is a dream. Meanwhile, those poorest Americans still have a VCR/DVD player, a television, most have a car, a microwave, heat/hot water etc...Try some countries in Africa if you want to see true poverty. Believe me. This system isn't perfect but it's as close as one can get in a free society.

Your right, the system isn't perfect, but it is pretty good. However, I don't think that you have ever seen true poverty. It does exist in this country. These people do exist without the luxuries you mention. What I find confusing is that we have no problem continually sending financial aid to places like Africa, we totally ignore the fact that we do indeed have poverty in the U.S. Africa is not a "rich" country, the U.S is. Can we at least do for our poor, what we do for the poor in other countries? Or do we just continue to pretend they don't exist. Why do we put sole responsibility on our poor, and yet maybe, after sending million to other poor countries we could start holding them accountable.

Well, I think I have a pretty good idea about the poor and impoverished. I useed to be a Substance Abuse counselor in an inner city in New Jersey and part of that job was literally going into the projects and checking up on people for their aftercare and whatnot. My last post didn't mean to insinuate that everyone who is poor had those tings like televisions et al. I'm sorry if it came off that way. What I was trying to get across was that compared to other nations and continents is that this country bends over bacwards to help those who are porr and homeless. The country offers an opportunity to anyone. However, if you make a horse drink what makes you think you can make a person?

Steve, perhaps I misunderstood. I think this country does a great deal to help the ones that don't work, but very little to help those that work, but just can't quite make it. As far as other countries, this country does more than anyone to help other countries. I remember pouring millions into Etheopia in the 80's, and they are still dependent on foreign aid.

I find it really interesting that you were a substance abuse counselor. Hard job, and very dangerous. I have a neice that worked with aids patients (mostly she worked with prostitutes and addicts) on the streets. She said it was frustrating, but rewarding. I'd be interested in chatting with you about treatments and such.

Anytime but I'm probably a little out-dated. When I left that business in 1993 they were only on DSM-III. I believe they are now up to something like 6 or 7.

Bullshit. We're a third-world debtor nation now, thanks to Bush. $10,000,000,000,000 in the hole. Do you believe people are not going to want to be paid back?