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Hard Times Generation, The Flavorists, Angelina

November 27, 2011 8:00 PM

Scott Pelley brings "60 Minutes" cameras back to central Florida to document another form of family homelessness; Also, meet the scientists who create flavors that make foods and beverages tasty; Plus, international film star Angelina Jolie.

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by A_D_ December 12, 2011 12:35 AM EST
I would love to see a segment in which 60 Minutes / Scott, sits down w/ John Boehner, Eric Cantor and Mitch McConnell (any Republican really, but these in particular) and shows them this segment and have them justify their opposition to the existence of federal mechanisms to assist people, families, children, who are in these predicaments through no fault of their own. Folks previously a part of the disappearing middle class. I'd like to hear Scott ask them specifically what they would say to that beautiful little girl, who I will never forget for her altruism and loving spirit and absence of bitterness. Or to that mother who has to know that her children are still hungry, even after she has done all that she could to feed them, knowing that it's not enough. Or that father who feels inadequate. I'd like to hear them tell them that helping them would be socialism, and therefore unacceptable because they believe that, in America, you make it on your own.
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by darrenvena December 11, 2011 9:28 PM EST
My wife, daughter and I watched the episode last week and were thrilled to find out that so many people were willing to help them. I also watched this weeks show on Howard Buffet and am somewhat confused. Unfortunately I lost my job last month (after only three months of employment) because the company said it could not afford to pay me. I was out of work for 18 months prior to that and was literally three days from being homeless ourselves. My family helped out as much as they could and the job came just in time. A realtor worked hard to find us a place that rented by the week and did not require first, last and damage deposit nor did it check our credit which is poor.

We have until December 29th (and maybe sooner if we can't get help or find a job) and will be once again staring at homeless. My daughter is an "A" student enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program in her first year of high school (which is hard enough).

I don't qualify for unemployment, the state just okayed $376 per month in food assistance but no cash or rental assistance. My wife works at a local Dillards but this income does not allow us to do anything other than pay for rent and a little food. My daughter has needed braces for almost four years after the neighbors dog got in their swimming pool, reared its head back and broke her front tooth. I need dental work, glasses as does my wife.

I am befuddled and ask the question that perhaps other people who are in a similar situation: " Why don't these millionaires/billionaires, invest in the people here in the United States instead of other countries like Africa? Even Howard Buffet stated that the project was more than 80% likely to fail. To me that just doesn't make sense when it could somehow be managed to help families here, who have worked their whole lives, paid taxes to keep our country going.

My computer shuts down after only a few minutes and I have to reboot just to send this message so I wanted to ask this question as well. Since I am out of work, going to be homeless in just a couple of weeks or sooner, cannot get help from family or the state and am out of options and am so scared for my daughter. She faces it like a champion but I see signs of stress fracture in her life as a result. Could someone help us out in someway? I would be happy just to be offered a job and a short term solution just so we have a roof over our head and she can continue to go to her school and keep her kid responsibilities going to teach her that her life is okay, we're going to be okay.

If you can do anything for us, please contact me at the numbers listed below or the email address. Please pass this along to anyone who might be in a position to help. We are really good people who have just run out of time. I gave back to the community when I was in a position to help other families by coaching football for years from YMCA to high school.

I would be happy to show my resume and interview for any job.

Please help a good family!

Darren, Lisa and Paige Vena
Sarasota, Florida
941-928-9116 Cell (this might be gone in two weeks as well)
941-312-5948 Home (this number will not be accessible in two weeks)
941-929-3882 Cell (we just got this from assurance wireless and may be the only way to contact us after two weeks.
darrenvena@gmail.com
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by Alichirilla December 11, 2011 9:12 PM EST
Can you get us some help in Indianapolis. I was working, am educated and was living in my car which is falling apart. That "temporary" job fell apart, and I cannot get a Decent professional job. it was 22 degrees this morning. I personally qualify for NOTHING from the government. Even the church does not seem to be able to help. A JOB would be a start. Someplace clean and warm would be nice.
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by Hope4Americans December 4, 2011 5:50 PM EST
The Hard Times Generations segment is heartbreaking. Shame on a rich society that allows for kids, families to live in their cars and on the streets, risking their lives and exposed to so many dangers. Wake up America! Let's help those who need a helping hand. To those of you who are already helping: THANK YOU! To those who aren't, look inside your heart and see what you can do, cause every little bit helps. Love. peace. out.
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by john90210 December 3, 2011 12:18 PM EST
My Good GOD what a world we live in. Kind of hard to have a home, eat, and raise Kids on $4.75 isnt it. They say unemployment is now down to 8.5% or so. Well sorry to say this but thats just not true. They count jobs that pay $4.75 a hour and do not count those who just gave up trying to work. A $4.75 a hour job is not a job it is slavery easy as that. Mcdonalds could pay people $14.00 a hour and still make a big profit. Them there are the facts. What we see today in our streets is wrote here, James 5 http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Jas.5
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by RValadez51 December 2, 2011 10:50 PM EST
It is sad we have families living in their vechicles, The government gives housing to many families. I have reported housing and public aid fraud to the attorney general and nothing was done. The person I reported actually worked for United airlines as well as her boyfriend. Bothn were living in public housing his income not reported nor was he on the lease.
whilen he lived with her she had tummy tuck, breast lift, many vacations,
two new vchicles. My report had pics, court papers and as of today she still lives in public housing. There are many families doing the same. Her mother still lives in the same public housing she raised her children.
I have a friend who told me when she turns 56 years old she will no longer have to pay some kind of rent. I know many people who are committing fraud it is a shame where our tax dollars go and is not fair to these homeless people who are truly in need of housing. The government and all State Employees who don't do their jobs and allows all this fraud to go on, should all be fired and replaced.
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by eyeinfocus December 1, 2011 8:26 PM EST
The West is collapsing into a new Great Depression.
Banks are ruining our western civilization. Do something!
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by k1nna November 29, 2011 5:26 PM EST
Amazing how many of the "hungry" are overweight. Don't give me the tired excuse that they can only afford low quality foods, if so EAT LESS of it. The truly hungry deserve our help, particularly the children but if you are more than 25 pounds overweight, NO!
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by szwarc47 November 29, 2011 4:46 PM EST
What a beautiful spirit, for a fourteen year old to show such grace despite her circumstances, I am ashamed of my self for whining about my meager problems, i've been humbled by a child.
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by dubinettj November 29, 2011 7:58 AM EST
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE send me the information to send money to Arielle Metzger and her family. My e-mail is bigboat46@gmail.com. PLEASE.
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