I got laid off from a management position back in '01 from a Fortune 100 company. It changed my life. I decided right then to never, ever "suck on the corporate teat" again. I went back to my roots, a trade, started my own business, paid the house off, own all the cars outright, no debt except the remaining $23K on the boat. Losing the big job made me very careful about living within my means. The wife and I make great money now, I'm busier than ever, but we don't ever overextend ourselves financially. I feel bad for others that were caught with their pants down, too much debt and now no job. Its a tough lesson to learn but if you ever talk to anyone who lived through the Great Depression, they will explain it to you. I was lucky enough to get the wakeup call early. I hope others learn from the current crisis. I doubt many will though. RT

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When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K