As part of our Let's Not Forget The 99ers series, Progress Illinois is offering an ongoing series of reports we like to call “Voices of the Long Term Unemployed.” This ongoing compilation of videos and letters from our readers is meant to serve as a forum for this disenfranchised group of your friends, relatives or neighbors --to share their stories with the hope that it will serve as a call to action to lawmakers in our economy's rocky path to recovery.
As part of our Let's Not Forget The 99ersseries, Progress Illinois is offering an ongoing series of reports we like to call “Voices of the Long Term Unemployed.” This ongoing compilation of videos and letters from our readers is meant to serve as a forum for this disenfranchised group of your friends, relatives or neighbors --to share their stories with the hope that it will serve as a call to action to lawmakers in our economy's rocky path to recovery.
As thousands of Illinoisans struggle to make ends meet, and considering joblessness continues to be a problem, some of the voices you hear here may end up among The 99ers who are often ignored, but certainly deserve job opportunities. We're launching this series today with the following two videos and will update regularly. Please continue to send us your stories to contact@progressillinois.com.
Anne Crowe was laid off from her job as a therapist and has been searching for work for over a year. She was the featured speaker in June's Jobs With Justice rally in downtown Chicago. Hear her story here:
Janet Edburg was laid off in June 2008 from her job in a packing factory. Here's her story:
UPDATE 6/22/2011: Progress Illinois headed to the unemployment office in Pilsen this morning to find more stories of the long-term unemployed. Check out our videos:
Amanda Freeman was working in home care for the elderly and disabled when she was laid off in 2007. She hasn't been able to find work since and is now homeless, bouncing from shelter to shelter and even sleeping in the park on some occasions.
Pete Byrd was making over $70,000 working as a property manager. He was laid off in July 2010 and says he has had to give up a "certain lifestyle." Depending on his wife financially while he looks for other jobs, Byrd is also starting his own business. He says the unemployment office has been helpful but points out that, "It takes money to make money."
Christopher Jenkins was working as a file clerk at Rush Hospital before being laid off two years ago. His unemployment benefits ran out six months ago, so he comes to the unemployment office everyday hoping to land a job. Now he's considering relocating out of state just to find work.
UPDATE 7/7/2011: The two people we talked to on Thursday were
empowered by dealing with long-term unemployment by advocating for
themselves and others at the office of Jobs with Justice on the Near
West Side. Progress Illinois made a record of their compelling stories.
Jerry
Mead-Lucero was a high school history teacher for 10 years at a
Catholic school before being laid off over a year ago. His wife, then
working for an immigrant rights group, was laid off two months before
him. He said his family was "lucky" because they are able to survive on
unemployment by eating less, renting a house for cheap from family and
do not have children to take care of. Jerry espoused a certain optimism
during this interview, even smiling slightly when describing his plight
of having health issues without health insurance.
Carole Ramsden
was laid off in Feb. 2009 from her union job working as a construction
electrician. She said she's been able to survive because her husband
still has a job, but described the frustration with the unemployment
system. From the endless hours of waiting at the unemployment office for
answers, to computer "glitches" that have derailed her benefits, to the
stigma and depression of not working --Carole says it is so important
to advocate for yourself when dealing with unemployment.
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hidenseek - please define 'earned income'...
Wage is not 'income'.
It is revenue.
It is recognized in the term 'taxable income' on the 1040.
What is the deduction now?
3500..?
It should be 20,000.
If the wage earner is 'in business' with the employer that means that his business expenses should be largely tax deductible.
What are his business expenses?
The sustaining if his life.
That is what he is in business selling of.
8hrs/day 40 hrs/week the individual is selling his time/life to his 'business partner' the employer.
So the first 20,000 (30,000..?) should be his 'tax deductible business expenses', the rest could be taxed 10% - per say.
Now.
If the wage earner is 'not in business' with the employer than it is irrational (unfair? - unreasonable?) to tax him on the wage.
The employer should be paying taxes on the time (producing power) that he purchased.
Than the wage earner can pay taxes on the goods (whatnot) he purchases.
These are the two rational ways to think about this.
(Female readers forgive me for using 'him' this is just a weakness of the English language...)
There is of course more to this.
When the term 'income tax' was originally created the word 'income' meant a sum that is 'coming in' through the ownership of land.
This is to draw distinction between 'profit' and 'income'...
The way I understand is that 'income' meant the 'profit' that is generated by owning land. (Perhaps real estate also...?)
In other words 'income' could have meant 'revenue that is not saddled with business expenses'...
WHITENOISE LOL!
I’m flattered you remembered when I called your post “white noise” and now using that ID. Very appropriate!
Hidenseek, I read your story on the previous page about the lady with a smart phone using food stamps. The average cost of using these smart phones with a two year contract is $3,800.00. Don’t forget the free Obama cell phone and free monthly minutes she also gets every month.
LOL.
I have plenty of stories just like this.
