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Title: Ashley’s Tragic Story: A Heartbreaking Example Of How The Economic Collapse Of America Is Destroying Lives
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URL Source: http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/ ... of-america-is-destroying-lives
Published: Feb 7, 2011
Author: Ashley, Economic Collapse Blog
Post Date: 2011-02-07 15:03:55 by Capitalist Eric
Keywords: None
Views: 65053
Comments: 92
What you are about to read is perhaps the most heartbreaking story that I have ever come across. It is so tragic that I am not even quite sure how to introduce it. Some time ago, a reader named Ashley sent me an email that described the nightmare that she has been living through over the past year. Ashley's email was very different from the vast majority of emails I usually receive, and I wrote her back right away and asked her some questions. One of the most important questions I asked was whether or not she really wanted me to share her story with the public. Privacy is such a precious thing, and I wanted her to understand that if I shared her story that thousands upon thousands of people would end up seeing it. After considering what I had to say, Ashley said that she was 100% sure that I should share her story because she felt that it could really help some people. Sometimes it can be really easy to get lost in the economic numbers and to forget that this economy is really and truly destroying lives. The truth is that there are millions of Americans out there today that are hurting just like Ashley is. Her story is more dramatic than most, but that doesn't mean that we all don't know someone that could use our help. We have lost our sense of community in America, and thousands upon thousands of people like Ashley are falling through the cracks. I cannot even imagine going through the things that Ashley has had to go through over the past year. If you think about it, please say a prayer for her. Also, let this story be an inspiration to all of us to stop being so cold-hearted and to help out those in need that are all around us. The following is Ashley's story as told in her own words.... ***** Dear Michael, My name is Ashley. I live in Upstate New York I have been reading your Economic Collapse blog for the past year. Everything that you have said is true. Our economy is dying, and the economic collapse has destroyed the lives of many, many people. I should know. I am one of them. I lost my house, my car, my feet and my father, all in just seven months. My father and I had a great life together. He raised me as a single parent. My mother died while giving birth to me. So it was just him and me as I was growing up, and things were wonderful for us, but then everything changed. In September of 2009, my father was laid off from his job after 26 years. He tried so hard to find another job, but he just couldn't get one. The economy was too horrible. As a result of the loss of income, he was unable to continue making the mortgage and car payments. Our car was repossessed, and not long after that, the bank foreclosed on us and we lost our house. We moved into a low rent, hole in the wall apartment and lived off of his savings and his unemployment benefits for the next few months. Finally, in December of 2009, I was lucky enough to get a part time job at a pizza place. It was a really long walk from our apartment, but we needed the money badly. So I took the job. By mid winter, my old snow boots, which had successfully lasted me through several terrible winters, were beginning to rapidly deteriorate. They had holes all over them and they were splitting at the seams. My feet were soaked and freezing all day long. At that point, we were lucky to have food on the table. We had to watch every penny. We couldn't afford to get me new boots. So I had to make do with the ones I had. My father worked feverishly to try and repair them. He spent hours supergluing them duct taping them. In addition to that, I doubled up on socks and wore plastic bags inside my boots, but nothing did any good. My feet still got drenched. One morning, in mid February of 2010, I took the last walk I would ever take on my own two feet. There was a huge blizzard raging outside, but we couldn't afford to lose a day's worth of pay. So I ventured out into the blizzard and made the long trudge to work anyway. As usual, my feet were drenched and freezing within minutes of leaving my apartment, but there was no choice but to just stick it out. So I kept going. I finally arrived at work to find the place closed. Nobody had called to tell me. There was nothing to do but turn around and make the long trudge back home. By the time I got home, I knew that something was seriously wrong with my feet. They felt horrible. My father helped me out of my drenched boots and socks and we discovered that my feet were all purple and swollen. They were severely frostbitten. My father was terrified to take me to the emergency room because that would have bankrupted us. So he did everything he could to try and rewarm my feet at home. He spent the next several days giving me hot chocolate, bundling my feet up in blankets, putting my feet on his stomach, etc. But nothing did any good. My feet didn't get any better. They just kept getting worse. They eventually turned black and began to ooze. At that point, my father broke down and called a car service to take us to the hospital. The doctors told us that, given the extent of the damage, they would not able to save my feet. The frostbite had progressed too far. I ended up having both of my feet amputated. For the next whole month, my father didn't do anything but sob. He sobbed himself to sleep every night. He blamed