I do feel badly for the people of America that are losing their jobs, insurance, homes, etc.... However, for a family to be upset because they had to get "Medicaid" is rediculous to those of us who, back in the 1980's, could get nothing at all. We did not make enough to be able to pay for insurance, yet we supposedly made too much to get medicaid, $100. per week in 1983-1985. We incurred measurable medical costs to have our first child, c-section, no insurance. I then became pregnant with our second daughter, again we could get no help with insurance, so we had to go without. Another c-section and another $5,000. later, we were now $10,000. in debt. We could not afford to pay large fees in medical bills, and most times not even the small bills. This of course ruined our credit, and for 7 years more, until we finally paid off the last of our medical bills.

In the meantime I decided to further my education so that I could earn a better living. I did receive pell grants for the first two years, but then had to take out student loans for numerous years, earning a double degree, fine arts and education. Later I went back for my master's to earn a little more. I did get a good teaching job, but recently the arts were cut in our district. I, once again, had to apply for student loans to go back to school, to change studies and teach special education now. Although I now have medical insurance, many want to take that away again. That which I have suffered and worked hard to earn, not to mention, am still paying for, technically. My student loans amount to more than the mortgage on my house.

I am posting this because I feel that it is terrible that some people would cry about having to get a hand out, help from the government, when there are so many people who can't get any help at all! Come on Dateline~you could focus more on the truly suffering people out there~those that have no pools at all.

What a great story! It was a story told with dignity and pride, it shows how the economic crisis cuts across all socioeconomic and racial lines. The two high school graduations told side by side. One girl was lucky that her mom was able to get her new business on the road, but still the young lady applied for scholarships and the other young lady choosing to go into the military because it was the way she saw out. These girls and their families are examples of what being an American truly is, a person who survives and thrives in the face of adversity.

I myself have been out of work, but I know that I will find work, and that God never forgets about you. In the meantime I am grateful for my very existence and know that life will go on and that as a nation we must work together and not let this divide us but instead bring us closer together. God Bless America and it's people!

What an excellent show giving us a true picture of how the recession is affecting us all. The courage and determination of the people in the town is inspiring. Their resiliency in the face of such overwhelming loss is amazing. I am only sorry that Kimberly's daughter could not get the scholarships to go to school. However I am sure she is going to be successful in whatever she attempts. Again kudos for a very heartwarming and informative show.

This economy is hitting everyone hard. I am in my 50's......

Last year I became a widow after my husband lost a 7 year battle with prostate cancer. We both were employed with full time jobs, he lost his job in late 2009, passed away in May 2010. In August 2010, I lost my job and as of to date August 2011 I am still unemployed, collecting unemployment and have dwindled out just about all of my retirement money to keep my head above water and not lose my home. The government gets richer while the rest of the nation is drowning!!! I am unable to collect my late husbands social security until I'm 60 years old (and thats one year away), but in the meantime what are we suppose to do?? It doesn't make a difference to the government if we the people have to live on the streets as I find out that there no exceptions and no leeway. What can be done????

This was a fabulous piece. Very well done, Lester Holt. It should be required viewing for all of Washington. My formerly middle class family is in a similar situation; it brought tears to my eyes to appreciate how hard these women are trying. It also brought me a bit of a sense of calm instead of the terror I've been feeling, at least in that we're not the only ones going through this. And maybe it brought me just a little more energy to get up and try again.

I fully support the President because he understands what we are going through and is fighting for the common man. I'm a 50ish female caucasian who was able to afford to be in a non-profit job until recently, when my husband's work ended. I have nothing you can cut, Republicans and Tea-Party-ers, I haven't been on unemployment, medicaid, food stamps or anything else. I'm working and I've paid half my take-home earnings for outside health insurance with exclusions for my coverage. I've been living on my 401K, paid taxes on it, and it is almost gone. I can't sell my home or qualify for a lower mortgage rate because of low earnings, yet I'm honest and will fight to keep up payments. Seems to me as a nation, we are losing the middle class. I support tightening entitlements, not cutting them, and I support the elimination of loopholes that the wealthy and the profitable companies don't even need. Then let's see where we're at.

