When it rains it poors
I think most of you know a little about my history and the early Donviti days. If you don’t well, here is a little back story.
I was 19 when I found out, actually 18, I was 18 when I found out my girlfriend was pregnant. 19 when my first daughter was born. I was barely a high school graduate and the only thing left for me to do I felt was join the military and provide a better life than the one I was on the path to currently.
I joined the Navy somewhat knowing how hard things were going to be, but if I did my time (4 years) then after that I could finish up college and avoid ever having to live on skid row again. 4 years is nothing but a blink of an eye when you expect to live to 90. 4 years of hell to make your childs’ life better is worth it. But, of course in typical donviti style, 1 child wasn’t enough, I had to go ahead and have 3. Making it three times as hard on myself.
The military provided me a roof for my kids and about $18,000 for college aka the Montgomery GI Bill. On my military salary I qualified for Food Stamps and WIC. A disgusting truth that still applies now to the men and women that serve. I used to be embarrassed that I qualified for those things, then at one point I said to hell with it. Why should I be embarrassed? My government should be. They aren’t though. Just look at Walter Reed Hospital as proof of the caring for the men and women that serve.
I swore I would never be in this situation again. While underway I was taking 2 college courses at a time. I would sit in the corner of the Torpedo room, 2 torpedo tubes to my right, loaded with tomahawk missles, dawn Sony headphones and watch a 13 inch television for 45 minutes 2 times a day to catch up on the lesson being taught for that particular course. I would read my text books instead of sleeping and at the same time I was qualifying to be a submariner. It wan’t fun, but it was for my future.
I left the Navy with about a years worth of Credits for College. It took me several years and a few managers that had told me I didn’t need college to get my degree. I got it so I would have the piece of paper that puts me on the top of pile when it comes to employment interviews. It isn’t the only thing, but it is something and I know all the data behind the amount of money a college educated person makes in his life time verses a dropout or a high school graduate. I didn’t want to have to worry about being out of work and not being able to find a job somewhere.
Fast forward 16.5 years later and I’m in the same boat (pun intended) as I was back then. I’m at a cross roads in my life again. I’m currently unemployed and wondering what the hell am I going to do. I’m past the point where I’m confident I can get another job any time soon. Especially not for the same income I had. I have applied for entry level jobs, jobs that are 15k less than what I was making when I got let go on New Years Eve. I have even tried to change careers. Nothing. No luck at all. It is bad and it is getting worse.
My wife and I have spoken about me sucking it up, being Mr. Mom during the day and going to school for my Masters at night and weekends. I’m on the fence with what to do and still applying for jobs. Headhunters are still calling me for jobs but the employers that are getting my resume are turning me down.
So, as I debate about what to do with my future the reality of life has kicked me right between the legs yet again. My wife and I have savings. Not the 6 months of salary they recommend, but a few months none the less. We don’t have credit card debt. Well, that’s not true. I bought my wife a Christmas gift on credit that I shouldn’t have, but that she deserved and we have a few hundred dollars left before it is paid off. It was 0%, I’m not that dumb at least. Other than that, we don’t use our credit cards and have tried to cut costs where we can. I turned off my cable and now and frequently at the Library borrowing movies and reading more books. The internet is helpful too.
A few days ago we went to our accountant to file our taxes. We usually do pretty well because I do donate quite a bit each year to charity and also have a few kids to claim. Each year, whatever we went over board on during Christmas we pay off as well as the credit card debt we had racked up redoing our home and buying furniture and appliances. It’s taken 5 years but we dug out of that hole and this year, 2009 was going to be the year we enjoyed our income and really socked away some $ for my 2 daughters about to hit college.
This past year we put ourselves into a good situation economically JUST IN CASE something bad happened. I think we all knew what was going to happen to our economy and working in the banking arena I wasn’t confident at all I’d have a job in 2009.
You can plan and plan and plan all you want. But when you go from making $70,000 a year to a $300 a week unemployment check, it is hard, very hard to adjust. You can’t save money anymore. You clip more coupons and you go with out a lot of the foods you were used to. You allow the kids to have cereal for dinner because, well a box of cereal is 2 bucks. Making a dinner is about $10 or $15.
