Actually, this somehow reminds me of my childhood here in ex-USSR. No groceries (deficit on everything worth buying), no money to by anything in reasonable qua

Actually, this somehow reminds me of my childhood here in ex-USSR. No groceries (deficit on everything worth buying), no money to by anything in reasonable quantities, extreme inflation, state-issued coupons for different amounts of items (you still had to pay for them, these were used for rationing). We were large family, so we got a right to stand for a few hours in line every few weeks at a distant shop where families with four or more children could shop for items not available elsewhere. Crime rates were through the roof, but not kidnappings. Muggings, burglaries, extortion, plain and simple beating up because you looked the wrong way. These were the days when gangs started forming, so old rules (stand up and fight even if you'll lose) did not work. This story gives me shivers. It was extremely hard to provide for your children back then. I cannot imagine how people from countries with much worse conditions can manage. Edit adds this paragraph. I was a child then. I thought that everything around was a norm. I, actually, did not care much. Now I do.