I love XM Radio. I especially like POTUS XM130. I've been hearing the buzz about job loss. I'm finally sitting up to really listen; almost 600,000 jobs in January '09 alone. I just got done listening to Obama's speech about the state of the economy and was moved by the reality of how many families are without jobs.
I've been thinking about this quite a bit. I'm blessedly sheltered from the realities of our economy because I'm securely employed by the US Air Force. I have a steady paycheck. I have disposable income (disposable as defined as a couple dinners out, a movie and some Starbucks). I'm also a great believer of the Golden Rule....do unto others as you'd have them do to you. A Great Believer!
So, I wonder to myself, What Can I Do? I'd be glad to forego a coffee if it means beans and rice for a family. I'd gladly help pay an utility bill if it means keeping the house warm and clothes clean.
But would I be expected to help the same family if their standard of eating is, say, a Sirloin, Napa Valley Wine and Hand-Whipped Butter? Is it my responsibility to pay for an electric bill so the kids can charge their cell phones and MP3 players? Would I be remiss to refuse an auto payment on a second vehicle (for a family out of work) and -oh, by the way- it's an Acura or Lexus?
I guess I'm wondering if families, who are legitimately experiencing the "CRUNCH" of economic hardships, would be unreasonable to not expect the handout which would keep them in their current or even past standard of living...?
Further, would I be out of line to wonder if these same families, legitimately out of work and searching for more work, would -dare I say- maybe sell one of those extra 42" televisions, or cut the cell phone plan to minimum, or even turn off the cable? I mean, $500 for a used TV can buy groceries - sensible, modest, nutritious groceries for a few weeks. Is it unreasonable to think that taxpayers shouldn't have to shoulder an entire household budget for a family that is inflated or extravagent. Yes, I know -I know....extravagent is defined as...? But seriously. What really does a family need to just survive through lean times?
I would help make a car payment. I really would. If that's the only car they own and it's the family vehicle, or it's the car that's needed to drive to job interviews or take the kids to school (where there is no bus service, legitimately so) or other real necessity.
But pay the cell phone bill? I don't think so. Keep the kids in Sketchers? Um, no. That vacation to Taos? ya-right.
Is anyone else asking these questions? Anyone have an MP3 player to sell? I'm buyin'...
2 comments:
Historically Jan. job loss stats are always high, because of the loss of those temp Christmas season jobs.
I do take every statistic put out by the government with a grain of salt maybe a huge grain of salt.
No matter who is in power stats are manipulated.
If you are inclined, help in some way in your area.
I know the bases we were connected to had a family services office to help families in need. They would appreciate any time, goods or $ given and people close to you would benifit.
I know when DH was an Airman we made less than the poverty level.
Which is a Sad Sad thing to say isn't it.
:There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics", so I agree that numbers can be manipulated to make them appear as something they may not be.
However, it is true that some people have a very difficult time giving up luxuries when they are going through severe financial troubles. It reminds me of a story a colleague told me about how someone in their circle of friends asked them for help with their rent. My colleage said "let's sit down and go over your finances". The person in question had all sorts of extras like cable TV, wireless internet, gym memberships and a lot of other stuff. They complained when it was suggested to them that they should drop some of the luxuries while they were out of work. A lot of people get themselves into trouble because they don't know how to control spending when times are tough.
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