Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope FULL SPECIAL | PBS America

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn explore the causes and costs of addiction, poverty and incarceration plaguing America, from the inner city to small towns like Yamhill, Oregon. While pockets of empathy and aid exist, are they enough to rescue the thousands of Americans in despair, for whom the American Dream of self-reliance is impossibly out of reach? #PBSAmerica #TightropeAmericansReachingForHope #Poverty #Documentary
About PBS America:
Welcome to PBS America, a British TV channel from America’s public service broadcaster, PBS, showcasing award-winning American history, science, current affairs, plus arts and culture shows alongside the works of living legend Ken Burns, output is all hand-picked by a British team.
Get More PBS America:
Website: www.pbsamerica...
Twitter: / pbsamerica
Facebook: / pbsamerica
Instagram: / pbsintheuk
Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope FULL SPECIAL | PBS America
• Tightrope: Americans R...

[@whispermcgaughy7251]

Having been a child born into poverty, experienced trauma and had drug addiction destroying my family..It touched my soul to see how gently they dealt with those babies at the preschool, because I can remember longing for someone to just soothe me and help me make sense of the world around me..That approach is something I'd love to invest in normalizing.. Watching this was literally like a film of parts of my childhood,just with different people.. It's heartbreaking to know that things have only gotten worse since then..

[@techserve4453]

You turned out very well even with all the challenges. The greater the spiritual tests in one's life, the greater one's soul is that meets these challenges.

[@ozzyluvngirl]

I feel you on everything you said still struggling to break away from it all now on disability getting $760 a month with $600 of that being for rent

[@ozzyluvngirl]

Keep facing homelessness continuously

[@whispermcgaughy7251]

@@techserve4453 Thank you for the kind words.. 😊

[@whispermcgaughy7251]

@@ozzyluvngirl I'm sorry to hear that you're on the housing merry-go-round, I'm not but a minute from being there and definitely been there..Look into transitional housing programs or there are care homes where you pay a set amount and everything is provided.. I feel like the stimulus checks should be a monthly thing until inflation stops and gas prices are under $2,we simply can't make it out here!

[@TaureanRuler]

How can you say we need to prevent addictions when most addicts trauma that led to addiction started in their childhood with poverty sexual abuse, neglect, violence in the home.. stopping addictions means we need to care more about children growing up in these environments that are detrimental.

[@tbone2859]

My late uncle became homeless when the factory he worked at closed. Prior to the factory closing, he had a solid middle class life.He moved to California with his family in the mid 1980’s to start over. He ended up starting a business that failed. He then ended up divorced. The financial stress was too much to hold the marriage together. Eventually he rode the buses at night in Los Angeles. He was a Veteran, and was just a nice man. The bus drivers didn’t mind him riding the buses at night as long as he kept clean. He eventually got a job with a local government and remarried. He unfortunately died not longer after getting back on his feet from a massive heart attack. Sorry for the length of this comment, but it made me realize that the hold on the middle class is tenuous. I’ve had friends who had college degrees and careers and they were “down sized” out in their early fifties. They couldn’t find comparable jobs due to their age. That was a real eye opener to them that it wasn’t just the “less educated” that face an uncertain future.

[@JB-kx9bx]

Ageism is a real thing

[@davidpeppers551]

@@basilmagnanimous7011 Unfortunately, too many people find that network disappears when you no longer can do anything for them. It's like they fear that poverty is contagious.

[@davidpeppers551]

@@basilmagnanimous7011 A good partner is good so long as they don't seriously get sick. When they get sick, then you have to leave, right? Because they can do little to support you and then you have to support them with your time and energies, right? Dump them for a better model, right? That's the good choice. Don't let love or solidarity stand in your way. Find a good one when your current partner turns bad. Like my cousin's husband who dropped my cousin like a rock when she got cancer and she couldn't "see to his needs?" That's how you choose them? Well, my cousin chose badly. You going to tell a beautiful, kind woman with cancer that she's a loser?

[@davidpeppers551]

@@basilmagnanimous7011 I think yours is the kind of ignorant, hostile comments the narrators were talking about. Just look out for number one!

[@wyatt1153]

The globalist anti American capitalists sold this country out to cheap Chinese slave labor. Clinton's and Bush's sold this country out. The Baby Boomers were all thrown out of their jobs in their 50's because of what Bush/Cheney did in 2008. This is what Trump was/is trying to stop. Globalism and these politicians that support it. Take this country back from the globalist capitalists.

[@Roscoe.P.Coldchain]

I have spent 3 stints on the streets in England and my last time in 2017 i was 45 and because I was clean and not drinking it made me realize how vulnerable and scary the situation was…I always try and help the homeless because it can happen to anyone 🫶

[@joanneadahk124]

Absolutely! Here's to a time when we support each other and can see our own vulnerable humanity. If only we could work at it together!? Many hands makes for an easier job ❤️🤟✌️

[@Mocha69A]

I have myself been homeless. Humanity needs to do better. Thanks for helping others.

[@kurtk4223]

bless u it is the only way to reach out help an individual and make them feel any momentary connection to the rest of humanity. only those that have suffered and have bared witness understand this in any intimate way.

[@peterkimcpams9385]

We have left many Americans behind. In my haydays, I used to make remarks like Reagan and felt that it was really up to each individual to find success. But when I was phased out at 47 from corporate America with 2 masters degree and CPA license and could not find a job, I understood what these people were going through!!

[@jeep19]

Reaganomics were terrible and still are.

[@tiamarie1226]

I'm sorry you had to experience that ...life will humble you...and perhaps the greatest lesson you received was more empathy...which is wonderful.

[@laetitialogan2002]

Likewise....Id worked for 37 years straight...and due to medical conditions...I had to stop. Its been life changing....saw my Dad get ill, and now Im here as well...

[@janejones5362]

Reagan was a nasty, evil man. Thankfully, he can no longer hurt anyone.

[@sarahstrong7174]

When wages become poor it means more businesses will fail. It is important to pay people decent wages to keep the economy functioning well.

[@Todaystruecrimereport]

11 years clean and owe this to those around me who helped and supported me. My parents, children, community and the employers who saw past my 15 felonies…. Thank you to all and to this who are just beginning, you can do this just hold tight to what your goals are.

