Living in poverty

Posted by RStern on August 29, 2007 at 2:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It would be a safe bet that the same amount of "poverty people" have a cigarette, drug and alcohol problem as the "non-poverty" people.

Posted by hotrod2007 on August 29, 2007 at 3:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you Mr. Riley for getting most of the "poverty people" out of the of the Holy City. Maybe, the regional plan should include pushing them further into other counties. Heaven knows Mr. Sumney can't handle anymore. Imagine the problems that emerge if "poverty people" VOTE.

Posted by carolinapanther on August 29, 2007 at 4:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Of course, everything is Mayor Rileys fault. Get a Life!

Posted by bluecap on August 29, 2007 at 5:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hypocrites such as NancyN should try being poor for a while. The relatively cheap small pleasures like a smoke or a drink give a little relief from the continuing misery.

One thing that is never mentioned is how the poor credit problem pretty much prevents folks from ever improving their employment position. One can be well qualified and ready to work hard, but the employer's credit check precludes your getting the job. This is a vicious cycle that can't be changed without government intervention. It pains this right-winger to say it.

Posted by secwind7 on August 29, 2007 at 5:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Unless you have been down and out, you would not know. I think there needs to be someone willing to go out and teach these people a way to upgrade there lives. we all learn by being helped by others, whether we are willing to admit it or not. pick a family and give them a hand. there a lots of us who have been there. it's no fun.

Posted by sherlock on August 29, 2007 at 6:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

been there, done that. i thank various social services programs for the assistance given to me and my child when i needed it. this included low income housing, food stamps and a small welfare check. i utilized the government programs for almost 5 years because thats how long it took me to get the education needed to move out of poverty. im not saying that im well off now, but i do own a home and have a full time job. moving out of poverty can be done, you just have to want it bad enough that you are willing to work for it.

Posted by poorboy on August 29, 2007 at 6:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sherlock I can't say it any better than this "moving out of poverty can be done, you just have to want it bad enough that you are willing to work for it".

A lot of these people are in poverty because of NO life skills, dependencies, dependents and no spouse or help from a spouse. All life choices. I won't bore you with my story but your statement quoted here says it best in my case.

Posted by teeitup on August 29, 2007 at 6:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I dont understand how smoking or drinking can be classified as a small pleasure. Any addictive drug can be an expensive habit. I also dont understand why or how government intervention is the answer. There are many jobs available if they are willing to work. It's no disgrace being poor, but is to remain that way when a person has the ability to work.

Posted by kaylee on August 29, 2007 at 6:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cost of living going up, wages are not. These counties that are not high in poverty is because more middle class people moving in. The poverty level is not getting any better for these same people. I see people struggle to put food on the table for there family & (yes I help them out when I can)they have good educations, decent jobs. They are doing pretty bad to compared a year ago.

Posted by mggoose2000 on August 29, 2007 at 6:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is a sad situation that is growing in this country everyday; headlines tell it all. How do we combat this? It starts in our schools; how can we propose to educate our children with instruction in reading, (w)riting & (a)rithmetic and not educate them about social virtue. We spoil our children with everything they want, giving to them without a thought about when they become adults. When they grow into adults, they've had everything given to them, they've watched their parents mortgaged to the gills so they can "keep up with the Jones" and some have seen their parents fail finacially (bankruptcy). Take for instance the recent headlines about the two boys from Colleton County and their dad; this man should be teaching his children to be better than himself; get a good education, develop a good work ethic, save for the future, etc. Starting out on the right foot is better than having to try everyday to get "back in step" while struggling to pay the bills. Instead, his two boys are headed for a tough time because they've been denied the influence of discipline and the example thereof.

I used to be a teacher at a Trade School for high school students. The teachers/counselors wouldn't send students or recommend the classes at the school because they still had the idea that only those students that weren't going to attend college should come to "shop" class. Some of my former students are making more money than I do. One of them is responsible for the present position that I hold today. All of the teachers taught their curriculm and added the instruction for gettting a good job, good work ethic and good citizenship. If everyone that has commented here would get involved in their childrens'/grandchildrens' education, become active in the community/school board, we could turn this trend around by lowering the drop out rate in the state (one of the highest in the country) and also help ensure that our young people have a good start. It will take several generations for things to improve, but, seriously folks, it starts with education.

Posted by CADguy on August 29, 2007 at 6:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If I was at the poverty level, I would probably have an abuse problem. What a tough life, choice made or not.

Posted by jsmcadory on August 29, 2007 at 7:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

teeitup, believe it because it is definitely true. Where there is poverty there is depression. With depression comes smoking and drinking as one's way of forgetting their problems and spending the money to feel better. Even for a short while, may be worth the expense to them. Certainly I am not making excuses but it's a fact. It's easier said than done until you have been in these shoes. I started out this way, have overcome and learned a great deal. It took me many years of hard work and determination to rise above. Goverment intervention for some is the absolute last option. When it comes down to feeding children and keeping a roof over their heads, it may be unavoidable. It should be considered temporary assistance and not the answere. I'm sure most receiving it will say it's just temporary and not their solution. As far as there being many jobs to work. That is not true for Charleston. I have a medical degree and even with that my line of work is not plentiful in this area. So, even if someone is more than willing to work, doesn't mean they can get a job, in their specialty or not.

Posted by PoisenIvy on August 29, 2007 at 7:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If the Post & Courier had the slightest lick of sense, or the smallest degree of SYMPATHY, for this mother and son, they never would have identified and photographed her.
Imagine what her son will now be forced to ENDURE at school.
How UNFEELING can you get.
I guess anything goes as long as you get the story...

Posted by Neponset on August 29, 2007 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think a proper education is key. Unfortunately many refuse to except this gift - look at the poor showup for the opening of school.

Posted by bhippey on August 29, 2007 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Neponset: I totally agree with you. I bet if a study was done to see how many poverty stricken individuals had full high school educations or higher, the number would be sadly low. What's bad is some of these people can't even get a job at say McDonald's to earn extra money because people are so judgemental. Why turn away someone who is trying to work and earn money to support themselves and their families. This country has no sympathy for these poor individuals. Some of them have to go as far as selling themselves, just for the cash. I'm sure some of these people have addictions, whether to drugs or alcohol, but how many rich people have the same addictions???

Posted by prosperous_hb on August 29, 2007 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

kaylee...you mentioned a very good point about cost of living increased. What in the world can a $.30 - $.40 increase help you out when your taxed go up, even doubling in a year. Yet, we have all these CEO's getting thousands of dollar pay increases.

Another point mentinoned was the credit check. I don't think that just because you have bad credit, you can't get a good job. This yet another measure that the government has used to weed people out of jobs. Shux, the people with the good credit are the ones getting the jobs and then stealing the money from the company.

My last point, I agree that you have to want to do better. You can't sit around and wait for the government to help you. You have to be proactive and makes things happen. Pray and seek GOD!!!

Posted by Neponset on August 29, 2007 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To continue on my theme of getting an education, how about hiring some of these unfortunate folks to go around to each school and give talks to the students and explain to them the consequences of failing to get a good education and learning some marketable skill.

Posted by Charlestonman on August 29, 2007 at 7:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

except for very few rare circumstances, people are where they are in life as a result of the decisions they have made to that point. poverty is a choice.