himself for me losing my feet. I rolled myself into his room on my wheelchair every night and wrapped my arms around him as tight as I could. I told him that it wasn't his fault and that I didn't blame him for anything. I told him he was the best father any girl could ever have and that I wouldn't trade him for anything. I think it helped a little in the moment, but as time went on, he just fell further and further into depression. On the morning of March 15th, 2010, I was awakened by a knock on the door from a police officer. He told me that my father was dead. I told the officer that was ridiculous and that there had been a mistake, but he insisted that my father was dead and that I should come with him. I went racing into my father's room as fast as my wheelchair could carry me, but he was gone. There was a note on his bed that he had left for me. In the note, he told me that he loved me dearly. He loved me more than anything, but that he had failed me. He told me that I would be better off without him. At that moment, my heart stopped as I began to realize what must have happened. Horrified, I made my way back to the police officer, and he told me that my father had jumped out the window of our apartment in the middle of the night. I went into shock and begged the police officer to let me see him, but he insisted that I wouldn't want to see him that way. I started sobbing so hard that the police ended up having to take me to the hospital. I've cried myself to sleep every night since. I'll never understand how my father could have thought that I'd be better off without him. If only he had known how much I needed him. If it wasn't for my extremely kind hearted and caring neighbor, I don't know where I would be right now. She's such a sweet lady. After I lost my father, she took me in and took care of me as though I were her own family. She has gradually helped nurse me back to health, both physically and mentally. This is probably going to sound really crazy, but throughout this past year, you have been one of my heroes, Michael. As devastating as the truth of your words may be, it is refreshing that somebody has the good sense and the good judgement to come forward and say them. All the government and the media do is lie to us, every single day. I only wish more people would listen to you and heed your warnings. Feel free to post my story on your blog if you would like. You have my permission to do so. I just ask that you not reveal my full name and my email address. Just use my first name. Perhaps my story will serve some purpose in the way of helping to wake some of these idiots up and getting them to realize that this nightmare is real. Best Regards, Ashley
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Comments (1-21) not displayed.
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#22. To: go65 (#16)
No, no, you've got it all wrong. If there were no corporate taxes, low, low taxes on the wealthy, no environmental regulations, no minimum wage, no child labor laws, why every rich person and corporation in the world would want to be here. They would need maids, and pool cleaners, and gardeners - wealth would truly tricked down instead of getting all blocked up by big government regulations.
Merchants have no country. The mere spot they stand on does not constitute so strong an attachment as that from which they draw their gains. Thomas Jefferson
Fred Mertz: "He really does have a short fuse, doesn't he"? Capitalist Eric: "Not at all. I'm just not going to play "nice" with the socialist shitbags anymore. They're parasites. And I'm going to keep calling them on it. A man gets to a point, where he's had "enough." Maybe you'll reach that point, some day. Maybe not. Either way, I don't give a shit. Stand or fall, your choice". Well said Eric, somehow you spoke what was in my mind and heart too, there comes a time when we either stand our ground, or give up and give in, I would rather be dead than give in to these blithering, robotic fools who cannot, or will not think for themselves, but continue to spew what they've been programed to say. These fools have no convictions to stand by, therefore, they stand for nothing, and fall for anything. They would rather fight and quarrl with their fellow man, than face the tryrant who takes everything they own, guts and perserverance is foreign to them. jmho~
Did you notice the Packer's coach is named Mike McCarthy too? You take a special delight in trying to character assassinate people for entertainment. Like your thread mentioning people with similar names to me who are criminals hoping I was one of them so you could have a 'got ya' moment. Or accusing Robin of feeding me information when I already knew who you are, and there were posts on the Internet that IDed you and Internet activity involving you and yours' very easy to find. Since you have been back, no amount of civil discourse gets a civil conversation out of you. Instead you deal in very trollish behavior Before you talk and mis-spell about "fighting and quarreling" that emanates from others, you should look in the mirror and see you describe yourself to a 'T.' I tried to be civil, you don't want that, and you asked for what is coming.
Get back on the meds!!!!!!
Murron is a despicable, hate-filled old woman who just can't stand the idea that "one of THEM" is now president.
You talk too much....
Why? If I did that I wouldn't be able to tell you to 'Go FK Yourself Raghead'~
You think poorly and too little.
Not really! I just don't like you...
It is a name that means, "father of Daughters." It is taken from a character on 'The West Wing' who was a White House tour guide.
I already knew that, looked it up once, but an ass-hole is still an ass-hole by any name they choose...