I’ve rambled I know. How has life kicked me in the balls? We were hoping to be able to use the tax money (still dont’ know the amount of the return) to pay bills like the pesky mortgage and car payment and avoid racking up credit card debt. We have been in that hole and it sucks. We have savings and once you tap that, it is a scary feeling to know that the our glass has been started and once the final grain runs out you are really fucked. We are inches away from tapping it, actually we are closer than that.
I had the chance to buy Cobra health insurance after I was cut from my job and I opted not too. Paying $1000 a month for health care and draining my savings instantly doesn’t seem prudent and logical. I was under the assumption that I was going to be working with in 30 days regardless so why waste the money I have taken so long to save for. My son had a fever last Thursday. I prayed for the first time in a long time that he would be ok. What else am I going to do? I had no other recourse. I was so terrified that the fever was going to be bad that I didn’t tell my wife the night I found it that Thursday evening. I wanted her to get some rest because she is the one that is working now and I didn’t want to tell her because her being a new mother would have wanted to call the Doctor at 10pm which would result in him/her telling us to go to the ER if the temp is XYZ for X number of hours. A five month old with a fever isn’t as bad as a 2 month old but it is bad. And it can get really bad if your child doesn’t eat. As many children don’t when they get sick. They don’t take the bottle, get dehydrated, whither to nothing and get deathly ill. Little Viti had a fever for 2 days and we stayed home. Made no calls and rode it out. A visit to the Doctor would be $100 or so, a trip to the ER would be even worse. That is our thinking now. That is what having no health care caused you to do. It is awful. It is a form of child-abuse.
We made it past the fever, but a cough developed. The cough was really bad to the point he would vomit up his bottle if the coughing fit occurred while he was or just had eaten. After the fever now we are on bronchitis/pneumonia alert.
As luck would have it, little Viti ate like a CHAMP the entire time. He didn’t eat full bottles like normal, but he snacked every couple of hours. His cough is subsiding and I think, hope that he is out of the woods for now. His cough is still there but it is more of a clearing cough than anything. We are safe, for now. Until the next illness creeps up and a doctor visit can’t be avoided. I don’t even want to think about anything major.
So, now that that disaster was averted other things like the windshield wipers crapping out on you have popped up. As luck would have it they died two days ago. Of course it isn’t the fuse. That would be a $5 fix. No, it is electrical and it will have to be serviced. I can only imagine how much that is going to cost. It isn’t a repair you can put off either. So, on the credit card it is going to have to go.
If that wasn’t bad enough, my dog Lulu started limping yesterday. We found a large bump the size of a golf ball on her rear leg. It has red splotches on it and is hard and I am fearing the worst. I had noticed the bump a little while ago when it was much smaller, and paid it no mind. She was fine and was being typical Lulu. Now, I can’t ignore it. She wasn’t able to go up the steps this morning and you can tell the leg is hurting her. One more thing I wouldn’t have put off if I had the money to do it. She would have been to the vet for her normal check up and it would have been looked at then and nipped in the bud.
Obviously we don’t have pet insurance so I can only imagine how much it is going to cost to have a vet tell me the bump has to be removed and is cancerous. The visit and the tests that will need to be done to see if the bump is cancer will be a couple hundred I’m sure. Even if it isn’t cancer it is going to have to be removed and I’m sure an operation on a pet is several hundred if not close to a thousand. Now I’m fearing the worst and wondering what I’m going to have to decide regarding my dog’s life if it comes to that.
So, there you go. Within in 7 days, my son has taken seriously ill, my car needs repair and my dog may or may not have cancer either way she needs to be operated on soon.
I’m an American. I served my country. I paid my taxes. I donate to charity. I volunteer my time. My children volunteer their time. 2 of my daughters work. And now, to certain parties I’m a pariah. I’m a bottom feeder that doesn’t deserve help. The unemployment benefits I receive are good enough. Anything more and I will live off the teet that is Mrs. Liberty and become some government leech that never gets a good job and betters this country on his own sweat and blood. God forbid I have health care for my son. He is worthless piece of flesh that doesn’t deserve medical treatment.
