Who are they?

1. 71

   earnestshubposted 13 years ago

   I know my American cousins are going through very rough times at the moment with job losses and foreclosures causing people to lose their homes and income.
   
   I was just watching the car auctions and see collectable cars going for over a million dollars, and dozens bringing over 100,000 dollars.
   
   The auction room is packed, and the cars in the car park are worth almost as much as the cars on auction.
   
   Where do all these rich Americans come from?
   
   There seems to be a lot of them at these places, and I wonder why they don't stick that loose million somewhere that will help someone in need, rather than have the money back in the hands of another millionaire?

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   1. 73

      Eaglekiwiposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Off topic a little Earnest ,but every night I witness a similar thing ,young unemployed driving SUV'S and Cadilacs!!
      
      Some new and very nice indeed, my sons would be very envious and they have jobs!
      
      I mean , I know they are much cheaper too buy, but I dont get it either..

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      1. 0

         klarawieckposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Not me... I live on a teacher salary and can't afford to buy a home, and my car is 10 years old and it's starting to irritate me. I'm thinking about trading it in and getting a new one, but I don't know if I should buy an American car or a Japanese one. I want to help the US economy but I've had bad luck with American cars. I own a Mazda right now and it has been great. It still runs well, but it looks old and it's messing with my dazzle!

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         1. 71

            earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Get an expert to help you buy a Saab 95 series, masses of luxury with plenty of air bags, 9 speaker stereo, heated seats, split air conditioning and best of all a lousy resale value which means you can pick one up for a song.
            There are old 1998 models around that still look and go like new with all the above features for around 4 to 5 grand.
            They look the same as the late model ones, and a new one costs 118,000 with all the juice you can get in the old 98 model if you buy an SE (top of the range).
            
            They also come with all that juice in a rag top as well for a couple of extra grand.

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            1. 0

               klarawieckposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               A woman will buy a new car and keep the original crappy stereo. A man will buy an old beat up car and install a very expensive radio system. Mars and venus?

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               1. 71

                  earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  The saab SE comes with a Harman Cardon top of the range stereo built in with all the niceties.
                  I like to be very comfortable

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            2. 61

               Paul Scanlonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Don't forget Toyota (ignoring all the bad press a year or so ago). Mine is 5 years old now, and not had a single problem with it. Been the best value/reliable car I've ever had. Still drives like new as well.

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               1. 71

                  earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  Great cars, no split system integrated air or heated seats though.

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   2. 69

      Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hey Earnest,
      
      Approximately 20% of Americans are over the $1M in earnings on average, per year. It's the upper 1% who really have the bulk of the wealth.
      
      20% of America's population makes for a lot of people.

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      1. 54

         kmackey32posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I wish i was part of that 20%...

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         1. 69

            Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Don't worry Kmackey.
            
            The government thinks it is perfectly fine that 20% are millionaires, while 15% have no place to sleep except for outside somewhere.
            
            I guess the politicians think it fairly balances out.

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            1. 54

               kmackey32posted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Well I do have a place to sleep...

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               1. 69

                  Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  That's a good thing.

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2. 71

   earnestshubposted 13 years ago

   Being a Millionaire is pretty common in Australia too, but it just means you have a reasonable equity in a good house in the better suburbs and your kids in a good school here. Most could not afford a 100k toy.
   It used to be a big deal to be a millionaire, but I guess these guys have quite a few million!

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   1. 54

      kmackey32posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      They really need to donate to the less fortunate....

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3. 78

   AEvansposted 13 years ago

   It is called American greed.

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4. 80

   TamCorposted 13 years ago

   In our neck of the woods, there aren't a lot of folks with the kind of cash to buy those expensive cars...but most of the ones who DO drive newer, nicer cars are "in debt up to their eyeballs", as the saying goes, lol...
   
   It's the "keep up with the Jones'" mentality...I know a married couple who have it all...great home in the country, new vehicles, all the expensive gifts to grandkids every year--but they work two jobs each just to pay for their credit card bills...
   
   Wow, that's the life!
   
   Give me our two 6 and 10 year old vehicles, that are paid for, our $400 a month rent, and lots of love to our grandkids instead of high-priced gifts ANYDAY!
   
   There's something to be said for being happy with what you got,and NOT for what everyone else has!

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5. 71

   earnestshubposted 13 years ago

   Sounds like a sweet life to me!
   Simple, enough food. good shelter and the essential ingredient that makes a home a palace.... LOVE!
   Well done!

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6. 71

   earnestshubposted 13 years ago

   You know I like to tell little stories.
   I know this middle aged woman who is divorced, very intellectual and untidy to the point of disbelief! Her wonderful son of 14 is very similar.
   They are interesting talented people with a great art collection and appreciation but it is all over the place along with bedding, clothes, dishes etc.
   When I drop in to see them I spend an hour cleaning up without upsetting Anne, who by the way, would love to be tidy. It has taken years of trust for her to allow me to help clean up without her panicking!
   
   I always have a wonderful time, learn something new and by the time I leave there is room for all of us to say goodbye in the entrance.

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   1. 84

      habeeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Artsy, creative people are often untidy. Take me, for example...lol!

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7. 61

   recommend1posted 13 years ago

   I did much the same, only it was about two in the morning and the woman rang the police !  some people just have no gratitude for me helping to clear up all that stuff into my van !

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   1. 71

      earnestshubposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Yeh, ya get that.

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