The LuLac Edition #931, Sept. 5th, 2009
PHOTO INDEX: OUR INTERVIEW LOGO.
INTERVIEW
So I’m in class on my second day of school. The Professor (one of the few down at LCCC that I’m sure isn’t a political hack) suggested we get a buddy to go over our work with. I got partnered up with a harried woman in her 30s. I barely understood my assignment but soldiered through and got it done. She barely finished hers because of lack of time. I thought it fitting on this Labor Day weekend to tell her story.
Q: So you’re going to school, have a kid and working?
A: Yeah, I hope these teachers understand we all have a life outside of here.
Q: I’m sure they do. Where do you work?
A: I work 3 days at (local super market chain). I only get four hours a day. No benefits.
Q: And that’s enough to make it?
A: You didn’t let me finish. I also work for a fast food gas station doing overnights. That’s 3 days a week. So that makes 43 hours a week.
Q: So these two employers who came into the area the last decade won’t give you full time? How long have you been at each job?
A: 6 years at the store and 5 at the gas station.
Q: In all that time they never offered you benefits for health care?
A: No that’s their scam. Very few people get benefits. But the gas station gave me a trip to western Pennsylvania at a resort for my five years of service.
Q: Did you go?
A: No, didn’t have the time or money or child care to drive clear across the state. It would've been nice if they gave me health care instead of a two day trip.
Q: Any other stuff on your plate?
A: I have an aunt in Scranton that I’m cooking for in advance now. She was on Meals on Wheels but got cut back because of the budget problem in Congress.
Q: It’s Harrisburg. The state legislators haven’t passed a budget and that’s why meals on wheels was cut.
A: My kid goes to the library after school with my girlfriend and her kids. Will they cut that?
Q: I’m sure. They cut everything but their own salaries.
A: How much do they make?
Q: $75,000 a year, then they get free health care and a $650.00 a month car allowance. Plus $158.00 a day for travel.
A: You’re shitting me.
Q: No how much do you make?
A: About $24,000 a year.
Q: Two jobs right?
A: I also tend bar on Saturday afternoon and clean two houses on Sunday.
Q: So that’s 4 jobs, and you’re going to school to get a degree for nursing right?
A: Yeah. (sighs heavily). Hey what do those state people do for all that money?
Q: They’re supposed to pass the budget.
A: Have they?
Q: Nope, it’s been 65 days now.
A: Why haven’t they done it yet, that’s their job. It affects my life.
Q: The Governor says they’re lazy and I truly believe they are. But I think the problem is they believe in their politics more than the people. Do you vote?
A: I voted for McCain the last time.
Q: Next year all the State Legislators are up.
A: I’m going to vote against them. They’re not helping me.
Q: Good for you. So what are you doing on Labor Day?
A: Doing what I do every day with my four jobs. Working.
Q: Happy Labor Day.
A: Humph.
EDITOR’S NOTE: To all of those right wing Republican loudmouths who have their health care, have their singular decent jobs and say people like the single mom/student I talked to should work harder and pull themselves up by their bootstraps, I say RETHINK YOUR POSITION.
EDITOR'S NOTE # 2: The previous Editor's note had an obscenity and suggestion that is now edited out. While it is true you can't unring a bell, I hope that the now edited post can prove one thing: even rational people can be pushed to the limit by selfishness and ignorance. We live in a dual society where "if I have mine", the attitude seems to be the heck with the rest of you. Three things led to my bomb dropping. The constant misrepresentation of our current President's policies, the inaction of our State Legislators on the budget and the conditions I see in this area. In the future, I will refrain from the bomb dropping but will be even more militant in fighting the stupidity that masqureades as free speech in our political debates.
posted by David Yonki @ 3:41 PM
24 comments
24 Comments:
So what is the government supposed to do for your poor interview subject? Passing health care run by the government will really work....she ran a litany of governmental failures....what happens when there's a budget impasse in DC? Will she and others die in the streets? This sad story ought to prove to you why you shouldn't trust the government, at any level.