[@timt9322]

I became homeless in 2015 after breaking my shoulder. I tried every way I could think of to stay housed. I was told by every agency there was no help. When you fall so far, pulling yourself up by the bootstraps, only gets you to the top of your boots.

[@paulinegauthier1867]

I am SO incredibly sorry that that has happened to you. I hope you have found a home since then?

[@Limewire1984]

I'm gonna use that somehow, "Pulling yourself up by the bootstraps only get you to the top of your boots."

[@michelegamble9557]

That is so true it's survival you can't see what you're doing do next week you're thinking where am I going to get food tonight where am I going to lay my head safeplace tonight. Is it going to rain, must conceal myself clothing in order not to be noticed invisible ashamed.Just like our men and women in active combat, no time to think your Conrad's getting killedl around you not the time to process. It happens when they come home I'm so disheartened men and women have gone to war for their country they are not taking care of

[@stanleymcvay9283]

I swear. Our society sucks. All this feel good garbage doesn't help. What does is results.

[@Harlowerayne]

That's if one can AFFORD boots

[@spookreap]

We need to stop lobbying and hold politicians accountable. They need to be for the people and not those who line their pockets.

[@KB-hd4iz]

Good luck knocking those dogs off their bone.

[@briansutter7696]

I'm afraid you can't hold politicians accountable because they have allowed themselves to be bought by corporations. They might as well be wearing a suit with Nascar patches all over them. We have no government for working people we now have several corporations running this country and that's why this country is falling apart. Corporations got a foothold during Ronald Reagan years and we have been in a steady decline.

[@JamesDecker7]

FDR and administrations like his did it once. We can do it again!

[@TheRandomINFJ]

@@JamesDecker7 society is much different than those days. Our people aren't wise or strong enough to take a stand. Nowadays humans only care about twerking, selfies and being loud and obnoxious because that's how they stand out. Not being negative, just calling it how it is.

[@wizzyone6789]

The ultrawealthy have already won the game. They have bought all the laws in their favor while we plebs fight over irrelevant culture war nonsense.

[@AnonymousDave]

This Documentary is close to my heart I grew up between Salem and Portland in a broken home, I struggled with drinking and drugs to cope, at 20 I relapsed after 3 yrs of sobriety and fell 30 ft off a balcony and broke my neck, I spent the next 2 yrs addicted to opiates hooked on OxyContin which led to heroin. It was the yr 2000. Without medication assisted treatment, AA, rehabs, family, social services , understanding Doctors and God I wouldn’t have made it. I’m 41 and support a family of 5 running my own business, I’m sober in AA, married, and a homeowner. My fall left me in severe pain with major limitations but they don’t define me. it takes a community and sometimes a decade or more to raise people out of there trauma, however it can be done and nowadays I help others like myself as I can understand like others can’t, People deserve multiple chances, and support when they are down, as people are magnets for the good or the bad. If we invest in more people like me slowly we will out grow our traumas, instead of letting hurt people hurt more people, basically love breads love and hate breads hate. What kind of Society do you want your grandchildren growing up in? Much love to a hurting country.

[@fumanpoo4725]

No shame in falling down...get up and try again!😊

[@uppity1]

I have no words. You have told the story of America today - crippling hopelessness borne of our past wrongs and present greed, but always the promise and aid of the helpers. I am cheering on every one of the adults and children you profiled. I hope they get their dreams.

[@aking1196]

This is just sad. If you are not thankful for what you have, this will definitely make you rethink that.

[@acooksla]

As someone who has worked with the mentally ill homeless for a few years I can easily say it’s the biggest tragedy in America. People need help, they need shelter and care. Not to be made fun of, treated with disdain or ignored. I have had a special place in my heart for poor and or homeless people all my life. It could be any one of us, so easily.

[@KiraLou06]

You are the best sort of human possible

[@michaelwiener477]

Thank you for that Amanda

[@まきとにった]

Nam myo ho ren ge kyo convert to nichiren shoshu

[@elbertmoreno2159]

Or imprisoned

[@onengkusumah2905]

nah, they'd be more useful when turned into fertilizer...

[@louisesumrell6331]

At the VA hospital in San Diego, in the 1990s, I was started on vicoden and soma. There was a sign above the exam room door that said, "treat the pain first". It was from a drug company. I was already an alcoholic due to PTSD. As of now, I'm nearly 4 years sober and clean 🙏

[@Eyes2theSkies]

Hi Louise and congratulations on 4 years of sobriety. I pray for your continued success in all you do, one day at a time. God bless you.

[@vincentharris7909]

God bless you Louise. Many blessings.

[@misspuppa]

❤

[@laetitialogan2002]

Well done, not easy, but you did it

[@SubvertTheState]

I'm 33 years old. After deploying to Iraq and going to school i started working at a local food processing plant. I worked several different jobs since my time working there for 4 years. Now ten years later, the hourly rate has increased by a fraction of a dollar. If the cost of living has increased by 30%-40% since then, how on Earth are you supposed to break even let alone save up for a house or buy a car if yours breaks down. It's literally a complete lack of any proud and honest vocations that this generation is lost. Companies packing up to move production to where labor is the cheapest is why men suffer from a complete lack of purpose. I say men because our meaning is defined by what we can do with our minds and our hands. You take that away and there is nothing to take pride in.

[@joananthony6323]

@@basilmagnanimous7011 You're blaming all the wrong things and people It is the lack of empathy by people like you and the excuses you make for government inaction that is keeping things as they are Billions every year to the AMC and virtually nothing to homelessness, medical support etc.

[@createone100]

You have nailed the big problem. Outsourcing and elimination of UNION jobs. I am a retired teacher in Canada, and I live well because I was paid well (I understand that American teachers aren’t), and receive a good monthly pension. My union job in education allowed me to do well as a single parent, and invest money which I can also now draw upon. Brainwashing people against unions is a huge part of the problem in both U.S. and Canada. This is how money moves ever-upward in the chain, and hollows out the middle class. It’s like people have Stockholm syndrome and believe the lies their oppressors tell them about unions and communities and the need for public spending, which includes much more for public and mental health support.

[@scotts9760]

Then you get a second job. I did.

[@zefcha4670]

@@joananthony6323 no he is not...the government treats the USA as a third world country now

[@etnemelcnational5704]

I love PBS and I watch their programs because it is so real, so true and they are not afraid to show that to the world.

