Idaho families struggle despite economic recovery

[Erika]

"The majority of folks that are getting food assistance are people who are playing by the rules. They're holding down one or two jobs, maybe more, but they can't make ends meet" -Food Bank Director Roger Simon. See at www.Idahostatesman.com.

The economic "recovery" consisted of Idaho losing over 10,000 good paying jobs while 33,000 newly created jobs pay at service sector levels. Food stamp usage and food bank requsts up by 12%.

Idaho, one of the most Republican states in the nation. Fast turning into a banana republic.

[Cobalt Violet]

1. But they vote for Bush.

:crazy: :crazy: :crazy:

[Erika]

2. Yeah, Almost 70% for Bush

They think anything to do with a "liberal" philosophy is UnGodly.
But they have no moral problem with low wages, 18% of Idahoans without health coverage, and hunger and poverty increasing. ???

[FM Arouet666]

3. As red a state as you can get.

What was the result 70/30 for Bush. They are going to have to hurt awhile before they realize the GOP is not going to help them. The question is, how much more pain do you need before you hit rock bottom?

[Erika]

5. That's The Question I'm Asking Republicans here

They somehow believe Bush is making "everything" better. You know, safer, economic recovery, and usual garbage.

[FM Arouet666]

8. They also have a large population of

survivalists, militias, anti-government types, and don't forget the religious extremists and race hate groups. They see Bush as the lesser of two evils. If you are poor and ignorant, you may not have a clue that a change in government can make a difference in your life. Throw in support for your extremist views and, I guess, they will vote GOP every time.

I may be talking out my sphincter here, as I have never been to Idaho. Can anyone reading this tread give us some info?

[Cobalt Violet]

10. So the anti-government types have no problem with the...

Patriot Act?

Can you imagine if Clinton had pushed to get a Patriot Act. I bet I could hear the cry all the way here in Massachusetts.

[FM Arouet666]

11. They are an odd group

I guess, since they are extreme right wing, they vote republican. Either that, or they are so consumed by hate, nationalism etc that they have not idea what the consequences are.

[DoBotherMe]

6. According to my sponsor

as much as it takes. LOL D ; )

[NVMojo]

4. thanks, this story reminds me of one I read about Detroit about a year ago

same thing, people holding down lots of minimum wage jobs and still qualifying for food assistance. But Idaho is a Red State?? Who are all the people who voted Red?

Well, my son lives over there with his dad, a cowboy rancher. They voted Bush because they were told that Kerry would destroy ranching on public lands and only Bush and Cheney would save them. If/When my son and his two brothers get drafted, that jerk ex of mine may be singing another tune.

[NuttyFluffers]

7. *sigh* i would buy from blue companies there, but...

where are they?

a gorgeous state, rich in natural beauty. buy damn if i didn't feel unwelcome there just about everywhere i went except boise. hell, montana and the dakotas were more welcoming...

you 'blue' idahoans have your work cut out for you. if you can find a way for california and new york to ship more liberals there perhaps we can conquer the state for you, such a low population even a few minor impoverished cities can fix it. but honestly, there isn't much incentive to go there to live...

[JPace]

9. But Jesus is coming any minute and they will be lifted

into the sky while all we abortion loving, gay loving
liberals will go to hell. At least that is what 70% of them
believe. So what is a little starvation when one knows that?

[Erika]

12. Exactly!

Very discouraging,I'm trying to get them into thinking that Christ would not let the little ones suffer and that, perhaps, some of our taxes should be used to raise up our own.

I live in Boise which does lean liberal. We have a Democratic mayor. Most of the rest of the state hates us.