A relative of mine lives in a rapidly declining neighborhood where many people live in section 8 apartments. A family who has been living across the street from her for years wanted to rent one of her units. They filled out her rental forms indicating they were using section 8 income. I always said hello to these neighbors coming and going in their new 2010 DTS Cadillac ($55,000.00) luxury automobile. Several months ago the car was booted and towed for unpaid parking tickets and we never saw the car again.
Last month they bought a brand new 2011 Mercedes Benz CSL class luxury automobile. This car starts at ($71,000.00). Not to mention the fancy rims for an extra $7,000.00. BTW, we know their landlord and they are still paying their rent with section 8.
SO, there is nothing wrong with this picture if you are a “larebil”.
This is how I spell “liberal”.... backwards. LOL.
This is the elephant in the room, entitlements bankrupting our country every day. Of course this infuriates me. No oversight, no inspections, or no means test.
We're all suppose to shut up and just keep raising the debt ceiling.
This situation sounds like obvious abuse and should be reported- especially when you know they are using section 8. It does rob the system and the people who really need it.
Unemployed Ignored In Debt Ceiling Deal
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/01/unemployed-debt-ceiling-deal_n_...
"Fed May Weigh More Stimulus on Slow Recovery"
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-02/fed-policy-makers-may-consider-...
Simply said per the 2 above articles,they don't know what to do but they know they must do something because the economy will not grow if there is no spending and the more unemployment #'s increase then the less spending, its just a matter of time. Don't quit the FIGHT because there will be UI extension of benefits for ALL the unemployed if the fight is in as one! www.american99ersunion.com NEW & IMPROVED!!!!
LOL LOL! I have to laugh at the TROLLS who are now blogging on this PI website to make up for mom & JT/jt getting BANNED! Comedy central right here to save face for the 2 ostrichs who are NOT missed at all and plus JT/jt should be happy he got his ENTITLEMENT check too. Off to another meeting to strategize on whats to come for the unemployed (ALL). LOL LOL LOL!
OBTW NO JOBS BILL INTRODUCED IN THE 112th REPUBLICAN MAJORITY DRUNKARD JOHN BOEHNER'S CONGRESS. WHERE IS A JOBS BILL BOEHNER?? ERIC CANTOR THE TEA PARTY FLUNKY - WHERE IS A JOBS BILL & WHY HASN'T IT BE INTRODUCED YET??
Still protecting the democrats like they’re handicapped or something?
They have not come up with a jobs bill either. The average “Independent” as you claim you are would know this.
At this point I am not sure if she is just Clueless or Dumb as a pet rock!!!LOL..."No help for the 99ers in this bill"...Oh Really you though there would be??? Everything is 100% on debt and cutting spending and she thinks they will add more to the debt with UI checks for those off the rolls for "almost" 2 years!! Lady lives in OZ!! At this point I'd not even count on UI ext come Jan. I hope so; but, I'd not hold on for it. If after almost three years like her you still can not find work then all you can do is turn to other social service programs. Like Welfare. At least you will get a cell phone! She has other income from somewhere..no problem with her cable or INTERNET! Most likely just one of those that have income; yet, wants to add to it with a UI check! That is why she is not for a means test! In any case I will say it again..I always had..There will be no tier 5 or ext pass 99 weeks..PERIOD! All the faxing and calling will not put that ext back together again!
The odd thing is; she thinks nobody posts on this website because according to her; trolls, hackers and clones have invaded this website. LMAO
I have no idea what Trolls are and why would anyone want to Hack into this site! Gets me. I think most have moved on. She is a small few...very few that thinks they will pay the 99ers. Even Msan222 has got it. No one is faxing or calling. You may see more of that come Dec. when others on UI reach the dead line! Who knows?
Christine and some other Liberals think the only way to get Bush out of office is to fire Obama. So come 2012 lets get Bush out of office once and for all. I am sick of him breaking all of Obamas promises.....I am sick of Bush causing Obama to make poor decisions...we get ride of Obama and I think Bush will go to...Come 2012 Bush must go!!!
The transparency is obvious and WE are not biting from that apple. Have your fun and think HAPPY THOUGHTS for JT and MOM! LOL LOL LOL!
YMB
Believe me; I have reported this along with other property owners on that block. From my experience HUD fraud investigations take years to see results. Sometimes I feel they are instructed not to seriously investigate AT ALL. JMO.
If they own a car....they never put it in their name. Most likely another family members name. So they "do not own" the car! Here in my state the Gov. has been cracking down on food stamp fraud. People selling their food stamps for cash to buy drugs. They caught a lot of them. They sell them for 50 cents on the dollar. I think anyone getting welfare or food stamps...drug testing!! You test positive...no money no stamps.
Good point Hideinseek,
That could explain why they always get parking tickets parked in front of their house. Chicago has residential zone parking and you cannot get a parking permit without registering your car at that address.
oops.
duplicate post...
