I just did something I have never done before in my entire life:

[Political Heretic]

note: someone suggested I post this in GD from the lounge

Before I tell you what it is, I want to tell you this...

I have had the unfortunate, sometimes heartbreaking experience of going through chapter seven bankruptcy this fall. I have lost two jobs in the last year, and been unemployed for nearly six months prior to that. About a month ago I was struggling not to be evicted from my 1 bedroom apartment. Not three weeks ago I ate a bottle of bacos as my only meal for the day, because that's all I had. The highlight of my recent life was when I scraped up enough loose change to buy soap so I could shower, tied only with when I finally had enough extra money to afford to wash my clothes - something I had not been able to do for a month... thanks to having a new job again and being back in school and getting financial aid in the form of student loans to live on, I am slowly starting to rebuild my life - including having access to the internet thanks to being in Graduate School working on my Master's degree.

STOP! Interjection: how many of you reading this were subconsciously surprised a little bit to hear that I was working on a master's degree? If you were, think about the assumptions people so frequently make about people who are poor.

With that in mind, tonight I donated $25 dollars - which is every spare dime I have - to the John Edwards campaign. In my lifetime, I haven't believed in a candidate as much as I believe that John Edwards would be the best choice for America right now. It is amazing to be able to be passionately excited about a candidate. I joined the mailing list, registered at the website, emailed all of my friends, joined a local Edwards chapter and tonight... I donated.

I've never been more serious about a candidate or an election. I believe in the integrity and vision of this man.

No flame of the other well-qualified candidates. Simply sharing my feelings about the candidate that has reignited my own passion and hope for America's future.

[saltpoint]

1. Damn. This fellow Edwards supporter's hat's off to you.

I recommended this post.

All good wishes.

And a warm welcome to DU.

[Lugnut]

2. K&R n/t

[Tuesday Afternoon]

3. see there --

Now you are off to the greatest page ;)

[Stuart G]

4. I recommend this one too

Getting involved is the best........Stuart...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. Great post! I'm proud to K&R!

[jgraz]

6. I challenge every Edwards' supporter who reads this to match your contribution

I'm sending in my $25 right now.

[xxqqqzme]

7. It is what I call a

'virgin experience'. ;-) I am so thrilled for you. I share your trust in Edwards. Good luck w/ the new job and new everything. You are ending one year and beginning another on a high note. Always a good thing.

[JeffR]

8. Your story says more about America than all the Horatio Alger

bilge ever could. It also says a lot about principled, courageous Democrats, and about John Edwards.

Thanks for a great and very refreshing post at a dark time in American history, and all the best to you for 2008.

[Warpy]

9. First, Bacos (or the bulk equivalent at the health food store)

aren't bad if you put them on homemade bread (cheaper than store bought) with a smear of mayo, maybe a few dots of catsup for the tomato taste, and home made sunflower sprouts for the lettuce. That's a poor man's BLT, much cheaper and probably better for you than the real thing.

Those flavor packets from ramen will last through a couple of batches of noodles. Just add a bunch of cheap veggies like cubed winter squash, onions, and potatoes to it to kick up the nutrition. Canned beans are also a great addition and a can of plain beans can last for 3 or 4 day's worth of protein. Dried noodles are cheapest at Asian markets.

Root veggies like rutabaga, carrots and parsnips can become quite different when you roast them with a little tamari. They caramelize and become remarkably sweet, a good match with brown rice. They remain cheap throughout the winter, along with other veggies that keep like cabbages and fruits like apples and dried fruits like raisins. You get a lot more bang for the buck with dried fruit in winter than with frozen, canned or fresh.

You can do astonishing things with poor folks' food when you identify it properly. Luncheon meats and hot dogs are not poor folks' foods. They're highly processed and loaded with cheap filler, making the nutrition they supply substandard and cost more than it's worth. Beans, grains, and root vegetables are poor folks' food. Sprouts are poor folks' salad if you do them yourself. Breads, biscuits and tortillas are poor folks' food when you make them yourself.

The closer to the field poor folks stay, the better off they'll be and the better their health will be. That means whole grains, whole beans, and wash those veggies really well so you can eat the peels when you can.

I donated my food budget to the tsunami relief effort when I was poor. By the end of that month when I was chipping things out of the freezer and at the bottom of every cabinet and jar within, my diet was strange. I finally ate up some of the gourmet stuff I'd gotten as gifts, sometimes years before, usually realizing I was a failure as a gourmand.