Dear Dateline,

You should do a story on how this economic recession does not impact the well connected people in the United States. Im talking about the people who have political connections, relatives who work for the federal government, masonic influences, politicians as relatives. I witnessed this from the time i was lucky enough to get a job on my own at Burger King in 1984. The head manager was the owners son in law. He truly was a moron--he had sexual relations with 16 year old girls--he never worked---he never made anyone of his "buddies" do dirty work. LOL that was left for me and several other slugs who werent his friends. Every single job i obtained i was lucky enough to get on my own. I have been a Living Skills Teacher in a maximum security prison for 15 years. Recently retired due to a physical disability----my right leg is one foot shorter than my left. Every other teacher in the prison with the exception of one---was either related to the principal or the administration. I only obtained my job due to being third out of 200 applicants--the two relatives in line for my job had some issues(one had a forged masters degree from Boston University---the other had all negative references). I met them both--because the principal of the prison school STILL got them a job--just as supervisors for the jail side---not teaching positions as they wanted. Thus i obtained another job that other wise would have gone to someone undeserving due to a relation. It is truly sickening to watch this throughout the course of my life. I know teachers who are goddaughters of deceased congressmen--who walk through life tied to a golden rope--pulling them and their families along ALL with high paying jobs. ALL of the womans family----have only a high school education and make over 100k per year due to NOTHING beside a congressman pulling for them. Every single job that i have applied for that pays well in the past was taken by a person who was hand chosen by a relative--or connection. Do a story on the utility companies---check a family tree---they are all related. Have an undercover person with the best credentials go for an interview---for a job at a utility company-----he could be the best---and if he is unconnected he will get nothing. I applied for a job as an engineer in training at Norfolk Southern about five years ago--im 43 now. I sent a resume, a cover letter and completed (TYPED) job application to the company. They were hiring one person in Altoona, PA. Two weeks later i followed up on the application only to be told that they already hired a person. I didnt even get an interview. I have a four year degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh--and almost a masters from Saint Francis University. The job was "filled" by a 20 year old high school graduate----a young man who was related to a supervisor at the Altoona company. LOL I didnt even get an interview. I truly believe that this is a major problem with the United States right now. You dont have any qualified people getting the good "important jobs". You get someone who gets the job who really hasnt existed in the "real world".

At my job in the prison---I watched countless "perks" get handed out by the principal to his relatives and political "importants"-----this is honestly why i did not finish a masters degree----i would have not helped my career in the slightest!! I have went to countless teaching interviews---after substituting for a year and a half out of college only to have administrations relatives fresh out of college with horrible QPA's obtain the position over me---beleive me it is debilitating. I know federal employees who have worked for the government for five years STILL not know what they are supposed to be doing-----yes they make about 90k per year with bachelors degree---lol and a neighbor who is high up in the government.

Well I have given you some ideas----if you are a person who got their job at NBC by knowing someone---you will delete this im sure. If you know where im coming from maybe--just maybe we can get some justice for all the people who deserve a good job but cannot obtain it due to a long list of "chosen candidates" already promised the great jobs in the not so equal country. The United States should have the motto equal opportunity for people who know someone.

Sincerely,

A Guy Who Doesnt Have a Team of People Pulling Him to Success

I have to keep health benefits at my job, they are $110.per week, I cant pay other bills or my mortgage, I am going to lose my house and be homeless. Nobody is offering me medicaid. Most nights me or my son can afford to eat dinner, am I supposed to feel bad for pool lady and her well fed family? boo hoo

This was an absolutely ridiculous and racist episode. How can you possibly compare the struggles of two upper middle class white women with the struggles of a poor African American mother? Pool lady Krystal and her spoiled rotten daughter made me so angry! The economic recession caused her to not get a new car for her 16th birthday? Please! I can't believe that the government gave them a loan to keep that monstrosity of a house. How did Krystal have money to open a tee-shirt business and re-open her restaurant, yet she got Medicaid to pay her medical bills? That is outrageous.