Christine,
You have fun yourself attempting to discredit anyone who’s not on board with your “only unemployment benefits make the world go round mentality”. Again, I’m not protesting helping the unemployed. I’m protesting “you” for being single minded and never discussing the real issues LIKE JOBS and how do we convince DC to create JOBs, etc.
Your “republicans are all drunks speech is boring and hyper-inefficient.
Now you continue to (not bite) from that apple and stick with anyone who has opposing views are only drunks, trolls, hackers and clones. Lol.
Hey, lets elect a young very inexperienced leftest Freshman Senator, who is full of empty promises of 'pie in the sky' and has never held a productive private sector job in his life to the highest office in the land. What could go wrong?
Online Buger AKA Mom - I thought you got booted for TRYING to reveal others real identities on here? Has that job also fizzled? lmao!
Slowly dismantling our super-power status;
Thank you Mr. Obama, (sarcasm).
Every time other U.S. presidents have raised the debt ceiling to save our economy, the very next day stock markets strengthened and other countries economies had a fighting chance.
NOT WITH THIS PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Even with the new debt ceiling deal, INTEREST RATES are climbing, the stock market did not recovery and its inevitable other countries on still on the path to bankruptcy.
I’m convinced when many AMERICANS heard the campaign slogan “hope & change” they had something else in mind.
There is still too much uncertainty emitting from this administration.
the Asshat Liberal commentators skewing the debt deal as a "Victory for Obama", and the Douchenozzle Conservatives are humping it for Boehner. Somehow I think I know who the losers in this whole thing are gonna be...
AS AN ADULT, I do not keep a score card OR care about which political careers are winning or losing in Washington DC.
Meanwhile, your credit card debt you’re not paying just got higher due to interest rates on the climb even with the debt deal.
We are all the losers.
AS AN ADULT, you would know about being a loser. This much I know is true.
Lets hope Obama keeps Acorn working night and day to get the votes. He is going to need all those dead people votes to win!!
Chicago unemployment up 48% since Obama took office.
http://sightsonpennsylvania.blogspot.com/2011/08/chicago-unemployment-up...
The ONLY JOB Obama is trying to crate is his own reelection in 2012!!Disgraceful that 23 million Americans are on food stamps, millions remain unemployed and he hob knobbing with the cooperate jet owners, billionaires and millionaires (same people he demoralizes) to solicit donations. What a true HYPOCRITE!!! He will be singing "Happy Birthday to me" off the teleprompter!!!...Such arrogance.
REALITY: Obama will be unemployed in 2012. Truth is he will just join the old Good Boys Club like those before him. His income for the rest of his life...the best medical care money can buy. Who could ask for more? We will make another change and hope we find a good one!...NEXT!
Happy Birthday President Obama! Too bad you don't have a productive Congress that will work with you but that will CHANGE for you if the VOTERS have anything to say but for present-day its about EXTENDING UI benefits for (ALL) the unemployed including the 99ers and a productive JOBS BILL.
Interesting NON responses from the Republican and Tea Party candidates especially Gary Johnson and his response on Unemployment Benefits. Its amazing they say it should stop at a point BUT then in a RECESSION as we have been in since 2007, they never reply as to what the solution should be for the MILLIONS of jobless Americans when it does stop! Tim Russert would drill the arrogant politicians until he got the answer.---- http://www.unionofunemployed.com/ucubed-resources/activists-tools/pink-s...
112th Congress WHERE ARE THE JOBS?? WHY HAS NO JOBS BILL BEEN INTRODUCED FROM THE LUSHFUL JOHN BOEHNER??
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-07-03/news/chi-la-do-little-cong...
Christine: You keep posting this; yet, you give no idea of what your job bill would be?? Do you even have a idea? The last three years+ America has been going down a road toward Socialism and we are getting the results of that. More people on Welfare, food stamps and Government programs. That is the idea of Socialism and a Nanny State! Give these people just enough to keep them happy and they will shut up. They will be OK with their 1200 or 1400 a month in government hand out and maybe 200 in food stamps. That will then become their way of life...DEPENTANT on Big Daddy (DC) for their living. Take more money from the rich and those that do work and succeed to help pay for that Nanny state...You know those that become dependent on us in DC for their handout will have to vote for us! We hold their living (handout) in our hands!! Here is a real Jobs Bill Christine...the Government can not create jobs. Maybe Government Jobs that is it. Business Create Jobs. So Government get out of the way..stop trying to control Business. Stop talking of taxing them more right now..Stop talking of tax increases on anyone right now. Kill that Obama care bill ASAP. Start building confidence in the direction the Government is moving. Make it profitable to invest in the USA. If it were maybe less jobs going over-seas! Smaller Government not Bigger!!! Government is not the solution to the problem; Government is the problem!
Attention Christine;
Are you aware that taxpayers will now pay an extra ((($1 BILLION))) because congress took vacation without dealing with the FAA contracts?
