How do you feel about...

The "recession" of 2008-2009? Everyone has said that we are in a recession. The economy is falling apart, the housing crisis, homeless, increased unemployment, the list goes on and on. I have been listening to talk radio regarding these issues; I have seen the Today show broadcast of "Shanty Town USA" as well as watched numerous YouTube slides.

The following Youtube piece is regarding the Shanty Town in Ontario, CA. While the person making this video has some good points, there are things he says that I personally have issue with, as well as others on his comment section.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVDCOzupz5k

I can appreciate the struggles of those who have lost their homes, have lost their dignity, their lives. We are in a crisis and a depression of sorts, I can completely agree with that. However, I find myself annoyed with being told over and over that "I" need to give more, help more, "share" everything from healthcare costs to the money I bring home from a job.

I do give to charities from the Open Door Mission to the salvation army, March of Dimes, Foodbanks and more. However, we are all feeling the depth to which the recession has touched our country. I hear over and over how the Wealthy should share their Wealth with those in need. I couldn't agree more, however there are stipulations to my agreement. I do not believe that someone who starts a business, works hard at their job, perhaps invests in the stocks and gains...there are many ways that people build their wealth, and now they are expected to SHARE that with those that perhaps don't work, or don't try to work; Share with those who didn't take that stock tip; those who didn't come up with that great start-up business. This seems highly unfair. Why should I pay for someone else? Why should I be responsible for someone elses healthcare expenses, someone elses housing payment, someone elses transportation? I have my own family to support and take care of, but now I am to do MORE, pay MORE, give MORE.

I do believe in helping and giving, but even the economic turn has punctured a hole in my world. Yes, I have my home and we are able to make the bills, perhaps much much tighter than before, but we are struggling just the same. I do not have more to share to pay for someone elses healthcare. I am already builing my own healthcare expenses due to a previous car accident. However, this is my burden and I do not expect someone else to pick up the tab.

I am torn. I believe in charity and giving back, but I can only do what I can do. I do not want to live in a socialist society. I do not want to work hard and save and earn and then give a portion to mandated government programs to "redistribute the wealth". America is the land of the opportunity. When the founders of our Country envisioned their America, it was for everyone to have the opportunity to have an education, have an opportunity to find a job, have the opportunity to make more money and build houses, drive expensive cars. We ALL have the opportunity, but sometimes we make choices that land us UP or land us DOWN from where we started. Government aid is there to help, yes it is a flawed system, and yes it most definitely should be reformed. However, in no way should what someone earns for themselves, legally and legitimately, be given to those who did not. Do I wish I was one of those stellar earners and wealthy, of course! But as is, I work part-time, my husband works full-time, we make ends meet with a bit extra to spare...I personally don't think I should have to take that extra and give it to someone else.

Now, everyone says we are in a recession, hard economic times! Get Ready!! Yet, as I drive through town, everywhere I look there are fast food chains and people driving through for lunches and dinner. Coffee shops are still doing well, we all like our starbucks! I have given up some perks--I do not purchase a coffee everynight before work; I do not hit the McDonalds weekly for kid lunches or dinners; my hubby and I have stopped doing monthly date nights and use other times to be alone with one another, such as a movie at home after the kids go to sleep. We all have ways of being frugal during this economic slowdown, as well as ways to tighten up and buckle down with our spending. Guess we will see if this "NEW" bill will actually stimulate the economy or will consumers tighten up even more?

My feelings on shanty-town, charity, and weath redistribution is this: Put yourself in someone else's shoes, face their life, what would you do? that goes for the wealthy to the impoverished.

I found this on the web, regarding the Great Depression:

http://www.socialstudieshelp.com/Lesson_84_Notes.htm

The following song was the most popular of the time and was emblematic of the attitude many had during the depression.

BUDDY CAN YOU SPARE A DIME

They used to tell me I was building a dream
And so I followed the mob.
When there was earth to plow or guns to bear
I was always there - right there on the job
They used to tell me I was building a dream
with peace and glory I had
Why should I be standing in line
Just waiting for bread.

Once I built a railroad - made it run
Made it race against time
Once I built a railroad - not wit's done
BUDDY CAN YOU SPARE A DIME

Once I built a tower to the sun
Brick and rivet and wine
Once I built a tower - now it's done
BUDDY CAN YOU SPARE A DIME.

Once in khaki suits
Gee we looked swell - full of that Yankee Doodledy-Dum
Half a million boots, went slogging through hell
I was the kid with the drum.

Say don't you remember, you called me Al
It was Al all the time
Say don't you remember, I'm your pal
BUDDY CAN YOU SPARE A DIME.