And as their government turns a blind eye, they face the pressure themselves of stagnant wages and all of these increasing costs -- and, on top of what's happening now, a softening housing market, which has always been the main source of wealth and security for most Americans.

CNN: Clinton's October 9, 2007 speech on retirement security

"The difficulties blind and partially sighted people face in making journeys that other people take for granted are unacceptable and often unnecessary, " she added.

BBC: Worcester bus drivers experience life as a blind passenger

It aims to highlight some of the challenges blind and partially-sighted people face when using buses, such as getting on and off at the right stop.

BBC: Reading Buses supports initiative for blind passengers

I'm not talking about an idle hope that's little more than blind optimism or willful ignorance of the problems we face.

CNN: Obama's Father's Day speech

Regional newspapers relish tales of posties' life-saving heroics - resuscitating a choking nine-month-old boy, carrying a blind pensioner out of a burning house or spotting the jaundiced face of someone with liver disease, to name a few real-life events.

BBC: Are we falling out of love with the postie?