Living Beyond Our Means: Debt Problem Looms Large To Seniors

Havonnah Johnson, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Something our government is trying to get a handle on before an August 2nd deadline is the debt problem.

If an agreement is not reached the United States could default on its debt and run out of money.

News 9 has received a flood of emails and calls, as many Oklahomans worry about their financial future.

As the debate gets nastier and the deadline looms closer, seniors like Joyce Mildred are realizing the trouble on capitol hill trickles down to the Sooner State.

Melvins' late husband served our country and he left her with a pension and a comfortable lifestyle. Now she is worried it will be swept away by feuding politicians.

"He was a very good provider. I had him for 54 years and he wanted to be sure I was taken care of and he did. But now the government is stepping in and we don't know what the outcome is going to be," Mildred said.

President Obama sent a letter thanking her for her husband's service, but now she's concerned that service won't be honored if an agreement isn't reached. Melvin's medical benefits and social security check could be affected and she won't be able to afford her living expenses.

She wants to remind politicians of everyday people.

"To me its a big name for this one and a big name for that one. It's all for the glory and not for the people," she said.