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
FWIW
http://moderateinthemiddle.wordpress.com/2009/02/21/health-care-and-stimulus-package-cobra-benefit-explained/
Isn’t this what S-CHIP is for?
Didn’t Tom Carper just finish congratulating himself on voting in health care for 11 million kids?
Also, push hard on COBRA if you want it. As I understand it, you can get it now even if you previously declined it, and there is a 65% subsidy. But the regs are so new I don’t think they even know how it works yet, and the official websites aren’t updated yet, so you have to push hard to figure it out.
And remember, COBRA is retroactive, as long as you pay the back premiums.
In other words, if you sign up for COBRA now (with the 65% subsidy) you can submit all your PAST medical bills for reimbursement, as long as you pay the back premiums (for the months before you signed up). COBRA has always worked this way, but again, you have to double-check the new regs to make sure I am correct on this. Also I am not sure how long the lookback period is.
thanks, I didn’t know that
Oh, I’m so sorry DV. Does your son qualify for SCHIP?
Have you thought about trying substitute teaching? I think all you need to do is have a college degree and pass a test. I know someone who is doing this now.
Don’t pay COBRA for your son if he can get SCHIP…. assuming the coverage is acceptable. YMMV.
Talk to your pediatrician and your vet. Maybe they can help work something out. And investigate what Jason and Anon have pointed out with COBRA and S-CHIP. Hopefully, there’s some relief to be found.
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. Again, if there’s anything I can do…
Have you thought about trying substitute teaching?
the thought of me teaching a class has to be the most hysterical thing ever
You could teach sex-ed. Sort of as a warning to the younger set.
I am lucky to be working but I have been looking around just to hedge my bets, and the job market is drier than I’ve ever seen it. Not that you shouldn’t be looking, but no point just making yourself more depressed. Sitting and beating the online job boards all day is a recipe for insanity.
Right now, there is no money moving at all in the economy – employers aren’t hiring, consumers aren’t spending. I think in a few months things will be better… not great but not totally dry either.
You are young and smart so good things will happen eventually, probably when you least expect it. The main thing now is to keep yourself together so that when opportunity comes, you are in a good mental state to be receptive to it. Eat right, get some sleep and exercise, cut out most alcohol and caffeine, keep up good relations with your friends and family.
Remember all that stuff you didn’t have time to do when you were working? You have time now.
Better to invest the time in exploring what benefits are available to you. From this post it looks like you aren’t taking full advantage.
Note: I am saying this with respect and empathy, and I am not talking out my ass, because I went through the exact same thing after the 2001-2oo2 recession, new baby and all. Not taking any shots here at all.
dv
In a similar situation vis a vis a pet the SPCA can often either help out or send you to a vet who will make arrangements; about seven years ago that way we got a local vet to cut a $750 surgical service down to $140
DV, I am sorry that you are going thru this. If I can help you anyway I will, please let me know.
Isn’t President Obama going to provide all things to all people?
Only Protack can read that story and sneer. Enjoy the dustbin of history, Mike.
When we had to put our cat down almost 3 years ago, we couldn’t afford the medical bills (she was in ICU for 4 days before we decided it was better for her to be put down) but we talked to the vet and they suggested a pet credit card type account that had a very low interest rate… I didn’t have anything to do with it, but the info is here: http://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/whycc.html
It helped us in a stressful situation, and we use it when we need to take the cats/dog to the vet, too.
Hope things start looking up soon.
Mike P., was that comment really necessary? God, you’re an ass – A sad, pathetic, little know-nothing, loser who cuts and pastes spam through the Delaware Blogosphere, completely void of an original thought.
You should be ashamed of yourself – Lord knows, everyone else is.
Don’t know about up in New Castle County, but down here we have some discount grocery stores, dented cans, overstocks, near expired, and sometimes expired food products and housewares, etc. There’s a section of Byler’s west of Dover, and Lou’s Discount Groceries in Laurel that sell groceries for less than half of retail. We started shopping there during some hard times, and we still do because it just makes sense, and I’d estimate we easily save over$2,500 per year.
