Messages By: carolejane

Calling N-ey one a derogatory name is not acceptable. It's not a matter of just the N word, it's a matter of all words that cause distress to a person. I personally think that words like, IDIOT, MORON, JERK, STUPID, MINDLESS FOOL and any other name that belittles a person is just not acceptable. I do live in the real world but don't believe in cutting folks to ribbons just because of  intense emotions that might go out of control.

I worked as an EMT in a large city back in the 1980's. One hot night my partner and I were called into a heavily populated black area. As we took the patient out of the apartment building, out of the darkness came a deep voice.."HONKEY" was what that voice spoke. I was not feeling too safe however, it was my job to take this sick person to the hospital. Color wasn't important. All blood is red, flesh is the same color under the skin. But...I know what being called a derogatory name is like and I was not happy with it considering the dangerous situation I was in at that moment. It was demeaning as is the N word.

I live in a very diverse town. I believe that all folks (whatever color or ethenticity)  have the right to a good life, education and a safe environment.

I can remember the first time I heard one black man call out to another one..."Hey N"~!  I have to admit, my jaw dropped~! I had been taught that it wasn't a good name to call someone and that I could get killed for it or at least get very very hurt~! But to hear that word called out like that really surprised me. I'm not that foolish to think it's not happening but to have it done so publicly was unbelievable to me. I despise racism in any form.  There is no place in this world for the N word~!!!!

My husband and I are 67 and 73 respectivly. I have full guardianship of my 11 year old grand daughter whom we have had with us since she was born. We live on our SS and my husbands retirement. I work part time as a School Crossing Guard and am paid very well for this part time job.  I CAN'T take a day off though. We'd suffer financially because my paycheck goes for home and car insurance plus some food and gas. I struggled to get us out of debt, when one bill got paid off, I rolled that money into another bill, adding money and got another one, added all that money on and things got paid off quickly.  I paid off my little 2004 Honda Civic 13 months early. Then I rolled that money right into a loan and got that paid off 7 months early. Now...just as that got paid off, the electrical box in our home had rain water come into it through the wires and box outside. Guess what, we're back in debt again to pay an electrician to fix the problem. The point is, SAVE YOUR MONEY FOR A RAINY DAY~~!!  We could have done that years ago and hind sight is always 20-20. If I had taken 50 bucks off the top of the pay check 35+ years ago each month (municipal workers get paid by weekly) years ago, we'd not be in this position I don't think. You'd be surprised how much you can save if you did this consistantly over the years. I went to a Dave Ramsey financial peace seminar and learned a lot. We're not over our heads in debt, got a mortgage, etc.. and I don't use credit cards..but I am very frugal with our money. When in stores, I always ask me, "Do I really NEED this thing or will it be a frill?) Most times, it isn't bought. I am very conscious of how we use utilities, buy groceries on sale and use coupons. We do have life insurance on each of us and I've started a small retirement a few years ago with my municipal job. I'm enrolled in a SS alternative plan but the town has required us to do that. In all it's a tidy sum but I've got to retire or die to get the money, in the case of  my death,  my husband gets the money. To all young folks...think ahead. Save and plan for your financial future. We didn't and that is why we're struggling paycheck to paycheck. Our 11 year old is doing good, we make sure she gets what she needs, in and out of school. Her Mom helps when she can too. Start a small savings plan and stick to it. You'd be surprised how large it can get over the years. Stop getting coffee at Starbucks, make your own. Dunkin Donuts gets rich off coffee/and., you could bring that from home too. Brown bag for lunch at work. Don't drive unnecessarily and stay out of stores when you're in a funky mood. Go in with a list and purpose. Take it from me, I've learned the hard way. I'm going to tape this show, I've got a feeling it's going to be good.