Posted by anita74 on August 29, 2007 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have an eduction, a BA from the College of Charleston. I have made some poor decisions which have left me with two teenage daughters and little to no child support. I work full time. With three people in the house we are way below the poverty level. It is all I can do to keep up. Well, yeah I could give up my kids, take second and third jobs to make the money gap smaller, but then who is watching my kids? My children are still in school and aiming for college. I paid for my schooling with work study and student loans; they will have to do the same. To say that our living in poverty is a "choice" is absurd. The people who scare me the most are the ones sitting in those lovely offices on Broad and living on the Battery or out near one of the many yacht clubs looking down their noses and passing judgement. No one exactly has their foot on my neck, but there are no helping hands, either. I get a $1.00 raise, and the cost of living goes up $2.00. Depressed, yes, I am depressed. May those fine citizens among you who have all the answers get everything you ever wanted.

Posted by southbel on August 29, 2007 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Navyblueblood...your quote was "poverty begets poverty". Hmmm. Well. I am married to the antithesis of that. My husband grew up poor. And I am talking really, really poor. He grew up in a family that lived off government assistance their whole life. For Christmas, their only gifts were Toys for Tots from the Marine Corps. Since he was from West Virginia, they had a program where they would give kids that were too poor free shoes on the first day of school. Believe me, they have a kind of poor in West Virginia that makes the poor here look wealthy.

Anyway, it was that experience that made him endeavor to turn his life around but he KNEW he wouldn't be able to do it with the help of his community, his school, nor his parents, because none of those aforementioned had the ability to help him out of his abject poverty. So, he joined the Marine Corps because they were the only people that bothered to come into his little town in West Virginia and seemed to give a damn. It changed his life. He got the GI Bill. He went to college and now he is extremely successful.

By the way, it was NOT easy. For him to even to go to college, he basically had to redo high school because his high school education was so subpar that it didn't meet the minimum criteria to start college level courses. I guess my point is that it comes down to a personal drive to WANT to change and a desire to pull yourself out of this situation. It is never easy. It takes difficult choices and a LOT of hard work.

He chose military service and thanks the Marine Corps for saving his life. I think the military is one of the very best options for a lot of people. It teaches discipline, values, work ethic and you get the priviledge of serving your country (I met my husband while I was in the Marine Corps).

Posted by CADguy on August 29, 2007 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Was the statistic purely based on income? 20-25% of the populus of the City of Charleston and North Charleston are at or below poverty level. What percentage of the 20-25% are single individuals?

For a single person, poverty is considered 10k/yr (I imagine that is gross pay) or less, that is close to working full-time at minimum wage. I wonder what percentage of these are actually college/high school students and work part-time for spending cash.

Poverty will always be a part of any society regardless if you consider wealth in monetary value or the number of farm animals you have.

Posted by CADguy on August 29, 2007 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Southbel, I was going to mention West Virginia if someone wanted to see poverty. My father grew up in WV and escaped it by joing the military.

Hell, maybe that's it. The resolution to our problems. Mandatory 2 yr military service.

Posted by Nonni on August 29, 2007 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Poverty is a social, moral and governmental issue. For those of us who are not living in poverty, and unless you've come from there, it's hard to imagine what it's like. I watched my mom struggle for years after my dad left us (3kids) and she worked hard to make ends meet. We had to move from the suburbs of Boston after he left, lived in the inner city and took assistance for about three years until my mom studied for the post office exam and passed. It took a while, but after she was employed at the PO, life got better. It's hard to look back now and realize that kid mentioned in the article could've been me...my sitser...my brother...There are community agencies, one at Cathedral of Praise, that helps people in poverty put food on the table. Cathedral has a food pantry that is supported in part by the Lowcountry Food Bank, by its church family and the surrounding community. There is Trident United Way and there is the most important thing...HOPE! It takes a community to raise a child, a community to care and we as individuals should do more. I don't care about the color of someone's skin, I care about the condition of their heart, and we should all lend a helping hand whenever we can!

Posted by konphidence on August 29, 2007 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NancyN, why is it that you have to be negative ALL the time? Are you not happy with yourself/your life, but please stop it.

Posted by rebel11 on August 29, 2007 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone should think about where and how they grew up. Now imagine being a child and everyday you wake up and see a lady looking through trash, drug dealers, police everywhere, murder, and horrible living conditions. Then you go to school and the conditions are just as bad, and you're treated like you're less than human all day. Then you go home at the end of the day to the same disgusting living conditions and repeat the same thing the next day. Keep in mind you do this everyday throughout your entire childhood or even your life. How many of us can honestly say this wouldn't affect us in a negative way?

Posted by SLK29406 on August 29, 2007 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of the causes for poverty:
Divorce
Disability
Disease
Downsizing
Disaster
Death of spouse

Posted by majorjohnson on August 29, 2007 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The following are facts about persons defined as “poor” by the Census Bureau, taken from a variety of government reports:

46 percent of all poor households actually own their own homes. The average home owned by persons classified as poor by the Census Bureau is a three-bedroom house with one-and-a-half baths, a garage, and a porch or patio.

80 percent of poor households have air conditioning. By contrast, in 1970, only 36 percent of the entire U.S. population enjoyed air conditioning.

Only six percent of poor households are overcrowded; two thirds have more than two rooms per person.

The typical poor American has more living space than the average individual living in Paris, London, Vienna, Athens, and other cities throughout Europe. (These comparisons are to the average citizens in foreign countries, not to those classified as poor.)

Nearly three quarters of poor households own a car; 31 percent own two or more cars.

97 percent of poor households have a color television; over half own two or more color televisions.

78 percent have a VCR or DVD player.

62 percent have cable or satellite TV reception.

89 percent own microwave ovens, more than half have a stereo, and a more than a third have an automatic dishwasher.

Posted by Local on August 29, 2007 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great comments posted so far, mostly. One thing I would like to add is that lack of jobs in this area does not help the situation. We don't have factories or industries where unskilled workers can make a decent wage. Food service, cleaning and construction are the only options here for these workers, and those do not provide a living wage. So, that's an argument for education but even with an education there are really not many great jobs. (Side note to Mayors Riley and Summey: you have not done enough to bring industry/ jobs to this area.) In Charleston pay is low because there are so few places to work, yet the cost of living is high compared to other parts of the country. Hence the problem these folks face. To the working poor, I salute you!

Posted by PoisenIvy on August 29, 2007 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yesterday was 'FAT' people, today is the POOR.
Whom will you pompous, self-absorbed, pseudo-elite, intellectuals DEMEAN tomorrow???
AIDS patients???

Posted by SCdeacinNYC on August 29, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Majorjohnson: I usually disagree with you (and this time is no different), but I do respect how you back up your arguments with facts and figures and don't result to just spewing ignorance.

Now on to the disagreeing:

I don't even think that in 2007 we can actually even call these things you listed "luxuries" anymore:

Air Conditioning: (unless you mean central air, which is a different thing all together, most air conditioning units are less than 100 dollars, and I think the spewing summer heat sometimes more of a necessity in our age than a "luxury")

*We may have more space than the "average" citizen in European Countries...but we also have less basic social services, generally unhealthier life styles and higher infant and child mortality*

*Cars: In the South, you need a car in most areas outside of large cities, and since there are not a lot of large cities in the South...well you see where I am going. The cost of living within actual cities, such as Charleston, is on the rise, so it is cheaper to live in rural areas where you definitely need a car if you ever plan on leaving.

