As I was deadheading my cleome plants this afternoon, I heard the sound of diesel engines nearby. Looking up, I saw a fire truck turn into my subdivision with lights flashing. It stopped at a house down the street where a few people were standing around. Two other vehicles quickly followed it and people jumped out, running over to the house. Apparently, an elderly lady had fallen off the steps and had badly hurt herself.

What will happen if the economy continues to grind to a screeching halt? Will needed services like this fall by the wayside as well?  I'm sure someone could have taken her to the hospital; even I would have run over if I had heard what was going on, but having qualified personnel there on the scene made it possible for proper early treatment to take place on site. In the treatment of injuries this makes it more favorable for a quicker recovery, and less injury if the injured is taken to the hospital. These medical personnel do not get paid that much, mere pittance for the importance of the work that they do, but isn't that true for most people working on site in the real world? Teachers work with children in the schools throughout the day. Police officers work on the streets and homes every day. Firemen and medics work to ensure our safety and well-being day by day.. 

The sacrifices that will have to be made to ensure that our governments' budgets are

In the late 1800's, America was just coming together: through sports, vaudeville, movie theatre, and local communities. The service sector was created and developed at this time to protect our newfound resources and lifestyle. I wonder if this is where we are heading: to a time where you have to fend for yourself, where evil people take advantage of the weak, where death and disease takes you while you are still young. Check out http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/states-forced-to-cut-serv_b_244039.html for a new article on the dilemna.