Newsies ...

I was driving to get some food from Gina's BBQ on my way back from purchasing a PS2 (yes, I climb bandwagons late) from Toys N' Joys when I was struck by newspaper sellers on the corner of Kapahulu and Harding. Now, anyone whose ever seen the Disney musical, Newsies, knows that newspaper boys roam the street, calling out headlines, and selling papes. I remember when I used to live in Kaneohe, I would see boys on the sidewalk hawking the Star-Bulletin or Advertiser. The fellow who came to collect money for the daily Star-Bulletin was also a young person of the male persuasian. But...nowadays, there are no longer any newspaper boys. Instead I see women, men, and even some elderly people selling newspapers on the street corners that once housed aspiring young job holders. What happened? What changed? Has our economy gone so far south that adults must take over what was once a predominantly child/teenager line of work. Does selling newspapers really earn one enough money for sustenance? I just sort of stared for awhile as I awaited the red light to turn green. I didn't roll down my window. I didn't buy a paper. Perhaps next time I should, and contribute to our economy. . .