This page has been archived and commenting is disabled.
A Disillusioned 99'er Shares His Disappointment With The American Dream, Welcomes Death
"Mark", a member of the ever growing cadre of disillusioned, disenchanted and disgruntled millions of American unemployed, has written a letter shared by A Company of One, in which he explains the plight of 99'ers (those whose extended unemployment benefits are set to expire) in which he chronicles his plight and his terminal disappointment with the American system. One can only imagine how all the "99'ers" would feel if they did not have the benefit of living at least partially subsidized for 2 years in the socialist state of America. If Bahrain is any indication, where the government's attempt to purchase the love of its people just failed today, pretty soon not even the 99 weeks of EUCs will do much to suppress what is an unmistakably rising anger among the broad US population.
From Mark's letter:
To the unemployed, sick, disabled and poor:
Hello,
I'm unemployed over two years now, a 99er without any benefits for
three months. I followed Unemployed Friends almost from its start, never
posted until now, but am grateful for my time with you all. I did as
asked with calls and e-mails, etc. I've a confession to make to you all.
I'm a criminal.
I've obeyed the 10 commandments and all laws except: I'm unemployed
and that's now a crime, I'm poor and that's a crime, I'm worthless
surplus population and that's a crime, I'm a main street American
Citizen born and raised in the USA and that's now a crime, and I'm
euthanizing myself as I write this note -- so arrest my corpse. This
isn't a call for help, the deed is done, it's not what I wanted. Death
is my best available option. It's not just that my bank account is $4,
that I've not eaten in a week, not because hunger pangs are agonizing
(I'm a wimp), not because I live in physical and mental anguish, not
because the landlady is banging on the door non-stop and I face
eviction, not that Congress and President have sent a strong message
they no longer help the unemployed. It's because I'm a law abiding
though worthless, long-term unemployed older man who is surplus
population. Had I used my college education to rip people off and steal
from the elderly, poor, disabled and main street Americans I would be
wearing different shoes now -- a petty king. Hard work, honesty, loving
kindness, charity and mercy, and becoming unemployed and destitute
unable to pay your bills are all considered foolishness and high crimes
in America now. Whereas stealing and lying and cheating and being greedy
to excess and destroying the fabric of America is rewarded and
protected -- even making such people petty king and petty queens among
us.
Since the end of 2008, when corporate America began enjoying the
resumption of growth, profits have swelled from an annualized pace of
$995 billion to the current $1.66 trillion as of the end of September
2010. Over the same period, the number of non-farm jobs counted by the
Labor Department has slipped from 13.4 million to 13 million -- there is
no recovery for the unemployed and main street. We taxpayers have
handed trillions of dollars to the same bank and insurance industry that
started our economic disaster with its reckless gambling. We bailed out
General Motors. We distributed tax cuts to businesses that were
supposed to use this lubrication to expand and hire. For our dollars, we
have been rewarded with starvation, homelessness and a plague of fear
-- a testament to post-national capitalism.
Twelve years ago, I lost the last of my family. Ten years ago, I lost
the love of my life, couldn't even visit him in the hospital because
gays have no rights. I fought through and grieved and went on as best I
could. Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with Diabetes and Stage 2 high
blood pressure with various complications including kidney problems,
mild heart failure, Diabetic Retinopathy. These conditions are
debilitating and painful. I am on over eight prescribed medications,
which is very difficult without insurance and income. But I struggled on
and my primary caregiver was very pleased with my effort overtime with
my A1C at seven. Still these physical disabilities have progressively
worsened, and I have had a harder and harder time functioning in basic
ways. All the while, I give thanks to God because I know there are many
more worse off than me -- and I tried to help by giving money to
charities and smiling at people who looked down and sharing what little I
had.
