tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25320945.post5518621795951661296..comments2024-03-17T00:27:14.007-07:00Comments on Jim Ott's Blog: Unemployed, but hopefulJim Otthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04720109862602572945noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25320945.post-58262225364209022692009-04-29T10:06:00.000-07:002009-04-29T10:06:00.000-07:00Thanks for reading and for your comments. Racism a...Thanks for reading and for your comments. Racism and discrimination in terms of socio-economic status are sad and terrible. I think humans are hard-wired from our caveman days to fear those who don't look like us, and these impulses are just underscored when someone from another race or different economic level crosses us in some manner. We need to strive every day to set aside those reactions, and treat one another with respect and dignity. <br /><br />So sorry to read about your views of people in Pleasanton. I know you are right, but I also know many people in our town who care deeply for others, regardless of race or social standing. <br /><br />We'd welcome you back home if you're ever able to come back.Jim Otthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04720109862602572945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25320945.post-44981180370187724822009-04-28T19:07:00.000-07:002009-04-28T19:07:00.000-07:00I respect this woman for moving her children to a ...I respect this woman for moving her children to a safer town and for raising them both on her own. I deplore the racism she is experiencing and I have no respect for the people who think the color of their skin or how much they earn could possible make anyone a better person than a single mother who is doing everything she can to keep her family safe and put a roof over their head, food on the table and make sure they get the education that all children in this country deserve. <br /><br />I grew up in Pleasanton and always thought maybe I would move back. However, I now live in Martinez, I'm caucasian married to a caucasian man with 2 adopted bi-racial children. I have come to realize over the past several yrs. that Pleasanton is not the quaint little town I grew up in anymore. It is full of judging materialistic people who for the majority aren't very nice and feel that the big house, luxury car, status handbag and botox make them superior to those who are not caught up in all the appearances and superficial belongings. I've have met more compassionate, giving and genuine people out in this area than what Pleasanton now has to offer for neighbors. <br /><br />My caucasian, educated and successful husband was laid off from his six figure income and we are now wondering how we will ever make ends meet. We may have to apply for Medi-cal and food stamps to survive. So, to all those people who are looking down on someone for trying to keep her family together anyway possible, shouldn't ever judge people by the color of their skin or what they do for a living because it can all change overnight no matter what color your skin is or where you come from. <br /><br />I wish the mother of the 2 twin boys all the luck and hope she finds a job where they will respect her for who she is....a single mother who is doing what she needs to do to feed and shelter her children.<br /><br />Count your blessings because life changes in these hard economic times regardless of race, income or education.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25320945.post-12236570340126382592008-10-22T09:06:00.000-07:002008-10-22T09:06:00.000-07:00i can relate to this story on a couple levels (div...i can relate to this story on a couple levels (divorced/renting/efforts to find work which will support staying in the tri-valley where it feels safe for my family)<BR/><BR/>and am so upset by the quiet racism/ignorance directed toward this mom and her children<BR/><BR/>it's fear based i think.. ignorance and fear. glad to read she is rising above it and role modeling strength of character for her children<BR/><BR/>and i realize too, that no human, in any financial/economic/social group, etc, is free from adversity. <BR/><BR/>adversity comes in just as many shapes and sizes as people<BR/><BR/>and always helpful/inspiring to learn from people who endure their crisis situations with honesty, hope and grace (add humor)<BR/><BR/>i think again of the cinderella man movie (left such an impression on me) -how the hard times did not change this man's character, or how he raised his children..<BR/><BR/>quite inspiring<BR/><BR/>and worth remembering too.. things can and do turn around with prayer, effort and time<BR/><BR/>my love/prayers for this beautiful/courageous mom, her children and everyone who faces crisis situations<BR/><BR/>and my gratitude to you ren man, for shedding light on and through this woman's story<BR/><BR/>she represents countless others<BR/><BR/>"to faith!" <BR/><BR/>and "to safe neighborhoods for all" love, ~s.SHEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15826249683489196986noreply@blogger.com