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Who does the economic crisis really hurt? Some politicos claim they are not hurt, that they have yet to see a recession. Maybe that is because they are somehow insulated from “main street”, as I frequently see people in pain due to our ailing economy. So, what is the face of a person hurt by our current economic crises?

First, we have the unemployed father of six children, who recently lost his job due to a “slow down”. He is a single dad since his wife was killed In a automobile accident ten months ago. How will he survive, how can he earn enough money to feed and clothe his children, pay for rent and utilities, and gas for the car? He knows that on unemployment compensation he cannot meet his obligations.

Then there is the teacher who was let go and no longer has a job because of low funds in the school district. He may survive on his job at a fast food restaurant. It is his students, now in a much larger class, whose education is suffering. One of his classes needed to be eliminated. so the students who can no longer take the subject he once taught are the ones whose education is hurting.

Others are the fireman and rookie police officer fired because the city budget can not afford their salaries. Yes, both are having some financial problems, but it is the city than suffers. Without an adequate force some

homeowner’s house may burn down. With fewer police the crime rate may increase. Due to budget problems caused by a lowered tax base, the city is not as safe.

Finally, workers nearing retirement are losing their nest eggs. Many, after decades of carefully building for their retirement have had their funds nearly eliminated. People who planned on retiring in the next few years now face long delays in their planned retirement. A few may need to work the rest of their lives.

So, I doubt that many politicians are really experiencing difficulties due to the recession as their salary and benefits are not sensitive to the economy. Some bankers lost their jobs but most left with huge bonus payments. Many companies went bankrupt but only the small business owners are in dire condition.

Typically it is those in poverty, the homeless, and the middle class who have real problems in a recession. If our politicians do not see that then they are not really in touch with the majority of the voters.