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  Hard Times  

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Uploaded: 11/18/13 5:53 AM GMT
Hard Times
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I found this truck parked in a riverside parking area very early one morning last week. The driver could have been asleep in the front seat...I didn't get close enough to find out. This truck symbolizes for me the Spirit of America when times get tough. We have had a lagging economy for over 5 years now, with no end in sight. Some people have lost their jobs, others have had their working hours reduced. The dark clouds overhead are symbolic, but the sun came out later this day. Everyone simply keeps going, making each dollar stretch a bit farther. This truck looks to be in some kind of construction, hauling sharp, heavy things. It is flying the flag, TWO of them! Look closely at the flags...their hems are frazzled from blowing in the wind too much. Obviously the driver cannot afford to replace them. These flags, hard-worn as they are, are beautiful to me. This driver hasn't given up, neither have most Americans. I titled this one "Hard Times", but it is a cheerful picture of people determined to work hard and prevail. Thanks for coming to take a look.

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::Marzena
11/18/13 1:35 PM GMT
Sharon dear, [when I start this way one should be prepared for a lengthy lecture LOL so I will try and make it as short as possible]:
1. This could do well in Photojournalism too - just a thought.
2. The situation you refer to is global by all means. In some areas it is worse and in some slightly better and the areas do not stand for the geographical locations. Professions and industry sectors.
3. I notice one tremendous and vital difference between the Americans and the rest in terms of global economical crisis. While in the other countries the populations faced with hardships turn rebelliously not only against the governments, but to their homelands - namely this is the case in Poland - in the US the people's patriotic attitude seems to grow. This is a special trait and most praiseworthy one too of the Americans.
All right, this will do. Thanks for the uplifting image, dear friend. Good composition here too - apart from the social meaning this image has also a definite artistic appeal. HOWGH
SAM & SAAB
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With all my love and respect, Marzena
.CDHale
11/18/13 3:29 PM GMT
Nice entry for the current contest. Yes, we get a bit frazzled on the ends but we're still waving bright in the wind.
-Christie
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.gizmo1
11/18/13 3:32 PM GMT
You would make a good Journalist. Photographer with this photo and the story behind it as well.The UK is going through the same problems too.Great detail and stunning colours and interesting read too.With look next year them flags will fly again .
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.icedancer
11/19/13 10:29 PM GMT
Very dedicated person indeed, flying good Old Glory.
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♥ Skates ♥
.cjcrowley
11/23/13 4:47 PM GMT
consider for one moment the guy installs flag poles for a living? in that case he would be doing quite well with the sales of flags sky rocketing with all the partrotism going on since 9/11...just kidding but its a possibility. hey my glass is always half full. actually there's a local man in my area that collects metal to make ends meet in an old truck that has an American flag all across the side of it. I agree that your picture would be excellent for the coming contest. it real drives a point across here at home. even around the world as greed, corruption, war & the inability to compromise is slowly strangling humanity. very moving & well done shot!
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What happens if you get scared half to death... twice?

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