In her defense, she is not necessarily racist, but racism is a complex issue, and she gets confused on it like anything else. Her largest problem is lack of a well rounded education, and offhand I don't think her cognitive processes work too swimmingly. She reminds me of friends who did meth and who's heads no longer process anything input into the brain well any more. She has the ethics of a dishonest street beggar, and her legs are likely like the meter on a cab that starts recording fees as soon as they are spread.
I know. Even if it is a name lifted from the movie Braveheart.
No. Really, Mammy, you are. The smear you tried to pull against Mike showed everyone exactly what you are. If you had any class you'd slither away, never to be heard from again.
She has the ethics of a dishonest street beggar, and her legs are likely like the meter on a cab that starts recording fees as soon as they are spread. If that makes you feel good about yourself, I'm sure you can numerate on it, build it up, your fellow euro trash just hangs on your every word.
You have a point, and if the government repealed laws against slavery and prostitution, they would increase her options for work. How on earth can we expect Ashley to earn a living given all the repression?
Since January 3, 2011, Republicans have controlled the power of the purse.
The smear you tried to pull against Mike showed everyone exactly what you are. If you had any class you'd slither away, never to be heard from again.
Numerate? What does being able to think and express oneself effectively in quantitative terms have to do with anything?
Murron carbo loading for a long Internet session. Eric, you make a great point! America's socialist economy, not the dad is to blame for the fact he could not find a job and thus was too poor to afford health care. Since it is not the dad's fault and until we get rid of this evil and vile socialist govt - especially because it's not the fault of the dad that he could not find work - we should have socialized medical care for all - since it's not fair to make this man and people in his position suffer. What do you say?
"Keep Your Goddamn Government Hands Off My Medicare!" - Various Tea Party signs.
Each time you attempt your amateurish psychoanalysis on me you add something new (inunerate), you try to drag me down even further...but the jokes on you, it's not me you're hurting at all, your trash talk about me says more about who you are. You, and this trash, don't know me at all, but I'll give you this, you have a good imagination.
LOL..mike, if I looked like that, I'd do you a big favor and shoot myself, anyway, stone, badeye, and a couple of others here know I'm a tiny person, but I'm sure that won't stop your childish fun. lmaoay...
fools? listen lard ass the only time you ever made a stand was when someone tried to pull cuts on you in the donut line. why do you raise up and strike the TYRANT down, you chickenshit loud mouth stank. (of course, i assuming you can raise your fat ass off the sofa)
Poor attempt to explain the wrong word used to mean something it does not fit. I don't have to try to 'trash' you at all. You shoot yourself in the foot well enough it needs no special effort to hobble you. War cry of the double wide living in a double wide.
why do you raise up and strike the TYRANT down, you chickenshit loud mouth stank. (of course, i assuming you can raise your fat ass off the sofa) Say pretty please....
Wrong again white man, I live on a ranch...
You are small, banal and shallow. But you are also a fat head. So?
damn, did we have another earthquake are did you just shift from one ass cheek to another???
Yes, you do rent a nice place, but metaphorically; trailer trash does as trailer trash thinks. Whether they are physically there at the moment or not.
Ashley's father was a cowardly jagoff, she is better off without him. All her socialist neighbors figured that they had done their duty by voting for communist politicians, and that the state would take care of everything. In their stoned stupor they imagined that they were just fabulous, because they tolerated the diversity of Ashley's toes sticking out of her boots in the snow. The good news is that both Ashley and her compassionate neighbor have probably turned into capitalists, since by now they're painfully aware of the shortcomings of socialism.
Mike you shouldn't talk about people. I have seen your tie died picture that you used to sport at 4um.
Your post speaks more of your moral bankruptcy than anything else. There is never an excuse for a post like yours'.
What's wrong with it, too accurate a depiction of your homeboys?
If you can't see what I'm talking about, nothing I say will help you.
How do you feel about the increase in suicide rates in our servicemen? We now have more people kill themselves than die in combat. Is this a 'moral failure' of those who put their lives on the line for you, me and everyone else? I'm curious. It sounds like you have no idea what suicide is about, or has empathy for anyone but yourself.
It's a moral failure of congress and the CIC's who sent them into a phony war. Those who voted them into office share the blame.
That was a better answer than the cold sneering scoff you made concerning this grieved and stressed parent who died. I volunteer at a free clinic (White Bird) in Eugene, OR and as a volunteer front desk person has had training about the suicide issue. I didn't anger at your lack of savvy and entropy. It just made me sad for you.
I'd call you a very small person, Mammy
Desperate for attention? lmaoay.....