Thank you for your donation to Edwards. I hope you never have to eat plain Bacos again. Too many tend to give you a tummy ache.

[saracat]

10. You are the reason that John Edwards has to be President.Bless you for this and a very

Happy Holiday to you.You are an ispiration. Thank you.

[MissDeeds]

35. I second that

I read the OP with tears in my eyes. Edwards is our best choice, and our best hope.

[ingac70]

11. rec'd...

Welcome to DU!

[lisainmilo]

12. We share the same passion

JE is the real deal.

I really hope this is you best year ever.

[tom_paine]

13. You shame me, sir. I am going to contribute some more to Mr. Edwards.

I thought I was going through some rough times.

I guess I have no fucking idea what rough times really are.

Thank you for this post. Just another reminder of the many reasons to get behind John Edwards.

Good luck to you in getting back on your feet.

[gateley]

14. John Edwards is blessed to have your support. The best to you and your

candidate. Welcome to DU! :hi:

[Maraya1969]

15. May you receive your gift back 10 fold

[catrose]

44. Amen

or other/non religious equivalent, if that's more appropriate.

[rodeodance]

16. yes. we do have a great field of candidates and edwards is one of them

[DFW]

17. Kudos for explaining whom you are FOR instead of whom are are against.

Would that you were the rule rather than the exception.

[Political Heretic]

19. You're welcome. I committed to not attacking other candidates.

Now, that doesn't mean I might not ever try to genuinely explain what attracted me to edwards over another candidate - but you can do that in a respectful way that appreciates their public service without slinging mud.

[DFW]

20. I applaud that once again

There are others here who have nothing else to do except post
poll after poll that supposedly shows why this candidate or that
candidate is going down in flames etc etc etc--it gets SO old,
and those posts usually have at best only the vaguest of reasons
why someone other than the one being dissed should be the nominee.
There seems to be a contest on to see whether we use "corporatist"
more often than the extreme right uses "liberal" as a term of derision.

The real contest, IMHO, should be in the realm of concrete proposals and
realistic goals, not sloganeering and, as you pointed out, slinging
of mud--a minority standpoint, alas.

[MockSwede]

51. situation

Thanks for your post and for describing background with the donation. Probably the most 'valuable' $25 bucks he'll get. Hope that $25 of worthy effort somehow helps fill your own 'tank' to gas you up for the MS/MA studies!

[Jeanette in FL]

18. I hope John Edwards sees your post

Elizabeth Edwards does post here, though I haven't see her in a while. I hope that somehow that they read your words.

It is a wonderful experience to be able to have that kind of passion for the person you would like to see be President.

Good Luck to You and welcome to DU. K & R'd.

[deacon]

21. k + r n/t

[glowing]

22. You inspire me... I've put off my masters degree way too long now..

I've got to go back... By the fall, perhaps I can get used to the kids schoold schedule enough to start attending... the little one finally starts...

[Political Heretic]

25. I'm getting my masters degree in social work :)

[glowing]

85. That's great... I'm split between Marine Science (my major) and

Environmental Science (my minor)... Both are so intertwined and involve knowledge in all the applied sciences.

[TalkingDog]

23. Graduate school is some people's only brush with poverty.

It's something they can remember fondly with their peers and spouses (the spousal unit and I still chuckle over some of our "hard times")and chide their children about.

However, I grew up in worse poverty than I ever experienced in Grad school. So I know there are a lot of folks out there for whom times are bad and because they don't have the means (for whatever reason) to become educated, they have little chance of rising above it.

Some people will tell you there is no true poverty in America. While working at Morehead State in Eastern Kentucky, we saw more than a few people in situations that were, with no exaggeration, 3rd world. I grew up poor, wearing hand-me-downs and sometimes hungry, but I had indoor plumbing and running water. I had doors on my house. I had steps to be able to get into my dwelling.

These were not graduate students. Some were in college, but some were just families trying to eke out a living in a chronically depressed regional economy.

I have in-laws who have done mission work in Africa. I used to ask the Spousal Unit why they weren't doing work in their own back yard. Because I would look around me and see people in dire need. But we live in America, where people can't wrap their minds around the idea that poverty happens here. People go hungry here. People lack things that we consider basic neccessities, like warmth, adequate shelter, running water, electricity and waste plumbing.

