Reply #26: I would suggest to your co-worker that she either read

[sinkingfeeling]

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich or attempt the experiment herself. Bring up the fact that most people in poverty in USA are WORKING...most at more than one job. Ask her if she's stopped to figure out what it will cost her and her family when Bush&Co finishes converting the US to an 'ownership' society. Let's say she's 30...she will need to put at least $10K a year into IRA or 401K for retirement, then she will need to pay $6K/yr. if employer doesn't pay for family health care and at the same time, stash an additional $8-10K away for 'retirement' health care. And I hope that she is one of those who believe in no birth control, so has lots of kids....will need to have $40-60K per child for college education. If you're making a reasonable $50K per year, trying to own a home, this probably can't be done.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0805063897/qid=1105654701/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/104-8978065-8107944