IN RESPONSE
So what is the government supposed to do for your poor interview subject? Passing health care run by the government will really work....she ran a litany of governmental failures....what happens when there's a budget impasse in DC? Will she and others die in the streets? This sad story ought to prove to you why you shouldn't trust the government, at any level.
I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THE HECK YOU ARE SAYING. SHE HAS FOUR JOBS BECAUSE AMERICAN PRIVATE INDFUSTRY SCREWS OVER ITS EMPLOYEES BY LETTING THEM WORK HALF JOBS AND PROVIDING NO HEALTH CARE. REMEMBER THE BROKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SAYING, "NEW JOBS, HIGH PAYING JOBS?" WHERE THE HELL ARE THEY? THE BUDGET PROBLEM IN HARRISBURG IS HAPPENING BECAUSE OF OVERPAID POLITICAL HACKS WHO ARE SELFISH AND DON'T CARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE. THAT'S A PROBLEM OF GOVERNMENT THAT CAN BE EASILY FIXED BY VOTING THOSE PEOPLE OUT. GOVERNMENT DOES NOT WANT TO RUN HEALTH CARE, ALL THEY WANT TO DO IS PROVIDE A CHOICE SO THAT THE ONLY THING THIS PERSON CAN GET NOW AS PART OF HEALTH CARE IS A PLAN FOR $500 A MONTH WHICH COVERS SOME THINGS OR $100.00A MONTH THAT COVERS ALMOST NOTHING. SEE YOU'RE CONFUSING THE GOVERNMENT OF BUSH THAT RAN THIS COUNTRY'S ECONOMY INTO THE TOILET FOR A WAR THAT KILLED 4,000 PEOPLE ON A WILD GOOSE CHASE LOOKING FOR WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION TO A GOVERNMENT THAT WANTS PEOPLE TO HAVE AN OPTION TO PAY FOR REASONABLY PRICED HEALTH CARE.
I say GO FUCK YOURSELF with a jagged object.
Well said my eloquent friend.
Did I miss something?
Nowhere in the interview did your subject NEED health care.
Granted, she's busting her ass and making a concerted effort to better herself. I think your readers agree she is taking advantage of every opportunity she can to gain, or improve her skill set which should provide some upward mobility.
As far as the "scam" goes, do you think she would have those jobs if the government mandated benefits for any and all employee - regardless of hours?
I think the cost to hire someone would force them to rely on current employees since paying/demanding overtime would be cheaper.
Think she's willing to move out of the area?
Right now she has to settle.
Hopefully her future will be one of better choices.
Now if you can find her an employed husband, wouldn't a lot of her angst would be relieved? (Somebody had to ask - since you didn't)
The time for national health care has come. But make no mistake, when the gov't option is out there, employers will no longer provide for employees and the gov't will pick up the tab. What is being proposed now is all half assed bullshit intended NOT to get any health care reform passed.
The dems do not want it passed. This is their holy grail wedge issue ala abortion for the republicans. Once it is passed they can no longer run on it.
There is a better way to handle it, I will tell you about it Wed., when I give you my big shocking announcement.
IN RESPONSE
Nowhere in the interview did your subject NEED health care.
THAT WAS MY FAULT FOR NOT ASKING THE QUESTION. SHE HAS A PLAN THAT IS CRIPPLING HER. IT'S $380 A MONTH WITH NO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS OR MAJOR MEDICAL. SHE PAYS OUT OF HER OWN POCKET. SHE HAS A KID, SHE'S IN HER 30s AND WORKING. YOU DON'T THINK SHE NEEDS HEALTHCARE?
