Free Republic

<p>Homelessness in major cities is escalating as more laid-off workers already living paycheck-to-paycheck wind up on the streets or in shelters.</p> <p>As Americans file for bankruptcy in record numbers and credit card debt explodes, more workers are a paycheck away from losing their homes. Now the frail economy is pushing them over the edge. With 9 million unemployed workers in July, the face of homelessness is changing to include more families shaken by joblessness.</p>

<p>MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa - The Southern accent had a familiar ring. So did the youthful energy, and the polite, mama's-boy manners that shined through as he locked onto voters' eyes and answered their questions by starting with, ''Yes, sir'' or ''Yes, ma'am.'' And could it be? Could this tanned, trim Democrat running for president, with floppy hair and dimples, actually be more charming than the Arkansan who sought the White House 12 years ago?</p>

PORTSMOUTH — Congressman and presidential hopeful Dick Gephardt was in town Friday discussing health care, the economy and education with local business leaders. Gephardt, D-Mo., participated in a roundtable discussion at the Old Ferry Landing to promote his health insurance plan and discuss local concerns. Gephardt’s health care plan proposal provides the best alternative because it covers everybody and reimburses 60 percent of the costs, Gephardt said. "This is an urgent need," he said. "It is irrational for anyone in America in 2004 to not have health insurance." Gephardt said his family was lucky to have insurance when his son...

SEN. JOHN EDWARDS had a “duh” moment in Bartlett on Wednesday. Edwards was there to hand out copies of his 60-page booklet detailing his policy agenda for the nation. The first line of his booklet reads, “I’ve spent the last year putting together a detailed plan to get our country moving again.” Handing out the booklet in Bartlett, he said, “I want you to know where I stand on everything.” Then the head of Derry’s teachers’ union asked Edwards what he would do to improve standardized testing. His answer? He didn’t know enough about the subject to give an answer....

<p>WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. John McCain, saying he is satisfied with his accomplishments in behalf of the country, wonders openly in his new book whether it is time for him to retire to private life in Arizona.</p> <p>But McCain, 66, also writes of his years of public service: "I'll hate like hell to leave it."</p>