During the last year or so, we have featured ever increasing posts regarding the absolute, and total, collapse of the American economy. Unemployment and lay-offs often go un-noticed unless you know someone who had to clean out their desk, or perhaps had to yourself. We knew Superfresh grocery stores were one of the ships going down as the entire Maryland chain is closing due to bankruptcy,We are taking it easy today, and didn't feel like lighting a hot grill, or standing over a hot stove. As a result, we happened to be near a Superfresh, and thought some cold, deli-sliced, roast beef sammiches would be the perfect no hassle way to survive the day. We have been very busy lately, and before we entered the store had completely forgotten that the knife was falling. Then we got into the store, and what we witnessed was both mind-blowing and heart-breaking.
The stores are now no longer receiving fresh/new items. They are offering deep discounts {good for the consumer-sad for the economy} to clear the shelves. What you see is what you get until it is gone and the doors are closed, and the jobs are lost. Luckily, they still were slicing whatever deli meats and cheeses they had left-at a 30% discount. There were no steaks, no pork, no chicken, no seafood-the empty coolers and bare shelves brought home the impact of the loss as we are a very visual person. We regret we forgot to take some pictures on our cell phone.
We spoke with several of the employees still manning the ship, and their stories were heartbreaking. These are not rich people-often they are single moms or older workers trying to keep a side gig to supplement their social security and such. These people represent what America used to be about. It wasn't about 5% of the population owning 90% of the assets. it wasn't about bailing out corporations and banks. It wasn't about borrowing from China to give the money to questionable overseas leaders so that they would be friends with us and help us shoot people in the forehead. It should not be about an elitist president traveling the 'pretty nations' taking pictures for his personal scrap book, and laughing it up on world's golf courses.
We fear we may have to continue articles like this as an ongoing feature. We fear that many other people similarly situated are at risk, as well. We are not immune either. There is an election coming up next year. We were young when the Carter years scarred the economy-this train wreck we are facing makes that look like a mini-speed bump. Maryland's state economy is particularly wretched, as are it's tax laws and driving abilities. When you see the candidates campaigning, note who is the best for getting this nation back on track. Never has it been more important to heed the mantra "It's the economy, stupid!" Please make sure you register to vote, and exercise that right when the time comes. We aren't even going to tell you who to vote for, but we hope that when you do-you vote as a passionate, educated voter.
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-04-13/business/bs-bz-supermarket-sell-20110413_1_maryland-stores-pathmark-bankruptcy-protection