AGAIN, congress took vacation while leaving the unemployed hanging.
(This is nothing new, right)?
OH BY THE WAY….. EVERY DEMOCRATIC and INDEPENDENT CONGRESS PERSON left on vacation with them. Imagine that! Nobody’s working on a jobs bill.
Analyze that!
I'd like to change the USA into Socialism and a Nanny State. How can I do that? 1) Do not really worry that much about creating jobs..I need to create more poor people. More poor people then more votes for me and my ideas! 2)Kill the system we now have..let it fall. 3) Take control of Business and manage them 4) Tax the rich and Business much more to help me pay for that Nanny State 5)Grow Government...make more depend on Government for all their needs..to hell with that idea of personal choice or freedom...take that away. We will need a Leader to do this..We found one..Obama! Good-by USA..Hello USSR!
Wow!!! 80% Americans say the country going in the Wrong direction...only 14% say right direction. 63% Democrats even saying wrong direction. Obama has a uphill climb!
Good post Hidenseek,
I read that Rasmussen report yesterday. I would LOVE to meet these (14%) to see how they live and how long they’ve been living that way.
Dow closes below 500 points! Here goes our 401k's again. Hey everyone it's Bush's fault...Let's see how the left spin this one! Obama at his birthday bash..collecting donations from the same people he puts down! This man is Clueless...4 more years of him the USA will be gone!
"What I am posting is what I had mentioned a few weeks ago BUT would not post on PI because of the CLONES and TROLLS. It is imperative for all of us to continue this fight for UI extension of benefits for (ALL) of the UNEMPLOYED in this country who have been by the grace of God able to wake up to see another JOBLESS day through NO fault of their own! We know there will always be naysayers who have a AGENDA that does not include middle America and the UNEMPLOYED until election time rolls around so take what is posted by them with a grain of salt that is tainted. KEEP FIGHTING, KEEP FAXING, EMAILING, CALLING, and TWEETING your Reps in BOTH houses of Congress and also President Obama who's comment line (202 456-1111) has been busy all week! DON'T GIVE UP THE FIGHT!!!
"Obama and congressional Democrats say they will fight to extend the payroll tax cuts and unemployment insurance. The measures provided $150 billion of economic stimulus in 2011" The president “will make the argument that it is absolutely essential to continue to put extra money in Americans’ pockets as they deal with high energy prices and high food prices next year,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said. READ MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/debt-ceiling-deal-risks-c...
150 billion in economic stimulus in 2010! Ya, that worked well...Lets just keep doing the same thing and think we will get different results!!! You think maybe the big spending the last 3 years may be some of the reason for those now high prices? Clueless
AFL-CIO and other powerful organization are strategizing thru this crisis in America and its simple the UNEMPLOYED want JOBS and nothing is forthcoming from the Lushful John Boehner's 112th Congress. The TRUE jobless rate is 16-20% and growing, including the 99ers who have been survivalists for 2+ years so the FIGHT goes on. Lets the "CLONE replacements" lick their wounds for the MIAs JT & MOM, while we FIGHT on and handle MORE important business. PI's ongoing series (Down but not Out) Voices of the Unemployed, down BUT not out, the FIGHT goes on EVERYONE!!! www.american99ersunion.com AND www.aflcio.org/
Speaking of the AFL-CIO and Stim money. Free cell phones and free monthly minutes are now a civil right.
http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/capitol/free_cell_phones_are_civil_right_h...
ANOTHER DOUBLE DIP RECESSION AHEAD?
Economists are now saying the amount of time a new unemployed person is out of work, will be “LONGER”.
I know how Obama can look like a “HERO”. He can submit his resignation now!
Amen to that. Lets just hope we can make it until 2012..He needs to go. Reagan known as "The Great Communicator"...Obmam will be known as "The Great Divider"
In Christine’s world:
A troll is; anyone not impressed with Obama.
A Clone is; anyone not impressed with liberals.
A hacker is; anyone not impressed with Christine.
): lol
Cant you for once keep your big mouth shut MOM? You got banned for trying to reveal other users' identity to no avail; NOW you just can't seem to let sleeping dogs lay. Blog (bug) off! If Christine or I or anyone else wants to continue to help/fight for the 99ers for WHATever reasons, what business is it of yours? MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS.