So, I congratulate you on many, many things: Educating yourself. Working your way through hard times. Understanding the broader implications of your experiences. Supporting a candidate who may not have ever been as poor as you or I, but still comprehends the basic unfairness of it, in a country that has every available resource at hand.

Good Luck to you.


My Favorite Master Artist: Karen Parker GhostWoman Studios

[Political Heretic]

24. School was part of my recovery from, not reason for, struggling financially

...I think you understood that, but I just wanted to make sure. This is not some "starving student" situation. I've been there too in undergrad, and while irritating, that is not really quite the same seriousness.

Most middle-class people have experienced some rough times. I fall somewhere in between I think - my experiences have been severe enough to go beyond the common middle class rough patch many experience, and not severe enough to match the brutal realities that far too many face in this, the supposedly greatest country in the world.

I'm aware that I am in between these two kinds of experiences. But its also important that other people not trivialize the seriousness of my own experiences as well. They were not something I can remember fondly with peers and spouse and chide my children about. Those less serious experiences happened when I was in my twenties. I am all grown up now and have had serious, crisis problems.

[TalkingDog]

29. Got it, but wish more people did.

I jokingly call myself a "Republican's wet dream". I "pulled myself up by my bootstraps", "Horatio Alger" and all that. So they point at me and say, "Look, see how easy it is?" Not realizing the amazing amount of hard work, fortuitious genes and, yes, sheer luck involved.

They don't comprehend what learned helplessness is. That you just can't "snap out of it" and approach life with a completely different paradigm.

Given the economic crunch ahead, I've been trying to coach the Spousal Unit on the finer points of making do. Yes, in grad school, you had nothing to eat but Dutch Apple yogurt from the co-op. Yes, now you can chuckle about how awful it was. But some people don't ever get to a point of looking back at that time with a vague nostalgia. They live it on a continuing basis.

Having been down a similar path, I can understand your frustration when folks don't "get it". Be patient with them. Some of them will never have the scales fall from their eyes.

Remember the Buddha. A sheltered prince, who was so moved by the sight of poverty and suffering that he went on to become one of the most venerated men in the world. His goal in life was to help end suffering.

Again, congratulations and good luck.



My Favorite Master Artist: Karen Parker GhostWoman Studios

[2Design]

72. I emphasize with you - I went to graduate school to have money to

pay rent - not necessarily the right motive but in the end I got a degree - I am still trying to dig myself out of the bottom - yes older - yes - an ex-corporate employee - whose jobs are all in India or china and I still have not found my way into a job that paid as much as I made in 1992 - if I make money along the way - I do not qualify for aid that is free - if I don't make money I am on the street. People who are married or live with someone have someone who will pay the rent while their income or lack of one qualifies them for help - I found it incredible that I had to make less then $4000 a year to qualify for education assistances through the job centers - I made barely over that - and was denied - they went through all the paper work and acting like they were going to help - the fact is they need people to apply to show they are doing something - they get paid to turn me down.

When I realized I could get more money even though it was a student loan, with graduate school - that is what I did - it is incredibly humbling to be in the middle class sliding to the bottom without any safety nets -

Lucky most of the money was borrowed before the congress critters increased student loan interest and I consolidated at a low rate - now I continue in school at least half time to delay having to pay until I have more income - finding a job when you are older is not the same as recent graduates in their 20's - most of the youngmanagers do not think old people have ambitions or can think - they blame the person who is retraining on their predictament -

I feel your pain and your success - it is good to do something where you are achieving something - it helps to bring you back up from the bottom.

My situation may be entirely different than yours - I have seen many people on this board who have been digging themselves up and out the best they can considering our jobs were shipped off shore.

[knitter4democracy]

32. I don't remember that period of our lives fondly.

When Hubby was in med school, the only teaching job I could find was in the Catholic schools. That first year, I grossed $18,600, and things were tight. We lived in a mold-infested but still expensive apartment, and we were doing what we could to survive. We didn't have kids, so while it was tight, we had some breathing space in the budget, but I remember the frantic feeling I'd get in trying to pay the bills. I tell Hubby all the time that God should strike us dead if we ever forget those years.

