Laniaya Hoofatt’s Story:
I will be graduating this May with my Bachelors of Arts in Communications and Media. I have more than 5 years under my belt in experience and 3 internships. I cannot find a media outlet that will take a chance on someone like myself. With more and more Media outlets going under and instituting hiring freezes I want to believe that I did not make the wrong decision by majoring in something that I love because my student loan payments are coming. What should I do?

larry kazinec’s Story:
right now my family is ok but being inthe insurance business i see alot of people hurtingand it makes me ill to see so many americans suffering and not getting the help they need tokeep there families ok while a. i. g. and all these other corporations that are giving bonuses that are unreasonable, this is a slap in our faces and must be stoppped. ALL THIS BILLIONS OF DOLLARS BEING MISSED USED AND COULD BE GOING TO THE PEOPLE WHO REALLY NEED IT. if i could somehow be elected into congress i would

Larry Sacks’s Story:
Since I have alway been living well within my means the only impact I have seen is that I have had to delay purchases and wait for the stock market to recover, which it will! I am sick of people asking what can the goverment do for me! The question should be what can I do for myself. If there are no jobs in your area than move! If you are in over you head ask yourself why was I so stupid? Quit complaining and do something about it! The rest of us are sick of giving you goverment hand out.

Larry Weidick’s Story:
I'm really depressed about the future because Barak Obama has put our children's future at risk with his trillion dollar spending program. Throwing money at a problem doesn't work.

Lavinia’s Story:
We have 5 children, and my parents live with us, so there are a lot of mouths around our table. We have a lovely chain of grocery stores in our area that offers it all - lattes while you shop, pharmacy, specialty foods, a cafe. However the prices there are unbelievable! I have chosen to stay out of the store so as not to be even tempted to buy unnecessary things. Instead, I am limiting my grocery shopping to our Aldi, where my bill is about 50% less than the other stores. It is a huge savings!

Leland Crenshaw’s Story:
I have lived in this great country for over 74 years and I always had great faith in our future as a nation. Our senators and representative and Obama have sold us down the creek for personal gain and power. I fear for obama's effort to change us to socialist or communist nation.

Linda’s Story:
I lost my job in December due directly to the economy. My husband is still employed but his company has had two rounds of layoffs. Our retirement is gone because of the market. We are able to keep our home and we are paying our bills because of unemployment. When that runs out, I don't know what we will do. This is the first time in my life that I have not been able to find work. I have two degrees and work in computers. When unemployment ends, I will be forced to take any job available.

Linda Caldwell’s Story:
It is hitting our home as it is so many. My husband and I both lost our jobs, our 25 year old son is disabled so is dependent on us, and we worry more than anything about his future when we are gone. We had saved for retirement, had some investments, and every penny we worked so hard for all our lifes is gone either through the economy crisis itself or trying to keep a roof over our head and food. And that is very difficult. I am so grateful we do still have that, I know so many do not.

Linda Knoblach’s Story:
I was living the American dream of working hard, paying my taxes and donating time and money. I even bought my first house in Sept, 2007. That was until Aug, 2008. Now my days are filled with sending resumes out. Since I am my only do my source of income, my severence package is long gone and I have no clue how I am going to keep my home. It is not just keeping my home from foreclosure that has me concerned. I WANT do do my part. I can only pray God will again be allowed to lead our leaders.

Linda O'Brien’s Story:
Just when I thought I'd be facing retirement soon my company lost opportunity and I've been unemployed for over a year. I trust that the Lord has a plan and that gives me hope and understanding that I must play a role in bringing America back to its roots. It is that role that I seek. Thank you for the wonderful encouragement! God bless you and God will bless America again when we the people turn from our wicked ways!!

Lisa Robbel’s Story:
Recession or Regrouping? When faced with the growing recession, there are Americans that are considering this challenge a regrouping – or a rediscovery of skills forgotten. In a country where economy is failing, some are looking at the long term: what are we going to eat? The answer may be in our own back yards. During World War II (1939 – 1945), 20 million Americans did their part by planting a “Victory Garden.” Considering that the average population during those years was 65 million, approximately 1/3 of the nation utilized every square inch of growing space and grew vegetables in order to help feed their families and neighbors. Now, in 2009, it seems the citizens of the United States are revisiting our forefathers’ thoughts on this particular subject. During these stressful economic times, the 80s generation is getting a clue. We remember the 70s where life was groovy and people grew their own. Taking a clue that organics are best, and leaving out the “groovy” part, we 80s babies are digging in the dirt and guess what? Come to find out that it is just as easy to grow bell peppers as it is to grow begonias. In fact, some of these edible plants are just as gorgeous as begonias. I found it amazing when the Home Owners Association representative praised my landscaping and even had a giggle as they walked away from their praise of my beautiful purple flowers….which were growing on my eggplants. The fact is, Americans could potentially save hundreds, even thousands of dollars by growing their own produce. An average family of four spent $25 - $50 per week in produce related items at the grocery store during 2008: almost $2000. In addition to not spending their hard earned dollars at the grocery store, by expending time and efforts in gardening rather than going to the movies, Americans could save thousands more. The secondary savings continue; you do not expend money for gas when it is not necessary to go to the grocery store as often…you get the idea. In these hard economic times, I see more and more plants in flower beds in my neighborhood. Some may think they’re exotic but I know differently; these plants are a regrouping of a more practical way of life and the statement of an individual family showing patriotism.

Liz’s Story:
It started 2 years ago. I went from 40 hours a week to 20 hours. I started an on line business and very little happened. I just started with Avon a week ago. I became ill 2 months ago and I haven't been back to work yet. I am not sure if I can go back to my old job. I am 56 years old. I was doing the job of a 25 year old. Stocking, cashiering, cutting fabric, recovering the store, doing top stock and unloading freight. Yes, all in the course of one day.

liz cyran’s Story:
We have been hard. We are closing in on retirement, hubby can only get a part time job at minimum wage. I can not work at all due to a car accident last year. We are selling everything we own to try to keep our home. Everyone lies, no one cares. Read your history, this is what it was like in 1773. Let the revolution start agian. I shouldn't loose everything I worked for for 50 years to be able to eat and keep the few things that still mean something to me.

Lois Douglas’s Story:
This is my story and it I must tell today, About the economic cricis facing us all And how it won't affect me in a negative way, Because I'm trusting in God who will never let me fall God will supply all of my needs you see, Just as He always has been there for me. Even when I didn't have a dime to spend I could always on my Heavenly Father depend No money in the bank, no food on the table I trust in God because I truly know He's able

lucille Milano’s Story:
I am a reborn american , i've watched family members struggle to make ends meet. I have 2 sons' one relocated to another state to find work and I help keep his family together, while he tries to make ends meet. I work to keep the younger son in his home , he hasn't held a real job in 1 1/2 yrs. he does odd jobs, buys food at the dollar store and shoes and clothes for his 3 children at the salvation army. Meantime our big corporations send work to india, and congressmen/senators get raises PLUS