Hello all,

Just my .02 here.  I was fortunate to have the choice to stay home  
with my children; however, not all women have this choice.  I have  
lived half my life in Hawaii.  In order to live--just the basics-- 
most families have to have the two incomes---it is a necessity, not a  
luxury.  It is the price of the high cost of living in paradise.  I  
know many families who sat down and did the math many times--and just  
could not do it--these are families already living in the cramp  
quarters of apartments----forget owning a home.  Extended families  
live together--not only  for cultural reasons,but as a necessity as  
well.

Women in Italy have a year's maternity leave.  Only the first 3  
months is with full salary.  The second three months is half salary  
and the second six months is with no pay, but guaranteed to come back  
to your job at one year.  Again, not all moms can afford to do this.   
They are not living in Villas.  I lived in Italy for three years.  It  
is quite expensive.    It is amazing that most Italians can meet the  
needs of basic necessities---and with the state of the global economy  
now, I worry for my friends even more.

Regards,
Gloria Thai, Va
counting my blessings

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