[@jacquig7118]

What a powerful documentary. I was routing for Clayton even though I knew he would not make it. What a loving kind person he was. It was also lovely to see how much Nicholas Kristof cared for his community and they felt that too. What a waste of a generation of people on the No 6 bus. Sad.

[@coldspring22]

Had Clayton been more like Nicholas would he have died so young? Being a life long learner is a passion and gives a lot of vitality to life because there is so much to learn out there. Not saying that being engaged person would have prevented early death, but it gives a person better chance to lead a happier and more fulfilling life than looking towards a steady blue collar job as life goal.

[@Cristaynful]

Man, it tears my heart. “The true power is in the community.”

[@stanleymcvay9283]

True

[@ellenewaskowitz5448]

That's why they work so hard to divide us.

[@MariaFlores-oh7bt]

I love how the government causes a lot of the economic problems and then blame the people that are working hard and barley able to afford a roof on their head.

[@Phostings1]

This comment should be pinned.

[@colintook3357]

It's a deliberate policy. They won't let us have a majority of the people living productive. Contented lives in cohesive communities as you cannot control this as well as youn can a community that's on its ar#e and struggling. It's treasonous for any democratic government to allow this to happen

[@lisapen9207]

These stories just broke my heart. God bless Officer Olsen, Dr Wen, and the beautiful ladies in nursing training. I lost my younger brother to opioid addiction 5 years ago. It is something I would never wish on my worst enemy. The pain and suffering he endured and trying to get clean many times. Alway praying for a solution.

[@wallycee1529]

Incredible documentary! When I think about the times we are in right now it brings tears to my eyes. It is really difficult not to be pessimistic. The quote by FDR really sums it up... “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little." It does not appear that the wealthy are going to give up anything they have to help "those who have too little". It does not appear as if our government is going to do anything but sow division and hatred between us.

[@avamasquerade]

No worries, the hard way it is then.

[@ey67]

True

[@TomTom-xp2jb]

After watching this and a good cry I have so much respect for the cop whose brother died. Finally we're starting to see addiction as a health issue and not a criminal one. Thx. for the post. 👍

[@JoryBarrett]

He still viewed addiction as "breaking the law" and a "moral failing" though, I found that a bit shitty to say its a morality thing even after his own brother succumbed to it.

[@Amandavg]

I grew up in poverty, abuse, and drug addiction from my father. Now my bestfriend and little brother are also struggling. I've worked in the mental health/addiction field for 4 years now, most recently as a Crisis Counselor. Mental illness, addiction, and poverty are the biggest travesty I've ever seen. People need help, they need shelter, they need care, they need hope and those of us out here trying to help them are drowning our selves as we are understaffed no matter where we work, underpaid despite degrees, and mentally exhausted from taking on other people trauma day in and day out just to go home and struggle ourselves. This system is so messed up but needed more than ever. The pandemic really messed with so many people and children are struggling exceptionally bad right now. Rather than being selfish, we need to realize that if we gave everyone security and opportunity that truly amazing things can happen. Some of the most brilliant, talented, funny, caring, and amazing people I've ever met were on a psychiatric ward or living under a bridge. If they were given the chance they would change the world, I have no doubt about that at all.

[@patshelby9285]

I am always put off by the people who say that if you try to give people at least the minimum with no strings attached they will just sit around and do nothing. I think they are projecting the ego centric motivation of many of the over paid onto people who have never had the chance to do the best they can. The wealthy say, "I cannot possibly consider the position for less than a hundred times what your least paid expects." And the essential worker, who is usually among the least paid, is forced to live on pay which is a fraction of what they need to live. Often working two or three jobs..

[@marycooper8385]

Amanda you are an empath as I am I volunteered at our city's homeless shelter and worked with the children they were some of the kindest smartest children I have ever met also I went to Africa on a mission trip to meet my sponsored child Let me just say that trip.was life changing Everyone the adults and especially the children are so gracious and kind and full of life and love for everyone it was a truly humbling experience .I came home a changed person people here and kids have no concept of how the world works and how spoiled and self centered they are .Some care about the downtrodden or whatever in word we use now . I saw a special on the homeless living under a bridge in Indianapolis their spiritual leader is so kind and compassionate he was the thread that held them together . Yes I completely understand where you are coming from.. You need to get out of your comfort zone and see how a lot of people live .Our safari guide made $150 a month .

[@kerrymarris4260]

It's why humans are a flaude spieces and it's got to stop, before we kill the whole planet, mother earth is got to be at the end of her patients with us. All other species will do better without us.

[@YOUAreTheSecretToLife]

Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes !!!!! All. Of. This. Thank you!!!!

[@annapachaclarke2392]

Love your comment, and you are absolutely right. No corrupt governments and other power hungry are going to care for we, the ordinary people. It's up to us to care for each other more and more, because that's what it is going to take. If we don't we are doomed. I know what you mean about working in the field taking it's toll ❤ We carry on because we are needed.

[@Harlowerayne]

This is one of the most comprehensive and compassionate documentary on the effects of addiction and poverty has on a already impoverished community.

[@angieprice7206]

A lot of documentaries just document. This one did all of that with a compassion and sensitivity for the people behind the tragedies. Very well done.

[@johnryan2193]

Thank you Mr Franklin for your very moving honesty ! Turning ordinary people into criminals does not HELP ANYONE .

[@jocosus3]

What a powerful and moving documentary. This should be mandatory viewing for everyone who lives in Merica. #Solidarity

[@amc5926]

i love these sob stories. great entertainment. keep 'm coming.

[@rachelkristine4669]

It will prolly get banned! 😆

[@boristheamerican2938]

They wont care until it happens to them.

[@melissak8419]

What we need is to have more empathy for our fellow human beings. The rich seem to want to hoard their money, more money they anyone needs to survive, or even just live comfortably, while keeping everyone else who is poor, poor. Wages have hardly gone up in the last 25 or so years I have been working. But we also need purpose in life. We need more love, purpose, and empathy.

[@まきとにった]

Nam myo ho ren ge kyo convert to nichiren shoshu

[@generalchan5389]

Its because the financial education was taken out of the school system. Our school system is designed to create drones aka factory workers which is 60-70 years overdue. The rich (the good ones) had left resources and books for us to find to apply of what they know to get to where they're at.

[@Eyes2theSkies]

Amen.

