Just Scraping By

David, his wife and family showed up at St. Vincent Catholic Church in Margate at 10:15 a.m. on Election Day, determined to participate in what they consider to be a historic day in politics.

"Change is important and necessary right now. I don't care about the color of the skin."

David, who's from Kuwait, came to the United States 13 years ago, and like many, looked for a better life. Through time and hard work, he managed to follow the American dream and open his own business. But the dream has turned sour and his family is just scraping by.

David didn't want to give his last name for fear of retribution from his Jewish neighbors and customers. As an Arab-Muslim, he said he knows his views on many things varied greatly from most.

"Many of my neighbors are voting for McCain simply because Obama has Hussein in his name or because they believe he won't be pro-Israel", he said.

David, who owns Hamilton Auto Repair in Margate, said he's had to forgo his own salary just to pay his three employees. He's one month behind on his shop's water bill and his home mortgage payment. He feels his family is the perfect example of what's happening to many others in the middle class.

His concern, he said, is that the right man for the job wins. He longs to return to his native country, but his wife and children call the United States home. How much longer can he endure these tough economic times? As long as he's able to, he said.

Vanessa Ruiz