Poverty, Middle Class, Upper Class, Filthy Rich: Where do you fit in?

First of all let me say that "I am not a politician or religious spokesman"! I am a US citizen who is ticked off about a few of our economical situations. I have a job....not one I like per-say, but I can pay most of my bills with a little adjustments! I am a veteran who uses some of my benefits, but I do pay for them (reduced cost, but not free) and am thankful for the hard working people that care for me when I need it. I have children, and grandchildren. I have been married 5 times and divorced four times for various reasons which you can read about in one of my other blogs if you care to. I live in SW Virginia in a small community of approx.1200people give or take. The average income here is about $10.00 per hour. Most males here are in manufacturing, logging, or general construction. Females are in Manufacturing, administrative, or medical. Enough background and stats if may.

As I said, "I Am Ticked!" I see people on a daily basis trying and struggling to just survive in this economy. I hear Obama say the economy is getting better. Well I am smart enough to know that yes, it may get better in the metropolitan areas. But, in the outlying areas it is NOT getting better. We have no increase in job availability and do NOT see any progress in that direction. If I wanted to move, or if my neighbor wanted to go back to college at 45 with little or no money to spend on it, then yes we could possibly get a better job. We are not in a position to do this. The rest of the small communities that are 60 to 150 miles from a major city, we are in diar straights out here. Kind of a forgotten group if you may. Now I know that manufacturing depends on small communities like this to survive. They set up a factory with the "STIMULUS" money and give locals a job at $8.00 an hour and operate long enough to show that they deserved the money, then they shut down line after line and lay everyone off until finally they shut the doors because the economy sux. Its a vicious circle And the government has us running around like Guinea pigs on that little wheel till we fall off. Now I know that there are some out here who are to "Lazy" to work. You, me, nor anyone will change that. But there are a majority who just want to work and support those who they love and care for. I am not saying the government should build everyone a house, but, they could "DIRECTLY" help individuals and families on a one after one basis. Every person is in a different circumstance and needs different assistance. And it could be set up to help the government in the longrun. I'll Give you an example below:

Take a family who is in a small community such as myself. He is in his 40's with a disabled wife who draws $689 per month. He is working for $11.00 an hour. They have two out of 4 children living with them. One just graduated and one just layed off. Boy 2 (layed off) can't draw unemployment because the company didn't allow him to work long enough. Boy 2 has applied for financial aid, but because his mom and dads credit wasn't perfect, he was denied. Both have applied with numerous applications at every factory and ad that they could and continually call back or return for check-in to get a job. No luck because there are hundreds for them to choose from and they usually choose the older persons with some experience or work record. Now Back to Dad With a weekly income of $325 after taxes and moms $170 you have $495 a week. Take away Avg rent $400.00, avg elect. bill $425 (Winter) Avg. water $55 Car payment avg $225 plus $120 insurance Gas for Trans. $ 200. Food $600 That adds to $506 going out and $495 coming in, you do the math. AND... the cost for Hygiene products, Clothing care products, clothing and incidentals aren't included in the $506. OK...Solution, Pay for Child one to go to college (With strict rules applied ) Pay an EXCEPTION UNEMPLOYMENT CHECK of a small amount of $100.00 for boy 2 to be able to buy gas for job and be presentable for job. Reassess mothers disability and raise it in accordance to the cost of living ($689 was established 10 years ago.) This would ease the economical pressure a bit and allow the family to spend and increase the economy ...Also, restrict the electric company from gouging in the winter for electric heat.

Now I am not saying this would be easy or without flaws, but it would be better than spending Billions on nonsense programs that are doing "NOTHING" for our economic decline.  We need to focus on industry in the rural areas, not outsourcing to other countries, and training, retraining, and educating people who need it, and making money more available to the young people for college or trade schools.  Mandatory drug testing for welfare recipients.  Restrictions on how many children one mother can claim on welfare., just to mention a few changes that should be done.

Comments welcome.  Like I said, I am not a politician or religious sponsor.  I am an everyday, Hardworking, man who is annoyed with the government.  As far as class............I do not believe in them.  We are separated to much by the government.  There are those who need help, and those who are able to help others (Some do, some don't) so you are welcome to "Classify" yourself if you wish!