An upside to downturn? Fat chance
The following is a Counterpoint:
By Betty Lomax
Regarding UNCG economist Christopher Ruhm (Short Stack, Feb. 18), who discovered that our economic downturn actually has an upside: The obesity rate should drop? Ha! Fat chance.
Don't try proving that fact to those of us who are living off the "dollar menu" at McDonald's. Those buck-apiece double cheeseburgers settle into our stomachs like lead balloons. They fill our arteries with cholesterol and fat even quicker.
Due to that lack of affordable health insurance, we will be a drain on health care services during what would have been our golden years. As for our kids and the McNuggets they gulp, they'll be left to fend for themselves until they, too, can look forward to more of the benefits of the failing economy.
According to Ruhm, fewer people drink or smoke during an economic downturn. He may be right ... but we also eat Excedrin like candy when we can afford them. And what about all those out-of-work bartenders?
Deaths connected to traffic accidents decline? Why? Well, yes, I guess there would be fewer cars on the road once we can no longer afford to pump gas into those old heaps. But what about an increase in the death rate of poor pedestrians who just simply need to walk to the nearest McDonald's? What about the risk of assault or worse? Even if we could afford a trip to the Dollar Store, it really isn't incentive enough to brave the dark, desolate streets you tread on to get there.
Ruhm neglected to calculate the risk of death for those of us who couldn't keep up with utility bills and have no service so we seek to heat our cold houses with barbecue grills. How many people die each year just trying to stay warm? Try finding the silver lining to that cloud.
From my position here at the very bottom of the economic totem pole, it is very hard to understand Christopher Ruhm's cheerful outlook. He must be getting paid a handsome salary to dig up stuff like this to make us feel better about our sad situation.
Man, I wish I could find a job like that!
The writer lives in Greensboro.
Comments (5)
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Speaking of gas we where promised when the liberals took control of congress they would bring gas prices down. What happened? Seems it went up about 40%. Now you say you are at the bottom of the economic ladder. Who fault is that? Second if you heat your house with a barbecue grill, you may wind up dead!
If you are not sick, you can do anything you want to do! Its called a little extra effort. Liberal before you start your character assassination, answer the question about why gas went up, after the liberals promised us it was going down, when they took over!
Posted on March 4, 2008 6:33 AM
All I can say, is this lady "told your hole", Christopher Ruhm. Better get some salve for that burn!
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Doggie,
Please quit posting the exact same thing on multiple letters--we heard your drivel the first time.
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Posted on March 4, 2008 7:43 AM
The letter writer has expressed the frustration of many American citizens at this point. I don't know if she is liberal or conservative and it does not matter. She sees the problems which have accumulated over the past 7 years.
By my calculations, if gas was $3 a gallon, a 40% increase would be $4.20. We are not there YET. I didn't hear anyone promise gas would go down. I haven't heard anyone address this issue. Who made this promise? I will write them a letter.
Posted on March 4, 2008 8:01 AM
Carol Dunn, this was a promise made by the democrats before the last election. Since that time gas is up by 40%. Liberal once again you can not address the question. You go to your character assassination, if you do not want to see the question, answer the question. Liberal I would suggest you buy the RNO they have a writer Barry Saunders you would just love.
Liberal I will post anything I want, seems you liberals do not really care for free speech, except when you are telling it. Carol send your letter to Hilliary and Nancy, and Harry. Let me know if tou get a answer.
Posted on March 5, 2008 6:08 AM
"Now you say you are at the bottom of the economic ladder. Who fault is that?"
Dog,
This could be anyone's and everyone's fault. The implication that this letter-writer is totally responsible for her situation is irresponsible. Stuff happens that one has absolutely no control over.
As I may remind you, I had no control over a drunk driver ending my father's life and almost ending mine 43 years later. I had no control over the permanent injuries he left me nor the permanent heartache the drunk driver who killed my dad left me.
I know there are people who abuse the system, people who do not try to improve their situation and people who are just plain sorry. However, is it fair to judge everyone because of this? The writer's circumstances may be her "fault". Then again, it may be beyond her control or she may be presenting reality for a lot of folks and not talking about herself at all.
Posted on March 5, 2008 8:55 AM