Good luck, dude.
I second Miscreant . It is worth driving down to Byler’s on Rt. 8 twice a month. They take food stamps.
You will cut your grocery bills in half.
Please keep us up to date on the progress of your son. Best wishes.
DV,
I would recommend the Master’s progam but look into discounts for Vets and such. You can take out up to $18,500 a year for grad school education but don’t go for a generic MBA. Focus in on something that has potential, ie database administration etc. Another option is to try for Nursing as that seems to still be relatively strong. I think trying for a master’s program would be efficient right now and you can do it online. My wife works for a program at Drexel if you are interested just let me know.
I’m with Phantom. If you go back to school, make sure it is a very focused program (and a highly rated one). If I was giving advice to people looking to change jobs I would definitely steer them into something in the medical field, particularly nursing.
What about UPS or something….try to find a job with off-hours, to lessen the time when neither of you are at home.
And, go see a neurologist, Protack. I think you may have Asperger’s…well, maybe not…those afflicted occasionally show some sort of brilliance, where you’d never. Anyway…pissoff, asshole.
just remember Protack tried to be our Governor.
I can’t wait to use your words against you Mike.
What about UPS or something….try to find a job with off-hours, to lessen the time when neither of you are at home
VC is right about this one DV. My little bro worked at UPS and really all they need is people to arrive on time. Granted, it’s at 4:30 in the morning, but it’s a start.
“Faithful Friends ” (Germay Dr…they are in the phone directory or on line) offer vet services based on the ability to pay….try ’em. They paid to neuter(fix) our cats several years ago….I make regular donations to show my appreciation.
“I would definitely steer them into something in the medical field, particularly nursing.”
Hahahahahahah.
“Isn’t President Obama going to provide all things to all people?”
– Protack
Leave it to a republican ass hole like MIKE PROTACK to turn something as serious and somber like this into a petulant Right Wing Rich Supremacist Party jab. Screw you Protack. how dare you use this to try and make a point you little baby. Just more proof that the entire right wing is totally void of compassion or humanity. it isn’t funny mike. Millions of YOUR COUNTRYMEN are in the same situation.
Michael Protack just proved what a horrible human being he is. A disgusting person. Vile even. Not a fucking drop of compassion in his body. Miscreant and David Anderson are at least compassionate and offer suggestions, but Protack has to sneer.
I hate Mike Protack. He is irredeemable and really should go to church and beg forgiveness for his horrid existence.
Any wonder why he has NEVER WON AN ELECTION? Mike, people don’t like you. I’d say you are even an insult to “Sully” simply because someone like you is in the same line of work as someone like him.
Rebuild the Delaware GOP // Mar 4, 2009 at 10:07 am
Isn’t President Obama going to provide all things to all people?
Captain Clueless buzzes the tower with his typical naive and insensitive comment of the day. And he wants to be the State GOP Vice Chair? Riiiiiiiiiiiight.
DV – Dude, I hurt for you. Any follow up from what you mentioned to me over the weekend (I think it was the weekend…maybe…my memory sucks)?
VC in #21 does have a point. While it may not be what you want, if they are hiring, I do know people generally are satisfied with the environment there. My next door neighbor is a driver and he says he’s content and feels taken care of by them.
And he wants to be the State GOP Vice Chair?
Rsmitty, he is perfect for it.
Actually, A1, Protack is the great uniter. He’s the one thing both Dems and Repubs agree on.
agreed. The GOP is full of evil people like MIKE PROTACK.
BTW, was DV making a pun with poors or was it just a typo of pours?
For once, I’ll credit DV for the intentional pun, Nem!
Sorry to hear DV – but sadly I know just too well how life can kick you in the ass when you are already down. I don’t know how muchy money your wife makes, but with your kids you may qualify for assistance. Ti fond out if you can get your kids on SCHIP or get any other help, just put your data into ASSIST and it will tell you if you can apply for anything. It is here: https://assist.dhss.delaware.gov/PGM/ASP/SC001.asp
Even though it sucks to apply for it, having health insurance for the kids will take a big load off your shoulders. I know it did with me.