I am college educated and worked 35 years in management, receiving
written references and praise from every boss for whom I worked. Yet,
after thousands of resumes, applications, e-mails, phone calls, and drop
ins, I've failed to get a job even at McDonalds. I've discovered there
are three strikes against me -- most 99ers will understand. Strike one
-- businesses are not hiring long-term unemployed -- in fact many job
ads now underline "the unemployed need not apply." Strike two -- I am
almost 60 years old. Employers prefer hiring younger workers who demand
less and are better pack mules. Strike three -- for every job opening
I've applied, there are over 300 applicants according to each business
who allow a follow up call. With the U3 unemployment holding steady at
9.6percent and U6 at 17 percent for the past 18 months, the chances of
me or any 99er landing a job is less than winning the Mega Million
Jackpot. On top of that, even the most conservative economists admit
unemployment will not start to fall before 2012 and most predict up to
seven years of this crap.
I believe the Congress and President have no intention of really
aiding the unemployed -- due to various political reasons and their
total removal from the suffering of most Americans, their cold-hearted,
self-serving natures. Had they really wanted to help us, they could have
used unspent stimulus monies or cut foolish costs like the failed wars
or foreign aid, and farm subsidies. The unspent stimulus money alone
cold have taken care of ALL unemployed persons for five years or until
the unemployment rate reached 7 percent if Congress and the President
really wanted to help us -- and not string us all along with a meager
safety net that fails every few months. In any case, if I were to
survive homelessness (would be like winning the mega-millions) and with
those three strikes against me, in seven more years, I'll be near 70
with the new retirement age at 70 -- now who will hire an old homeless
guy out of work for nine years with just a few years until retirement?
So, here I am. Long term unemployed, older man, with chronic health
problems, now totally broke, hungry, facing eviction. My landlady should
really be an advocate for the unemployed -- she bangs on my door
demanding I take action. A phone call and a "please" are not enough for
her -- she is angry. She is right to be angry with me, I am unemployed
-- as apparently everyone is now angry with us unemployed.
Two hundred and eleven and social services cannot help single men.
Food banks and other charities are unable to help any more folks -- they
are overwhelmed with the poor in this nation. So I have the "freedom"
to be homeless and destitute and "pursue happiness" in garbage cans and
then die -- yay for America huh? It's the end of November and cold. A
diabetic homeless older person will experience amputations in the winter
months. So I will be raiding garbage cans for food, as my body
literally falls apart, a foot here, a finger there. I have experienced
and even worked with pain from my diseases -- hardship I can face. I
just cannot muster the courage to slowly die in agony and humiliation in
the gutter.
I have no family, I have no friends. For the past two years, I've had
nobody to talk with as people who knew me react to the "unemployed"
label as if it were leprosy and contagious. I am not a bad person, in
fact people really like me. But everyone seems to be on a tight budget
these days and living in incredible fear. It is hopeless since we all
are hearing more and more that we unemployed are to blame for
unemployment, that we are just lazy, that we are no good, that we are
sinners, that we are druggies, yet we are the victims who suffer and are
punished while the robber baron banksters and tycoons become senators,
congress, presidents and petty kings. So the only option left for me is
merciful self euthanasia.
It is with a heavy heart that I have set my death in motion, but what
I am facing is not living. So off I go, I have made peace with God and
placed my burden on Jesus and He forgives me. This nation has become
evil to the core, with cold-hearted politicians and tycoons squeezing
what little Main Street Americans have left. It is not the America into
which I was born -- the land of the free and the home of the brave with
kind folks who help neighbors -- it is now land of the Tycoon-haves and
the rest of us have-nots who march into hopelessness and despair.
Every unemployed person I have met over these past two years have
been saintly. Sharing what little they have, and being charitable --
being kind and patient and supportive. Isn't it amazing that we
Americans who suffer so much, have not taken to the streets in violence,
riots or gotten out the guillotines and marched on tycoons and
Washington in revolt as would happen in most other nations? But rather
we plead with deaf politicians to please help us. We don't demand huge
sums -- just 300 bucks a week, barely enough to cover housing for most.
Most of all we say, please help us get a job, please allow us dignity.
I can't help but juxtapose our plight to the tycoons and politicians.
They are never satisfied with their enormous wealth, and always want
more millions no matter whom it hurts. They STEAL from pension funds,
banks, the people and government, and little Wall Street investors. Then
rather than face punishment, they become petty kings in this world.