NOTE TO PI, Aricka - - - - - -Online Blogger is MOM! Why can't we get rid of her once and for all????
pdwall...So then do whatever you think you are doing to help the 99ers. No one is telling you not to. From your 80% of post I do not see what help you are. Just my view. All you post is name calling or attacking others if their views are not yours. If you disagree with their view then just say so and post your view...then move on. You do not have the right to say who can post or who can not. Everyone has a right to their own views and do not have to just get in line with you or Christine. I do not see anyone responding to you or her with agreement on here! I disagree with almost all your views; yet, I accept that you have a right to those views. Try doing the same.
msan222...This is nice and sounds good. We tried it already. We gave tax cuts to business that would hire the long time unemployed, We invested in re-training programs, we spent billions in shovel ready jobs that were not there. We tried it all the last three years! Results NOTHING! We are down on another down fall. When will some people just accept the truth...Obama is a nice guy...a good person..Yet; his direction is not working. What do we do gamble on him for another 4 years...with HOPE that he gets it? Can we afford that gamble? Why is business not hiring? No hope in him or his direction. Polls show only 14% fell we are going in the right direction. People are not spending..as long as that goes on business will not hire. They are not going to hire someone they do not need just for a tax break! If I was a small business I'd ask...How much is that Obama care going to cost me? Is he going to raise my taxes soon? What is next? When will Americans start spending? Hell I am going to hold out..afraid to invest or hire or spend!
If Obama wants to really help the Democrats hold the White House there is only one way. Step down and do not run...let another Dem run..maybe Clinton. That would be the ONLY hope now. There is some talk that someone in the party may step up and run ageist him. I know if Clinton did she would clean his clock. There is no way he will win in 2012. Not going to be able to hide from his record this time and blaming Bush will not work. That dog is not hunting no more.
@msanonymous222: Thanks for the article, I remember the 111th Congress under Nancy Pelosi had INTRODUCED 3 JOBS BILLS and the Jobs for Mainstreet Act had TAX INCENTIVES to businesses to hire (because thats the only way they will) but unfortunately they were BLOCKED or watered down to nothing by the republicans. The 112th DRUNKARD Boehner Congress hasn't INTRODUCED a JOBS BILL at all and that speaks volumes for their hypocritical concern for JOBS which we all know we will hear constantly from ALL the republicans and teabaggers until Nov 2012, just more political horse manure because they loss the White House and want it back.. Little selfish,arrogant children with lots of $$$$ but nobody wants to play with them.. The Nov 2010 election of the 112th Congress shows the American people a mirror into the same non-functional fecal irresponsibility we saw with 8 years of Bush & Cheney. The businesses want tax incentives & the republicans + teabaggers could care less about the veterans because they did nothing while they had both houses of Congress to protect them with the right equipment, they are so quick to call them HEROs and so quick to not drop a dime in their cap on the street corners but look at them in disgust instead of helping, that is more of their hypocriscy as we all know by now. www.aflcio.org/
The Enemies Within: The 20 Most Dangerous Conservatives And Their Organizations
"The Koch brothers are by far the biggest threat to American values and institutions. The truly evil thing about this group is that NONE of these monsters are elected by the people. Yet they have more power and influence over our elected officials and system of law and government, than we do"
READ MORE: -- http://www.addictinginfo.org/2011/08/04/the-enemies-within-the-20-most-d...
The biggest threats to America are those working diligently to transform its entire population to depend on some form of government assistance. Meanwhile – none of you offer any ideas for promoting job growth, just growing more government subsistence programs and cry when they reduce them.
Reading the ABOVE article its easy to see why JT/MOM aren't on PI anymore but its nice to know the CLONE & TROLL replacements will not be taking over SEIU websites as they have attempted on other sites. PI - KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! www.american99ersunion.com NEW & MORE INFORMATION regarding HR 589 the UNEMPLOYED! YEP!!! STILL OUT THERE AND STILL HANGING ON but as we have seen and read, WASHINGTON including President Obama knows he/they must do something because even thought he INHERITED a Recession along with $10 TRILLION of national debt along with 2 WARS, he has stated it will take years to clean up President Bush's messes. JOBS BILL not introduced from the (Give my drink back) Speaker Boehner as said before should tell everyone where THEY priorities lie!
Another sign that the republicans + teabaggers are NOT popular with majority of the American public who still have fresh in their minds the 8 years + 2 wars of George W. Bush and BOTH houses of Congress that were republican majority at the time and gave President Bush CARTE BLANCHE on anything that he wanted i.e. WE GOT RECESSION! 2 WARS! TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN DEBT! BUSH TAX CUTS (NO JOBS as BUSH had stated) and THAT COST BILLIONS OF DOLLARS as well. Its easy to connect the fat wallets, the bank accounts all connected to Corporate America an that OTHER America ??? middle-class and working class and UNDERemployed class, well YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN as far as they are concerned. Look at how the dynamics of this PI site is SWINGing. LOL LOL! I'm laughing AT them not with them. KEEP FIGHTING EVERYONE WHO CARES! HR 589 not as a standalone bill but as a AMENDMENT for (ALL) of the unemployed including the 99ers.
IL will be reducing its 26 weeks of initial state-funded benefits to 25 weeks, effective Jan. 1, 2012 (Public Act 097-0001, 97th General Assembly). Five other states have been or will be offering less than 26 weeks as well.
