[PETRA]

Originally Posted by hotrodsally

I live in Las Vegas, one of the cities which were Ground Zero compliments of finanacial meltdown created by wrecklessness, incompetence, greed, and stupidity by investors, corporations, regulators and consumers. There's no shortage of blame to go around.

There was a lot of collateral damage - jobs lost, businesses lost, homes lost, lives in ruin. For people outside of the hardest hit areas of Michigan, California, Florida and Nevada, this might sound anecdotal; for those of us who live in these communities, we are only beginning to see a slight improvement.

Jobs are still extremely hard to come by and state, county and local governments are cutting services, headcount is being reduced, and staff hours are being cut in an attempt to address budget woes. This mess is far from over.

My point is this: I see these people on the street and I see my neighbors. All I can think is, there but for the grace of God, go I.

Through this mess I am one of the fortunate ones who has not lost their job nor had their hours nor their wages cut; I haven't gone hungry or cold. I've been fortunate enough to be able to buy a $35,000 car 2 months ago.

So when I see these people on the street corner, I'm willing to bet a buck or two that they'll put my contribution to good use. I don't question the quality of their need; their need is enough. I think of this as a deposit to an account that I pray I'll never have to make a withdrawal from.

You have to live in your community. You never know when you might be dependant on the generousity of others.

Just my .02