LOL pandora. The DE GOP is pretty screwed if they end up with Protack leading it.
nemski,
I was wondering the same thing. Was it a really clever play on words?
thanks all, I will look into the vet stuff and the cobra/schip.
yes, pun intended
DV, sometimes I sit and bitch about my job, then I am reminded about how fortunate I really am. Even if it is a struggle to pay all the bills every month. Good luck to you.
Hey Protack, eat shit. Don’t you ever work, jackass?
Thank you everyone for your great suggestions. Some of them we’ve already tried. I’ve contacted DSS already and they said I made too much money (FUNNY), but with the tables on the website Suzanne gave we may qualify so I’ll look into again. We’re trying to work with the peditrician right now for financial assistance but of course that’s been a process. The suggestions for LuLu are great ones thank you.
and to Mike Proctack- FUCK YOU
DV, although not a wonderful place to work, the Dept of Corrections is always hiring. Worked there 9 years. Didn’t enjoy too much about working there, but it paid the bills and the Medical coverage is pretty good.
Hef-You gotta long way to go before pariah, and bottom feeder are attached. Now get out there and start accessing these programs for whom they were intended, and those pariahs and bottom feeders had better move on, because the working poor, and un/under/gainfully employed aren’t wanting to pay the freight anymore–because now it’s hitting home.
DV, the CareCredit card mentioned is also good for any human health care needs as well. It got us through my months of unemployment and was much easier to pay off than the other commercial credit card issuers that want you butt deep in debt forever. We still use it as a stop gap between when we pay the dentist and our insurance reimburses. Nifty little card. Good luck to you and your family.
DV,
I forgot to mention that there are scholarships and such you can get for the master’s degree that cover the cost of tuition and such but you can still pull the loans out in order to live. That is how I got my MBA. Not to mention you can choose just about any school and they have an online program so you can work from home. I’m meeting with the person we discussed in February this weekend and will let you know if anything pans out from that. Also, I think Total Wine is hiring and you have more than enough experience for that job. 😉
You’re a military vet – try applying for a state correctional officer position. Shiftwork, lousy conditions, but decent pay in this economy.
Mrs. Hotviti – don’t let them tell you that you do not qualify – ask them exactly why and quote the tables. I had a worker that gave me food stamps and Medicaid while I finished school. When I was switched to a new worker (after changing my last name ), the new one told me I did not qualify for food stamps. After moving I changed workers once again and my latest worker gave me food stamps again while I was in college — go figure. Apply for stuff and if they reject you, send the letter back and ask for a hearing – if you feel you are within the income limits, most likely you are.
Check for expanded GI Bill coverage. VA.gov As years go by politicians sometimes boost what you get. Worth a look.
Get VA medical coverage. I don’t think it will cover your children or your wife but I know for a fact it will cover you for free. Anything to protect you from a medical bill nightmare from some unseen emergency is a safe way to hedge your bets. My experience with the VA hospital has been very good so far. You can apply online at the VA website. Even if you never use it, have that card available to play.
Any job is better than no job, as long as it pays more than your child care costs. Weigh the options, you might end up saving more by staying home and working on the Masters, or a second degree in another field.
Good Luck, stay strong, and keep your head up.
The rabid insults are quite the usual here.
The simple question was isn’t Obama going to ‘fix’ everything? I guess given the lack of answers by left on this blog then the President doesn’t care. You guys blamed Bush for everything yet Obama is driving the economy so far south we will be a third world country by the time he leaves in four years.
Simple fact is I know more about economic dislocation than all of you combined. Who among the lefties on this blog have had 32% of the jobs in their company disappear? Or have 38% of their pay taken away? Or lose a pension ? Guess what, all this happened in less than one year.
Unless you hit the genetic lottery in life is full of struggles, large and small.
As for compassion, I supported last year and still do a workable universal health care program. This year I supported more money for direct stimulus and less wasteful spending. The response was directed at Obama’s failures which all of you refuse to acknowledge.
For the self righteous people on this blog read:
How many of you paid money out of your smaller paycheck to provide health care( about $100 a month) for laid off coworkers? Let me answer for you-none of you did. How many of you donated overtime earned hours ($400 a month) earned to facilitate loans for laid off employees? Let me answer for you- none of you did.