[@filrabat1965]

@@generalchan5389 Our education system is like a old established elite or mass production system failing to adapt to the times: churning out conformist who would do well on the assembly line or function in rigid corporate heirarchies; but woefully equipped at encouraging creativity and independent thought that are necessary for today's economy. In short, the USA has the best 1952 type of education that money can buy.

[@whygohome172]

Sadly, those without empathy are DISEASED and we cannot "LOVE" them into wellness. They are sadistic and feed off of people's struggles. That's their addiction!

[@ladyhawkNone]

This was when my two girls were young. Our family became homeless when our landlord decided to sell the property & gave us two weeks to find a place! We were both working but couldn't find a place we could afford so we ended up in the only motel we could find. So both kids my husband & I and the animals were living in the motel. The motel was expensive so it took our savings for a new place. Thus began the vicious circle. It was terrible. We weren't allowed to cook in the room either. Terrible time for us. I feel for these ppl so much. It's so easy to get in this position.

[@yourlogicalnightmare1014]

Enjoy the fruits of procreation, which makes possible all hunger, fear, and suffering. Complaining makes no sense at all. It's like intentionally driving your car through a playground and slaughtering kids then crying about the damage to your vehicle. Procreation is an act of evil, with horrifying results for many

[@angelbelieves7496]

Yes it is and because if it it’s hard to get out of it

[@dclaet1135]

@@yourlogicalnightmare1014 In your case, that would be true.

[@wyatt1153]

@@yourlogicalnightmare1014 Procreation is an act of God. You're extremely confused about life. Children are a joy.

[@yourlogicalnightmare1014]

@@wyatt1153 What an astounding lack of comprehension and intellect you display 🤯

[@alvinfrazier4152]

A very powerful documentary. United we stand, divided we fall. The government being indifferent to societal inequality doesn’t mean that we as a community should. Unite my fellow Americans!

[@brianolson1098]

If our government institutions understood and would apply Manslow's hierarchy of needs in helping people they could actually accomplish making poor people self sufficient. In order for the poor to pull them selves up by their bootstraps they need basic requirements to reach the next level.

[@brianolson1098]

America's societal crises are self induced. It starts by treating addicts as criminals and giving them record which takes away all government benefits and their chance of getting a good job or owning a business. A person can't even get food stamps if they're convicted for drugs. If they can't even get food it's going to drive them to steal or worse.

[@ellee2937]

Seldom i come across documentaries on peoples lives that brings tears 😭 but your sensitive & moving accounts & from the people who spoke & helped others really moved me of how hardships can not destroy but can be overcome thru faith & people who care enough to reach out to help out & make a difference in someone’s lives & i am sure Drew’s message to the class help changed lives thats day & possibly even saved someone from going down the same path, thank u for your wonderful simple yet profound & thought provoking documentaries 👏🏻👍🏻 God bless u with bountiful increase in viewerships 👍🏻

[@davidhollenshead4892]

Except that the creators of this documentary drive Japanese cars like Honda and yet they don't get it. [Honda is an anti-Union shop, like all Japanese car makers....]

[@MountainGirlwIPA]

So glad you captured the reality of being born into a social class that people so quickly pass judgement without empathy.

[@liveyourlife7367]

I want to thank all the people that help the homeless and poor children and the traumatized children, you are very special people.

[@arabicmusiclady1428]

I'm grateful that I come from a large loving family who will always protect me and be there for me during good and bad times. And I admit I do have a better life than the people shown in this video. I honestly feel so sad and bad for these people. And I wish God can open his blessings to every poor person that's suffering around the country. Everyone deserves to have a comfortable and healthy life filled with nothing but happiness and positive energy.

[@pinqueenmartin9582]

Seriously, you know what it is really? It's about wealth inequality. Period. Anyone who works full time should not have to struggle to pay for basic needs like rent or food. It's about pay. A living wage is needed. Like a minimum wage of 20 dollars an hour. Sound unfair? Wrong. It should be that today if you account for past inflation. Also, CEO pay is crazy disproportional to the lowest paid workers. That's unfair to all. The result is a lack of upward mobility. You can't invest in yourself when you dont have two nickels to rub together at the end of the month. And lastly and firstly it's about healthcare. It should be available and low cost to all. Your health is your wealth in the final analysis.

[@whispermcgaughy7251]

✅👍🏿

[@susiefairfield7218]

💯

[@gardencity3558]

You raise minimum wage prices go up nearly free healthcare still costs lots of someone's taxes. Anytime the government comes in with these types of measures they usually fail miserably and make the problem worse. Living in Canada speaking from experience here.

[@thachhuynh5462]

Most homeless people are natives, they rather be on the streets than work for a low paying job while immigrants are so happy for that opportunity. Maybe Americans had always been so lucky, they just can’t settle for anything less

[@davidhollenshead4892]

@@gardencity3558 Our lack of healthcare costs the government a fortune. We could afford the British NHS from the tax money being spent to bail out our public hospitals due to unpaid medical bills. So no, we would not raise taxes by creating a national health service. I wonder if you really are a Canadian with your attitude...

[@everythingisfine9988]

The bootstraps myth, war on drugs, & big parma. Some of the most destructive forces in the last 50 years

[@elishahthompson4334]

🎯💯

[@acooksla]

Agreed, tragic

[@erikostby2232]

You must definitely lift yourself up by your bootstraps. You just have to think outside the box to come up with the answer

[@rhetleonard2968]

@@erikostby2232 it must be a mix of public/private focus on wellbeing.

[@erikostby2232]

@@rhetleonard2968 do you really think the public sector can doing anything well? Personally I don't, but I do not have much experience with it, but I always hear people talking about how the government has failed

[@emcee797]

Drew is incredible. He’s such a warm soul. I hope he knows how important he is to the world. God be good to him and his son.

[@jaywatson9476]

By far one of the best documentaries I ever watched. I was born in severe poverty and by the grace of God was able to escape it. Thanks for sharing the stories of others and may God continue to watch over them as well 😊🙏💜....