At the end of his third year, we had our daughter. It would've cost almost my entire salary to pay for my job and pay the childcare, so I stayed home. I will never forget that year. We were lucky: my dad paid for diapers, and my mom sent us some money every month that we used to help pay for the new car we had to get. My in-laws offered a loan, but we knew we couldn't pay it back any time soon, so we had to turn it down.

Needing new clothes but not being able to get them, scraping the money together for Hubby to get an interview suit and then trying to figure out how to pay for the gas to get there, driving further to get to the cheaper place to buy groceries--I don't look back on that and smile, let me tell ya. That first Christmas with our daughter was so tight, and I remember being thankful that she was a baby and wouldn't know she didn't get much for Christmas.

I've seen Third World conditions in our country at Hopi Mesas, in inner cities, and in rural areas where I grew up. It disgusts me. I can't believe so many think our economy's doing fine and that people choose to be poor. That really burns me up. People who are rich are because, yes, they work hard, but also because they have financial support others don't. We had my parents sending money--not everyone has that.

[unapatriciated]

64. yes it is easier to overcome adversity if you have support

from family and friends. Many middle class families are just a paycheck away from poverty.
All it takes is a catastrophic illness even with insurance you can find yourself homeless out of work and in debt for years to come. I have been there and don't have any fond memories of those years. I'm however grateful that my son survived. I was fortunate to have a family who helped cloth, feed and shelter my children and myself. My son was in and out of Children's Hospital over a ten year period and I met many families who were suffering more than ours. They were not lucky enough to have family members who could give the kind of financial support my parents provided us. You are right there are too many who believe that there is no real poverty here, they believe they all are taken care of by government programs or charities.

Thank you Political for your post it warmed my heart.

“I cried because I had no shoes, then I met a man who had no feet.”

[knitter4democracy]

68. I'm always amazed at what people refuse to see.

So many do well because of support, whether they want to admit it or not. Unions have made a lot of things better for everyone, yet some refuse to see the good unions have done. On and on it goes.

Blessings to you in this period of darkness turning to light. :hug:

[unapatriciated]

79. Thank you for your blessing

I too find it hard to understand how so many do not realize that unions are the workers that form them not the union rep. you may have had a problem with. Because of their struggles we now enjoy eight hour work days-40 hour work weeks-safe working conditions, most important child labor laws and may more protections than I can think of. What really blows my mind is with more companies going the way of Wal-mart people think unions have out lived their usefulness.

[Swamp Rat]

26. I know what you mean jelly bean

I'm a poor grad student too. :hug:

[Vinca]

27. I wasn't surprised to read you were working on a master's degree, but

I was surprised you didn't come to your friends at DU for some help. Bacos, PH, is not in any food group. (By the way, I've been in your shoes . . . or bare feet, as the case may be. Long, long ago I stole grapefruit from trees to survive.) I'm torn between Obama and Edwards and your post makes me rethink how I'm leaning.

[EVDebs]

60. Obama's naive to think he can invite corporations to the table

re the healthcare 'debate'. There's nothing to debate except how to take the corporate power out of the picture !

M$M and corporations fear Edwards the most; HRC and Obama will end up 'inviting' the wolves in sheep's clothing to the table. FOOLS.

[OneGrassRoot]

28. Bravo to you...mine is a similar story...

Divorce, single parent, bankruptcy, no health insurance, blah, blah.

Stressing big time about the holidays, more than usual, as I hadn't received any checks as yet (I'm self-employed, no option for direct deposit or anything). I have $47 in the bank to last until the end of next week. I get regular emails from the JE campaign yet haven't donated since earlier this year.

An email came through Friday evening.

I believe in him and his message so much that I went ahead and took a leap of faith and donated $25, and felt great when I did it.

I hope life gets continually easier for you...for everyone.

[Th1onein]

30. Welcome to DU from a fellow Edwards supporter!

k and r

[jackster]

31. first

welcome to DU from another fellow Edwards supporter.

Your post brought tears to my eyes as did a few others on this thread. When I think of what I think my bad times have been, I'm ashamed. But knowing that there's a man who will put poverty first and foremost and who will fight the corporations on behalf of every working man and woman, I am encouraged that one day we may never have to have another discussion such as this. We need John Edwards!

[Frank Cannon]

33. K&R'ed

Welcome to DU. That's one hell of a story. Hang in there, buddy. :hi:

[Maestro]

34. I hope school goes well

and you continue down the road without any huge bumps. Education is always a great investment. Congratulations!

