Comments on: A Family At The Brink

"The Other America": A New York Family Goes From Middle Class To Shopping At A Food Pantry

[apprxam]

This is what is called progress in America since the ReaganBushClintonCheney/Bush Thirty Years of crime and treason. McCain nor Obama is going to fix a *** thing when big business trumps all else in the economic tragedy called Post-60''s Capitalisim.

The new American dream: Eating food.

[jtpurdom]

It sucks for them, but they dug this hole. He made $70k/yr and didn''t buy insurance? My family lives on $27k/yr but I still scrape to make sure that my family is insured for just such a reason. I live in the same town but I can still provide a house, food, and electricity for my family of the same size. This story is more of a warning of how not succeed at life. Don''t pity these people. If your going to give food and money to someone, how about me? Or someone who truly needs needs it?

[retmilspouse]

stevador39,
What a dumb comment. Most established religions either have created charities of their own to help the oppressed and underprivilidged or give alot to other charities that do. So you don''t know what you are talking about. My religion is supporting the very food bank charity that the lady in the article went to for help. Dont be stupid.

[retmilspouse]

FGReed, Thats right they cannot change the past. But the one lady in WI in the video spoke about well off people in their mini mansions not knowing how it feels, she should think twice about that comment. There are plenty of people that have done good and been where shes at. So talking about judging that is what she should take a look at herself.

[stevador39]

The way to help these people is to include them in all the benefits the U.S. gives to foreign refugees from around the world. This country is displacing its own people to hand out privileges to foreigners. Another way to help is to tax religions and charities. that money could be used to help poor Americans with health care.

[mks91]

This is a very sad story. I would like to help them out. Can you post an address where we could send some money to help? I think people should not be so quick to judge. I have yet to have met someone who is perfect with their life decisions and are still happy. FYI Brangelina donated all of the 14 million to help children in need.

[fgreed]

ChezMichele...Your kidding..right?
You really don''t think this family has done everything to "tighten" their belts? I would assume that when you loose your home, and don''t know where you will be in a week, especially with 2 kids, that would define being on the edge.
Kudos for you for saving yourself. I sure hope others didn''t have the same attitude as yours when things got tight.
Let''s not judge...I am sure if they could change the past they would.

[retmilspouse]

I have compassion for these types of situations. But I agree with the other comments, instead of vacations and motorcycles they should have purchased Workmens Compensation Insurance. All self employed people pretty much know they have to pay their own taxes and get themselves Workmens Compensation Insurance. That is why they call things accidents. You cannot prevent them but you sure can lessen the blow. I think that is one thing that needs to be learned in this country pay for the things you need before you buy the things you want. A hard lesson to learn.

[sandy777-2009]

I am in worse shape than these people. As a disabled, Vietnam Veteran, I only receive $931 per month from VA Pension, that''s $11172 per year. By the time I pay my mortgage of $625 per month, I hardly have enough left over for utilities and property tax. I am not receiving food stamps either. I have been living without hot water since April because the gas company turned my gas off because I could not pay the $670 bill for March and April.

I know alot of us are having a real rough time of it so I know what it feels like.

[fgreed]

Like many others, I would like to know how I could help this family.

[b050760]

this family really needs some help!!!! what does it take to save a real american family???!!! where''s bush when we really need his help????!!!! bonnie from minnesota

[deacon20081]

25,000.00 a year and uncle sam takes his 20% isn''t that great!

[greenbuilder]

I would like to send a little help. I don''t have much money but I get a little over $100 a month from the VA. I can sent $100 from my next check if I know where to send it.

I would prefer to remain anonymous. Thank you.

[camper256]

We would like to offer help as well. Please let us know where to send donations. We would like to help the family if they would like to make a new start in another state. If so please give the Hudy''s our e-mail address.

[outash]

Please let me know, how can I help this lovely family. Is there anyway to donate money so they can pay some stuff as well as food?
This is wonderful USA, no one should go through this...
with all the love
OutAsh

[b050760]

i know how this family feels as i was there a few years ago. it''s sad but you must do what you have to to make the family survive as a whole. please let me help. i don''t make much but they have nothing soon to come unless we as a whole pull together to help our fellow man. bless us one and all. love minnesota!!!!!!

[coolbeans34]

Let us know how we can help! PLEASE! How much do they need to keep their house out of foreclosure or is it too late??

[fritzheidi2]

I am very disturbed about this story. To think we are dumping billions into a foreign country and citizens in our great country are going hungry. We Americans need to help Americans please let me know how I can. Joyce in South Carolina

[dowjones20k]

A very sad story .. but this seems to be a little self inflicted ...

Interesting how the report is devoid of other facts ... like how old the kids are .. how much debt the family had incurred ..

$70,000 annually in Endicott NY for a family of four is almost poverty ...

It is absolutely FOOLISH to work as a sub contractor and not carry workman''s comp insurance .. or other disability insurances that are available ...

So it seems the Hudy''s took some serious risks and they got bit ... sad but this is reality ..

[jt92202]

I too feel very sorry for this family and like a lot of people in the US very few of them feel they will ever need the disability insurance needed in a case like this. Someone selfemployed should always carry insurance on themselves and anyone that doesn''t have it through thier work should too. We spend money on vacations, bikes, homes, toys and whatever we want but we should also spend money on what our family needs. I know most people out there feel as if they are going insurance poor ( I work in the industry and hear it all the time), until they need the insurance then it is all worth the money you put into it. I really hope the community can help this family out but before your in the same place as this family is call your financial planner and plan for your future with or without a disability!