The Curse of the Unemployed

We just completed our protest in our nation's capitol this past 4th of July weekend. While our protest was very small (my wife, our two youngest and myself), we were recognized by many who were in town to enjoy the festivities. This was our first trip to DC. While I wish it was under better circumstances, we remained upbeat and pushed on the fight for many millions of unemployed Americans who don't have the time or funds to do so themselves. The unfortunate part of the whole thing is so many have no idea what goes on in Washington.  They are dumbfounded by this and many other issues.

The problem is that there are huge numbers who agree with us and feel for the plight of the unemployed, but yet so many unwilling to give their time to even listen to the horrific stories of the growing number of suffering Americans. From Republicans blatantly calling the unemployed lazy, drug users who make no attempt at finding work, to the Democrats who refuse to use any of their slush (I mean stimulus) funds to meet the GOP in the middle. Then you have the media who find the unemployment story as sexy as two hippos in the sack. While at the 4th of July parade in downtown DC, my wife and I carried, raised and had pictures taken with our protest signs. Yet when I found a local TV news team taping bits for the news, they paid us no attention even though I walked right into their view and asked for a bit of time. I was brushed aside with the excuse that they don't do protest pieces when shooting the parade. Instead they drag an older lady in for an interview, who's dressed in 4th of July regalia and holding a squirter bottle with a fan attached. The newsman asks her what she is doing down on the parade route (uhhh, watching the parade?) and about that oh so crazy fan she was carrying (very unusual when it's over 90 degrees, not!).

The curse that the unemployed carry is the stigma that we are lazy dirt bags looking for a handout, toothless idiots undeserving of media attention, or even worse - a group that the government would rather just brush under a rug, than ever hear from again. While our efforts this weekend were small, I do feel we brought more attention to the plight of close to 30 million Americans (that is much closer to the real number affected). Our family will keep doing our best to help anyone from ever forgetting about this issue and those affected, whether you are recently unemployed or one of the 99'ers.
A final note to all. If you ever protesting in DC and try to enter a museum don't do it with your signs, because the First Amendment doesn't hold true within those walls for some reason. I was asked to get rid of them or I couldn't enter. I chose the later. So much for free speech in public places. This government has gotten way to big for its britches. Our fore fathers were rolling in their grave this weekend as our current politicians do their best to ruin what they so bravely began.

Written by EW (most grateful husband of JW)

State of The Union....

I'm not a politician.  I wasn't born into wealth.  I grew up in the comfortable, average middle class like the majority of Americans.  I learned about our history and how this country should operate, and despite some negative media influence, I never felt compelled to get involved...until now.

I called several Democrat and Republican Senators yesterday, on behalf of millions of unemployed Americans, and basically begged them to put their selfish agendas aside and pass the Unemployment extensions.  Some of their staff members gave me an attitude, some of them were very kind, but all of them were full of complete and utter BULLSHIT!  I have come to the conclusion that our officials are very ignorant and refuse to listen to the people who matter - you and me.

I don't pretend to understand how to solve all of our country's problems, but I do know when you are trying to balance a budget and save money you cut spending on things that are UNNECESSARY;  Like wars, foreign aid, tax cuts to big banks, etc.  I don't really care if by passing this bill, $33 billion dollars will be added to the $13 trillion dollar Federal Deficit because my children are already screwed!  I don't care if they can't seem to figure out how to agree on when to send American troops home from a pointless war zone next year.  I care about what is happening right here, right now in my city, in my State, in MY country!

Do they really believe that the American people will vote for whichever party stands their ground on this one?  Personally, I have decided my vote goes to whomever gives in first, and decides to put the American people before their stupid political garbage.  I guess we will see what happens.

My heart goes out to those of you who are in need of a job, and cannot depend on your country at this time.

Today's Agenda

If any of you are following the news on Unemployment Extensions, you probably already know that the House failed to pass H.R. 5618 yesterday, which included an extension of benefits through November 30, 2010, under a suspension of the rules - explained here Definition

Under a suspension, a Super-Majority, or 2/3 vote is required to pass the bill.  That did not happen, and most Americans are genuinely upset.  Don't lose hope yet, as there is news of another vote taking place in the House today;  And also of Harry Reid and Max Baucus trying to gain the much needed support of 3 Republicans required to pass a bill through the Senate as early as Thursday morning.

For those of you who have a Republican Representative or Senator, or even those of you who live in Nebraska (thanks to Ben Nelson), now is the time to call them!  The Republicans most likely to listen are:

Susan Collins - Maine


Olympia Snowe - Maine


Scott Brown - Massachusetts

In other current news, President Obama will be visiting Racine, Wisconsin (UE 14%) today to speak about JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!  He will be at the Racine Memorial Town Hall.  So, for those of you who are unemployed and live in Wisconsin, now's the time to share your anger and frustration over the current situation.  Don't hold back!  Go there and stand outside if you don't have a ticket!  Then come back and share your story.

My Top 5

Ways the government can and will improve the U.S. economy and unemployment situation:

1. Close the damn borders!  All illegals without proper documentation will be given 90 days to leave (in 90 days we will see many new job openings).
2. Limit or temporarily shut down the trade agreement with China.  The fact that most of our goods are purchased from China vs. the U.S. is embarrassing and not doing us any favors.
3. Impose heavy fines or taxes on big corporations who are sending jobs overseas, or require they pay the same minimum wages;  You'll see how quickly those jobs make it back to America.
4. Encourage education and promote forward thinking so that our nation can produce the next Great Innovation instead of China, India, or Japan.
5. Impose the death penalty for all Rapists and Murderers who have been convicted via DNA evidence.  If any liberals want to scream "Inhumane!", then let them build a prison in their backyard and pay millions to keep these criminals locked up for the next 40 - 50 years!

What's on the Senate schedule for Today?

According to the U.S. Senate website, www.senate.gov, the Senate will convene and begin a period of morning business at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon.  After that, they will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 5297, the Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010.   Passing of this bill could mean more jobs for those Unemployed Americans, due to the $30 billion fund to boost small business lending.


I don't know about you, but my morning usually begins at around 6:30 a.m.  Also, exactly how much of that $30 billion fund do you think will actually make it into the hands of small business owners looking to expand their operations and hire more workers?  I have an inkling, and it's not very much at all. 


As of yet, there are no plans to introduce a standalone measure for extending Unemployment benefits, so while Congress is having fun during the 4th of July holiday, the rest of you will just have to sit tight and try to think of reasons why you still love the U.S.A.!

Senate Democrats and Republicans bicker over 0.0004 % of Fed. Deficit

On Thursday, Harry Reid and the Senate Democrats attempted to gain at least one Republican vote for H.R. 4213 and save millions of Unemployed Americans, at least until November.  Senate Minority leader, Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and the rest of the Republicans want the bill paid for(a small compromise if you ask me), so ultimately voted it down for the third and final time.
As I watched both sides argue back and forth on C-Span over the past week, I became increasingly aware that neither side is particulary concerned with the average American, but rather how they might look in the public eye come November, election time.  Both sides have very good points, however the issue isn't about saving a bank, paying for a war, or controlling Wall Street;  This about people!  People who have paid their taxes, are trying to make ends meet, and simply cannot find a job - most likely as a result of small businesses that failed, big businesses that sent jobs overseas, or the fact that an illegal immigrant is willing to do the work for much less than minimum wage. 
Are you one of these people?  How do YOU feel about your country turning its back on you?  How do you feel about an undocumented citizen receiving better treatment and qualifying for more government aid than you do?  Speak up and share your story here!