*Color TVs (do they even make black and white anymore): Can be bought for $50 or less depending on the size, but it is not a back breaker to have one anymore.

*VCR/DVD players: can be bought for $30 or so apiece

*Sattelite or Cable TV: I have to admit I have no idea how much that even costs in SC, but its about $50 a month where I live (much less than my electric bill)

*Microwave: It's been a while since I actually bought one of those, but it's safe to say you can get one for less than a $100 correct me if I am wrong

Stereo: You can get for less than $30

Dishwasher: Well we didnt have one of those growing up and my apartment came with one...so who knows.

I am not saying that things are necessities, but you seem to be saying that they are luxuries. Which I would argue is not true. Now when stats come about on whether or not these households have "TIVO" or "BMWs" or "plasma TVs" then we can talk...until then I think we need to look at the actual pricing of some of these things and see whether or not this is what is setting those in poverty in America back.

Posted by PoisenIvy on August 29, 2007 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice try 'navyblueblood', seems my post has ruffled YOUR feathers.
I wonder why...seen YOURSELF in it did you???

Posted by bwrw8457 on August 29, 2007 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It seems everyone always wants to dig that knife a little deeper when someone is down. It does take a community to raise children. Instead of driving by and shaking your head when you see a child smoking when they should be in school. Why not call the police and have them come pick them up. If you are able to stay home why not offer to help your nieghbor out with there children. Maybe that 100 in daycare could put clothes on the children. Heck the lady going through the trash? Why cant the nieghbors just put the cans in a different bag for her to pick up. Maybe that would give her time to find a job while her child is at school. REMEMBER we are all family, we are GOD'S children.

Posted by bhippey on August 29, 2007 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think I will live in poverty. Seems glamorous. To be judged as "trash" and live a life of scrounging around for recyclables to get a few extra bucks and working 3 jobs. Not being able to afford "luxuries" like brand new clothes or enough food to fill my children's bellies. I think I would like listening to my children cry because they are hungry and have no friends, because the other kids' parents will not let them play with the "poor" family. I won't be able to spend time with them or help them with their homework, because I will be at work. I won't be able to afford someone to watch my kids, because I will be barely scraping by. Sounds great. Honestly, poverty is a choice???? If it was TRULY a choice, there would be NO peverty stricken families.

Posted by iblong2her on August 29, 2007 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You know NancyN why is it that everyone has to be subject to your ignorance day after day. I understand your point, but it's not what you say it's how you say it!

Posted by CADguy on August 29, 2007 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

After AIDS patients, the focus will be poor, fat, AIDS patients that own pit-bulls.

Posted by rebel11 on August 29, 2007 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

In response to the Census Bureau Stats:
(46% have homes)
54% don't have a home, and go take a look at someone who does. I would rather live in a gas station bathroom than some of these homes.

(80% have A/C)
How is air conditioning relevant? I suppose they have to pay for all their poor choices in life by being hot.

(They have more living space than people in other countries)
This story is about Charleston, SC. In America.

(Most have cars)
Last time I checked you needed a car to go to work. Also, the specific people in this story did not have a car.

(They have Color TV)
Go to a yard sale sometime, you can buy an old color tv for 5 bucks.

(They have a VCR or DVD Player)
Also $5 at a yard sale.

They have cable or sattelite tv.
Basic cable is about $30. I seriously doubt they're buying NFL Sunday Ticket.

(They have microwaves)
I suppose they're supposed to build fires on their porch, which according to the Census Bureau, 46% of them have.

Posted by PoisenIvy on August 29, 2007 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WELL said, 'bwrw8457' & 'bhippey'.
It is nice to see that some with HEARTS, do exist...

Posted by mggoose2000 on August 29, 2007 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PoisenIvy and Navyblueblood,

If you don't have anything constructive to say and want to bicker, why not agree to meet somewhere private so we don't have to listen to it. Otherwise, SHUT UP ALREADY!

Posted by bhippey on August 29, 2007 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I meant to say poverty not peverty. Fat fingers.

Posted by PoisenIvy on August 29, 2007 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

'mggoose' whatever has got YOUR knickers in a knot???
The poor deserves to be DEFENDED.
Why should they be expected to live in complete poverty, without the slightest thing, to make their lives a little easier???

Posted by PoisenIvy on August 29, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

'navyblueblood' I happen to have 2 GAY brothers-in-law that I love very much.
So if you are inferring that I am somehow anti-gay, you are SO WRONG...

Posted by sarmstrong on August 29, 2007 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is really a sad story that is happening in our own backyard! I hope that the Post and Courier had the class to at least help this family out after the story!

Posted by majorjohnson on August 29, 2007 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I make a good living, but I don't own a television or air conditioner or dishwasher. No cable or satellite, no cell phone. I do have a car and a pickup, both 18 years old and paid for in full and running fine. I live more like a poor person than the vast majority of people the government considers poor because I see no need for car payments, high electric bills thanks to air conditioning or spending my time watching American idol. I also have no desire to be available by phone 24 hours a day, including when I'm on the crapper or in the checkout line. A few weeks ago I was in the checkout line behind a huge woman with 4 fat and poorly behaved brats who was chatting on a cell phone...she had a cart full of junk food and cokes, over $150 worth, not one item I would consider food, and paid for it with a food stamp card. Essentially my, and your, money. She was poor. When I went out to get in my old car, I noticed she was squeezing her fat butt behind the wheel of a fairly late model SUV.

Those minor expenses for purchasing items you mentioned add up to around $300, plus $50/month for cable, plus higher electric bills every month to run those items, plus probably a monthly payment for a car. More living space costs more money than less living space. A luxury is something you don't need, and none of those items are necessary outside of possibly a car, but even there most of the people considered poor by the government didn't buy a car they could afford, they took every inch of loan they could for the most car they could get and immediately went upside down.

Where I live as cheap as I can though I don't need to, the people the government considers poor generally have more possessions and expenses and debt than I do. People who are on the edge of poor spend every penny they have, and burdent themselves with debts they don't need, and then when times get bad or a hardship occurs they cry about how unfair life is and expect the government to be there to help with my tax dollars. While there are actual poor people in America, the majority of people the government considers poor are not living in poverty and are only poor due to poor life and lifestyle choices.

Posted by grannyofsix on August 29, 2007 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

majorjohnson plan on taking all with you when you pass on to the next world

Posted by ccfromsc on August 29, 2007 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow! Such spirited debate!

Ok, define what is poor for today's meaning?

Anyone ever wonder why the P&C dropped all mention about the lady in that same area a few months back that was living on "minimum wage" and the sob story she had?

As for PoisenIvy yes I would demean AIDS patients TODAY. Why? because of all of the information out there and the ability to NOT get it (use a condom for crying out loud) why after 25+ years should I feel sorry for someone that was STUPID and got it? Darwin awards...

Remember folks keep working millions and millions on welfare are depending on your taxes and "contributions" (for all you democrats). Not to mention all of the illegal aliens that now live in the "sanctuary" of North Charleton.

Posted by Cid95 on August 29, 2007 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've been to many areas of the world that are actually impoverished.

Someone that is grossly fat, has a car and a roof over their head is not poor.

There - I managed to work in the fat and poor thing in one comment! Extra credit yeah?