[williesgirl]

36. Inspiring. Keep us updated on your progress. I just gave another $25 to Edwards because of your

post. I feel wealthy compared to you, although I'm on disability. I too feel Edward's is our only hope for America to crawl out of the dungeon Bush has created. rec'd

[Inspired]

37. Welcome to the campaign to change America! n/t

[Stop Cornyn]

38. Thank you

[nradisic]

39. Good for you....

Howard Dean was the first politician ever to evoke the same feelings in me. I second that with John Edwards. He is just so right for this country right now, when we need someone like him the most. I pray that it comes to pass....

[Forkboy]

40. I thank you for pointing out the issue of your own poverty...

..and how the image of the poor is often a stereotype of uneducated, lazy people who simply don't try hard enough.

I like Edwards myself (second after DK) so the rest of your post was nice, but the point about poverty is what really strikes me.

Best of luck to you in your future.

[balantz]

41. Welcome to D.U. Political Herertic, thank you for sharing your experience.

There's a lot of poverty out there. Thanks for donating to John's campaign. We need John in the White House.

[shireen]

42. you are a remarkable person

Good luck, i really hope things work out well for you.

I've not decided who to support yet, but Edwards seems like a good guy -- that $25 is money well-spent. I hope his campaign hears about you. That must be the most valuable $25 they've ever received!

[AzDar]

43. Good for you. I hope things get better for you soon, and remain that way.

I also have that wish for our entire country (and the world), and I believe an Edwards Presidency is the best way to achieve that goal.
Go, Johnny, Go!!:toast:

[ooglymoogly]

45. BIG REC, kr nt.

[Beaverhausen]

46. Best wishes to you for a future full of succes and happiness

When I'm on a better computer I will donate more to Edwards as well. He is what our country needs now.

:hug:

[sandyd921]

47. Just wow!

What an inspirational post! Thank you, from a fellow Edwards supporter!

[debbierlus]

48. Bankrupted myself, been poor & EDUCATED at the same time....

Edwards is my man.

Obama is corporate, Hilliary is corporate.

Edwards isn't perfect, but I believe he is the best realistic shot we have......

[whatdoyouthink]

49. Good for you - for trying to improve your-self

And as of today - I,m sending my first donation to Edwards, but have been behind (hoping) Him/Campaign all summer long...

Best Wishes to you and other's in similar situations - know it's tough, been homeless myself, and had other such experiences (Marconi/ 24 /7 )

But I Believe Edwards is best (not that other Dem, are all that Bad Ether, and would Pick any of them over a Pug) for this Country at this pivotal (needed change) time, and he could become a "great President" (in History, i think) But only a few weeks left and we will know.

Happy Holiday's

[Kurovski]

50. K&R. (nt)

[ScooterFibby]

52. Beautiful and inspiring

Thanks for your story.

[avrdream]

53. Good for you.

We might believe in different candidates but ultimately we will be in agreement.

I have been close to that poor before as well = University and the Air Force got me to where I am today. Keep being persistant!

[AmBlue]

54. Blessings and godspeed my friend

John Edwards has been a source of hope for me since late 2003 when I couldn't shake that pesky feeling of inspiration that kept sneaking up on me every time I listened to him. I thought, nah, he's too pretty.... nah, he's too young looking.... nah, he's too perfect. Until, finally, that simple, undeniable calling of my own heart wanting to hope again could no longer be pushed away, I gave in. He's been The One for me ever since.

I, too, BELIEVE with all my heart in John Edwards and what he stands for like I have for no other candidate before him. May he help us win back Our America.
:patriot:

[Plucketeer]

55. PH

Thanks for sharing. I've been to the point where it was sell my beloved truck or not eat. I sold it and I still lament it even tho that happened to me 25 years ago. Things eventually turned around for me. But going from HAVE to DESPERATE to HAVE again is something a fair number of folks never get to experience. I say, it can add REAL perspective to one's perception of the world and where we fit in.

We (wife and me) gave a few bucks to Kerry in '04. Found out it didn't hurt so much. This time around, we're being more generous. And it's not like we have excess cash lyin' about to do that with. Thing is, Edwards has inspired us to think beyond the simple idea of putting him in office. We look at the power of K-street and just what misery it's bought us since the start of the new millenium and we KNOW it's up to us (we progressives) to buy back our country!

