Someone pass the tissues....

I just started crying for the first time today.

I don't know what caused it. I was writing AtomicKitten, whose an Obama supporter whose always been nice towards Edwards in her posting to say thanks for all the nice things she's said in the past, and I just started balling.

I don't know how I'm supposed to make it through college with things the way they are. There is no light at the end of the tunnel, and John Edwards seemed like my hope for the future.

Now I'm geniunely concerned about not only my future, but my brothers future and my sisters future. And their children and future grand children.

I'm extrememly frustrated right now. I have no healthcare, I'm working my hardest to get ahead on a small salary, trying to pay for college, and barely able to pay my bills with worries that things at the current pace will only mean I'll go into debt soon enough. I live on my own, and often worry about paying my rent and my electric bills. Money is so tight I can't even think about doing things that college students my age think about doing: going to movies, going on trips, etc.

My parents are struggling too. I go home to see them deal with bill collectors. The phone calls have gotten so bad, my parents don't answer the phone anymore because they know it's just bill collectors calling. My parents van was taken away because they couldn't make the payments, and my parents credit which they worked hard to rebuild is being crushed once again.

This sucks. My mom believed in John Edwards too.

And today, I saw in her that same concern I feel right now.

Anyone got a tissue?

Me too, i like Obama, and Hillary
But my money was on Edwards, as he was the only one that could
unite the US again

:cry: :cry: :cry:
:hug: :hi:

Your whole story sounds like me four years ago - down the last word. I am too sad that Edwards is dropping out of the race. I was going to vote for him. I am a black female , and I related to Edwards more than I did Obama and Clinton.I don't like either Obama and Clinton and I think they are just mediawhoring and sparring for nothing and its getting on my nerves - I don't like where their campaigns are going. And I am glad that Edwards stayed out of the sparring because that's the only way either campaign (Clinton and Obama) got attention.

But I don't think Edwards has given up hope yet so you should'nt give up on hope either :hug:

Edwards was dropping out.... I really feel that we have lost the one candidate that made a difference to not only the poorest of this nation, but also the middle class. John would have happily taken on corporations, and beaten the crap out of them. This is a serious loss to the country in my opinion, and I really don't know where were headed now.

imagine how you must feel. I am an Obama supporter and if he doesn't go on...I'll cry my eyes out....in despair for the future of the country.

I guess you'll have to eventually ask yourself what he would want you to do.

Be it Hillary or Obama, I don't think he'd want you to lose all hope. Plus, look at it this way...John WILL have a say in any Dem administration and he won't mince words.

Crying is good. IMO, we're given the gift of crying for a reason.

Take care...

Tyne

and I wish I could tell you it will pass quickly, but it probably won't. Just when you think you are over it, you will read a post like yours and it will all come to the surface again.

Know that you are not alone. Those of us who lost a candidate understand what you are going through and have stocked up on tissue that we'll gladly share.

My mom is heartbroken, too.

:hug: Kerry2008 and Mom :hug:

Hang in there. Make sure the importance of John Edward's issues particularly health care is apart of your discussions with everyone you know. If people talk to you about Obama or Hillary, tell them what those candidates need to do to help people like you and the rest of us.

I would put a (make) bumper sticker for Edwards and place it on your car, or wear (make) a button you can wear to engage people in a discussion, to talk to them about the importance of these issues, and to push the movement forward on health care. <People will wonder why you have a bumper sticker for Edward when he has withdrawn. It is good conversation starter.>

I do have health care which has gotten to the point where I can not afford it much longer. I am a healthy person and I am paying over $5600 per year just for premiums - that does not include copays, and deductibles out of my own pocket.

The change is up to us. We have to force this issue upon whoever is our candidate. We have to be in their faces. It is about our lives.

Don't give up. I have been there. I have gone through times when I have even had much less than now.

It is really true what Margaret Mead said: "Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Congratulate yourself that you are a part of this group.

This is so true. Be a part of the change you seek even if you can only do it in small ways.
Demonstrate it regularly and often and live your passion.

:hug:

I needed this.

I pounded John Edwards pretty good on it. I didn't at first appreciate his obviously heartfelt apology, but then it began to resonate, particularly in comparison to the haughty resistance to the possibility that wasn't a particularly good vote coming from Hillary which she then compounded by voting for K-L.

But it matters. And John has conducted himself with integrity and dignity throughout this campaign. He has been a fearless advocate for the downtrodden in this country, and there are so many in need.

John's voice will continue to resonate. No worries about that.

Again, my most heartfelt condolences.

:grouphug:

The best case scenario would be if Clinton gets elected, but its doubtful she will push hard for her plan. The soonest we can expect to see any significant reform (aside from throwing a bone to veterans and children) will be 6 to 8 years at best.

Neither Clinton or Obama will do anything substantive their first term in office. They may throw out a few tax credits and widen eligibility for children and some poor parents (yes, you're still screwed if you're an adult with no dependent children) and add some money for veterans. But because neither is likely to get us out of Iraq any time soon, there will be no money to pay for true reform.

They may offer a package of tax credits to help buy private health insurance sometime in the first 2 or 3 years, but the insurance companies will take all of that by raising their premiums to match your tax credit. In the end it will still be expensive to you and will cause the cost of the program to balloon, giving GOP'ers and excuse to cut it. Tax credits for health insurance are just another form of corporate welfare.

C & O are also highly unlikely to enact any regulations they've promised, e.g. forcing insurance companies to cover everyone regardless of pre-existing conditions. They will face opposition from the very people who are now funding their campaigns. Its highly unlikely they will do anyting beyond passing some kind of bill that sounds good, but will have no enforcement or penalties. So when you go to hold your insurance company accountable for refusing to cover you, you'll find there only penalty is a small fine or less.

Edwards leaving the race also gives a green light to states to begin experimenting with their own Frankenstein health care reform proposals. Make no mistake there's a lot of campaign cash to be picked up for enacting more health insuranc company welfare (tax credits for crappy coverage with no cap on ever rising premiums). If you live in a GOP controlled state, you'll be in for a lot of proposals for "insurance lite" or association health plans (AHP's). Your employer will buy one for you and make you help pay for it, but when it comes time to use it, you'll find it covers very, very little.

Best bet is to lock into a real health care plan now and save your money to cover COBRA costs if you lose your job, your employer drops your coverage, etc. If you can't do that, do some research and learn how the "charity care" system is supposed to work in your state and take advantage of that. Get to know your state Dept of Insurance and how to file complaints when your insurance company starts trying to cover less or reject your claims.

And pray for 2012, when we may next have a shot at real health care reform. Sorry that's the best forecast I can offer. Clinton and/or Obama will NOT rock the boat if elected and they'll only go through the motions of health care reform.