@msanonymous222: Yeah I heard about that a few weeks ago, and the Employers were DEMANDING it be done because the Stimulus package incentive has ended for them. I also heard the ONE week wait period for UI benefits at the beginning, will be abolished as well but not sure about that. IL State legislature has that "S" bill for raising the minimum wage but it wouldn't be addressed until they return, it certainly will help the THOUSANDS of Illinoisans and hopefully all these states will stop hitting the backs of those that can least afford it AND do something for those that just want to make a decent wage.
Meanwhile - (after two years), you’re still only crying over the loss of benefits. When will you start crying about the loss of jobs and start doing more about that? Your strategy of short term help from our government has become ineffective.
If they are reducing the weeks as you say then how in hell can Christine think that bill for 14 weeks has a life? Like I said with that last ext of UI..."This is most likely the last one and there will be no new tier over the 99 weeks!" Where was I wrong? Christine said 5 times or more "the bill will be on the floor tomarrow"...Who is Clueless here?
WATCH OUT FOR THE CLONES and TROLLS! WATCH OUT FOR YOUR USERNAMES BEING USED! WATCH OUT FOR THE IP ADDRESS. THERE ARE HACKERS LURKING ABOUT, PEOPLE! BEWARE!!!!
WATCH OUT FOR THE CLONES and TROLLS! WATCH OUT FOR YOUR USERNAMES BEING USED! WATCH OUT FOR THE IP ADDRESS. THERE ARE HACKERS LURKING ABOUT, PEOPLE! BEWARE!!!!
WATCH OUT FOR THE CLONES and TROLLS! WATCH OUT FOR YOUR USERNAMES BEING USED! WATCH OUT FOR THE IP ADDRESS. THERE ARE HACKERS LURKING ABOUT, PEOPLE! BEWARE!!!!
WATCH OUT FOR THE CLONES and TROLLS! WATCH OUT FOR YOUR USERNAMES BEING USED! WATCH OUT FOR THE IP ADDRESS. THERE ARE HACKERS LURKING ABOUT, PEOPLE! BEWARE!!!!
WATCH OUT FOR THE CLONES and TROLLS! WATCH OUT FOR YOUR USERNAMES BEING USED! WATCH OUT FOR THE IP ADDRESS. THERE ARE HACKERS LURKING ABOUT, PEOPLE! BEWARE!!!!
Anybody seen or heard from Dick Arvey or the KOCH brothers today?? Hope the high-rise windows are sealed. Ironic Wall Street is getting hit very hard today, Dow Jones tanks 512 pts.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Dow-average-plunges-513-worst-apf-16976979...
@9:54am pdwa118: Thanks for your posts and keep up your efforts in this difficult fight. JT/MOM have been BANNED and thats a good thing with all both asses tried to do to stop our efforts and it was a waste. " What an evil web with weave when first we practice to deceive" and thats what they did in a juvenile way at best. Well hopefully its on to some college classes especially for the 1960 recluse JT/jt. LOL LOL!
'AFL-CIO Calls for End to ‘Fake Political Crises’
Instead of addressing the real economic crisis taking place in the homes of everyday Americans, Washington has instead chosen to ignore it and continuously distract the American public with fake political crises of their own, says members of the AFL-CIO Executive Council is a statement released Wednesday.
“The United States is in a continuing and severe jobs crisis. Yet Washington is inexplicably focused on measures that will make the situation worse—both in the short and long run,” reads the statement. “Our nation’s leaders are offering working people the choice between bad and worse policies. Instead of addressing our profound economic crisis, they are adding to it an unending series of fake political crises. It doesn’t have to be this way. There are real solutions to the jobs crisis, but real solutions require government action.”
The AFL-CIO Executive Council calls on Washington leadership to act. “Republican congressional leaders have made their agenda crystal clear—paralyze the government and hold our economy hostage until a multitrillion-dollar ransom is paid to their contributors in the form of tax cuts for the wealthy and for multinational corporations. Unfortunately, far too many Democrats have been either silent or complicit in the Republicans’ scheme. We expect Democrats at every level of government to stand tall for progressive principles, working families and the American labor movement. We need their leadership—not their excuses or apologies,” wrote the Council.
Labor leaders say the voice of the labor movement is clear: labor opposes any measure that will take away American jobs and/or further tie the hands of working families. “We oppose any cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits—no matter where they come from and that includes the Oval Office,” said labor leaders. “We need a tax code that asks the rich to pay their fair share. We oppose corporate tax reform that is merely ‘revenue neutral’ amid calls for ‘shared sacrifice.’ We oppose the Korea, Panama and the Colombia free trade agreements. And we will fight with every means we have against those who would take away the right to vote through a new generation of poll taxes and literacy tests.”
