Americans are really, really scared

[cali]

The following is anecdotal, but I think it represents something very real.

The other evening I went to the chicken pie supper held at the local church. Much of the village turns out for this event- particularly the old folks. The conversation was almost entirely about the economy and making it through the winter. One elderly lady at my table broke into tears talking about how she couldn't afford to heat her home this winter. The up side to this was that her individual problem was tackled by good neighbors. One guy said he had a spare woodstove he'd hook up for her. A retired social worker said she'd help her get LIHEAP. It was pretty heart warming. But that's just one person who's getting help and for that one person there must be dozens of others who are isolated and won't be getting help.

The general atmosphere at this genial village get together has always been upbeat- even in 2001 after 9/11, there wasn't this kind of gloom and fear.

[Vinca]

1. The heating situation is terrifying. I don't know how people are going to do it.

It's mind boggling the Congress can pass a $700 billion bailout bill in a matter of days, but heating assistance is underfunded and Bernie Sanders usually needs to beg on his hands and knees for it.

[cali]

2. Congress just doubled LIHEAP funding for this year

that should help. And yeah, bernie led the fight.