Stories Of Struggle

• I am 63 years old. Since November 2010 I don't have job. Actually I am collecting unemployment beneficts, but it isn't enough for pay rent, energy, gas and all my bills. I live alone. I could find this web site and I hope that I will can help and orientation to my life. juan Tampa, FL April 13, 2012
• I am a lung cancer survior.Elderly and on fixed income.No money for dentures,glasses and need a toilet fridge and air conditioner.I carry water to flush toilet Judith Sarasota Fla. judith Sarasota, FL February 8, 2012
• I thought I was making sound decisions, doing things right back before this recession was brought down on us by the actions of greedy bankers and "for sale" politicians (in my opinion), back when home financing was so much easier and so many people were buying more house than they could afford, I bought a small 1959 fixer-upper. I had a good job with the University and planned on staying there until I reached retirement.
  I was as frugal as I could be, most of the time... never owned a car that wasn't at least ten, or more, years old. When I took vacation time from work, I never went anywhere, instead using my funds to work on my house. Rather than hiring pros to work on my house I would do the work myself, while living in the house.
  
  In December 2010, at the age of 61, I was laid off from the University. I was sooo close to having enough money saved to make some major progress on the house; but now, coming up on being unemployed for one year, I've had to use that money to get by. Much of the house is torn apart, most critically the kitchen and bathrooms, but it also is extremely energy inefficient. A good example is the fact that the HVAC system was made by Singer. Previous to buying this house, I only knew them as a manufacturer of sewing machines. The house really needs to have all the original, awning style windows replaced as well. I don't know how I'm going to get my house finished now.
  
  On top of that, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and potential cardio issues about three years ago. I now find myself without any kind of health care and unable to afford my medications, the monthly costs of which went from about $50 a month to nearly $400 a month when I lost the health care at work. At sixty-two I obviously have a few years to go before I can obtain Medicare coverage.
  
  It is my belief that between narcistic politicians in Congress, the fact that more and more countries are competing for world resources the U.S. once dominated with relative ease, and most of all, the 1% who are getting richer and richer as quickly as the middle class is being pushed into poverty; there is really not much hope left for the millions of people like myself.
  
  The American Dream is a farce; propaganda perpetuated by the corporate controlled media. The 1% has stolen our democracy. The fact is, we live in a corporatocracy ! If you don’t believe me, look it up yourself.
  
  Does the following sound at all familiar.
  “Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.” John Gainesville, FL November 8, 2011
• Keeping me inside rather than go out, drive and spend money. Forcing me to neglect many needed things. I am even worried re: mortgage if an appliance breaks down or there is a utility failure. alan Palm Bay, FL October 19, 2011
• Shame on Congress, those who want to do away with Medicare, section8, food stamps, no increase in SS checks, Planned Parenthood, etc. Seniors and the poor will be out in the street. How is this happenning in this great Nation of ours? Barbara Pembroke Pines, FL October 19, 2011