Posted by PoisenIvy on August 29, 2007 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Rather then putting the POOR down, people who are more fortunate then them, should think of ways in which they can help.
For instance, rather then throwing out unwanted clothes, toys and household items, take them to 'The Salvation Army' or 'Goodwill' so that someone else can benefit from them.
'Habitat for Humanity' is another option.
Did you know that they will take old furniture, and discarded building supplies, removed when houses are renovated and flipped???

Posted by blondjes on August 29, 2007 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Did anybody even notice including the post and courier that in the national news yesterday it was said that poverty is at its lowest since 2000? i wonder how the P&C could have missed that?
i think people can pull themselves up, my parents were poor when i was a kid but my father was a fireman and as years went by things got better, both of my parents were Queens Ny high school drop outs (my father is also severly dyslexic) and both were divorced already with 2 kids each before they met and married and then had me and my sister (thats 6 kids) they raised all of us to be self dependent and not to rely on other people or the government to get by. maybe if more parents instilled those ethics into their children, many wouldn't be in this mess. I'm not trying praising myself i'm just saying it is possible to get above the poverty line, people do it all the time,

Posted by blondjes on August 29, 2007 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

exactly Cid95, Americans don't know how good they have it, people in other countries would kill to be "in poverty" over here

Posted by SCdeacinNYC on August 29, 2007 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes and I've been to those same areas, some places that have more to their healthcare system than even we do.

Relative poverty is what get us in America. If you are in Mozambique where essentially everyone you see is poor, you also don't see people that are billionaires and millionaires every day dominating the television and the our everyday society. In those impoverished countries you often don't need a car to get around. Poverty is relative not objective. So yes a poor person in America is very different and has very different problems than a poor person in many other countries.

Also, there are places in America, especially in the South that resemble some of the poorest areas of the World. When I did community service work a couple of years ago and put together a slideshow (pictures of dirt roads, kids in shabby clothing, shingled shacks and sewage running into the streets) to present at my college, a professor (from Africa) said "wow, that looks like Africa". That is just embarassing, what is America's excuse? No one should be living that way in "the greatest country in the world".

Posted by acaouette on August 29, 2007 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How about this idea.....GO GET A REAL JOB! GET TWO JOBS IF YOU HAVE TO! and stop having babies when you are already living in poverty! the health department gives out birth control for FREE...that's right, FREE! Anyone who is making poverty level income is making it because they don't try to do better...there are good paying jobs out there that do not require college or skills...if people are stratching around in trash cans to make it, then that's their fault..do something about it! Don't expect me to help when I've worked all my life for the things I have(two jobs at times), was responsible and haven't had illegitimate children, and I don't even have a college degree....and stop depending on the government and working people's tax money to pay for your laziness and irresposibility...it's called working for a living, and having the dignity, pride and drive to do better...it's a shame the children have to suffer because of it...and it's real easy to cry poor and get hand outs...I have been poor, but I did something about it like work two jobs, do without things, walk to work....

Posted by bhippey on August 29, 2007 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

In 5 years my family and I are going to move to Mexico. We will have the country to ourselves. Then again, it's a pretty crappy place to live. I can understand why they are all leaving and coming here. But the legal residents here need to have first dibs on the jobs. Yes, a lot of "americans" are too good to do a lot of the jobs that the Mexicans do. Let me tell you what, if I were poor I would do WHATEVER (except prostitution and selling drugs) it took to make enough money to support my family. If that means breaking my back outside doing a crap labor job for pennies an hour, so be it. If I had to clean toilets or clean up puke, I would. Some unfortunately poor people DO whatever is necessary and some just abuse the system and what it offers those "in need". Sitting on your a** waiting for a check each month and not trying to get a job is pathetic. What the hell is wrong with some of these people. You know I've heard of people claiming more residents in their households to get more money each month from the welfare office. And so they go more money put on their EBT cards. It's really sad. Our government puts all of these agencies out there to help the poor, but half the time they are either too proud to obtain or get denied. It's really very sad. My family and I donate to the Salvation Army all the time. We donate to Toys for Tots as well. I believe in contributing because these people are members of our community, and should be helped. But the people who take advantage of our tax dollars, are really starting to piss me off. They are going to end up ruining it for EVERYONE. I also think that if a family with a lot of children who are using State resources like welfare, the mother should have no choice but to be on birth control. This way no children will be born into this life.

Posted by crankyyankee on August 29, 2007 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No he's going to give it away to some unmotivated, uneducated layabout that has a $200 hair doo and a $75 custom nail job. Cuz their poor! What the heck ever happen to taking care of ones self and where are the family members? Seems the Government is supposed to care and provide more than the imeadiate families. Give me a break!

Posted by Test2007 on August 29, 2007 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, all the poor people I have seen have a 200 dollar hair do and get their nails done. Stop generalizing. Lets not get started on the illegitimate children argument. Some of the biggest and brightest have them so don't go putting that all on the poor. Acaouette and crankyyankee have the most ignorant posts I have seen so far today. Personally I think all of your mothers should have been on birth control so that I wouldn't have to read these ignorant posts. See, that is my belief. Will it ever come to fruition? Sadly not but think before you start talking about selective birth control. And besides, you don't know if these people were poor before or after they had kids. Let us remember that Catholicism has an anti-birth control standpoint so if they are a practicing Catholic they may believe that their religion supercedes everything else.

Posted by bhippey on August 29, 2007 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Watch Monty Python's The Meaning Of Life. The song Every Sperm is Sacred IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Jessamine on August 29, 2007 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

One thing that might help is "real life" classes taught along with reading, writing, 'rithmatic. I remember an economics class I had at Wando taught by a marvelous teacher (Mr. Smoak) that actually taught how to balance a check book, how to create a budget, how to buy real estate, buying stocks/bonds, etc. I learned so much from that class that I still use today and it was only half a semester. Imagine what could be learned if it was a full semester or taught throughout the education process to reinforce good spending and budgeting habits. If they could introduce something like this into the curriculum of public schools, I think it would help some of these folks learn to budget better.

I bet some of these folks are also trying to pay down credit cards with 24% and higher interest rates because Target practically gives those away. They're as bad as the "title loan" and "check cashing" loan sharks with a cleaner appearance. I consider myself fairly intelligent and I even got suckered into getting one of those, and it creeped from 11% to 25% before I finally closed it.

And, I've had my share of poor days, but I went out and got jobs I didn't like, showed up every day, proved myself to my bosses and got raises. In those early days I limited myself to store brands and no luxuries, and now with JUST a high school education I own 3 houses and make $40K a year (not counting my rental incomes). I was a single 40 year old until just last year (now married) so don't give me the "it's just me all by my lonesome" excuse.

Also, paying $180 a week is a bargain?? That's $720 a month! That's just about what I paid for an apartment (1000 sq. ft.) in downtown Atlanta! I paid $650, water was included, electric was $45, phone was $30 (basic service, no "call waiting" frills). It was a nice place too!

I realize Charleston is creeping up past Atlanta on the cost of living scale, but honestly, if you can't afford to live in one city, should you stay there? Atlanta has tons of work and a semi-functional transit system for folks without cars.

I guess I've vented enough, but honestly, I'm tired of hearing able bodied people cry about not having enough money and begging for money from me when I walk down the street when they have nicer tennis shoes than I've ever owned.