[@aimeekreutzer-malkawi]

This has been 1 of the best documentaries I have ever watched. If I can be happy, sad, angry, empathetic and needing a box of tissue Thru part of this you have done an outstanding job on this piece here! Well done ! bravo 👏

[@まきとにった]

Nam myo ho ren ge kyo convert to nichiren shoshu

[@01jbeals]

I agree, this was a phenomenal documentary. Might I recommend another one for you? If you haven’t watched Requiem for an American Dream with Noam Chomsky then I highly recommend watching it. Definitely worth your time. You can find it on KZbin for free I believe. 🙂

[@jonawesolowski-thecommunit9968]

This was such a sad documentary. My older daughter (35) and her husband(37) have two boys, 13(almost 14) and 12. They both work, and work hard but what they earn compared to rent that is outrageous and taking care of their kids they barely keep afloat. They moved in with his mom who has a house to try to get monies straightened up and saved. They are one bad thing away from utter chaos. I'm the 50's "the Dad" would work his job, mom stayed with kids, they had a car n a small home. Now both ppl working can hardly keep a roof over them. N owning a home is a pipe dream for most

[@lewiskunst1089]

Yep... I really wish We the People could change the policies of our countries.

[@JB-kx9bx]

Still waiting for that wealth to trickle down.

[@yourlogicalnightmare1014]

Kinda funny how YOU are responsible for their suffering by procreating and then "hoping for the best" 😃👍 Don't have kids if you don't like the FACT that you are exposing your creation to all the evil life has to offer

[@lewiskunst1089]

@@yourlogicalnightmare1014 what is your problem?

[@yourlogicalnightmare1014]

@@lewiskunst1089 Is the concept too difficult for you?

[@Brenzzy]

Required viewing for all Americans, this documentary is an excellent summation of what factors have brought us to today. Evil and despair will continue to thrive if good and honest people do nothing. So many good examples of wonderful ppl here. It’s far time for the force of justice, equality, and just plain human compassion to prevail. All good people, please embolden ourselves to push back and Lead us forward.

[@ariw9405]

I just can no fathom how we live in a country where so little have so much and so many have nothing! The level of greed and disdain for the working class is off the charts. There has to be a reckoning very soon, you can only gaslight people with the meritocracy lie for so long.

[@GottaWannaDance]

Capitalism. Ignorant people. Look at Trump and how many fell for his BS.

[@dclaet1135]

@@GottaWannaDance Sadly, they still do.

[@democraticman3602]

Look at people like Sinema & Manchin, Trump & his GOP, all wanting to live like Putin.

[@dsword331]

I'm grateful I have lived long enough to see that a light of hope is being shed on this decaying society of ours through "Earth Angels" like you and your wife. Thank you for allowing your caring hearts to push forward the realities of what are the fundamental causes that have contributed and continue to do so in the impoverishment of the American dream of many. It's a hard truth and there were moments during the viewing of this documentary that I had to stop it to allow my human heart to feel the emotional pain, loss and weep. It was refreshing continue after allowing my human emotions to manifest freely from such sadness and more than how difficult it was to observe each of these fellow human neighbors pain in their unwanted, unplanned miseries. It was also a sense of gratefulness for the avenues and other resources within our America that are being offered by those that are kind and caring and wanting to make a difference in the pain, the loss of other by providing hope through various resources but most of all through second chances. Thank you for creating this documentary and for adding to my own hope and desire to keep making a difference to society through my own kindness and caring heart...

[@patricksullivan2816]

This documentary is spot on in every way about the problems and the solutions to the many challenges we face living in the United States. It has to start with us in our individual communities.

[@natet5959]

This is heartbreaking, but the filmmaking and reporting is fantastic and it's important to bring awareness to these issues.

[@lucid685]

The spike in addiction is due to many reasons but the lack of proper families or guidance is almost always (not always but almost) a reason why things go astray

[@melgonz.6962]

Exactly. Immigrants come here with nothing, and become more successful then people living here. They stick together as a family and community. The problem starts with the family unit.

[@larkascending100]

Totally agree, it's at the heart of the ongoing breakdown of our society.

[@Tupunaforever]

Thankyou for this informative and touching doccumentary. The comparison between Europe and America was very interesting down to government policy. In the early black and white footage America had great leaders, until Reagan, it's been downhill since then. God bless the poor, vulnerable and the weak Americans, the wealthy and rich i suspect are queuing up at Bravo.

[@まきとにった]

Nam myo ho ren ge kyo convert to nichiren shoshu

[@ryannee8453]

I'm a 27 year old man and when I see how happy the familys are made me upset and the happiness of the children at the Thanksgiving dinner come on every one pull together and help eachother the world will be a better place

[@eunicestone838]

Now let's break out in song In our Michael Jackson voice....we are the world...

[@jennifer7648]

I'm confused, seeing how happy the families are made you upset? What about how happy the children were at Thanksgiving?

[@jennifer7648]

@@varshana81 Ok thank you. It would be a lot easier to read if there were commas and periods.

[@overlandecuador4872]

Im an elder, this was an eye opener at ground level. Americas SHAME!

[@ScaryClarey]

I found this documentary to be informative, compassionate and cathartic. I experienced some childhood drama and neglect that has impacted my life in ways I have been ignoring. Thank you for such a thoughtful compilation of stories. And my sincere sympathy to Mr. Kristof on the loss of so many friends.

[@castor9697]

I am seeing what you are seeing and being an immigrant who dreamt of being in America for a better life it pains me to see the difficulties that so many Anericans are facing right now. I achieved my dream of a good life and I am in the time of my life that I am paying it back and forward. I am in a position to help those who are in need and I am praying for the wisdom for our country to find the best solution. We all have to work together to save as many lives as we can. We cannot stand at a distance labeling people as lazy and blaming them for their sad plight. Let us use our intelligence and our social media to influence people positively.

[@blancaestrada396]

Thank you for thoughts and words , I feel the same way.... from San Francisco it pains me that people don't want to help or aid anyone it's almost disgusting.....

[@kenny3269]

Well said. Completely agree.

[@patshelby9285]

Bless you.

[@curlyb4c95]

I made sure I did not depend on the government to take care of me during my golden years. It was hard, but I saved, saved, saved! Lived way below my means, split the rent 3 ways, worked a full time and part time job, never ate out, just lived frugally, then got a deal on a home. I shopped food sales, shopped at thrift stores, shared the cost of driving to get to work to save money, took my lunch to work which was usually leftovers. Continued to work and save. I’m older now and glad I did what I did. I was laughed at, called cheap, scroungy, a hobo, because I kept my car and drove it until it would not run anymore lol (over 22 years with same car), then paid cash for a good used car while friends drove fancy cars, ate out every day, wore designer and expensive clothes, etc. I was always asked why I wore the clothes I wore (they were classic, quality pieces so I didn’t need to keep purchasing clothes.) Everything about finance I learned from my parents. And they made me work for the things I wanted. They took care of needs, if I wanted extra stuff, I had to use MY OWN money I saved from my teen jobs. That was a lesson in itself LOL 😂.

