EXXON made 2 billion in profits last year and I'm struggling along with alot of others to feed and shelter my family.
213000
Exxon gives a lot of that to stockholders, taxes, building infrastructure, providing jobs, research and technology, grants, donations, etc, etc, etc.  Somebody's not sitting around counting money at your expense.  Stop feeling sorry for yourself.\n\nWhat war are you talking about?  The one that ended in victory a couple of years ago with the fall of Saddam?  I hope you are not confusing that with the U.S. helping a fledgling democracy with security against terrorists until they can take care of themselves.  What does that have to do with oil prices again?  By the way, those who think we went into Iraq for oil, where is all this oil we are supposedly getting?  HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
212623
the problem is that people don't understand the difference between profit and profit margins.  When the cost of Oil (a tradeable commodity) doubles, oil companies will pay twice as much for oil and their cut becomes bigger (twice as big in fact)
394340
This may not be much comfort, but most people have screwed up families.   However there are only a few like you and I that will admit it.    My family is the same, sometimes it gets so bad I have to stay away from some of them for months on end.    I have learned that they may be my family, but sometimes you have to put some distance between you and  them for survival..
41144
This sounds like your neices are in big trouble.   Have you thought about just circumventing the failing system.  Go to their mother and ask her to let you have them to take care of.   She can still claim them as hers for food stamps, income tax, etc.   You get the kids.  She gets the money and benefits from claiming them.  They are safe with you.  Make sure this is a VERBAL Agreement!   At some point go to a lawyer and get a custody agreement so you would be a guardian of the children.
208087
I am currently dealing with the same situation. I have found that by giving to much you leave nothing for yourself. People will use you if you allow yourself to be used. My problems are mostly from family. I have come to the realization that if i wouldnt let a stranger treat me poorly why should i allow my family to do the same. Eight months ago i made a list of toxic people in my life and have started the ellimination process. It is very hard, i wont kid you. But, It has to be done. You are already to considerate or you wouldnt have such a question in the first place. Write a list of people that make you feel this way and next to each name write the pros and cons of your relationship with them. Evaluate and treat accordingly. Your life is to precious and short and you deserve better. We as a society have been taught to give but we have never been taught to receive graciuosly. We dont know how to accept compliments. Writing off friends and family is very difficult but you are allowed to feel good any time you want without regret or remorse. Its more exhausting being nice than being honest and straight forward. As with any change you have to do it slowly. You will feel very bad for a time but keep your long term goal in sight and do not share your plan with anyone or they may try to convince you not to write someone off. You have to allow yourslef to be at peace with your decisions. It will be the loss of a friend or family , like a death. You must go through the mourning process. Be good to your soul and it will reward you. Stay focused and you will allow you to reward yourself with a healthy life full of wonderful people. Good luck to you and yours.\n\n\nJoe
183305
I dont think you are being selfish or stingy. Paying for every ones food is expensive.  I dont know what your income is but I know that I did that for a while and I had to put a stop to it.  It was just too much.  What I did to put a stop to it was called a house meeting and pointed out my concerns. I tried to do it as nice and tastefully as I could.  There was two options that came out of it.  Have every one put money in and have a house grocery list and shopping done with every one paying into it.  Or just have then buy their own and you yours. We tried the labeling thing.  This is mine and this is yours type thing. That worked best for us.  \nJust tell them that hey, I have expenses as well.  we need ot figure something out.  Something along those lines.  Unfortunately I dont know a better way.  Some people do get offended. (one of mine did...its hard to avoid)  i hope this advice helps you.
13423
I feel very sorry that your family is living this way.  I am putting some links here that should be able to give you a place to start.
72965
You are not alone.  I am the primary caregiver for my three kids.  I do everything you can imagine.  It is sad b/c as the cost of living gets higher that means whoever makes the income has to work harder(less time to help you)The the cost of daycare is ridiculous
158484
The boycott will work, Exxon won't let themselves go out of business!  We're not asking for free gas, and we're not trying to run them out of business!  We just want them to stop getting away with so much profit!  And there is no way anyone can dare tell me that they don't make profit, here is a NY Times article about the CEO's freakin salary, this gets me so FIRED UP!!!\n\nhttp://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/15/business/15pay.html?ex=1302753600&en=89993dc20e1e7e97&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss
594437
Im trying to support my own family...not everyone else
122472
Think about your resources...Fomer school teachers, former coworkers, friends, extended family... Start with people you know closely and work your way out to people who are more aquaintences than friends. <-- for Donations\n\nOtherwise, you could try calling a local pizza place or mcdonalds to see if they will give a % of profit from a certain time period to the cause.  You could also have a silent auction wtih donations, (they can range from gift certificates to baked goods once a month for the summer, or 3 hours of house cleaning... be creative!)
171382
The Bush family has made all there money for years of of oil and dirty deeds. If you research it you will find there was a deal with Sadam about a pipe line to be built, And when he refused we went to war!! These oil companies are making record profits!!! No one is doing anything to stop them. And oil is part of the reason we are at war, to control more oil!!
272364
The gas prices can be helped if the pricks at exxon and all the other fuel manufacture's would lower the price.  They only reported a 50% increase in profit last year.  Yea I say they could do something about it!!!1
561883
what about going to your church and if they cant help maybe they can lead you in the right direction to get help. I understand the hard times as I have had my share but some how it always worked out.  Good Luck
195319
Yes, with all the problems around the world, it's selfish of the ex-CEO to receive such an excessive gift. Record profits by oil companies, climbing gas prices and the middle-class dollar dwindling are clear consequences.\n\nI reckon the compensation package is icing on the cake.
427664
my sis is in same postition and they are trying to work on it,many firms are donating alot of money to help customers in this awful situation,you just gotta be patient.
454130
Get in touch with your local Cancer Society..they always have funds to help the genuine needy...I know you are having a rough time at the moment but as you have children try to be a little more cheerful for them...being miserable wont change anything..I know this is much easier said than done...I will remember you and your family in my prayers good luck for the future.