Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Death of the American Dream?

Is it finally the death of the American dream? Are we on the brink of another great depression? With all the foreclosures in the US, especially in South Florida, and with the many job layoffs, I wonder. I'm scared. I decided to look into foreclosures and what happens to the families who lose their homes. I thought maybe they ended up in mobile homes. But a lot of them end up homeless, in tent cities. They lose their homes. A lot have committed suicide. Apartment rents are outrageous even before the triple payment of "first, last, security deposit". Ouch! And who wants to rent to people with wrecked credit? So what's to happen to people who get caught up in this mess? And more are getting caught up in it daily. So far, I'm okay. That's with me and hubby both working two jobs. But what if myself or the hubby get ill? Or lose our job? We won't be able to keep up this pace forever, will we? What if, what if... I wish now I'd bought a cheap double wide mobile home instead of an actual house, so I can save as much money as possible. I hope the new presidential administration can bring miracles. That's what it'll take to clean up this mess and save us. My mom and her family had a really rough time through the 1930's in the Great Depression. Grandpa lost his business and the only jobs he could find was to be a Fuller Brush salesman door to door and to stoke coal furnaces at 3 am every morning. The family had to move out in the country away from their friends. My dad's family was luckier. His dad kept his job and they did okay. They didn't know all the hardships Mom's family did. I could see how the experience scarred Mom. I don't want that for my kids as well. But it may not be up to me. I'm writing my fingers to the bone and saving as much money as possible. But will it be enough? How much is enough? I don't have nearly enough yet. My 403b is down 20% - oi! You'll also want to see what Amarinda Jones, Anika Hamilton, Anny Cook, Barbara Huffert, Brynn Paulin, Bronwyn Green, Dakota Rebel, Kelly Kirch, Molly Daniels, Sandra Cox, Regina Carlysle, and Cindy Spencer Pape are up to, so make sure to visit them also. :)

4 comments:

Brynn Paulin said...

The American Dream will survive and come out at the other side of this battered but still fighting. It's part of the fortitude of the American people. But it will probably be awful until then.

Bronwyn Green said...

It's terrifying, but I believe that things can be turned around. I don't think it will be easy or quick, but I do believe it's possible.

Unknown said...

No one can create a miracle and thinking they can is insane. That worries me more. We have to ride out this mess those Wall Street wankers have placed us in. I thank the cosmos I live in Australia

Unknown said...

I don't really believe in or expect miracles, either, although that would be wonderful. It's going to be tough for awhile, probably a long while. I'm probably crazy for going to RT this year.

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