With all respect due your mother, so could I.

Beautiful story! Thanks, OP!

There are probably at least 100 million Americans who could write something similar. Unfortunately, that number includes few policitians, who seem to be of the Kennedy, Pelosi, Feinstein, and Kerry types who were born to money and married more of it.

The current batch of politicians do not want to make do. They are not looking at how to sustain our economy in the long term. They are attempting to remain in power, and to remain in power they have to give away as much as they can while blaming the other side for destroying the economy.

The fiscal cliff is a shiny object to keep Americans from realizing the true devastation our growing debt will cause, these guys hope long after they´re in the ground.

During the depression, there were men/women,
mostly men, who lived along the railroad tracks and I believe they traveled here and there by jumping on various trains, but I am getting away from my point. These individuals made from found scraps projects like mirrors, cabinets, shelving, etc., and they would trade or if lucky sell them. They knew how to make do! Today these objects are art collections. But these folks could do a much better job in Washinghton than the current Obama administration,

I think the point here is that they, and a whole lot like them, weren´t on the dole. They relied on working extra jobs and doing without. The generosity of family, friends and neighbors was welcomed and appreciated when offered. And most likely reciprocated when possible. Now it´s the governments job to do this. What a decline to take (tax) from the citizenry to distribute what once was freely given. Sad, sad, sad.

The story also illustrates that when people are a part of a community, they know each other and can find ways to help while keeping everyone´s pride intact. I live in a place where I know very few people, because everyone comes and goes so quickly. If I died in the street, people would probably drive around me until someone got exasperated enough to call the cops.

"Charity begins at home" is what we need to get back to. Did Obama´s flyover warm a single Sandy victim? Do we know how much money was raised by Springsteen and where it went? But if we hand a $20 bill to someone we know and tell them that when things get better, they can do the same for someone else, no one´s pride is damaged and we´ve seen where the money is going.

Whenever I hear politicians whining that we don´t do enough for the poor, I think of the women on Extreme Couponing who manage to feed their entire family for a pittance. Not to say I am a fan of the kind of diet many of them must follow to do this, but the point is the same: with some effort, you can make a little money go a long way.

I´m curious. Has anyone seen an EBT card holder use coupons?

Not sure how term limits help anything. Just look at Calif. Term limits made things worse, as pols are always looking at the next office to run for once they are termed out...so they have to spend even more to curry favor, etc.

So you term out a big spender...you think Dems in that district are going to elect a fiscal conservative? Or more of the same?

Cute idea, tho

How the pols have tricked too many into believing term limits won´t work. Term limits correctly applied will work.

No but there is nothing to stop his wife from running with The One governing from behind the scence but she would have to climb over Hillary who intends to do the same thing for her husband- provided his ticker holds out and he doesn´t run off with his billionaire girlfriend Belininda Stromach first. Never under estimate the stupidity of the American voter.

I wonder how many humble, sincere and fervent prayers the Heavenly Father has heard regarding this "fiscal cliff", especially from those doing the negotiating.

Dear Father in Heaven, may we humbly turn to you in repentance, forgive our sins, hear our prayers, guide us and those who govern, and bless the United States of America. In Christ´s precious name, Amen.

An uplifting story, beautifully told. I once saw an old sampler with a timely message. It is only four lines, but even with his team of advisors, the Sage of the South Side could never comprehend it: Use it up; wear it out; make it do; do without.

Great story. Unfortunately, the generation today cannot relate. Christmas is everyday to many, including the idiots in Washington.

I go to a prayer site online and the stories are gut wrenching as Americans search for jobs, medical care, help to pay utilities, necessities and keep a roof over their heads. While some fight for legal drugs, these people cry because they have lost their families to drugs and alcohol.