Jobless millions signal death of the American dream for many
Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 08:18PM 
Richard Gaines is one of the best-known faces on Camden's Haddon Avenue. It is a rough-and-tumble street, lined with cheap businesses and boarded-up houses, and is prey to drug gangs. Gaines, 50, runs a barbershop, a hair salon and a fitness business. He works hard and is committed to his community. But Haddon Avenue is not an easy place to make a living in the best of times. And these are far from the best of times.
Just how badly the great recession has struck this fragile New Jersey city, which is currently the poorest in America, was recently spelled out to Gaines. In happier times – whatever that might mean for a city as destitute as Camden – local businesses on Haddon Avenue could at least rely on a bit of trade from those who made their money on the street.
Young men bought flashy clothes and got sharp haircuts and always paid in cash. But no longer. The economy is now so bad in Camden that even the criminals are struggling and going short. "Even the guys who got money from illegal means really don't want to spend it," Gaines said.
Such a development, though, is just a snapshot of the deep problems still hitting the wider American economy.
Reader Comments (1)
Gucci Shoes now produces flavor styles of shoes, loafers, clogs, and boots – and now even heels, Gucci Shoes have grown from the chief feature innate supplies and emphasizing durability, comfort, and strong feet, Gucci shoes for men makes men’s and women’s footwear. Having a group of high responsibility, especially inquiries department, authentic Gucci Shoes has put huge inquiries time studying how the time, Gucci changed by the recurring shock of daily walking and workmanship. Despite some worth issues over the person body is fitting a cult desired and is well on the person body. Sometimes mistaken for Birkenstocks, Discount Gucci Shoes will be assured that Gucci delivers the finest in value and operation. The self-proclaimed “finest walking shoes in the world”, Gucci Shoes takes an international success. Gucci women boots are physiological footwear intended.