Hello, I'm a lost soul.

Posted by ProudAmerican 11 years, 4 months ago to The Gulch: Introductions
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Here's my shame.

I'm a 48 year old woman who's worked hard since 15. I worked to support my mother and other family members families when they just couldn't make ends meet. I married before becoming pregnant because that's the way I was raised. I was also raised not to accept a man who would cheat and not take care of his family.

Now as a newly divorced mother of a 1 year old who just had surgery for the 1st time 6 months earlier, I found the only job I could, cleaning, and worked hard. Moved up to better jobs as time went on. Blew my shoulders out in my late 20's because of an illegal alien who didn't speak English well. That's ok, I'll keep working. Working through the pain daily, I raised my son right and worked. Was finally diagnosed with a genetic heart disease, but still I worked. In my early 40's, I was in an accident at work where a trucker decided to text and drive. Besides breaking my back, I broke my neck. I STILL worked after I could move even though it was "lighter" work.

The problem came from the union shop I was in 2008 speaking out about the problems that would come if a certain candidate made POTUS. I was "abandoned" by "my" union and tossed to the side. I was sold out.

Now I can't do a third of what I used to. I'm used up. No company wants to take on the responsibilities that come with my employment.

I decided to take my lumps and apply for disability. I can barely walk after all, and I very well could drop dead from my heart at anytime, surely I'm the type this is for. Wrong.

I found out this is the "new welfare". Hundreds of thousands are now on disability, so requirements are quite strict.(sometimes)

Ok, I'll swallow my pride and apply for food stamps. At least I can eat. Wrong again. I was told I don't meet the requirements of ANY assistance.

So now I sit here with the last few items I own. No income. No idea where the bill money will come from. I was abandoned by all the "safety nets" I was told my years of taxes were paying for. Just not for me.

I think I'll lie and tell them I'm a Democrat that voted Obama and see if that helps.

It doesn't matter. I haven't been able to afford the $800/month for just 1 of the heart medicines I need to survive for some time. I thought everyone would get health insurance with Obamacare?

Oh well. It shouldn't be long now.


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  • Posted by ObjectiveAnalyst 11 years, 4 months ago
    Hello ProudAmerican,
    Your screen name is more appropriate than your commentary heading. You have nothing to be ashamed of.
    I hope you find a solution to your health insurance issues. Government involvement has only made things worse and it is not likely to improve, and unions are only there for you when support them with your dues and your subservience.
    It is one of my greatest disappointments that the economic/ political climate has left me in no position to hire any more workers like you who wish to be producers.
    I hope this site brings you a pleasant distraction.
    Regards,
    O.A.
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    • Posted by 11 years, 4 months ago
      First, thanks for the kind words. They are appreciated more than you know.
      Don't misunderstand me, I whole heartedly agree with you. Unions are now a problem. There was a time they were for the people but not for a long time. My granddad's fight in Bloody Harlan proves this. Joining the union was not an option which hurts even more.
      You're right. The "government" has done nothing but bring our society down.
      Push comes to shove, I'll make that trip for medical care. My love of life drives my will to live.
      My heart goes out more so to people like you. Hard working entrepreneurs who are at the line. I know the hunger you have to expand your business, not only for your own gain, but for the "pride" of giving others an opportunity.
      Maybe pride isn't the correct word. That's what the takers don't get. You're a rare soul.
      Thank you for understanding my position. Some judge unfairly.
      Friends used to poke fun at me that they'd find me dead working before they would see me a retired senior. Now I doubt it'll be either.
      This site has been a welcomed addition.
      Peace to you and your
      P,A.
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      • Posted by ObjectiveAnalyst 11 years, 4 months ago
        Thank you. I try to never judge others who believe they are doing what is in their self interest, so long as they are trying to help themselves. I blame the circumstances they find themselves in, largely due to government nonsense. Now if you found yourself in dire circumstances of your own making, because you sat on your behind waiting for government to make life fair for you at someone else’s expense, that would be a different matter.
        Pride is OK, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment while helping others learn to provide for themselves gives me a great deal of satisfaction. Metaphorically speaking, I offer dignity and fishing lessons. I only hand out the fish to those who are unable to fish, but would if they could. …
        Peace and serenity,
        O.A.
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  • Posted by Manywalks 11 years, 4 months ago
    Wow, this is Rand's "We the Living" all over again. If you support the state, you're taken care of. If you are a free thinking producer, too bad for you citizen! Now give us whatever you have left and we'll give it to our comrades!!! I feel like I'm living in an alternative universe where everything we hold dear in America has been turned upside down.
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  • Posted by WWJGD 11 years, 4 months ago
    There was a time when folks such as PA were taken care of by private charities and mutual aid societies. But Government has pretty much eliminated all of those, leaving itself as the monopoly in the charity market.

    This is precisely what the word "tyranny" means.
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    • Posted by 11 years, 4 months ago
      That's another difference. Those who want to be taken care of and those like me who just want a hand getting back in the position to help myself.
      The change is loyalty is no longer respected. Good work ethics are taken for granted by those who don't have any.
      Seems only thing loyalty and hard work gets you is a broken down body that's thrown to the wolves when no longer useful.
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