Nearly 10% of Ohio on food stamps.

... are just going to collapse. There's nothing to replace their industries with, since the majority of economic growth from OUR capital is largely going overseas or to the coasts or SE USA.

I don't see why this seems to be a sudden revelation to people. When enough prosperous jobs flee, the capital base collapses. There is no other outcome. We watched that happen in Detroit, which is just to the north, and it's even still in progress! Why should a "capital collapse" like that be somehow exempted for this area and Ohio in general?

While people are busy fooling themselves into thinking that hi-tech or bio-tech or solar-tech are somehow going to roll into the area and "save us", the collapse continues in a perfectly obvious and straightforward fashion. The only un-straightforward thing happening here is our constant DENIAL about what's happening, as well as to what the natural consequences of that will be.

Sensing economic ruin coming, sane and moral people would exert financial discipline and enact their OWN credit crunch upon themselves, of a sort. Downsizing of lifestyles is in direct order from that. But we have a severe shortage of sane and moral people ... since how many people visible around you have taken steps for an actual Depression around here? Few. Too few.

I've got some news for you, Ohio: The rest of the USA is not going to carry you along like a welfare mother. Stop spending on the state-wide equivalent of expensive tennis shoes, rental furniture and gas-guzzling leased cars. Control your expenses before you find out what real social strife will look like in the bread-and-soup lines of 21st Century Ohio.

your Iraq arguement really doesn't work. People on food stamps would still be on food stamps whether we are in Iraq or not. A relative (unfortunately) of mine is on food stamps.....Just went to his house the other day and watched the game on his 54 inch plasma television with digital cablevision....and internet. I parked behind his new car in the driveway...and really liked the new cabinents ($6,000) they put in the kitchen.

Its all about saving for a rainy day....having priorities....and practicing fiscal responsibility. He uses the same excuse you do about I Iraq....his life would be better if we weren't there....when the truth is he put himself in the financial disaster he's in. He's voting for Hillary for President because the economy is bad and he's on food stamps.....I guess he thinks she'll teach him how to spend money.

People on food stamps would still be on food stamps whether we are in Iraq or not.

According to the article:

"Low wages, unemployment and the rising cost of groceries, gasoline and other necessities are to blame for financial hardships facing many Ohio families."

Kooz--do you think Iraq might have a little something to do with rising gas prices in the last seven years?

the Iraq war plays a part...but, so does the overwhelming oil consumption of developing nations like China. But, do you really think if prices were for gas were $1.20 a gallon these people would still not be on stamps? Like my relative...many would just spend the money their saving on gas on more stupid needless things that shouldn't be a priority.

As far as groceries....food costs are going up primarily because of the production of ethonal (a false solution to global warming) yet, people will continue to vote for people like Hillary who will take the money from Iraq and waste it on worthless biofuels that are only reducing your cost at the pump by $.20 but raising your food costs by 30%. Doesn't make sense. But, like my relative(s) many will continue to expect the government to supply their needs.