[@castor9697]

@@curlyb4c95 I am exactly doing the same thing. I live a minimalist frugal life. That is why I am able to pay it forward. I am single so I am going to look forward to growing old alone and having to take care of all my needs. I have set aside some funds for my retirement. I believe that since I chose a single life then I have to depend on anyone except God.

[@ericmccarthy8592]

We need to help each other in this world.And love one another!! 🙏

[@donaldcole2539]

Outstanding documentary! PBS always does a great job exposing the truth!

[@MnMcancook]

The message this film presents is touching and much needed. Thank you to all involved for taking the immense amount of time and effort it took to create this documentary. Hopefully the actions of my generation begin to mend the cracks that are currently present in our great nation for our future generations sake.

[@beam3819]

Time to band toghether and join our countries to fight socio econimic explotation of people and resourcers. Screaming games between left and right is irrelevant. Kids now have a grim future. Change THAT

[@camaya9065]

I love that Nicholas was able to be light for Drew. There’s so much to draw from within this special. Thanks!

[@ryanreedgibson]

I have to pause this until tonight. I am going to guess what that one big thing that changed was Ronald Reagan and his "actor economics".

[@jamescoleakaericunderwood2503]

That was the beginning of huge mental health budget cuts...we're paying dearly now for it here in America

[@aimeekreutzer-malkawi]

Worst President ever. Well many have been since then. He changed too much and not for the better

[@markbahouth2713]

The " Gipper' was a third rate actor and horrific President. the Rethuglicons love to crow about him ando claim him and Lincoln as shining examples of how wonderful there party is. well Abe Lincoln was a brilliant man but Ronnie was a a punk. his family excepted a government check . mean spirited man and a snitch. the downward spiral of the average American began as a result of his and his enablers.

[@chewygal69]

It's difficult to pull yourself up by your boot straps if you have no boots. We have to start helping each other instead of yelling at each other.

[@dogeared100]

Right on.

[@fumanpoo4725]

Amen

[@deborahfranklin9370]

👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@TrggrWarning]

Orchestrated oblivion

[@1mourningdove54]

Both heartbreaking and hopeful on so many levels. "But for the grace of God go I".

[@rosie1798]

Wow, this opened my eyes. Thank you for caring and thank you for sharing this. I need to get out of my comfort zone and start helping my community.

[@daviddabeegukabassima8232]

Indeed! We need a new version of the American Dream where compassion and helping hands for Americans are present! God bless this channel and you who did this documentary!

[@Truth1561]

I have several friends living in America. They are lovely supportive friends and a mix of Christian and LDS. Whenever I mention our benefit system or NHS they start talking about 'communism' ( oh the ignorance) and state like Reagen that everyone should help themselves. No compassion for suffering good folks such as those featured in this documentary. I can't understand how they can be so flippant when they profess to be Christian . Most ordinary people are only about 3 months away from financial disaster if they lose their job or get sick, many don't earn enough to build an emergency fund. It really is depressing to see such selfishness in a country that claims to be the best in the world.

[@mcdahnahld]

Well said. 'Love thy neighbour' (sorry, Canadian spelling, hahaha) out of one side of their duplicitously religious faces and 'oh, but not that neighbour' out of the other side. Time for humans to grow out of their religious shackles. Keep faith alive if you so choose but religion must go. As a great light once wrote: god is NOT GREAT (capitalization strongly intended).

[@carolkimbell5174]

Very well said!

[@kconsidine313]

My brothers name was Kevin and he died from overdose, he used to say he met so many Kevins in his rehabs he thought the name was cursed or something. If you read this please say a prayer for him Thank you!!!

[@jerrylawler2735]

I’m not making a joke. I went to school with a hood guy named Kevin and he too overdosed like 3-4 years ago. I never met a Javier, Eugene, or Howard that had any real issues.

[@jerrylawler2735]

Good guy(went to lunch with him in school), definitely not hood

[@leeholmes9962]

Loads of respect for all people that beat there addiction I'm still facing my psychological demon's I'm 46 years old and I'm in BAD HEALTH I hope I beat this before I die 👍🤜🤛✌️

[@marietaylor5174]

I don't know why seeing the children leaving their motel room and catching the school bus just brought me to tears. This should not be happening in the richest country in the world. I donate thousands annually to charities, but I still feel guilty when seeing these families struggling mightily. God help us all.

[@JosedeJezeus]

We are richer than other countries, but we are not a wealthy country. Only in comparison to the dirt port countries.

[@andredaedone7732]

I have a rough time when I was young, the US Navy saved my life. Got me straight now 67, sometimes I feel guilty when I just eat popcorn because my health is my main priority. People can recover from that life, they just need a catalyst. Mine was certainly people in the Navy and two police officers. And the state of Washington had a role. I went on and retired from the Navy. Overall, the person needs to want it.

[@janejones5362]

The state of washington is corrupt.

[@gregorypeterson9]

Thanks for this Documentary...very honest and touching.

[@davidhollenshead4892]

Except that it doesn't cover those of us who live with severe chronic pain. For me it was caused by a near fatal accident caused by a drunk drivers hit and run... As we are also impacted by the so called opioid crisis, because under treatment of pain is destroying our health. Yet virtually none of us have abused prescription drugs and our medical records show it. The CDC decided to lump us in with the substance abusers as it would be too time consuming to differentiate between us...

[@JohnCampbellmarleybikes]

Some documentaries must be required for viewing by everyone in America. This is one of them...

[@まきとにった]

Nam myo ho ren ge kyo convert to nichiren shoshu

[@ogawasanjuro]

I like what Drew said after his talk to the teens in the class: "It takes a village." Also, life is not about pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps, but instead America is about having many second chances and help along the way. At least it should be. Thank you for this documentary.

[@Magnulus76]

"Self-reliance" is the root problem of much of America's contemporary woes. A successful civilization has never managed along neoliberal, individualist ideals.

[@jaynesimmons2403]

So sad and yet inspiring at the same time. Thank you for the post.