Posted by bhippey on August 29, 2007 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bills are crazy. I live in Summerville and I pay $915 a month for rent, $80 for electricity, $35 for water, $86 for cable/internet, $100 for cell phones, $360 for a car payment, etc... Do you think my husband and I would be paying all of this if we made less than we do?! NO WAY! We make more than enough money to cover all of these expenses. Whether they be wants or needs. I child is extremely spoiled with toys and nice things. Do we need a really nice things? No, we choose to have them. We also choose to have cell phones and a new car. Thank goodness we have good paying jobs to where we don't have to worry about how we are going to get by. We used to be on EBT, we did get denied for welfare though. We used what help we could to get back on our feet. We had endured Hurricane Katrina and moved up here after losing everything. We were living in my family's finished room near the attic for a year. I was pregnant before all of this happened. When our child was born, we had no money in the bank and no welfare. Just Medicaid and the little bit of EBT and WIC we got for food. My husband was the only one working but we got through it. We moved out on our own into a semi-nice place we could afford. Had NO luxuries whatesoever. We made sure the only bills we had were for our home and car. After we FINALLY got caught up this year, we decided to move into a nice, safe place for our child's sake. I have sympathy for those trying to make, but NONE for those who use poverty as a way to pull one over on the government!! Get a job, go to work, pay your bills, THEN buy things you WANT if you have the money to. The people on Welfare and EBT use the money poorly. They use it for things they want or feel they need. I'm not saying all people on government assistance abuse it. There are those honest people who use the money for food, clothes, and to pay their bills. I congratulate the people that hold down crappy jobs to provide for their families. When you know you need help, you should never let pride get in the way.

Posted by kpheart on August 29, 2007 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I do not believe that anyone would choose to be poor. It is the circumtances in which we are brought into and must have the will to get out of. Not unless you've had to go without life's basic necessities you have no idea what it does to your heart and spirt. I am a divorced single parent. We have been homeless while I was employed. My 13 year old has endured a lot of no you can't have this or that. But I have told him that bad days don't last always. It is a continuous struggle, we now have a place but I am unemployed due to a recent medical issue. I say all of this because we see people on the street in need and we walk pass them saying "get a job" we don't know the reasons why they are where they are that day. Living pay check to pay check is no joke and it is a risky thing. It only takes one miss check. Government services, the assist you to want to stay on the system because every step you take forward they place you two steps back, they don't give you an opportunity to take a clear step ahead without cutting you off and I am not saying abuse government services.
However,if you see someone that may need a hot meal (when you're picking up your lunch) pick up an extra for that person you might see on the street. If you see some dirty and you have old outfit give it to them. Your small jesture could be a blessing to someone. I am still struggling myself but I know that I am much better than I was yesterday.

I think this story could have been done without releasing her identity. My son would be embrassed had his school mates know of our personal struggles.

Posted by grannyofsix on August 29, 2007 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by majorjohnson on August 28, 2007 at 2:28 p.m. (

I have basic land line phone service and it costs $20/month. My DSL cost is double my basic bill, but that's how I make my living. You must be talking about a poor person with every option the phone company offers. And anyone who is spending $175/month on electricity and makes minimum wage is wasting money. Open the windows and turn off the air conditioning. I have 4 computers with other equipment like routers and switches running 24/7 and I'm on a well so all of my water usage translates to electricity usage. I also have an electric water heater and a deep freeze. My electric bill is generally less than $70/month year round, and I make far more than minimum wage.

The last pargraph of of majorjohns today
is it me or did did i read something wrong

Posted by majorjohnson on August 29, 2007 at 10:11 a.m
Where I live as cheap as I can though I don't need to, the people the government considers poor generally have more possessions and expenses and debt than I do. People who are on the edge of poor spend every penny they have, and burdent themselves with debts they don't need, and then when times get bad or a hardship occurs they cry about how unfair life is and expect the government to be there to help with my tax dollars. While there are actual poor people in America, the majority of people the government considers poor are not living in poverty and are only poor due to poor life and lifestyle choices

Posted by burton on August 29, 2007 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The good book says "the poor will always be with you." I live in the hood and see this everyday. With poverty brings all kinds of other ills like substance abuse, crime, etc. I too have been in countries where the people there would love to be "poor" in the United States. We will never be able to save everyone, but we can try to help those that want to help themselves. I try to do that everyday and you should too.

Posted by prosperous_hb on August 29, 2007 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Being poor is not in most cases a choice, it's a decision (only my opinion). I'm a 26 year old black male, with a dual B.S. Degree in Accounting and Business Administration from the College of Charleston (College of Knowledge), making $45K/yr. I just about a brand new house for $160K. Now, I'm paying a mortgage that's $1200/mnth (includes tax & ins), utilities, student loans, & saving for my wedding. If I got stupid and just spent money foolishly, I would be poor. However, I make better choices and choose not to spend money foolishly. There is a lot of help out there for the less fortunate. They have to WANT to do better for themselves.

Posted by PoisenIvy on August 29, 2007 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

'navyblueblood' I didn't address my post personally to you or anyone else. IF you seen YOURSELF in my post, that is between your conscience and GOD!!!

Posted by CADguy on August 29, 2007 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Flyboy68 - business licenses are based on type of business and the annual income (gross) of the business. I have to get one every year (S Corp).

Posted by fourforthemoney on August 29, 2007 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Isn't it amazing that we can take a story about poverty and turn it into a sparring contest?
I hope the P&C made it worthwhile for this women to share her name and situation and hope her 14 year old son won't reap any discomfort by "not being able to have candy". Good for the Mom to be trying to help thier income (agree with previous post about neighbors just saving thier cans for her) but think about the kid and how cruel teenagers (not to mention ppl on this comment board) can be.

Posted by mypointofview on August 29, 2007 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I found prosperous_hb's comment, "Yet, we have all these CEO's getting thousands of dollar pay increases" thought provoking given the context of this conversation that "poverty begets poverty." Not necessarily. I grew up in a blue collar home which didn't have a lot of money, but taught a strong work ethic and sense of self. I worked three jobs to put myself through college and am now CMO for a major SC corporation. Something my parents instilled in me let me know that I could be whatever I chose to "work hard for." Why aren't we telling our children that they "CAN BE THE CEO" if they dream big, study hard and work harder. I concede that society plays a part in perpetuating poverty, but as individuals we have immense control over what we become. If you believe that, very little can hold you back.

Posted by zerofische on August 29, 2007 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What happened to community? Has humanity really gotten this heartless? These people are where they are because they have not been taught the skills to succeed in life. Attitudes like the negative comments I have just read are exactly what is keeping these people down. If you would all stop to think, quit generalizing and have a little compassion... you might find that your assumptions and uneducated opinions are not helping the situation at all. Move forward for god's sake! Stop sitting around and squabbling and either help or go back to your more-than-satisfying lives.

Posted by CADguy on August 29, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Being a business owner, I walk a fine line of wealth. I do not make a killing. If something were to happen to me, work related injury or business closure, I could not collect workmans compensation or unemployment insurance although I am required by law to pay into each. I have health insurance through my wifes work.

With that said, if something happened, other than injury, you can bet your behind I would be tearing up the streets looking for work.

Posted by Test2007 on August 29, 2007 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is because not everyone can be the CEO. There are some people that have to work under the CEO. Vocational jobs are just as necessary as the white collar ones.