I personally thank you for realizing what's at stake and how you can invest in the change we so desperately need. Thanks for thinking beyond yourself. That's what sets us apart from the Dark Force.

:dem::kick::dem::kick::dem::kick::dem:

[cynthia]

56. inspirational

Sent in another donation to double yours. Blessings on you in 2008

[vanboggie]

57. Another warm welcome to DU

from another Edwards supporter. Thank you for supporting his campaign. THIS is why we need the man.

[Christa]

58. K & R

[Peggy Day]

59. I liked that he didn't want to concede as quickly as Kerry-he wanted to count the votes nt

[truedelphi]

61. Thank you for your effort to make a difference

We all better be bound and determined to make a difference - this society is a man and woman eating experience.

And why? So that the fat cats on top can get fatter than ever.

[MsMagnificent]

62. Good for you!

Kucinich is my personal favorite at this point, but I must give you kudos for your socially concerned, selfless act.
It reminds me of the parable of the Widow's Mite :applause:
(Hope you don't mind the Christian analogy, it's not meant as preaching or pressing a certain religion -- just an apt metaphor : )

Good luck to you, Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, & take care!

[goodgd_yall]

63. I personally know a few poor and bright, well-educated people

so, the assumption that poverty equals poor skills isn't usual for me. I'm happy to hear your life is starting to get back together. And much success on your degree. I too am supporting Edwards. I usually don't contribute money to campaigns because there isn't much extra to go around, but I have contribute to Edwards so that he can keep a strong campaign going. I believe he is what this country needs right now.

[Divine Discontent]

65. when I saw the thread title I knew you had donated to Edwards' campaign

and that's AWESOME!

I didn't know all the other issues you stated of course, and I'm glad you feel like many of us are now feeling - he is our BEST hope for the citizens to regain their power and for our freedoms not to be taken from us.

[BrklynLiberal]

66. K&R--for passion and honesty. Wonderful post.

[Lindsey]

71. Thank you. You are a living inspiration. I've donated to John in the recent

past but I now feel compelled to donate again. I'm also going to be phone banking for him immediately after Christmas. A good friend has taken it upon herself to be one of his campaign coordinators so I'm getting even more involved. I got to see him when he was interviewed by Bill Maher a couple of months ago before the writer's strike (what a horrible time for the writers to be on strike)and know what he and Elizabeth have to offer (she was there too and looked great). Also, for those who are into it, I'm visualizing John Edwards taking the Oath of Office for President of the United States of America on 1/20/09 so that's an additional tactic that I thinks important to use (combined, of course, with). Thanks for what you're doing and good luck - that Master's Degree WILL pay off!

[K Gardner]

67. You just made me cry... Bless you :-) K&R

[shaniqua6392]

69. Blessings and peace to you.

May your generosity be rewarded back to you in the New Year!!:hi:

[Misha2]

70. You made me cry

and I checked that the rent money was paid for January and then sent $25 to the Edwards campaign. I was going to do so the beginning of January but decided to do it now and worry about next month then. I put myself through nursing school back when Campbell's Tomato soup could be gotten 4 for a dollar. It was possible to make a few dollars last a week back in the 70's. I was fortunate to leave the Army with alot of Ivory soap and other staples. (There were several of us getting out and going on to college and we made saving things an art form!! )I didn't buy soap or deoderant for about a year after I got out!
I love Hillary, but in my heart I know that John Edwards will be the type of President that will make us proud and more importantly restore the government to preBush. Someone needs to stand up to the corporations and reverse the awful things that have been done to us. And I know that person is John Edwards.
I hope things do improve for you while you are pursueing your education. Happy Holidays to you and yours,

[madeline_con]

73. Are you ineligible for other aid besides the loans? n/t

[bullwinkle428]

74. Consider yourself the inspiration for me making another

contribution to John Edwards' campaign myself, just as the result of hearing your story! :thumbsup:

[aikoaiko]

75. I felt that way in college about Clinton in 1992. I actually thought we were verging on greatness

What came was mixed bag. Better than what preceded him or succeeded him, but still a mixed bag.

[Political Heretic]

77. It usually is. That's cold reality. However:

the real question is not, which candidate has no problems. It is which candidate has the problems / weaknesses that I can best deal with? :)

President Edward's term would likely be a mixture of successes and failures, just like even our best president's terms, like FDR. But for me its the belief that even with the mix of successes and failures he is the right person for the country at this particular moment in time!