READ MORE: http://networkedblogs.com/gl0m
Obama on TV..Talking again on the economy. I thought I was hearing a talk of two years ago. Same old thing. "We Ned to spend more..We need to spend to create construction jobs!" Are those the shovel ready jobs again? Mr President if you defined insanity ...."It is doing the same over and over thinking the results will be different". We did all that before remember..You said "give me the money and UI will not go over 8%? Health Care bill will create millions of jobs and bring the cost of health care down,,,,just pass it to see what is in it. Then we will like it." So Sir; UI is over 8% and has never gone below that from your time in office...Health Care cost is going up, even with your 500 billion cut to Medicare. You even admit there were no shovel ready jobs and found that funny?? Where is all that money you spent? How did it help us the last time? If we vote for you again in 2012 and we think we will get anything different...then I guess that makes us part of the same insanity!!!!
Standard and Poor just down-graded the credit rating for the USA. Said the outlook for US credit is negative...not enough of spending cuts were in the bill. I knew even if we passed the debt ceiling they would down grade us..I had said that. Are landlord (China) is worried about our out of control spending! Good Job Obama!
Obamas Legacy...Broak the USA with big programs and spending..lowed our credit rating first time in history. Another win for Obama! The GOP passed two bills that could of prevented this..Paul Ryans budget and Cap and Balance. The Democrats blocked both..
As much as I'm not a fan of President Obama now, let me just say nice job, Boehner. Your control of the most insane in your party is masterful. Between your abyssmal handling of the debt ceiling crisis and all of your jobs bills that you insisted you'd bring at the last election (now at 212 days with not a one in sight), you are without a doubt the worst Speaker in modern day history.
msan222...I do not agree with you on this. Yet; you have the right to your view. I do think this will fall on Obmam. He is the President. Truth is I think we may be in for some hard times for all Americans. Not sure there is much we can do but try to hold on for the ride. Thank you for disagreeing with me without the name call.
@8:29pm. Have to agree with you on SOH, that Boehner is the WORSE and they protect him by not mentioning his name. Well So much for voting republican AGAIN, just as was done that got us that ass-wipe dung beetle aka George W.Bush and now they're LOW LOW in the polls and got a 112th Congress that doesn't know which end is up because they are dancing the teabagger's dance and waiting for THEIR command. The American people had to see just how ridiculous the republicans and teabaggers are as they appear on these TV programs not knowing anything about nothing but trying to appear intelligent. Reminds of the "Bridge to Nowhere" Sarah Palin.
Well the NOVO vote of Nov 2010 that got 31 low-class racist teabaggers in the 112th Congress and the Drinkathon man John Boehner as Speaker of the House, has shown the American people just how NOT VOTING is as asinine as can be. It woke up majority of the American people with recent polls showing THIS Congress is the worse in history. People can bash President Obama but after 8 years of President MACHO-MAN Bush, I will take Barack Obama any day of the week! NOW - MOVING FORWARD! There are 2 addl co-sponsors added to HR 589 but as it stands it will be including with unemployment insurance that will be discussed but its HUSH HUSH for now. I know its taking sooo long but all we can do is KEEP FIGHTING with EMAILS-FAXES-CALLS-TWEETS. Well I hear the clicking from the TROLLS & its Friday night. The CLONE is still here also but if there's no activity he will go back to his other site to feed his EGO.
Since “most” of us are declaring our likes & dislikes with DC like ladies & gentlemen, I’m not particularly impressed with anyone in congress or the administration. IMO, this recession was never handled right from day one and now there is no one quick fix. Washington is consumed with personal careers and egos. In the meantime, this Country is circling the drain at warp speed and none of the right people seem to care. What is taking so long for the people to remind congress who they work for?
I’m not talking about faxing DC for just another band-aid, I’m talking about demanding our representatives focus on restoring our confidence in this economy through serious long term job policies. I don’t see this coming from either side and not afraid to say it.
I only have faith in one congressman at this point, and that's Bernie Sanders, who is an Independent. One congressman (obviously) can only do so much. JMO. And no, I don't want to get into a Bernie Sanders debate. I'm merely mentioning it because I think the guy at least is highly cognizant that he works for the people.
For as much as we often disagree, I completely agree with your post. This country is in huge trouble. "Circling the drain at warp speed" is an excellent way to describe it.
I agree with you. Get ready we will see some cuts now. Anyone that thinks this country is not going broke is living in OZ. If other countries were to stop loaning us money or buying our bonds we would go BK....I am sure China is looking on. We have spent ourselves to the point that now we are going to see some very hard cuts. If you still think UI ext are possible; again in OZ. If you think raising taxes on just the top 5% will fix it...in Oz. When taxes go up the middle class and even the lower income will get hit also. They will close loop holes..Ya like the home write off! Lower the 3500 per Person deduction to 1500? Get Ready! Here goes our 401k's again also. Maybe the tea party was right....the cuts were to small. That bill did no real cuts. S&P wanted to see 4 trillion in cuts.
By the way, you asked the question, "What is taking people so long to remind Congress who they work for?"