For prosperous, I am glad that YOU are doing well but I am sorry I don't know who anyone who decides to be poor. For 45k a year you are doing okay but I wonder if your fiancee is sharing your expenses. You are spending 14,400 a year on mortgage expenses, and who knows what else every month on utilities, wedding expenses and student loans. I am not saying it is far fetched but I have a feeling you are getting a little help. Besides, every person is different. People keep saying college this and college that. Not everyone is college material. Some people like working with their hands. Being successful does not always have to mean a college degree. I know some people in SC right now with a college degree making less than 30k and quite a few with no degree, working blue collar jobs making close to 100k.

Posted by hawneena on August 29, 2007 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My main concern has always been this: why does the wealthiest country in the world have so much poverty?
Who really is to blame?
Any suggestions?

Posted by CADguy on August 29, 2007 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The reason we are the wealthiest is because of the drive to better ourselves and our surroundings.

Posted by scarm on August 29, 2007 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have such an issue with the statement made my NaceyN! I wonder have you NancryN ever had to watch your child eat the last pack of noodles for dinner and hope that there was some left when she was full so you might have the chance of having something in your stomach? If you haven't ever lived that life then you have no idea how hard it is. I have been there not by choice. In this town it is very hard to be able to surrvive and support a family. I think people need to think about what they say before they say it. I would better myself if I had the opportunity, but at this point and time I don't have that. I live in an area near the person in the story and it isn't a good area, but have you ever looked at the price of rent even in those areas? It is crazy! Never look down on anyone for anything unless you want to be judged yourself. What silver spoon were you born with to say that all the "poverty people" have drug and alcohol problems. I am broke the majority of the time and my family helps me whenever they can but just because I have it hard sometimes doesn't mean I shouldn't enjoy myself once in a while? I don't do drugs, but I do drink and I smoke. I garuntee you that I am at work when I have to be and I do my job. The person that made the comment about the depression is right. It leads to being dependant on something that gets your mind off of your problems even if it is just for a little bit. Instead of saying things that could tear down someone why don't you put your effort into helping someone. If your life is so together than you should be able to help the problem not rag on the people that aren't able to help themselves. Maybe that is what is wrong with today, people don't think of solutions everyone has to be right all the time and out for themselves. Power is what they want and power is what they get. When that happens they forget about the smaller people that actually keep this city running that don't get the paychecks that they can do whatever they want with. Everyone needs to just stop and think about someone that they can help.

Posted by hipchick on August 29, 2007 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

30 years ago my primary employer paid me $800.00 a month, so I got another job to make ends meet. I went to work every day & worked hard. I took advantage of a free public education. I didn't have children until I was married and could afford to care for them. The fact is there will always be poverty and there will always be those who suffer greatly because of it. We have to be responsible for ourselves. If you need assistance, do the leg work & the research & take advantage of the programs available and you will find prosperity. Don't wait around for someone to come to your rescue. That only makes you weak.

Posted by grannyofsix on August 29, 2007 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

remember those that believe in God his son was on this earth as a poor man and he chose it some of us dont choose to be poor but when better times come it makes SOME of us better people

Posted by acaouette on August 29, 2007 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Test2007.....all I am saying is if you are poor, having children is the last thing you should do....I am not knocking single motherhood or fatherhood.....it is easy to have a child or two in order to work the system and get free food like I see people do in grocery stores every day...do it if you can afford it....bringing up a child can get expensive....and if you are living in poverty, then get on birth control or sustain....a lot of the juvenile delinquents running around in the streets today are a result of this.....there's no family unit....and I know plenty of Catholics that have no children by choice and abstinence......

Posted by Test2007 on August 29, 2007 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WE are the wealthiest only because we became so on the back of the hard labor of others. America is the great country it is because of the hard work of many....but many who have worked hard have not shared in this wealth.

Posted by Test2007 on August 29, 2007 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am sorry but just like married people have unplanned pregnancies that they sometimes can't afford at the time. The same happens to single people. If you are having sex AT ALL this is the risk you run. Birth control is not 100% effective (No, I am not one of those idiotic abstinence only educators). I am making a point that not only single people have kids they can't afford. If you are having sex it can happen to you. If you don't believe the marriage comment you should do a survey on how many "legitimate" children were planned. I know a few honeymoon babies. I know couples who are married and can not afford a child right now. I also know a few singles making REALLY good money who could. Legitimate or not, I do agree that people should plan to have children when they are in a good place financially, but if that was the case a few people wouldn't even be on this board.

Posted by Pluffmuddy on August 29, 2007 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Poverty and wealth are both relative...it has a lot to do with attitude and perception. Chew on that!

Posted by BIGDEE on August 29, 2007 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The real issue is Charleston's class system. The city of Charleston has decided to become this rich tourist city that only the middle class and the rich can live. If you look around the city at some of the poorer areas or what use to be the city raises taxes and property value to price out lower income people, which leads to them not being able to afford the taxes on their current homes and not being able to afford to purchase home. Instead of bringing in corporations that pay a deceit wage ,they bring in food service jobs that don't pay enough to live in Charleston which forces residents to move to N.Char, Moncks Cor, and Sville. Charleston does not care about its poor residents all the Mayor cares about is rich resident and what rich tourist think of the city. Yes ir=t is the mayor fault he has been the mayor for what? 30years.

Posted by grannyofsix on August 29, 2007 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey ramen noodles are good I still buy them and use them as a side dish dont go putting down you can do a lot with them and as an X smoker for 4 year or is it 5 years sometime it is the only vise a person has that helps the relax

Posted by kaylee on August 29, 2007 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Our country is falling way behind. We are getting ready for a hard fall. Our jobs are moving out of the countries for cheaper labor.Everyone wants to live here and are sneeking in. We are paying for this. Our military is scattered all over the world and for what? The rich are getting richer & the poor are getting worst. The gov. needs to set rules for how long they will help and the more children you have does not mean the more help you get. I know several women who has lived of the gov. for the last 25 years & still doing it. They have several children & live better than me. Now there children are doing it.Free homes, free cable, free lights,& yes free food. There is no reason these people should not be made to work to receive there help.It really makes me angry because we are paying for all of this.

Posted by scarm on August 29, 2007 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just so you know I don't smoke around my kid and when it comes down to food, bills, and providing for her I don't smoke. What world do you live in? Are you sitting on your couch right now eating bon bon's watching the soaps for the day while your husband goes to work? Do you even have kids? I am not saying that every poor person hasn't made there own bed and shouldn't lie in it. I am just saying that there are some people out there that get in though times and it is very hard to get out of. I am just now beginning to get my life where it needs to be to make it through the month. I live paycheck to paycheck. I come from a good family and I was raised right. I don't judge people often but you my dear need a life check. Why don't you go find something better to do with your time than to run your mouth about things and people you don't know anything about? I hope and pray that you never have to go through what the people that live in the "poverty communities" have to go through. Most of the children that are raised there will become that because they don't know anything else and it is people like you that hold them down. You stick your nose in the air like you are better than them. You wouldn’t last one day on the street I live if you did you wouldn't be able to sleep at night. You would be curled up in a ball praying you don't get shot by the drug deals that go down. One day I hope someone gives you something that you haven't ever been able to have that way you can see that being nice is better than anything you could ever do in this world. Maybe call your family and ask them why you have a chip on your shoulder or why you have become the cynical person you are today. Take a look in the mirror as you write you response to this sad story that is in more places than you think in your wonderful town and ask yourself do you even really like yourself as a person?

