Marc Kelley’s Story:
How about this...? No matter what you buy, or where you buy - WalMart, Costco or Nordstrom's - before you buy make sure it says, "Made In USA". Yeah, I know that's going to be a tough sell, for sure. Still...

Margaret Heinrichs’s Story:
My husband just got laid off again this morning. That is how it is with temp jobs. Makes life unpredictable and difficult. We were on unemployment for five months before this low paying temp job came along. We'll keep looking for jobs and hoping the recession (as economists are predicting) has bottomed out and things will improve.

Margot’s Story:
We are still employeed, but have taken pay cuts. We are staying out of debt by simplifying and sharing what we can. We are trying to keep our cars for an extra year, shopping thrift stores for clothing, and trying to stay away from foods with little to no nutritional value. We are enjoying family more by playing board games, taking walks together, checking out movies from the library.

Marlena Nobles’s Story:
I am one of the persons affected by the economic downturn, having been laid off from my job, however I have not lost hope. I have a business I am doing, that will help people from all walks of life, and I am actively recruiting others to join me, both with servicing their needs through membership in the company I represent, and giving others hope that the American dream is still alive and well. The company I represent is none other than Prepaid Legal Services, PPD on the NYSE. Keep the dream.

Marlene Eakman’s Story:
Losing your job at 68 and trying to find a new one is not good odds. This Congress and the President are spending like drunken sailors. What has happened to America

Mary’s Story:
We are struggling to care for our mother who is 81 and the wife of a WWII veteran. Our money runs out each month. I also have friends who are out of work and friends who have lost their homes. Our larger corporations need to take care of the people and not seek so much wealth for just a few. We need jobs, homes, food, reliable transportation, and to stop being a throw away society.

Mary C. Church’s Story:
I thankfully have not been too hard hit by this recession. My investments have been seriously affected like so many people with money in 401K's. etc. But I have a steady retirement income from my state. As long as it stays strong. However, I am watching my money closely. However, I did recently take a load of groceries to the food pantry and pet food to the animal shelter to try to do my part to help out as I can.

Mary Lou Moreno’s Story:
The Economy!!! Wow! I am hanging in there cutting back everywhere I can cashing my recicables and eating lots of beans and rice and salsa of course. The way we are coping is through prayer that's the only way!!!!!

Max Griego’s Story:
I am retired, living on a limited income. I wonder how long that income will last. How can it last unless things pick up. I would like to understand what led to this downfall, and cannot, there are no simple answers to any questions I come up with. Yet I see the cost of living going up, up, up. I have many friends who are in the same boat I'm in. Some were working stiffs like I. Others are retired military. We feel as if we've been betrayed and cheated, frustrated and with little hope left.

Megan O'Rourke’s Story:
I've proudly worked since I was 14 years old. I raised my son alone after his father and I divorced when he was an infant. I've had three of my own businesses and contributed to the economy faithfully and without question. Paid my taxes, and finally bought my own home here in Wyoming. I started a small business here and now I am afraid I will lose both my home and my business. I live in a small town filled with hard-working, honest people who are too afraid to spend, and so am I.

Meghan’s Story:
I am a first year teacher getting let go at the end of this school year. Our school district is facing a huge deficit for next year and will be closing schools. I am hoping to find a job this summer so I can continue to pay off my student loans from college. I just don't understand how schools already struggling are going to cope with fewer teachers and larger classes. I see so much promise and hope for the future in my students and I feel like we are letting them down.

Melissa Conaway’s Story:
I am a 45 year old woman that was diagnosed with Advanced Stage's of MS,a Brain Tumor on my Brain Stem among other thing's.I have to give myself Rebif Shot's 3 time's a week.They want to send me to John's Hopkin's due to other Complication's the MS has caused.But with the economy the way it is i have to Choose month to month between my Med's,Food or Gas to get to the Doctor.I live on $674.00 a month that's not much when you have to Travel so far to the doctor.And food is Outrageous.

Michelle’s Story:
What has happened to the United States? Our founding Fathers would be appalled if they could see us today. The Boston Tea Party of over a 1% tax, and now we are going to be taxed to death. The United States government is entirely too big, and we are in the process of making it bigger. Our Founding Fathers believed that the government should be small, and uninvolved in the people’s lives. Does anyone remember any of this, or am I the only one who paid attention in American History? We are on our way to Communalism, and no one our ages is doing anything. This is an awful time to be an American. I still believe that we can go back to being a free country with a free market. We must stop this Socialism from becoming the way of life here.

Mick Maag Cambridge, Ohio’s Story:
Government has created small business monies avail... every small business needs to find this out right now.. stay above water... sba is offering great incentives... pass the word.. we will get through this bull crap... Bring america back... get jobs running again.. and keep them here.... dont buy anything Not made in America....

Micki B’s Story:
"The flag will always and has always mattered to me. I will never demean the sacrifice of those who have served my country with honor. I support our troops, no matter their assignment. My nephew is a young(age 18), hardcore Marine and he so very proud to be serving his country and will be going to the front lines by the end of the year. It's a beautiful thing to see our troops come home and be able to say "thank you" because of my nephew I know the sacrifices our troops make. God bless them!

Mike Morris’s Story:
Touching and entertaining, but to be honest I sure am getting tired of all this. I think it'd be nice if more of us got off our butts and started taking responsibility for our own fate, as did our fathers, grandfathers, and those that came before us - Moms and Grandmoms as well. Sure times are tough. Stop moaning and reacting emotionally. Pull your belt tight and get on with being a real American: tough, courageous, self-initiating and proud.

Miriam’s Story:
The economy is not really affecting me, I have always lived within my means. What is affecting our country is the evil that has spread with the help of our President and leaders. We have stepped away from the Lord and turned it over to satan. We need to get on our knees and ask forgiveness and turn back to our savior. He died on the cross for our sins and we have said I don't care. He is alive and we will all have to answer for our sins one day. We need to say no to evil.

Myra H. Lucas’s Story:
UNITED we will stand. DIVIDED we will fall. Any questions?