] Several months ago, my husband and I received two rebate ] checks simply for having children, all part of the Jobs ] and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, an ] economy-stimulating incentive. Congress approved this ] quickie tax cut so we'd all go out and buy Pottery Barn ] lamps and Gap boot-cut trousers and then presumably the ] economy, and we, would be saved. Instead, I cashed the ] checks, paid off some bills, and then tucked my dignity ] under my arm and went to file for food stamps. We've all read plenty of stories about how the economy sucks, but this article strikes a chord because the author has such a great command of imagery. I suggest you read it simply because of the clear picture that she is able to paint. Falling down |