[@sister2717]

One of the est documentaries I've ever seen. A real eye opener.

[@ieattofu68]

Funny how we're supposed to make it on our own, but the government can't go without our taxes.

[@DemocritusWept]

Much of which goes to subsidize unhealthy corporations

[@avamasquerade]

Frankly our healthcare system also plays a large part in this horror story. If people were actually treated for their conditions (many of them back or knee conditions which we actually have standard courses of care for as they're so common) instead of being deemed as undeserving (by medical staff and health insurance companies) and being sent home with some pills, this wouldn't be nearly the problem it is. Also very interesting that so many are dying before they have a chance to collect retirement...

[@alfredhitchcock45]

Are you talking about physical therapy? That too doesn't work

[@vickyabramowitz2885]

@@alfredhitchcock45 It worked for me.

[@danrynazewski4151]

I Have a pressure soar from sitting in wheelchair been trying to get it fixed since 2019 I lost my job finally in 2022 could not sit in chair for 8 hrs I was told by Union and ADA back to work in office or find a new job? So now I live with mom and trying to get fixed! Using Retirement for money and to pay my $940 a month Providence Health insurance.. I'm 48 no disability cause guess what I can get fixed..lol as for retirement My Dad died 3 months from Retirement and we got none of his Retirement account! That's America! I'm probably lucky to use mine! Pretty Sad!

[@astroemerald3175]

100%

[@clivejones5880]

People need to stop voting for a party that is actively trying to prevent people from getting affordable healthcare. That same party is pro-corporation and not pro-people, they're actively trying to kill unions and care nothing about affordable wages. That same party has done nothing for the American people for at least two decades... nothing.

[@billzander2875]

There will never be a place like America in the 50s and 60s again. To think that we'll ever get back to that is folly.

[@kimberlysmith7311]

🖐 Anyone reading this who experienced abuse, neglect, or other traumas as a child or just in life, please do not feel hopeless when you hear prognosis of your possible health outcomes. This is a wonderful caring documentary, but one thing that wasnt said is that , " identifying" with those traumas and circumstamces, is what keeps people down, not the circumstances themselves. ❤ You are not your history, nor are you your life circumstances. We are all much more then that. We are the consciousness of the universe. The truest part of us is one with everything and everyone and is eternal.❤

[@Breeze-gd8wj]

Abuse trauma leads to us self medicating but yes it's time to say it's not my history it's my future the present that's who I'm

[@sharonrobledo136]

Keep sharing these kind of stories it’s needed!!!

[@pauldusa]

I'm 67 in 2023, back in the early 70's when I was 18-20 yrs old making $5 a hour back then, I lived better on the $5 a hour then compared to people making $20 a hour in 2023, really people need to make $50 a hour in 2023 just to live the same as we did in the 70's

[@thegooddriver2333]

I don’t understand how to such a wonderful humanitarian effort this woman puts foward can be done in this such a corrupt government

[@ThunderWarrior01]

I was born and brought up in a small middle England village and many of the lads my age give or take a couple of years have died. Many in the late 90’ and early 2000’ from drug overdose,the other cause is vehicle crashes

[@mandybradley3079]

Personal responsibility is everything. And greed in corporations, and greedy hospitals are also to blame.

[@eastcoastnews9529]

We should be able to take them to court and have them pay for everything that the addiction caused .

[@amyrobern9662]

When I graduated law from a prestigious Canadian university in 1987, the annual tuition was around $1500 per year. Today the same degree costs $30k/year tuition. My entire student debt was $14K after 5 years of undergrad and law school. I worked 40 hours/week during undergrad to afford my rent, books, transportation, etc. and had straight "As" in my second year of undergrad. In those days, if your marks were really good you could get into law or medicine at the end of second year undergrad. Luckily I did get in after 2 years because I could not afford another year of undergrad back when tuition was about $1,200/year. Also the province I live in has now taken away free grade 13, so undergrad is now 4 years instead of three and you now have to complete it before applying to law or medicine. Why? It's a business. My total debt for 5 years of University was a fraction of what three years of law and 4 years of undergrad would cost today. Law school alone, without any undergrad, would now cost in excess of $100K. I have been practising criminal law now for over 30 years. I'm the busiest I have ever been but- no raise in legal aid since 2015, (the vast majority of my caseload). Considering the increases in the cost of living, especially since the pandemic, law school, for those wishing to practise criminal law, is simply unsustainable. And when someone is facing criminal charges you want someone competent. We have striked in the past and received a nominal increase but nothing substantial and nothing since. Education was a great way to lift a person out of their poverty situation and in the 80's there was always money for school. Not anymore. My nieces and nephews may never be able to purchase a house, mostly because of low wages and a falsely inflated market. Low wages with a child or two will ensure they never buy a house. I bought my house in 2000 for under $100K and it was recently appraised as well over $500k. That alone explains a lot! I also reside in a small town where, up until the Pandemic, there was homelessness but it was not visible. I have seen several of my clients over the last three years lose employment, their accommodations and their lives for lack of housing. The most "stable" of us are now struggling to keep up with affording the necessities, even tho they once owned houses and had well paid employment. John Oliver did two shows last week because the first show, all about Home Owner's Associations, was absolutely irrelevant for the 30 under crowd, who will likely never own a house. The second episode was about Chuck E. Cheese. I'm 60 now and I will have to fund my own pension, (apart from the minuscule pension provided by our government), as I have worked on my own since 1997. I was able to save money over the years but only enough to last approximately 10 years. That 'pot' is almost gone now, mostly towards income tax over the last 25 years, (approx. more than 50% of my total wage goes to the taxman). I also have high medical costs, (drugs, prosthetic leg, liners for the leg, insulin for over 40 years- none of these are paid for in Canada unless you are on social assistance and then you are given a drug card, (but you still have to pay a dispensing fee). And that is just medication. What do you tell kids today about university, choosing a career or how to save cash when you are thankful for your tent on the street and a sandwich a stranger bought for you? I'm not even going to to write about how Canada and the US are absolutely failing their addicted citizens. Everyone living in Canada can be housed and fed but our governments don't want to spend money on people they perceive as the problem. Especially in their own backyards.

[@sarahstrong7174]

I would like to see living & working communities where people can go. Where you get a room & work, training & a role in the community & a place in associated activities & social groups.

