Friends and Neighbors

As Jessica posted a reminder about the NBC Dateline special for last night, I am writing my review of the program.

I missed the actual t.v. airing last night but I had the opportunity to watch it online this morning. The hour is filled with first hand accounts of low-income families in Southeast Ohio and some personal stories of what they deal with on an almost daily basis. The whole hour was extremely touching and also very eye-opening! I knew the economy was bad in Ohio but I had no idea the extreme choices forced upon some people. By extreme choices I mean whether to pay their bills or feed their families. I come from a very middle class family in a very rural area so I have an understanding of the hardships some people must go through, but I have been lucky enough to not experience first hand. After watching this program it made me feel like I really needed to get out in the community and do everything I can to help these people: our friends, our neighbors, and our families. There were many times I had to fight back tears of not only anger that more isn't being done, but also of compassion and sympathy I feel for the situation many families are in.

Most of you reading this already know just how bad the situation is in Southeast Ohio, how much help is needed, and how much work must be done, but I still strongly suggest watching this program. It is available online at:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38382773/ns/dateline_nbc-america_now