In their stoned stupor they imagined that they were just fabulous, because they tolerated the diversity of Ashley's toes sticking out of her boots in the snow. During the Great Depression my mother wore shoes in the snow with cardboard jammed in the soles to plug up the holes. Her neighbors didn't come through with a new pair of shoes for her either because they and their shoes were in the same condition. Only Republicans and their stooges believe government buys shoes for the undeserving poor and everyone gets the same medical care.
Merchants have no country. The mere spot they stand on does not constitute so strong an attachment as that from which they draw their gains. Thomas Jefferson
Comments (63 - 92) not displayed.
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/LatestNonsense, her dad was afraid to go to the emergency room because taxes on the wealthiest Americans are too high.
#23. To: Capitalist Eric, calcon, Fred Mertz (#15)
calcon: "erica, it looks like you're sliding deeper and deeper into the depths of insanity. damn man, give up the meth it'll kill you"
#24. To: Murron (#23)
"These fools have no convictions to stand by, therefore, they stand for nothing, and fall for anything. They would rather fight and quarrel with their fellow man, than face the tryrant who takes everything they own, guts and perserverance is foreign to them."
#25. To: Murron (#23)
#26. To: Ferret Mike, Murron (#24)
#27. To: Ferret Mike (#24)
#28. To: Abu el Banat (#25)
Get back on the meds!!!!!!
#29. To: Murron (#27)
#30. To: Skip Intro (#26)
Murron is a despicable, hate-filled old woman who just can't stand the idea that "one of THEM" is now president.
#31. To: Murron (#28)
#32. To: Ferret Mike (#31)
It is a name that means, "father of Daughters." It is taken from a character on 'The West Wing' who was a White House tour guide.
#33. To: Skip Intro (#26)
"Murron is a despicable, hate-filled old woman who just can't stand the idea that "one of THEM" is now president."
#34. To: Murron (#32)
"I already knew that, looked it up once, but an ass-hole is still an ass-hole by any name they choose..."
#35. To: Murron (#30)
Not really
#36. To: Ferret Mike (#33)
She reminds me of friends who did meth and who's heads no longer process anything input into the brain well any more.
#37. To: lucysmom (#22)
If there were no corporate taxes, low, low taxes on the wealthy, no environmental regulations, no minimum wage, no child labor laws, why every rich person and corporation in the world would want to be here. They would need maids, and pool cleaners, and gardeners - wealth would truly tricked down instead of getting all blocked up by big government regulations.
#38. To: Skip Intro (#35)
No. Really, Mammy, you are.
#39. To: Murron (#36)
"If that makes you feel good about yourself, I'm sure you can numerate on it, build it up, your fellow euro trash just hangs on your every word."
#40. To: Murron (#38)
#41. To: Capitalist Eric, jwpegler, A K A Stone, Rudgear, Happy Quanzaa, eskimo, Fred Mertz, hondo68, Jethro Tull, Murron, go65, war, lucysmom (#12)
The presence of a socialist GOVERNMENT is why the dad could not find work, why the economy is collapsing and the entire story occured.
#42. To: Ferret Mike (#39)
#43. To: Ferret Mike (#40)
#44. To: Murron (#23)
These fools have no convictions to stand by, therefore, they stand for nothing, and fall for anything. They would rather fight and quarrl with their fellow man, than face the tryrant who takes everything they own, guts and perserverance is foreign to them. jmho~
#45. To: Murron (#42)
#46. To: calcon (#44)
fools? listen lard ass the only time you ever made a stand was when someone tried to pull cuts on you in the donut line.
#47. To: Ferret Mike (#45)
War cry of the double wide living in a double wide.
#48. To: Murron (#43)
"I'm a tiny person"
#49. To: Murron (#46)
#50. To: Murron (#47)
#51. To: Godwinson, Abu el Banat, jwpegler, A K A Stone, Rudgear, Happy Quanzaa, eskimo, Fred Mertz, Jethro Tull, Murron (#11)
#52. To: Ferret Mike (#50)
#53. To: hondo68 (#51)
#54. To: Ferret Mike (#53)
There is never an excuse for a post like yours'.
#55. To: hondo68 (#54)
#56. To: hondo68 (#54)
#57. To: Ferret Mike (#56)
Is this a 'moral failure' of those who put their lives on the line for you, me and everyone else?
#58. To: hondo68 (#57)
#59. To: Murron (#43)
know I'm a tiny person
#60. To: All (#59)
know I'm a tiny person
#61. To: Skip Intro (#60)
I'd call you a very small person, Mammy
#62. To: hondo68 (#51)
All her socialist neighbors figured that they had done their duty by voting for communist politicians, and that the state would take care of everything.
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