I will await your usual use of obscenities and accusations.
And your ill-informed self righteousness was inappropriate to this thread. Which we note that you still don’t get. You can address the topic at hand or continue to find yourself the object of scorn.
AWWWW you are such a martyr
(in my best auctioneers voice) I got $6000 from the man with the pornstache, anyone got $7000?
Hey can I count my hourly rate and multiply that by the number of hours that I donated for non-profits in the past year, Mike? Or can I only count my cash contributions? I think I might have you beat.
Mike,
Remember the saying “Be kind. Everyone is fighting their own great battle.”
I don’t think you meant to be personally hurtful here, but you were. I appreciate the hardships that you have had in your life, but so have all of us here had hardships. If you would open your heart, hardships could help you grow in compassion and empathy for other people. Even Delaware liberals
We all help others in our own way. I don’t think that you’re really any different. But you’re not going to accomplish anything by coming on to threads like this with bluster, bravado, and, frankly, lies.
You could have said something encouraging or even nice.
Other than link spamming, I don’t understand why you keep coming back here with your schtick.
bravo A1
“Other than link spamming, I don’t understand why you keep coming back here with your schtick.”
Probably because nobody else listens to his crap. Posting here makes him feel as if someone listens. It’s kind of like a child on an attention-getting-trip – bad attention is better then no attention.
Ah, the idiocy of this place and the self appointed know it alls who occupy it.
I gave the money willingly to coworkers, no martyrdom. That is for self righteous liberals.
And Geek, you dodge the question as most liberals do. Did you give up money from your paycheck? Yes or no? The answer is no.
If you want to count volunteer hours I know I have you beat by a long shot.
No wonder this site is dying, the same know it all critics who have no facts and no toughness only ugly assaults.
The fact that one of you has a problem and Obama hasn’t solved it is the point.
Child’s play to get the best of you folks, utter child’s play.
so in your opinion Bush would have solved DV’s problems by now — because, you see – when DV lost his job, Bush was still in office.
Mr Protack, someone in a hard situation feels you have insulted them by using it to mock a politician you don’t like.
THAT is the issue here. not your “altruism” or your valiant fight against all us evil communists. First of all, don’t expect to come into an echo chamber, disagree with everyone and be well received.
Second, even though we (myself included) mock you constantly in admittedly childish ways (because it is funny and you keep coming back) i don’t think anyone has gone after your family. if they have it i s wrong and they should be likewise made a fool of.
DV was demonstrating (i assume … not to put words in anyone’s mouth) the horrible state of affairs of our healthcare system… btw DV you and your family are in my thoughts and i truthfully hope everything works out for you. In mocking obama in this thread, you mocked his child (who seems to be on the mend thank god) and his family…. even if you didn’t mean to, everyone took it that way. That is totally unacceptable and you owe him and his family an apology. As for this fight about who is more charitable, give it up. as soon as you start bragging about how kind you are, you taint it and it just becomes ego stroking.
In case you haven’t noticed, jerk, six of the top 10 senate porkers in the latest budget proposal are Republicans. They would be Shelby, Bond, Cochran, Murkowski, Inhofe and McConnell. Robert Byrd, as usual, is in a league by himself. Let’s see Gov. GILF rip her own senator, Lisa Murkowski, who places 6th with $74 million in earmarks.
Read it for yourself: http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2009/03/04/us/politics/04spend_graphic.ready.html
And I don’t remember Obama ever promising to fix everything. Like most of the crap floating around in your head, you made it up. In fact, I think he has been very upfront. His only promises have been that this is going to be a long, painful process, and he would devote his energy to repairing the economy after 8 years of your new anti-Christ, GWB.
There are your facts. Asshole.
Let’s also not forget that the good Captain is the same one who made a comment about how he’d drop out of a race immediately based on a family concern if it had happened to him…this in reference to a person in his sights and the fact that the news was not known publicly at that point, nor was it ever press-released and it was his comment on DWA that evening that clued any reader in as to what happened.
I do apologize, though. Captain Clueless was wrong. Sorry.