The bank vice-president, Sarah, was so ridiculous as well. She stated that Millen is a town like Archie Bunker's town. How blatantly racist can you be? It was painful to watch how she was treated at her interview for the secretary position versus how Kimberly, the black woman, was treated. All of the school district personnel, at least those shown on camera, were white, and they treated Sarah so well as she took her test. Then when Kimberly came in they just plopped her down on a seat and closed the door without barely saying a word. Come on Dateline, you have the footage- go after the school district for obvious unfair hiring practices.

I felt so bad for Kimberly and her daughters. She was the one to deserve help and the hardest worker of them all. Yet nobody bailed her out when she got evicted from her apartment. Why would the government allow one family to keep their pool and giant house while throwing another family out of their tiny place right onto the street. So much injustice.

To add insult to the injury, the episode ended by saying that the white people are learning to overcome struggles just as the black people do. I wanted to throw up. The struggles of the white families did not even bare a slight resemblance to the struggles of Kimberly's family. This episode was an absolute insult and very biased journalism.

This was an absolutely ridiculous and racist episode. How can you possibly compare the struggles of two upper middle class white women with the struggles of a poor African American mother? Pool lady Krystal and her spoiled rotten daughter made me so angry! The economic recession caused her to not get a new car for her 16th birthday? Please! I can't believe that the government gave them a loan to keep that monstrosity of a house. How did Krystal have money to open a tee-shirt business and re-open her restaurant, yet she got Medicaid to pay her medical bills? That is outrageous.

The bank vice-president, Sarah, was so ridiculous as well. She stated that Millen is a town like Archie Bunker's town. How blatantly racist can you be? It was painful to watch how she was treated at her interview for the secretary position versus how Kimberly, the black woman, was treated. All of the school district personnel, at least those shown on camera, were white, and they treated Sarah so well as she took her test. Then when Kimberly came in they just plopped her down on a seat and closed the door without barely saying a word. Come on Dateline, you have the footage- go after the school district for obvious unfair hiring practices.

I felt so bad for Kimberly and her daughters. She was the one to deserve help and the hardest worker of them all. Yet nobody bailed her out when she got evicted from her apartment. Why would the government allow one family to keep their pool and giant house while throwing another family out of their tiny place right onto the street. So much injustice.

To add insult to the injury, the episode ended by saying that the white people are learning to overcome struggles just as the black people do. I wanted to throw up. The struggles of the white families did not even bare a slight resemblance to the struggles of Kimberly's family. This episode was an absolute insult and very biased journalism.

This is the kind of program that should be replicated at least as much as coverage of the Casey Anthony trial. As much as I admire the stamina and courage of anchors doing everything under the sun of "fun" activities, this program about the real adventure of living in these hard times is what we need.

I cringe every time I hear a pundit tell boomers to avoid retiring as long as they can I wonder. Has anyone heard of ageism in the workplace? What makes them think we don't want to continue working. The old idea of retirement should be "retired" immediately. I want to scream at them: leaving is NOT our choice; we are pushed out, dismissed, harassed out. That VP who lost her job had my sympathies; that is exactly how it happens in the real world.

When an interviewee says (with a grin on his face) that when white America catches a cold, Black America has pneumonia, it is worth a program in itself. I commend the teenager who woke up to the harsh realities of life when she could not get a car or attend her first choice for college. Today's kids are so into getting stuff that her words, her expressions, were worth their weight in gold.

Please give us more spotlights on the Millens out there. They bring a reality to the political scene that is absent in Tea Party circuses and Congressional bickering.

What about those private schools and DFAC being called?  Come on tell the truth!!!!

 Work for 16 hours?  Your store was never open in Waynesboro not even on Saturdays.  Yeah I know you and the true threatening redneck Krystal is coming out.  You have made a complete fool of yourself and everyone in Millen knows how you are.  As far as DFAC they were called on you regarding your younger daughter, who happens to live with her father now.  Her father who you just happen to leave just after he finished building the restaurant.  You are to some ole person.  And by the way  I am not scared of you never have been on or off the softball field.  I work hard for my money and my kids go to private school and not on the governments money.