Cheers,
PH

[Cha]

76. Thanks for sharing your

story up here in GD...Very inspiring and encouraging!

[laurelbunny]

78. wow!

Truthfully, I must say, i probably wouldn't give all my money to a campaign, but I admire your action, when we can get a democrat in the president's seat, we can finally start to fix some of the problems that have built up over the years, and if you believe Edwards will do that, more power to ya. I appreciate everything everyone does toward making America better, whether or not
I agree that it will, but I am a 12 year old and our decisions now effect me as an adult, and many of these other people as well.

Good luck with your degree, and I hope the new year brings a better life to you. :yourock: :woohoo: :patriot:

[Divine Discontent]

81. you're well spoken for a 12 year old

and speaking about the state of the country? wow. good for you! :yourock:

welcome to DU

[catchnrelease]

80. Inspiring

PH, you and the people posting here that have been through hard times are an inspiration.

I'm in for another donation tonight!

[bjobotts]

82. Feel the same way about Kucinich. In college and can't figure how to get soap and detergent which is

one phone call away to the nearest community action center. Not very bright are you? Edwards talking about bringing republicans into his cabinet "so he can get alternative opinions and when wrong he can hear the opposing opinions"
Duh. Surround yourself with advisers and a cabinet to promote and carry out your agenda not stand in the way of it. There will always be very loud opposing republican opinions shouted to you everyday from the floors of congress and the MSM without you having to put them in your cabinet.
Edwards: "Would you want the same people who handled Katrina handling your health care?" Hell no. Fire them and hire responsible efficient government employees to handle our health care...you know, like those running the VA health care and Medicare...not incompetents. The idea is to make government more efficient not do away with it because some republicans are trying to make it not work.

Edwards: "Impeachment would just distract from making good policies and getting good legislation passed" Yeah? You mean like legislation making the government more accountable and preventing corruption like our founders did when they put impeachment in the constitution. You can do 2 things at once. Besides everything gets obstructed in the senate now anyway and nothing is getting passed...impeachment hearings would quickly change that. All that corruption coming out into the open would make senate repubs back away from looking even worse than impeachment hearings would portray their leaders. It all begins and ends with impeachment, Edwards. This will come back to haunt the nation later under some future administration who takes it a step further without fear of being impeached. Kucinich is the man to do it too.
God I love Edwards. He says some of the most credible things to make for good government but then he also says some of the stupidest things I've heard come out of a candidate's mouth. Thank god his pros outweigh his cons but still...we need Kucinich whose right on all the issues.
Kucinich/Edwards '08...the truth ticket...the only real change.

[bjobotts]

83. Higher ed used to be free and is in europe. Raise the min wage to help pay for

things that should be free and could be free seems futile. Free higher ed. National single payer health care ins. Working on masters and then get sick or have an accident and miss and then all those student loans become due...it's the luck of the draw right now for you so don't have an accident or catch hepatitis or god forbid have a child that does because then you're out. There should be a common safety net. If other countries have one why don't we. Many poor people were not always poor, especially those that became disabled...like over 20000 vets this year. We need Edwards...but we need Kucinich more.
Kucinich/Edwards '08. They tell us we can't...why? MONEY. They represent the only real change from the money party...from the dinosaurs of pork...the porky pigs...the beltway insider elites (both dem and repuke). We need the progressive direction which will eliminate the porky pigs, make education free, and provide an emergency safety net to help eliminate poverty.

I know how to do it and if I know how to do it you can be sure "they" know how to do it but the greed and profiteering of the money party prevents it.

[Greylyn58]

84. I understand where you are coming from

and I too, support John Edwards.

I lost my job when it was out-sourced and looked for another job for over a year and a half. In that length of time, my credit was ruined, I got sick which took more money, I was very close to loosing my apartment and being put on the street. I was finally hired at a job making much less than my old job and have struggled since then, living paycheck to paycheck just to get by.

I've continued to look for something better, but unfortunately because my credit is ruined, I think it is keeping that from happening. I need to file Chapter 7, but don't have the 1500.00 it takes to do that(Thanks Repug Congress). Hopefully I can make it happen in the coming year and get my life back on track.

I believe that John Edwards can and will make a difference in the direction of this country.

Welcome to the Edwards bandwagon.