[@patshelby9285]

I have fantasized about being rich enough to found something like that...but until I am rich, I wish SOMEONE would launch it.

[@dclaet1135]

Thank you for sharing your documentary. You really shifted my thinking and gave me a sense of hope for these people. Our country needs so many things, such as jobs that pay a living wage, affordable housing and true help for those ready to turn their lives around. I think of how much we spend on far less important things when we should be helping our own.

[@yourlogicalnightmare1014]

Embrace suffering or don't procreate. Whining about the results of procreation makes no sense

[@melanietatco30]

I don’t know what it’s like to grow up in poverty, but this video teaches me to appreciate the finer things in life.

[@cynbarron731]

It should teach you to help

[@melanietatco30]

@@cynbarron731 true

[@Emmy-J]

Its hard to have hope that things will get better with the government that we have.

[@terrancecobb6802]

Phenomenal documentary, it really dives into the big city issues, all the way down to a one red light town. It is hard to make someone stop an addiction, that person has to want to stop. My rule is, I don't knock what nobody does, but, when it effects ur lifestyle, u GOTTA find a way to stop.

[@etnemelcnational5704]

How is it that the richest country in the world cannot solve its own problem but wants to solve the problems of other countries in the world but is failing to solve the countries they want to help. They should help those within their own country. This is so sad. Would it not better to show the world that the country the US should show the world that they have no problems with housing, with health and other before they start helping other countries.

[@silverforest4682]

Reagan started this mess. Companies had to cut things to save themselves. They cut maintenance, research and employee wages.

[@Trenton.D]

The companies WANTED those things. They were not victims. In many ways they were senile Reagan’s puppet master.

[@KAAN_TR]

Exactly

[@theGIGbetween]

This mess started in the 70s under Richard Nixon when they started making corruption for the rich legal and it carried on throughout the 80s and 90s and here we are… on the brink of collapse

[@julielehman1921]

Enjoyed your documentary, it is bitter sweet. I feel no one should be homeless! There are plenty of places, even if it's not desirable. Can paint and fix it up, plenty of free furniture, dishes. Yes our government has done this by taking our jobs to other countries. There needs to be a different payscale , our country needs the lower skilled people as much as the other! They deserve at least 15.00 an hour.

[@unitedchainsofamerica]

As a veteran a victim of the war on drugs I demand reperations and benefits. It would sure help to be able to use my college degrees and get a job. But with 9 felonies and four prison numbers for nothing more than having powder in my pocket I left and moved to cambodia. Sad and amazing it's SO much better here.

[@kerrynight3271]

Oh, I'm so glad you made such a positive change for yourself. Please take good care of yourself and live a happy life.

[@unitedchainsofamerica]

@@kerrynight3271 thank you that means allot most people hate on me for some crazy reason 😁😁😁

[@nicholasthompson7690]

Cambodia?

[@unitedchainsofamerica]

@@nicholasthompson7690 yep Phnom Penh Cambodia!!! Best country in the world 🌍!!!

[@thetreekeeper143]

Freedom and democracy with American characteristics.

[@grumpy1311]

Tough material here. It takes courage to shine light in a place society had been conditioned to ignore. Especially if you have personally been effected by similar issues. I have lost many childhood classmates from the same.

[@marikoyatsu3928]

I live in Seattle & work for the state. I don’t worry abt retirement or a house b/c I can’t afford anything on my salary. I could try to save money, but life has no guarantees. If I make it to 70, I’ll be able to save for a house. I’m grateful I chose not to have children b/c I believe one should be self sufficient prior to bringing a child into the world.

[@sharinaross1865]

I believed that about a children for over a decade. Glad The American Dream is alive.

[@aresmars2003]

Compassion and trust are great, and necessary, but also something impossible for an active addict. My brother died of a methadone overdose in 2006 in a halfway house, after I legally evicted him from my house in 2003 over homeless people staying in my house and stealing things and forging checks. He refused to believe his friends would steal. Only being homeless in Minnesota winter got him to agree to go to a treatment program, but after said he didn't have a problem, just used it for a place to stay. After that he went back to his friends the following spring and summer, including loaning his car to a friend (that he still owed money on) and his user-friend crashed and totaled it with no insurance, and he lost his job, and went back into his addiction. He agreed to a treatment again, and accepted he was an addict, and then idolized his counselors who were once addicts, and he wanted to be a counselor too to help others. He was a people person would stay up all night with friends who needed help. But it wasn't enough, and he died at 38. The christmas before he died I let him stay a week and he admitted he might have overdosed in my house if I had let him stay longer, and that there was nothing I could have done to get him to stop using while I let him live with me. I didn't know about the wider opioid problem then, but pain meds was one of his additction. IWhen I had vicodin after breaking my collarbone in 2007, I stopped talking as soon as I could, and didn't even know it was dangerous, just didn't want to use drugs if I didn't absolutely need them. But my brother, who grew up with learning disabilities, had a harder life than me, and drugs made him feel "normal" for a while. But the problem is tolerance means "normal" keeps sliding away from you unless you keep taking more.

[@aresmars2003]

@@jaya-squishiehuntr36 That can be true in aspects, but I'd blame my brother's learning disabilities, adopted, probably alcoholic mother. He dropped out of school at 16, worked various physical jobs, but also bad with money. It's hard to know what world he'd best have thrived.

[@deborahfranklin9370]

Thankyou for this preschool. As a former K-12 teacher these staff are right!!!!!!!

[@pauletteladouceur7261]

beautiful work, thank you humans

[@jomo2483]

love the document. One thing that bothers me, I don't know where the notion USA is the richest country in the world comes from. Sure they have the largest economy in the world but it doesn't even make the top 5 richest countries anymore. This year it actually came 9th. For the USA to be considered the richest country, based on it's population size, it should generate over 36 trillion dollars in revenue. I still believe at 9th place it should offer a more comfortable life to its citizens. We have countries in the number 30 that are a far better place to live than the USA. I look at the poverty in USA as a cautionary tale, of what happens when capitalist systems don't have enough checks to stop the elites from abusing it. A common practice in African and South American countries, which results to high levels of poverty and ever growing inequality. Maybe the people will finally adopt a Scandinavian model. That seems to control the greed of the wealthy. But such change had to come from the People, because I doubt those in power and few high earning individuals would want to lose 60 percent of their earnings to taxes..