The Economy?
Is this a problem? The other day someone in America called a local radio show to laugh at us for not discussing the terrible economy. I guess we’re just used to having a “terrible” economy by now.
Since after hurricane Hugo in 1989 (okay, there was a slight boost during the “reconstruction” of our island, when anyone with a hammer was suddenly a $25/hour “carpenter”), growth has been stagnant. But after that, every year we hope for a better season than the last, and we are ultimately disappointed.
I think we have stopped hoping so hard, especially with all the “pain” those fat Americans are talking about.
Michael was talking to a co-worker the other day about feeling the pain of the “terrible” economy, and they both just shrugged their shoulders agreeing that we’ve been down so long, it really isn’t a big deal to us.
None of us are starving, and we have a lot to be thankful for.
What economy?
November 19th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
The accumulation of wealth has never been a goal of mine. I like what I do very much and I like the things it affords me like travel and not being beholding to anyone.
Okay, I do like a gadget once in a while and my old 1989 Jeep and a few rounds of golf (not so much anymore).
Gigi and I did not participate in the technology boom and crash; I invest conservatively for a rainy day.
We didn’t participate in the real estate boom and crash; we live in the same house as we have for the past 20 years. We didn’t borrow to buy things.
Then suddenly all things of value began to crash in price, there was no way to nimble your way out of the tidal wave of asset evaporation.
What you are seeing here is people who had a good net worth that in a matter of a few quarters worth 40% less and they know in their mind how long they can hang on.
This asset collapse came on so suddenly that fear crept in. Now in many circles it has turned to terror.
We have a whole generation of people who haven’t experienced a recession or any reasonable slowdown in their life. Not since 1973-74 or 1982 have we seen what we are seeing now and now if very different than those periods.
People thought if they had enough stuff then the stuff would protect them for life.
What I hope people will realize is things are just things, assets are just numbers. But family, friends, neighbors and your critters are real.
The best things in life are free.
I think a lot now about Richard. Seriously, he may have some characteristics to emulate especially his attitude.
November 19th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Richard’s attitude has seemed a little less upbeat these days as well. I guess the fat cats who usually assuage their guilt by giving to him are feeling the pinch and perhaps it has trickled down to him.
I consider him to be just another beggar and I don’t give money to any of them. Richard had a chance to be rehabilitated and he refused. Oh well…..
November 19th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I agree with wreggie’s comment. The most important thing in my life is my Faith first (no one can take that away from me) and my family and friends. So I feel rich in that respect but I am not rich materially at all. Just have enough. I am happy. But it is hard to watch my money I saved for retirement slip away but I will keep on saving and hoping it all works out.
November 19th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I agree with Wreggie. Walt and I live our lives the same way, we love what we do, we don’t spend beyond our means, we never planned to cash in on our house which is our biggest asset. I have seen a hit on my retirement fund, but hey, an artist never really retires, we just slow down…It seems to me the media likes putting the fear of an economic crash on the front page. Sometimes it looks as if they enjoy scaring folks ( just my impression). Yes, I am sure there are people who spent unwisely, and now they are looking at a big debt and the stuff they bought is now falling in value. That is life, there are no sure bets. As far as St. Croix and it’s economy goes, yea Terry, you gotta be tough, creative, and take advantage of the good things there are in living on a tropical island. It always seemed to me when I lived there that we would take two steps forward, then have to take two steps backwards. But, I do believe the slow economy has helped keep St. Croix from over-development, saved some of it’s beautiful spaces, and kept the island real.
November 19th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Our beggars in Charlotte can be dangerous. I have been accosted by two in my 30 years here by refusing to give them money for nothing except threats. One chased me down when I ran.
I met Richard “the Beggar” in 2003. I approached him asking where I might find a good restaurant in Christiansted. He was happy, polite and helpful. He told us about Bacchus and even went into some of the menu items. It turned out to be one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. We met Jody that night without a reservation and they worked us in.
Richard asked for a few dollars and I gladly gave it to him. He was a great ambassador for your island that night. I would have been cornered and robbed in Charlotte wondering the streets at 10 PM.
I run into Richard most every time I’m on island. He is always friendly.
I guess if you are local Richard could disgust you after a while.
Perhaps his lot in life includes being a junkie alcoholic. I find meaning in his presence even though he is a homeless addicted beggar. Guilt has never played a role in my seeking him out. I don’t pity him or mock him.
Richard has chosen his life unlike some of the other beggars there that were dumped or are off mentally or physically challenged.
Damn Terry you know how to draw comments.
November 19th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Well, Wreggie and Trudi and Judy (you make our blog so poetic), that’s why I like you all so much. You’re real people and not self-centered typical Americans.