Posted by CADguy on August 29, 2007 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I will say it again - mandatory 2 year military service for all drop-outs and high school graduates. College (2yr or 4yr) bound students need not go in. However, if the college student does not finish with the applicable degree, (he) must serve. The military could be its own branch affiliated with homeland security. Imagine the posibilities for our youth and our country.

Posted by grannyofsix on August 29, 2007 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was trying to be funny, to lighten things up a bit. i could care less how you feel about smoking or what people buy for food . you have a right to post as well as anyone , but why dont you walk in the peoples shoes you are putting down once. I agree people need jobs but as a person who works for an agency that tries to find work for the people, and they call i have the misfortune of telling them we have no work today and knowing that that person is living day to day on ramen noodles and kool aid just to be sure the kids dont go to bed hungrey i know i have been there i have walked in those shoes yes its nothing to joke about i know but why be at each others necks like wild wolves want to help go to the polls vote in or out the people who make it this way with high TAXES i am sorry got on my soap box please forgive me

Posted by bhippey on August 29, 2007 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"God helps those who help themselves."
I don't believe in God, but isn't he supposed to love everyone equally? I'm truly just asking because I really don't know how it works.

Posted by red on August 29, 2007 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Charleston has no idea was poverty is...I have a loved one over in Afghanistan, and believe me, from the looks of the pictures poverty is obvious in other countries. The do not live in "run down homes, single wide trailers, or apartments with no A/C" they live in shacks built with ply board and put together with what ever they can find. ( mud most of the time) their living rooms consist of a tarp draped across these 2 boards. They defecate in holes on the side of the roads ( if thats what you call them )because they do not have running water, and they suffer every day.
Americans have no idea...being poor may not be a choice, but is it up to the individual to rise above that level and make something of themselves.
Ever thought about how hot it must be to stand on the side of 526 and beg for food, or alcohol, or a cigarette....these are the ones that manage to sleep underneath the 526 overpass off Dorchester Rd. For the time wasted begging they could be out looking for work. Why hasnt their story been told.
Prayer...prayer...prayer....that is what all these people need.
You may judge and say these countries do not deserve anymore then what they have. But remember they are God's Children also.....

Posted by grannyofsix on August 29, 2007 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thats ok bhippey he believes in you

Posted by hguapsnok on August 29, 2007 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

NancyN,
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
Please take a look at yourself before you suggest that all people living in poverty are reaping what they have sewn. You do not know every poor person in this town, let alone this country.
Surely you have flaws yourself. Please work on those before you lecture us on the (alleged) bad decisions of the poor.

Oh, and PS...when did scarm ever say a post "hurt" he or she?
Perhaps you are too high on your throne to read the posts clearly.

Posted by zerofische on August 29, 2007 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'd like to challenge any of you who are coming down on the poverty stricken to live as they do for a month. This reminds me of a bunch of animals thrown into a ring, trained to fight... trained to hate. Society is becoming anti-social because of the increasing technology that eliminates the need to leave the house. If you had to stare these people in the face every day... I bet you would all be singing a different tune. Go volunteer, make a difference and experience their world. We are not meant to take on the world by ourselves. We are social creatures. They need others to help them help themselves. You didn't come where they came from and you are not where they're at. Stop assuming they are you... they're NOT.

Posted by prosperous_hb on August 29, 2007 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How many of us would actually help those who are poverty stricken? We form a group and REALLY help out where we can.

Posted by Palmnut on August 29, 2007 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Quite frankly I'm surprised by more than half of the people who respond to these stories, Poverty is real, there are a 100 reasons why people end up in this position,some deserve it but most don't.
It boggles my mind to read stories like this one and then read the post that follow.

Posted by prosperous_hb on August 29, 2007 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jeremiah 29:11 says: "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Posted by bhippey on August 29, 2007 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is it that if I ever tell someone I don't believe in God, they ALWAYS have to say something like Jesus loves you any way or God loves you even though you don't believe in him. I really don't want to hear that crap. Please don't say it to me. I guess this means the hell I don't believe in will be expecting me?!?!?!?

Posted by grannyofsix on August 29, 2007 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

so much anger

Posted by bhippey on August 29, 2007 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Im probably angry due to my lack of faith

Posted by scarm on August 29, 2007 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I actually NANCEYN didn't drink or smoke @ the time when my child was eating noodles for dinner. You are so cynical did no one love you as a child? I want you to know that yes I graduated from high school and I was attending college, but had to provide for my child and that is why I haven't been able to finish. The last thing I am going to say to you NANCEYN is that I hope god spares your soul!

Posted by hawneena on August 29, 2007 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think one of the worst things this country does is to send aid to other countries.Whatever happened to "charity begins at home"?
There is no excuse for our government to be sending food and other freebies to other countries as long as people are starving at home.
If you are a private organization, then that is fine.
If it is my tax dollars that the government is using for overseas charity, then forget it.
If they take our money to spend as they please, then use it here.

Posted by hguapsnok on August 29, 2007 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Im probably angry due to my lack of faith." -bhippey

Yes, most likely.

Posted by red on August 29, 2007 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree hawneena...maybe we should start by sending them some type of birth-control.

Posted by scarm on August 29, 2007 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

heck free birth control for here too! Have you seen how many kids most people have that can't afford them? I had mine & she wasn't planned, but I know better than to not be careful and think about stuff like that.

Posted by juniemoon1957 on August 29, 2007 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

NancyN had all the answers for the fat people yesterday. Today it is the poor. Tomorrow? World peace? HIV cure? Diabetes cure? Cancer cure? Nobel Peace Prize waiting to happen. And no, I am not angry. Just a poor person from a poor family that made it. And we all made it.

Posted by hawneena on August 29, 2007 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

scarm, birth control is free through the health dept. You get a free check up and 1 yrs. worth of pills at one visit.
No, I haven't been there, but I know plenty of people who have jobs with no benefits and that's where they go.
Health insurance doesn't pay for b.c. pills anyway.

Posted by mypointofview on August 29, 2007 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Regarding responses to my previous post regarding letting our children know that "they can be CEO" with a lot of hard work and studying, "if you don't aspire to excellence, I can ASSURE you that you will never reach it." Perhaps not everyone CAN be CEO...but if they work towards it with an unfailing faith, I can virually assure you they won't find themselves collecting recylables from trash cans in order to support their families. You MUST believe in yourself. There is no other way. Where there is no self accountability, there is usually little future.

Posted by hguapsnok on August 29, 2007 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hawneena,
Birth control is only free at the health dept. depending on your level of income. If you have a job, you are required to report your income to them and depending on how much you make, it may not necessarily be free simply because you have no benefits.

Posted by hguapsnok on August 29, 2007 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And my health insurance does pay for birth control pills.

Posted by hawneena on August 29, 2007 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hguapsnok, that may be true. I know these people made fair salaries, so I don't know if there is a cap on how much you can make before you qualify for free birth control.
Unfortunately people do lie about their incomes and get away with it.
I have worked with people that had health benefits, but still were able to get Medicaid and WIC for their kids.