I learned something long ago that's stuck with me for many a year, and it says, "When the pain of where you are becomes stronger than the fear of where you're going, then you'll choose to do something." IMO, that's it in a nutshell, no matter what "it" may refer to. The pain hasn't exceeded the fear yet. But I think it's coming.
Good Point
Msanonymous222,
Great quote on pain vs. fear, thank you. My hope is that fear becomes contagious enough so more speak out before our pain completely incapacitates us. Remember, we are suppose to be the most powerful and generous Nation in the world.
My "fear" is; no other Nation in the world can help us as we helped others. IMO, we must get the economy back on track soon and might not have the luxury to wait for the 2012 elections regardless of how we vote.
My “pain” is; that congress believes they solved this crisis and have no shame for taking a summer vacation.
This spending was too big under Bush...Obama just added even more. We are going to pay for it now. I am sick of both parties. Give us someone in DC..I do not care if a R or a D by their name...that knows what the hell to do!
Well the HYPOCRISY train continues with S&P
(a.k.a. Slow & Pitiful), Reich nails them to a cross and rightfully so.
http://www.ukprogressive.co.uk/the-biggest-driver-in-the-deficit-battle-...
More HYPOCRISY from the republican tea party and their artificial concern about JOBS & the ECONOMY from which the American people will have to stomach for over a year as we are seeing now. NO JOBS BILL introduced from the (can I have my cocktail now) Speaker John Boehner and his fellow teabagger lapdog Eric Cantor.. the 112th Congress has done NOTHING to jumpstart this economy because they want President Obama to be a ONE-TERM President. The Party of NO, who left behind 2 WARS, a RECESSION, a ECONOMIC TSUNAMI & $12 TRILLION dollars of debt, wants to do nothing to work with this President to get this economy at least on life support and help the MILLIONS of unemployed EMPLOYED again with a viable JOBS BILL. The conservative wingnuts compliments of the multi-MILLIONAIRE Koch Brothers and others in Corporate America will and have the money flowing to see that THEY get back in the White House and complete the task with a bonafiled DEPRESSION next time around. www.american99ersunion.com
Facts need checking--just Yahoo it....GW Bush debt 2.2 trillion in 8 years...too much..............Obama 4.2 trillion in less than 3 years....just added even more to Bush. Both spent too much! We need a new direction....Obamas direction is not working and just blaming the Speaker or Bush or anyone we can is blind to reality.
Great promo on Google’s home page today for Lucile Ball’s Birthday. Play TV.
Just replace Lucy & Ethel with congress to see if you reached the same analogy as I did.
"Bill Maher on The Wealth Gap in America and the World" From the years 1980-2005 80% of all new income generated went to the RICHEST 1%. Even the fat-ass teabaggers can understand his analogy - ENJOY!
Know thy enemy!
In response to Friday"s jobs report, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) declared that “unemployment is far too high” and that Congress “must push pro-growth policies to get back on track.” Noting Cantor’s apparent concern as “spot on,”, CNBC host Jim Kramer told Cantor that obviously, “you’re for extending unemployment benefits given the chaotic situation.” Cantor’s response? Nope, because “for too long in Washington now we’ve been worried about pumping up the stimulus moneys and pumping up unemployment benefits”.
…and…
In other words, they’re retaking the long-term unemployed hostage. The last time they did it, they got a great deal in return: the extension of the Bush tax cuts. Who knows what ransom they’ll demand this time around, because this situation is becoming critical. As Meteor Blades writes, “unless Congress acts to extend unemployment benefits, some 3.71 million more Americans are going to lose them during the next five months.”
Daily Kos
OK House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA)- where’s my job?
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxAbove is another example of how the republican tea party have “dirty politics” down to an art because they play it so well. They held the unemployed hostage so many times AND intend on doing it again until THEY get what THEY want, we saw it with HR 3548 and consequently the UI bills leading up to the Bush Tax Cuts legislation costing BILLIONS that was passed because they blocked HR 4213! What is amazing is how this asses get elected, are the people in a drunken dupor or just not paying attention to what is going on. Well another fight because they know they must extend UI benefits but we must make sure THIS time thats it includes ALL of the unemployed who have been unemployed since this recession officially started in 2007.
'KNOW YOUR ENEMY'
… and your ideas are?
Here are just some of mine.
When the unemployment rate is higher than, let say 6%,
Congress must only debate bills related to creating jobs.
Congress cannot take paid vacations.
Make it against the law for local governments to raise user fees, license, property taxes etc. (Illinois vehicle registration is now $99.00 for passenger cars.
Make it against the law for banks to raise interest rates.
Suspend any new foreign visas which allow for government assistance.
Create stiffer penalties for illegal aliens caught sneaking into this country.
Penalize companies who outsource jobs.
Reward companies who hire someone unemployed.
Suspend the IRS and States income tax on unemployment checks.
Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss other people and call them drunks OVER & OVER & OVER.
I am in no way claiming my ideas are “great”. Nonetheless they’re ideas.
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