Now if you can find her an employed husband, wouldn't a lot of her angst would be relieved? (Somebody had to ask - since you didn't)
BOY THAT'S A SEXIST AND MORONIC STATEMENT IF I EVER SAW ONE. GETTING A MAN ISN'T GOING TO SOLVE HER PROBLEMS. IT'S NOT GOING TO GET HER A BETTER PAYING JOB BECAUSE THERE ARE NONE HERE. DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR "WORK ETHIC" HERE, IT'S CALLED CWC. CHUMPS WORK CHEAP. AND IF SHE DID GET AN EMPLOYED HUSBAND, WHO'S TO SAY THAT HIS JOB WILL LAST IN THIS AREA? I HAVE URGED HERE TO GET OUT OF THIS TOWN ONCE SHE GETS HER DEGREE. I WISH I DID WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE. EMPLOYERS HERE DON'T VALUE EDUCATION. YOU GO INTO ONE OF THESE JOBS BROUGHT IN BY THE CHAMBER AND MOST OF THE MANAGERS ARE HIGH SCHOOL OR TRADE SCHOOL GRADS. THIS IS THEIR TONIGHT SHOW MAN, THIS IS THE BEST THEY'RE GOING TO DO. YEAH, MAYBE SHE SHOULD MARRY SOME LOSER FROM AROUND HERE...THEN SHE CAN NOT ONLY SUPPORT ANOTHER PERSON BUT THEN MAYBE GET BEAT UP IN THE PROCESS. AND NO ONE WILL CARE BECAUSE THE WOMEN'S SHELTERS WON'T EXIST BECAUSE THE LAZY, FAT ASS LEGISLATORS AREN'T PASSING THE BUDGET TO FUND IT.
When you first started these interview segment I thought they were pretty stupid. But now I see what you're doing. Kind of just talking to the regular folks. And you know what? It's real good. It gives people a real slice of life. I mean do you actually think an elected official would get off their high horse and ask basic questions like you? Christ Kanjorski iks still hiding and that other pantload Carney just cares about getting re elected. We bitch about people on welfare then we can't cut people a break who are doing it the right way.
"I say GO FUCK YOURSELF with a jagged object."
Whatever happened to this blog being civilized. Wasn't it started because of all the rude harsh crap out there?
From your very first post, "If there is a philosophical disagreement with any of these entities, we will not insult, intimidate or belittle them as other sites have done. There will absolutely be no personal attacks of any kind against how people look or comport themselves."
We will not insult, intimidate or belittle? Telling someone to go fuck themselves with a jagged object isn't insulting, belittling or intimidating? It is a shame that you have fallen from your moral high ground. I guess dealing with dumbass NEPAers will do that to one.
Good interview. I know a woman of 50 who made her way thru similiar circumstances and just graduated as a RN. Everybody is damn proud of her and she will do a helluva job!
7:36
I havent heard "pantload" in a long time and it is perfect for the Congressman. I am not happy with him at all.
On the other hand, Bob Casey seems to be adapting well in Washington and I still believe he will mature into a very good Senator for Pa and the Country.
Lackawanna Rambler
She doesn't NEED health care - she HAS it @ $380.00 a month.
I'm sure she is vigilant about maintaining her child's health but someone without health insurance needs it. She has it Dave.
It cost me $4,346.64 a year for mine. Its a cost I do my best to minimize yet budget for. Life is not a free ride.
You're upset because...why? Dude, I know you want to help. I know you are empathetic to her plight. I understand that. I suspect she'll be successful in time.
Meantime are any of her jobs under the table cash? Unreported? Not included when applying for "programs"? Its a pretty common scenario.
The husband remark was part tongue-in-cheek but look at any study. You've got to be aware of them.
Single mothers with children really struggle are are more likely to be at or below the poverty level.
A husband would help share the burden and support - maybe even provide the mobility needed to move to a better area so please don't belittle my remarks as moronic. Ask any divorced man what the financial impact of his divorce was. I have friends who won't be able to retire.
Your anger make me wonder which one of us is riding a jagged object.
