a kick in the gut

...and a little perspective. "Being Poor" by John Scalzi ~ via Pacanukeha

Timely and on-point. Required reading for anyone who has given even a passing thought to New Orleans this past week. Required reading.

A few particularly potent punches:

Being poor is relying on people who don't give a damn about you.

Being poor is getting tired of people wanting you to be grateful.

Being poor is knowing you're being judged.

Being poor is a cough that doesn't go away.

Being poor is people wondering why you didn't leave.

And if reading causes a defensive knee-jerk reaction to well up inside you, read it again.