Captain Classless is better.
there is a reason you didn’t win the governors election.
1. you’re an asshole who doesn’t know shit about people and what they need & would have made decisions for your party not for the people
2. you’re an asshole who thinks your party does no wrong and tells lies and spins the truth
3. oh and did i mention you’re an asshole
now do us all a favor and fall off the face of the earth
Go, Mrs. H., go!
he hasn’t apologized yet
God Bless your soul, Mike! Truly a great-hearted man. May I suggest you resign your position so a laid off pilot/baggage handler/bag sniffer may resume working while you bring your truth to the people of this land!
You go, Mrs. Hotviti!
OK, cursing is going to commence in this comment so anyone who doesn’t like it please don’t read.
Fuck off, Mike Protack you idiotic asshole. Please go back to your zero readers on your own blog.
I loved the warning, UI!
And, Mrs. Hotviti… you rock!
Spoiler Alert:
“Protack Loses 25 Elections in a Row” Dover Post Headline (All other papers in the State of DE having folded many years ago) in the year 2525. Yes, that was actually a song. Bonus points to whoever knows who Sang it and extra points to anyone who actually heard that song in the early 70’s
Even with all the skeletons in my closet and my general lack of people skills 🙂 I believe I could beat Protack in a election 🙂
For your listening pleasure, Mark – and I refuse the extra points since I’m not saying when I first heard this song! 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izQB2-Kmiic&feature=related
Aw Geez Pandora–between you and Nemski, I keep coming back for the tunes!
How did this all turn into being all about Mike?
A blogger pours his heart out about frustrations and somehow Protack hijacks it.
So true Brian. It is a sin. Among the comments stoking Mike’s gigantic yet pathetic ego are some good suggestions that I hope my friends the Vitis are making good use of. And more to the point, this Depression proves to us all that our economic security is fleeting, and personal stories of hardship makes that fact real. I am heartened by the outpouring of compassion in this thread for our friends, save one asshole.
Hey Viti! Think of how screwed you would have been if y’all didn’t plan ahead and save some cash.
The two of you showed some prudence and you are fortunate now to have lasted this long. If you didn’t pay off debt, get nose deep in credit, and save a month or two of expenses, you would probably be homeless by now, like many other Americans.
Through all this adversity, I just wanted to give you a pat on the back for thinking of your family before yourselves.
Protack: its too bad you repukes werent at the Joint Finance Committee meeting today, as the parents, advocates, providers spilled their guts as to the horrific cuts to programs and services this state is about to deliver to the most most vulnerable citizens among us.
Republicans dont have a health care plan, nor will they work to deliver a plan that will save jobs, lives or our economy, or help the most vulnerable among us.
An elderly couple a mother in a wheelchair, and father standing next to his aging daughter begging for services. Or the parent of a child exiting education from the autism program and now have no services for their over 21 adult child. Mother has to quit her job to take care of daughter cuz their is “no money” for her to go to post 21 services.
The mother with the kid with Pica behavior (swallowing nuts, bolts, pins and other materials ) where one more surgery could end his life. He needs one to one staff, which may be cut.
Try walking in the shoes of these folk, and tell me again why we americans shouldnt have universal single payer health care.
BrianShields: You should know that the VA program is truly “socialized medicine”, meaning the Guvmint pays for doctors, nurses etc.
Many republicans will applaud the VA program but despise “universal health care”, especially single payer which is not socialized medicine, because you choose your doctor and health care facility just as you do today under the forprofit system.
Democrats should be upset with Obama and his administration over the health care issue. Even though single payer health care was voted the #3 issue by the majority of citizens who voted on his Transition website…..his health care cabinet has 120 people on it, and only one supporter of single payer…..John Conyers.
Doctors, nurses and health care providers are emailing, calling and demanding more single payer seats at the “for profit table of health care proponents in the Obama cabinet”.
thanks all again for the support and ideas.
On the bright side DV you have a head start on Lent.
oh and just another thought.
Me in the DEPT of Corrections?
omg, I can’t even imagine. I assume they do drug tests
well we let you on a submarine didn’t we?