And, Wreg – isn’t that something to be proud of? Here on St. Croix, we have polite beggars! Maybe that could be used in our marketing strategy. Come to St. Croix, where our beggars will suggest a great dining experience!
November 19th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Funny Terry!
November 19th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
It is a shame, but beggars will be around as long as humans inhabit this earth. In the early days in Frederiksted (my early days, 1970′s) we had a wonderful (is that a politically correct way to put it?) beggar nicknamed Small Change. She was an old woman, always well dressed, usually purple, and a go to meeting hat on her head. She engaged in interesting conversation, only asked for “small change”, and usually got enough money to buy some Kentucky Fried Chicken. She hung out on a park bench by the fort. AND, if you asked and gave her money, she would perform Obeah!!! Now that was a real service. There was another interesting guy named The Mud Man, he was mentally ill. He was set off by his wife leaving him. He covered himself with a white colored mud, believed it made him invisible, and he had a strange collection of plastic discards, six pack holders, bottle caps, bags, that he would wear around his waste. He set up shop in the old scale house on the wharf in F”sted. Oh yes, Frederiksted also had The Dog Man who always had at least a dozen street dogs following him all the time. He had a stick and would swat at them as he walked down the Strand. These folks seemed to survive as people in town knew them, grew accustomed to them, and never felt threatened by them. I guess because there was no anonymity; we knew who they were, where they came from, and so they were helped by the town’s people. I think they were better off than being put in an institution…
November 20th, 2008 at 6:37 am
Interesting stories Trudi.
November 20th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Yes, Trudi, interesting.
We know more of the Christiansted street people. There’s “Tripod”, and George, and “Stinky” and Keith, along with others. But there seem to be more and more everyday.
Unfortunately, lately, we’ve had our car broken into twice in town. So I’m getting tired of that.
And last time we had dinner at a nice place on the boardwalk, TWO of them came over asking for handouts. If we give to one, why not all, and if we give to all, we have very little of our hard-earned dollars left for ourselves.
November 20th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
George, (I called him “Wanna Car Wash,” George) was a student of mine back in 71 when I taught at Claude O. Marko. He was a happy, handsome, bright young 5th grader. He is from a large well known family on the West End. I taught art, and he really enjoyed the class in spite of the drawbacks, i.e. overcrowded classes, few supplies, and the short 30 min. period. I was so dismayed when he dropped out of school in Junior high and became a druggie. At least he worked for his money by washing cars. He is a perfect example of how kids fall through the very large cracks in the public education system. In a more perfect world, George would have had someone in his corner getting him back on the right track to finish school and become a real citizen of the island. A cynical phrase a friend of mine uses often when referring to street folks is, “The best thing I can do for the poor, is not become one of them.” There is some truth to that statement…
November 20th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Trudi, George has become another “tripod”, and I have watched his downward spiral as well.
I worked on Big Beard’s boats shortly after my arrival here, and George would actually work a little and contribute a little. But he has lost more and more of his leg over the years, and every day he looks worse and worse.
I agree with your friend’s statement. There are A LOT of people like you and me who have to work for our money, then there are the wall street CEOs and COOs who get the bailouts (so they can maintain their ridiculous lifestyles), and then there are the beggars.
I’m not trying to make it sound cold or black and white, because certainly, I don’t have all the answers. I’ll just continue working at what I do on a daily basis , hopefully making a difference to the animals I meet. They have less of a chance than any person I’ve ever met, and there are other organizations out there to deal with the people situation.
Come on, all you anti-abortionists!! Help George and the rest of the unwanted children who become fucked-up adults!!
November 21st, 2008 at 7:36 am
The poor US “economy” will take awhile to trickle down to us here in the VI.
We already have one of the highest living costs in the US. The gas prices are going down – will we see the food prices following? Not on my last trip to the supermarket.
As far as my last asking (at the Women’s Coalition) the nurses at the hospital still refuse to assist at abortions. I don’t know the latest statistics but in the past the VI was very high in birth rates of unwed and teenage mothers. The “culture” seems to accept young girls “getting caught” and grandma raising the offspring.
November 21st, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Remember that Monty Python song from THE MEANING OF LIFE, Every Sperm is Sacred? Lookout once the creation is out of the womb!
November 22nd, 2008 at 8:59 am
I didn’t know actual abortions were performed at our hospital, Lisa. I know women who have had to got to Puerto Rico for that.
Oh yeah, the food prices. I don’t think those will ever go down…..we’ll have to call the DLCA on that one. I’ll put it on my list for Monday.
How about WAPA? That LEAC should be taking a dive any day now….
Riiiight…..