Comments on: Losing Homes And Ending Childhoods

CBS Reports: Economic Meltdown Leaves Homeless Children To Grow Up Fast

[Prosperlife]

If there is a FEMA for Natural Disasters, why isn't there a Governmental organization set up to help Americans who are in the position of this child and his mother? How can he be worried about not having at least enough food, if there is a Food Stamp Program to cover those in need. I don't understand. These issues should not be decided by state, but rather should be federal law. At a certain poverty level, in good standing with society and the law, especially where children are involved, there should be no need for families to be stranded without their bare necessities being taken care of. If we did not learn from the Great Depression how not to let families fall apart and future adults become jaded if not suicidal, we deserve to be in the position we're in right now. This child was correct: We do need as Americans to reach out to each other, in the belief that if you give to someone in need today, someone will help you and your family out tomorrow, in your hour of need. The Government does need to think of a Federal Program to subsidize too many American families who are living right now within a Financial Disaster. One that is not being dealt with by the banks with the "billions-for free-give-me -some-more" attitude. Yes, there are no jobs; it's all a vicious circle: those who can will not open vacancies, until the Government shows signs of reining in the economy. The Government will not release incentives until private industry shows signs of a rebound. Neither is going to the dance floor first. We are in an economic impasse. If we, as Americans, cannot feel the blade of the dagger thrust in our hearts with reports on our fellow man's plight such as this boy's story (on Up-to-the-Minute on CBS) and do not understand the responsibility those with a little more have to those with a little less, God Help Us. We, ourselves, need to show each other compassion and appoint the United Way or some other national relief agency with the task of distributing our donations to each other. This is a Disaster. No matter how much we want to hide our heads in the sand, and it will only get worse the longer we keep our faces hidden. The 1st move is yours, America.

[dakag3]

I am sitting here watching the early morning news and it is making me very angry. I do feel sorry for these kids, don't get me wrong, but as long as I can remember ther have been homeless veterans and kids that people don't seem to care about. These people are homeless because of legitimate reasons like medical or disaster. This recession has made people lose their homes, yes, but these people were so used to having all this money coming in and spending without thinking about it that they do not know how to budget for anything below what they are used to and that is why they are homeless. People like us take run down trailers, apartments or housing complexes just to keep a roof over our kids heads. People from the recession think they are too good for that so they complain and get themselves on the news just to make people feel sorry for them. We have been living like this for years and we know how to make it through because we have to. These people need to step back, take a lower paying job, (there are jobs out there if you really want them and are willing to look), and get on with their lives and build up again. If they don't want to do it for themselves then they need to do it for their kids.

[gunndee3]

I would move to another state if I were this Mom, probably the midwest. California is the epicenter of our current financial mess, because that's where the "flip this house" speculation craze took root and raised housing values way, way above their true appraisal worth, thereby leading to the mortgage industry collapse that took this country down for a sustained standing 10 count. And yes, both dems and repubs in California were equal partners in the "flip the house" scheme.

[r9119111]

If we had a president with a brain, he would be promoting businesses and giving them tax breaks so they could CREATE MORE JOBS. Somebody clue this brainless twit in.
Posted by goodusa

In case you forgot. They have had tax breaks for the last 8 years. They did not "create jobs" they sent them overseas. They used those tax breaks to move jobs in India and China. And in case you have not noticed, we are in a recession, companies are laying off, NOT HIRING. I would bet Ms. Clarke would much rather be working, instead of living in a motel watching her life sink down the drain. Perhaps the "pull yourself up by your boot straps" mentallity worked for you, but in the current economy, it isn't working for anyone.
Posted by debinok1 at 8:37 PM : May 21, 2009

Interesting posts ---

One who has common sense versus one who is clueless. Clueless people made this mess possible. Not to worry though, by 2050 all of the current problems will be resolved and we will have a whole new set. Isn't that encouraging?

[Heff2009]

Is there any way we can be updated on Tristan and his mother's status?

[debinok1]

If we had a president with a brain, he would be promoting businesses and giving them tax breaks so they could CREATE MORE JOBS. Somebody clue this brainless twit in.
Posted by goodusa

In case you forgot. They have had tax breaks for the last 8 years. They did not "create jobs" they sent them overseas. They used those tax breaks to move jobs in India and China. And in case you have not noticed, we are in a recession, companies are laying off, NOT HIRING. I would bet Ms. Clarke would much rather be working, instead of living in a motel watching her life sink down the drain. Perhaps the "pull yourself up by your boot straps" mentallity worked for you, but in the current economy, it isn't working for anyone.

[debinok1]

I looked up the information for the motel.
I hope sending mail to the motel addressed to:
Rhonda Clark c/o El Dorado Motel
1351 N Main St
Salinas, CA
93906

I only hope it arrives in time.

[beegandhi]

Yes tell us the Option and Please send us his information so we can help..I think this is the where everybody have to get to gather and Help Each other. Tristen does not have to worry about we are here to help..Please send us his info..That little kid have very bright futire ahead and he should not worry about this.

[Ginny2C]

I am very upset and worried about this sweet child and the many more like him. You have also just given his address and told people he walks to school. Please do something to keep him safe.

[uplifted08]

Is there a way to get an address to send money to Tristen? I guess I'll just send a check to the hotel. America, what a country. This story really bothers me.

[debinok1]

This has gotten out of hand, way out of hand. We should not have 7 year olds in this country worried about life and death issues of starving to death or being without a place to stay. I cried when I read this article. These kids deserve better from this country. These families deserve better. Why are we sending money to pakistan when we have issues here at home. Take that money and help these people.

[debinok1]

So what options do the Clarke have to keep a roof over their heads?
Posted by dndbuckalew

Not many from the sounds of it. Her unemployment ran out. Whether or not they find a church or something willing to help them stay at the motel, they will be homeless the next time the rent is due.

[dndbuckalew]

So what options do the Clarke have to keep a roof over their heads?