Who knows Poverty First Hand?

[SoulWinner]

Ok, this came up in a recent post, that we seem to be well off and probably few, if any of us truely know what it is to be really poor. Well, as someone who was once homeless who now (by the Grace of Almighty God) is doing well, I got curious. Are there any other filthy rich iboaters here who once made $70 a week to take of thier of thier new bride and new born baby? We have struggled with real poverty, anyone else enjoyed that ride?

 

[magster65]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

For a couple years things weren't good. I shared a small suite with a buddy. It was common for the fridge and cupboards to be empty. My mom and a few other folks used to drop off care packages for me so I wouldn't starve. At that time there was high unemployment rate and I just couldn't find a job. I eventually lost hope/interest in finding something and stopped looking. Luckily that wasn't my destiny to stay like that... now I have a beautiful 3 year old boy, a good job/career and a nice home to live in. I've worked for it but honestly, you have to catch a break now and then to make it all happen.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

I guess you really don't want those questions answered - at least not honestly. The commentary after the yes or no vote makes it a bit hard to answer.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

Ditto what Aspec said.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

I believe Art knows a little of what true poverty actually is. <br /><br />For any American who thinks they actually live in poverty, there are hundreds of thousands of Africans, Central Americans, and Pacific Asians (just to name a few) who will trade places with you in a heartbeat. Try Uganda for starters.

 

[SoulWinner]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

A bit of "toungue in cheek" there Art. I know that you see poverty on a scale we in America can't even imagine. However, when I was homeless, I wnet from 125 to 70 pounds. It really wasn't noble not eating 6 days and then going to the McDonalds dumpster to find food before I starved to death. Eating it too fast and throwing it all back up, then digging for more. Honestly, no conservative sees nobility in abject poverty. Sorry if my twisted humor didn't hit the mark....

 

[scrapper]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

I Get by with a little help from my Friends

 

[SoulWinner]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

Kagee, Zimbabwe is a good example also. Mugabe has screwed his entire nation into a he!! that can only lead to a bloody revolt.

 

[bootle]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

Originally posted by Toyota Land Cruiser:<br /> Kagee, Zimbabwe is a good example also. Mugabe has screwed his entire nation into a he!! that can only lead to a bloody revolt.

Now, There's a tyrant who ought to be held accountable for crimes against humanity.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

And why do you ask?

 

[bootle]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

Bieng a witness to abject poverty and actually undergoing that type of poverty are very different experiences.<br />I have only been a witness to such horrendous vulnerabilities, i count myself amongst the fortunate.

 

[SoulWinner]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

BoatBuoy, <br /><br />Because I have been a member here for tree years and know that the supposition made in another thread about most iboaters being well off is not true. We seem to be a fairly representative cross section of America. A few with $$$, a few who work hard for little pay or are disabled. But mostly middle of the road, working hard to pay the bills and hopefully have a little to play with afterward. From past posts about what jobs we have had, I think that 90% of us know what it is to struggle; and there is nothing wrong with that. I am not proud that I almost starved to death, but I am not ashamed either.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

TLC, <br /><br />Not to belittle the situation you were in, but at least there was a dumpster, if nothing else. What we throw in the garbage is like gold to folks in these third world countries.<br /><br />There are many places that serve the homeless and indigent in this country. For those who seek assistance, it is available. The same cannot be said in these other places.

 

[SoulWinner]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

You're right Kagee. And I thank God that I was destitute in America. Otherwise I wouldn't be where I am now. Where else in the world can one go from the streets to where I am?<br /><br />On a side note, when and where I was homeless (podunk nowhere) there were no shelters or charities for the homeless. It was a friend of mine who helped me. He gave me a place to stay and helped me get back on my feet.

 

[Chief101]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

There's no such thing as destitute in America, this is a stupid thread.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

I lived in a car when I was 15- 16 years old. <br /><br />My wife became ill when she was preganant with my daughter and I worked nights in a medical lab and days doing construction. We got our utilities turned off regularly, had a broken down car that we couldn't fix, and eventually lost our house. I ate so many potatoes that I wouldn't miss it if I never saw another one again.<br /><br />We persevered, we did what we had to do to get by and eventually my wife got her PhD. Things are a lot better now. We have the boat, the suv, the big house, etc.<br /><br />I've never been poor "Uganda" style, but I'm not going to apologize for that.<br /><br />Oh, one more thing, we never took public assistance. Well, I guess we did take student loans (which we have almost paid back plus the interest).

 

[SoulWinner]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

Rubberfrog,<br /><br />It is interesting that you mention how you and your wife struggled together. When I was married I was 19, my wife was 17 and we had a two week old son. We did take food stamps for a while, but that was the only help we got. That struggle to survive kept us close, and think that is a big factor in why are happily married today. Student loans are great til you have pay them back. I got mine deferred several times after I graduated until I could find work. What did your wife get her PhD in?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

Was gonna vote but couldnt because of the commentary after the answers, few if any were/are viewed from my perspective.

 

[SoulWinner]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

Jeez some folks are too dang sensitive.....

 

[Bob in Calif.]

Re: Who knows Poverty First Hand?

I married into poverty, twice!!! <br /><br />...Bob in Calif...