"SEE YOU'RE CONFUSING THE GOVERNMENT OF BUSH THAT RAN THIS COUNTRY'S ECONOMY INTO THE TOILET FOR A WAR THAT KILLED 4,000 PEOPLE ON A WILD GOOSE CHASE LOOKING FOR WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION TO A GOVERNMENT THAT WANTS PEOPLE TO HAVE AN OPTION TO PAY FOR REASONABLY PRICED HEALTH CARE."
Did I miss a memo? Is Bush running the State of PA? The governor, Rendell, is the one who's got the state without a budget.
Anyway, any clue how the government is going to pay for this "reasonably priced health care"?
Hey 10:11PM.....if yu are so worried about how the government is going to pay for health care for people who don't have it, need it or are being overcharged for it by private business, where were you when billiions were being spent in Iraq, looking as Yonk says for weapons and in effect satisfying a grudge match between Bush's daddy and Sadamn. Where we you then so worried about your precious taxes on your income? Take your taxes and shove them if you want to be an unpatriotic selfish pig!!!!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Comment 12:45PM deleted. Duplicate comment. But it was a good one if you ask me.
Somebody really pissed the Yonk off this weekend. And I can't say that I am not in disagreement with what he said. I always thought Gort was more provocative while Yonk was doing a little bow and stoop to the powers that be. About time he grew a set because the only thing fatcat rich chamber types and bloated overpaid lawmakers who can't even do the basics like pass a budget undeerstand is a cold slap in the face. Voters should give it to them.
So 12:45 am doesn't have an answer. No way to pay for this health insurance initiative. I see. I take it that when you max out one credit card and can't pay for it, you just go get another one. Gotta keep buying that shit you can't afford, right?
5:48 IS AN ASSHOLE!
David:
I read the interview with an open mind. It was effectively written. But I was stunned by the editor's note. It pretty much destroyed the the edition for me and completely undermined the post.
One of the reasons I read LULAC regularly is because the blog is informative, civil, and respectful of other points of view. That's a rare thing these days. It is truly lightning in a bottle, David.
Is that LULAC dead and gone?
Say it ain't so, David...
James O'Meara, Sr.
Dear Sir:
Your closing comment certainly had shock value, but little else. The standards you set & maintained for your blog have been lowered considerably.
Personally, I much prefer the PG-13 version of the Lu-Lac Political letter. Leave the coarseness to others.
I agree that healthcare must be expanded, but creating additional demand without addressing supply will not help anyone. We need more doctors/nurses and health care aides. Without these professionals, we would be funneling people into an already overburdened health care system and the end result would only be more people on pharmaceuticals....but alas, maybe that't the plan.
my 11 year old daughter loves politics and has been reading your blog for about a year. thanks for the former civility. you used to censor and keep it clean. now you are dropping f bombs. i don't know what has happened to you, but unfortunately I have to block you site. you have become as bad as those you have spent years rallying against. the previuous poster made me intersted enough to go back and look at your initial post. i guess that mission is now kaput.
"The only person who cares about you and your family lives in YOUR house - not the White House."
call me an asshole - I get 5:48. I also get Dave's take.
IN RESPONSE
One of the reasons I read LULAC regularly is because the blog is informative, civil, and respectful of other points of view. That's a rare thing these days. It is truly lightning in a bottle, David.
Is that LULAC dead and gone?
NO IT JUST WENT OFF THE RAILS FOR A FEW DAYS.
Your closing comment certainly had shock value, but little else. The standards you set & maintained for your blog have been lowered considerably.
YOU ARE SADLY CORRECT.
Personally, I much prefer the PG-13version of the Lu-Lac Political letter. Leave the coarseness to others.
WILL DO.
my 11 year old daughter loves politics and has been reading your blog for about a year. thanks for the former civility. you used to censor and keep it clean. now you are dropping f bombs. i don't know what has happened to you,
I GOT INTO MARTINO'S WINE STASH.
Whew.
Glad to have you back David.
Helen Fulbright
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