With gas prices going up every day, frustrated people find their bank accounts going down.. It has literally gotten to a point where individuals are paying more in a month for gas, than they do on car payments or even mortgages.

People just can not continue to go on without making some serious life changes.

I spoke recently with Beth in Wilmington, NC, who was forced to cancel her home phone, cable, and her security system in order to pay her bills and purchase gas. People are making sacrifices of luxuries they used to take for granted as every day needs. Beth makes over $70,000 per year, and is still struggling to make ends meet for her family of three.

I think a lot about those who work for minimum wage. In North Carolina the minimum wage is $6.15 per hour. If the worker receives 40 work hours per week, they will  clear approximately $200.00 to $220.00 per week.

Most workers who are only being paid minimum wage can not afford a good energy efficient car. They often have older model gas guzzlers that are not receiving proper maintenance. Usually because they have a child that needs diapers more than an oil change for their cars.

A 20 gallon fill-up is now costing them over $80.00. Nearly one third of their weekly income to fill up their car so they can make it to work.

These individuals were already in the poorhouse, and now they are nearly homeless.

I don't know what the answer is. I don't see a Presidential candidate with an answer. But I know we need an answer. Someone needs to step up to the plate and provide a solution now. We can't wait until January of 2009. We need help now.


And now for the humor... I know it's not a lot of help, but it made me feel better.



  


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