Kathie Elaine

So YOU think it's appropriate for you to break me down on here and me NOT respond? I notice you still didn't put your full, real name. What government money? You have NO idea what you are talking about! Tell me about this government money! And just because the door wasn't unlocked @ "etc." didn't mean we were not there printing shirts or embroidering an order. We were open 40 hrs. per week. You obviously have no idea about small business and being self-employed. So what happened with the dfac thing? Nothing, because there WAS nothing. And she does live with her father as of last month. And what exactly is your point? She can't spend time with her father? And me and her father have been divorced for 14, YES 14 years!! None of this has ANYTHING to do with Dateline. And you DON'T know me...i promise. People change and people grow, but i am a real person that has done NOTHING to you, so call it redneck, call it whatever you want to. I am pretty sure anyone reading all of this can see who is making a complete fool of themselves......

The only reason I knew you commented was because "these people in Millen that know how I am " wanted to make sure I responded to your ignorance and called me. If you want to discuss this further, you know how to reach me. I absolutely DO NOT have to defend myself on a BLOG to a ficticious person, who obviously has a personal grudge against me. I can't spend all my time on here trying to make people change their views, (especially ones that they have held on to for 14 years!!!! LET-IT-GO!!) I have to get up very early, we have been super, super busy @ KTOK!!!!! :)

I have finally had the chance to sit down and read all of the previous comments on the NBC blogs and the Facebook blog. I will start off by saying that everyone is entitled to their own opinions about people and the Dateline show that aired about Millen. The purpose of this episode was to show how the economy has affected people in this small town. Im sure without doubt, the show was not meant to "rub" anything in people faces or to cause anomosity between anyone. Everyone in this town and all over the US has been affected in some way. The reporters were in Millen for months taping, and there is no way that EVERYTHING could be said in 40 minutes. There were alot more people interviewed and approached about situations that didn't make it to the edited version of the show. Yes the main focus was on Krystal, Sandy, and Kimberly, and I think that these ladies did an outstanding job and respresented Millen to the best of their abilities. I think that all three of these women should be commended for getting on national TV and telling their stories!!

I am appalled by some of the comments that have been made. For starters, anyone that can degrade themselves by talking about another person's child is beyond me. Those of you that have done this will answer for it in due time. Shame on you for the name calling and attempting to belittle Whitley!!! I personally know this family and Whitley is one of the brightest, most honest, people you will ever come to know. She has been raised to some of the highest standards I have seen in a lady of this age, and that is exactly what she is A RESPECTFUL LADY!!!! She was honest in her interview and shared how she felt as a person during this time. By the way what 16 year old doesn't want a new car? I did!!! She should not be critized for wanting to better herself and continuing her education, no matter what college she chose to attend. She has worked hard to get where she is today. Whitley, I commend you, keep up the great work!!! Anyone who knows Krystal and her family knows that she has worked hard for years to get to where she is today and to have the possessions that she has acquired. There were many days before she closed KTOK that she worked from dawn to dark just to make ends meet. She would leave KTOK and prints shirts to all hours of the night, with the help of her children. It was a FAMILY effort to keep their heads above water. What else were they to do, give up everything they had? That was not an opinion for them, call it pride, determination, or whatever you like! YES they struggled, just like MANY others in Millen and all over the country. Krystal chose to reopen her business here in Millen, even knowing that it would be a gamble! My hats off to her to be STRONG enough to take that chance!! She worked hours without end to fix the building and to repair KTOK for reopening (again with help of her family)!! I wish her the best in her business in the years to come and am sure it will be a success! I wish Kimberly and her daughter, as well as Sandy and her family the best and hope that they realize they also were an inspiration to the people of this small town and others across the nation!! Stay strong and remember Millen is behind you. The only way from here is UP!!!!

Now I'm going to get on my sopabox for a moment and respond to "Elaine's" previous comments!!! Im not sure who you are and don't care! You have no right bashing Krystal with the personal comments above. Apparently you don't know as much about her as you would like to think! Putting those comments about her personal life is cowardly immature and nothing short of pathetic!!!!!! If you have personal issues with her, contact her!! Those comments have nothing to do with Dateline or Millen!!!