Comments on: Hope And Change In Mississippi

In A City With A Poverty Rate 2.5 Times The National Average, Stories Of Desperation

[mstnmom]

Thank you CBS and Katie for your report on Greenville. I was born there but raised elsewhere. We still have family in Greenville and they are doing well. It is only because our family started out that way and as time went on we were educated on how to survive. Everyone does not have the same chances that we had/have. I visit Greenville now and factories have closed and it looks like a ghost town. My husband is not from the area, so I was a little embarassed to take him there and allow him to see where my "roots" are. My mother moved us away at an early age and we eventually moved back only to move away later. You have very little resources to fall back on especially if it was not passed to you from one generation to another. The greatest job anyone can have would to become a school teacher. Not everyone is cut out for that type of job. Greenville has gone done so far economically and when I read this story, I cried. Some of you are so judgemental and you have no right to be. You try to live like those who were interviewed, then see how it feels. Those of you that are in Greenville and are struggling, please keep your heads up, pray, and know that God hears your cry. I understand and it is why we left, came back, and left again. I will visit, but I can''t see me ever living there again.

[playtap]

Please send me info on how to contact Jasmine so I can mail her a gift card.

[barb333]

I just wonder how many children these women have. I grew up in the Delta and you''d be amazed at how many children 15, 16, 17,18 yr. olds and above have. Quit having kids and maybe you could save a little money or get a job that pays better. No 18 year old needs 3 kids!!!! It doesn''t take a genius to figure out how NOT to get pregnant. It''s about the choices you make in your life. People in the delta are caught up in a never ending cycle that cannot be broken. There mothers lived this way and that''s how the children will live because they don''t know any better. If you want something bad enough you''ll find a way to have it. Again, it''s about the choices you make. My mother had me when she was 17 and went and got FREE birth control pills at the health department after I was born. She wanted to graduate from high school and make a better life for herself and me. She worked at McDonalds after school and paid a day-care to care for me. She had $10.00 or less left at the end of the month but she made it last as long as she could....without government assistance!!!! I''m proud to say my mother graduated and went on to college and earned a business degree and she got me away from the environment where I grew up. I''m 22, no kids, and I''m about to graduate from a major university with a degree in nursing.
Stop the whining and do something about it!!!!!!!!!

[mbburch06]

Let''s keep things in a little perspective here. Yes, she is poor by this country''s standards, but remember that 1/3rd of the world goes to bed hungry and has NO access to medical care, NO car, etc. Even the poor in the U.S. are relatively well-off compared to those in non-capitalist countries.

[grannyca2003]

I would like to send a prepaid gas card to Jasime for one of the local gas stations, and a gift card for grocery to the other young lady. I know it''s not much, but my funds are very limited. I also know from experience that every little bit helps. I will send them to their local CBS station. May God Bless and Keep them Strong.

[noaanhc]

To still have this kind of poverty in the wealthiest nation on Earth is a national disgrace!!!!!!!!

[darnedsocks]

WELL, THIS SURE DOESN''T SAY MUCH FOR THEIR LEADERS, NOW DOES IT? WHO IS THE GOVERNOR, THE STATE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES, THIER CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE? ARE THEY ALL RETARDED LEADERS? OR ARE THE PARENTS RETARDED, UNABLE TO TEACH THEIR KIDS TO READ AND EMPHASIZE HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO BE EDUCATED, SO YOU CAN HAVE AN ATTRACTIVE LABOR FORCE, WHICH WILL ATTRACT BUSINESSES? SOUNDS LIKE THEY HAVE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS!

[catlady2008]

I to would like to help both of these young ladies out. I was feeling sorry for myself because I had just been turned down for a job and have been unemployed for several months now. While watching the story I realized that I still have more than both of these young ladies material wise but they are much richer than I am with their courage. Please send contact info directly for these fine young ladies so that I can do what I can for them.

[carlylaine]

Yes, we all struggle...I help when I can but I don''t ask for help. I don''t want the government paying my way...I don''t want you to pay my way, I want to pay my own. I want the government out of my business.

I am not a victim of society or of the government...sometimes-most of the time I don''t have money for food and I, too, have a job...but I would never whine and ask BIG DADDY to pay my way.

This is life. Just stay out of my way and don''t make us all victims. Let''s get out the violins.

[mimisheart]

I want to help Heaven and Jasmine directly so I would like their personal addresses so I can do so ,please email them to me. Thank you so much and keep up the good work Katie.

[jjstrong12]

I''m not by any means a rich person, but I felt compelled to let you know that I was so touched by both of these young ladies, and wish to help by sending a donation. I think we all take so much for granted (me included). When I saw these stories air, it may me see just how much more I should be thankful and count my blessings everyday. Jasmine and her mother, are a lot like me and my daughter. Every since I lost my mother 2 years ago, we''ve been pretty much on our own (in regards to family support, be it mentally, financially, or whatever). My 19 year old daughter has 2 small kids, and it''s a constant struggle for us. I''m helping her to go to nursing school (I just became an LPN myself 2 years ago at 41). It''s hard, but Jasmine, YOU CAN GO TO SCHOOL. You have encouraged me a lot, as well as Heaven. I''d like to send both of you all a little something. Please email me at: [e-mail]. Heaven, I saw your email, so I will be contacting you. Ladies'', keep your head up, because better days are a coming! :- )
God Bless you all & your families, and Katie Couric and her staff for putting these stories out there!
Jackie Strong

[baristalove]

This is Heaven Thronson. I would like to thank you Katie for your wonderful reporting, and Seth for the oppurtunity, and everyone at CBS for airing it. Also, thank-you America for watching, and for wanting to help. If anybody would like to reach me my e-mail address is [e-mail]. Again, thank-you, all.
Sincerely,
Heaven Leigh Thronson

[smileyindy]

I too would like to help Jasmine and her mother. Please let us know how.

[juliereese3]

My heart goes out to the waitress and the high school senior. I would like to lift their spirits for a week and send them means to get groceries. Please let me know how this is possible.

Thanks

[concernedtg]

I would like to assist Jasmine and her Mom. Please let me know where I can send a contribution to her I''m in California and just saw the story. My heart went out to her being so young taken on such a large job. Our prayers are with her as well. I really would like to speak with the young lady. Would you please give her my email address. GOD has placed on my heart to help her. My email address is [e-mail]. Thank you so much.

[ferryrj]

We would like to sent something to Heaven can you provide us with an address? Thank You

[backus60]

I would like to help Jasmine Lafayette . Do you have a bank account set up for her - if not, can you give me her address there in Greenville

[oasis991]

I would also like to send some assistance to Jasmine. Can you provide an address?

[oasis991]

I would also like to help out Jasmine. Where can I send a gift card?

[oasis991]

I would also like to help out Jasmine. Where can I send a gift card?