Posted by scarm on August 29, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah I was getting them through them before but I make to much money now to get them free. My insurance pays for part of the script I have for them. I just wish that people would be more thoughtful of things like that I know stuff happens but do you really want to have more kids when you can't feed yourself? I do know about the health dept though I think what they do is great and I hope they are able to help many people. And good for you juniemoon1957! I am working hard everyday to get there myself.

Posted by grannyofsix on August 29, 2007 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if people tell where they work or the last job they have the health dept will contact that company and ask for a proof of wages. like I said I work for an employment agency

Posted by hawneena on August 29, 2007 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

scarm, you are lucky if your insurance pays for part of your script, because most won't pay anything.
I wish you the best of luck. I know you can make it.

Posted by scarm on August 29, 2007 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hawneena, thank you very much and you the same.

Posted by hawneena on August 29, 2007 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

grannyofsix, some people are pros at working the system. They seem to know how to get around all of that.
I have seen it time and again. I don't know how they do it, but they manage.

Posted by grannyofsix on August 29, 2007 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess I am I bit niave on that

Posted by prosperous_hb on August 29, 2007 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If there is no God, how did we get here? How was earth created? Having a baby out of wedlock is not a big thing. It's upon the individual to make something out of it. My fiance had a child out of wedlock. She finished high school, got college degree, and now has a good job, working for State Department of Social Services.

Posted by mypointofview on August 29, 2007 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pardon me, but having a baby out of wedlock IS a big thing. Having a baby PERIOD is a big thing. That's a huge part of the problem...people thinking that having a baby is not a big thing (likely because they expect society to take care of it). Until individuals take responsibility for themselves FIRST, this problem will only escalate.

Posted by AL4854 on August 29, 2007 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sad that having a baby now is no big deal. Sorry about it folks, but there's no "unplanned" preg unless you are a victim of rape and do not believe in abortion. As soon as you decide to follow through with the act w/o taking steps to prevent it, you are planning on the possiblity of a baby... and maybe a side dish of VD. No one says "I meant to eat a cheeseburger, but tripped and got pregnant instead". You know how it got there and how to keep it from happening. Face reality and accept the responsibilties. Condoms are a LOT cheaper than birth control. They give those out for free at the clinic too.

Posted by flowlow on August 29, 2007 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When I checked this site today and saw the headline, I honestly believed that I would see 140 comments having something to do with finding a solution or offering suggestions to these people.

Instead, I have found the comments sour and selfish, having to do with nothing more than taking punches at minorities and preaching.

I really wish there was something I could do to help. As a teacher, I can only hope to encourage, inspire, and guide in a better direction.

Who knows, maybe it'll impact a future or two.

Posted by justme2 on August 29, 2007 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There are Poor people who, because of life's circumstances, have lost everything. There are poor peoplw who are called "the working Poor". Nobody would choose to be poor, if given the choice.
Not all poor people have children. Think of some homeless and poor yousee on the streets. Everyone of them, if they now have the mental capacity will tell you a story of how they got there. No matter how or what, THEY ARE HUMANS. We just had a forum, with some of the same NEGATIVE commentors talking about the humane treatment a dog should be given. Now they are commenting about, in other words, it is a bad thing to be poor. If we treat a dog humanely or with kindness, Why would we look down on a human?

These are good comments that shows compassion for POOR People, except a few negatives, who on every story commented on has nothing good to say about anyone or anything. Stop comparing your life with others, NEGATIVE Commentors, unless you have walked a mile in their shoes..

Posted by justme2 on August 29, 2007 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

majorjohnson
noone wants to know or care about what you have or what you do with your money and how you pay your bills. I'm sure in this 100 plus degrees of heat in the South, you are in somebody's airconditioner with your computers, they generate a lot of heat, even though they have internal fans.
You are always contradicting yourself in your comments.

Posted by Neponset on August 29, 2007 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Nobody would choose to be poor"
That is correct, but their actions and/or inactions have brought them to this point. Take a look at all the young folk who skipped out on the first few days of school. My wife is a long time teacher and I am very familar with disruptive students, cheats, none performers etc. If you pass up the gift of free ed, you will pay big time all of your life.

Posted by zerofische on August 29, 2007 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If Mrs. Brenda Squires had a dollar for every comment you guys have left here... I'm sure that would make her life a lot easier this month. I have her address. How about it?

Posted by bhippey on August 29, 2007 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hguapsnok- I was being a smart a!@. I'm not an angry person. I think that's funny.

Posted by dianed43 on August 29, 2007 at 8:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We send so much money to foreign countries....we need to worry about our own!!!

Posted by Neponset on August 29, 2007 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the working stiffs of this country who pay their taxes and are struggling get a little testy when they are told they are unsympathic and/or have not done enough. There are all kinds of programs, both gov. and private to help these folks. The working stiffs would like a little help too, but they never seem to qualify (ie. they make too much).

Posted by flowlow on August 29, 2007 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ZEROFISHE ...

I LIKE THE IDEA ... anyone else in? $1 for each comment?

Seriously. Everyone put their money where their mouth is.

Posted by 7green0 on August 29, 2007 at 9:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well someone has to be poor b/c some of you will not do the jobs that are on the lower end of the pay scale.

I mean who is going to serve you that burger, clean you office building, drive your children to school, or stock the shelves in Saks or wal-mart?

hey, someone's gotta do it

Posted by flowlow on August 29, 2007 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bus drivers make a good bit of money ... $18.00/hr ... at least in our county they do.

Posted by 7green0 on August 29, 2007 at 10:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's 12 bucks here in charleston county, and less in the other counties. With an average route lasting a total of 4 hours a day.

Posted by cannonfodder on August 29, 2007 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't understand why any skinny person in good health with a good attitude would be poor.....but being fat saved me from a life of crime had I been skinny I would have robbed banks for a living.as it is I am too identifiable and can't run fast enough so.......poor I remain :-(

Posted by majorjohnson on August 29, 2007 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hey justme2...me and my computers do just fine in this heat. One of my laptops has gotten so hot the lid warped, but it still runs just fine, and it's the machine I run my web, ftp and sql servers off of, so it's pretty much not been shut down for the 8 years I've had it. If you can't take the heat, get your candy ass to Canada where it won't melt. Fact is, I don't visit my friends in the summer because I can't take their air conditioning, and they don't visit me because they can't take the heat. When it was 119 heat index last week I was digging a 400 foot trench with a mattock burying wire for my dogs invisible fence. As far as I'm concerned if you can't live with the heat you shouldn't be in South Carolina in August. Go back north, and take your stinking air conditioning with you.

I haven't contradicted myself once. As far as no one cares how I conduct my business, maybe more people should. They'd be a heck of a lot less likely to be digging cans out of peoples trash while they walk their children to school. I grew up weeding beans, baling hay, tasseling corn, chunking fields and picking tomatoes. I know a hard days work, the stuff you'd probably rather collect welfare than do because it's beneath you. I know a hard days work is a great motivator to do something better, just like hunger is. I don't like people who don't better themselves out of poverty, and I don't like people who defend them for not doing so. And I especially detest fat people living in air conditioned homes feeding their multiple children by multiple fathers on my tax monies.

I have no problem helping the poor, but I'll be damned if I'll happily feed people who just don't give a damn.

Posted by zerofische on August 30, 2007 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NancyN, you have an ugly heart. I hope that you find peace within yourself one day and through that, maybe you can learn to have respect for other people.