They are disloyal to America, unpatriotic, and serve their own foreign
UN-American greedy causes and demand more and more and more. I feel that
this is not the nation into which I was born. I was born in America,
the land of the free and the home of the brave. America, where people
give as much as they receive. America, where all people work for the
common good, and try to leave a better and more prosperous nation for
the next generation. America, where people help their neighbors and show
charity and mercy. This new America is alien to me -- it is an America
of greed and corruption and avarice and mean spirited selfishness and
hatred of the common good -- it is an America of savage beasts roaring
and tearing at the weak, and bullying the humble and peacemakers and
poor and those without means to defend themselves. I am not welcome here
anymore. I don't belong here anymore. It's as if some evil beast
controls government, the economy, and our lives now.
I must go now, my home is someplace else. Goodbye and God bless you
all. God bless the unemployed and poor and elderly and disabled. God
bless America and the American people except the tycoons and politicians
-- may God retain the sins of tycoons and politicians and phony
preachers and send them to the Devil.
Mark
h/t Mike
»
- 50091 reads
- Printer-friendly version
- Send to friend
- advertisements -
No worries. There's a first-time for everything and none of us knows it all.
~Misstrial
The USSR didn't collapse. The commies just took the old name back. Russia! They spray painted a swept out the Kremlin.
I know. I just did not want to burden casual american reader with technicalities irrelevant to the topic. Besides, from the economic point of view economy and standards of living did collapsed, and preceding symptoms were eerie similar to what is going on around the globe right now -- control demolition of the state.
I'm in my 50s and having had one interview in two years with no regular work I can assure you there are few prospects for highly educated experienced older workers. MBA, Ph.D. and fifteen years real world (non-academic) work experience later I can't get interviewed for jobs that I could excel at while drunk AND asleep.
BTW - I've never taken any sort of government assistance or unemployment - I manage on my savings.
I'm a little bit younger than you, but if my work dries up I may find myself in the same boat.
I think the only way out is to look at other areas in self-employment. Plumbing, plastering, electrical, gardening... I know you have a PhD, but if the companies hiring in your field of expertise don't want you, and you are unable/unwilling to start a company doing something that requires your present skillset, you're going to have to do something else.
Good luck, there are lots of us who are/will be in the same boat.
Cut off unemployment and find the revolution starts tomorrow. Then selfish SOB's like this clown will be scared to even leave the house to go to work.
You dont get it do you? You are incapable of putting yourself in someone elses shoes ... this pick yourself up by your own bootstraps really resonates with you?
You're right ... they should be cut off after 26 weeks. Then your cushy income will be threatened when the entire economy shuts down because the revolution will have begun.
The facts are as follows:
Only 25 states offer up to 99 weeks. There will no longer be any 99ers, since the one year unemployment extension that was passed in December will be the end of extended benefits. The Repubs won't extend benefits at any cost. Right now if you get laid off, the longest you can expect to recevie benefits is 60 weeks. If you get laid off in June or later, the most you can expect is 46 weeks. The tap is being turned off slowly and methodically and it will leave millions in the dust.
According to the BLS JOLTS December report there were 3.1 million job openings and 26 million unemployed/underemplyed. One other aspect of the JOLTS that seems to be overlooked is the type of job available. The BLS doesn't keep track, nor does Indeed.com or the Conference Board, of the job quality, since all jobs are lumped into one category; jobs. Jobs aren't separated by full- or part-time, day labor, temporary, 1099 or seasonal. I'm sure if the job openings were full-time, then there wouldn't be so many part-time workers who want to work full-time. If roughly 20% of the JOLTS jobs are not full-time jobs, that results in even more competition for the remaining "real" full-time jobs. A rough estimate: 25,000,000 million looking for 2.5 million full-time jobs would be closer to 10 job seekers per job. Not a pretty jobs picture at all.
The TBTF banster parties and outsize compensation packages will continue alongside an unemployment probelm that is only getitng worse. Biden said to the unemployed "Hang in there." How do you hang in there when you have nothing? The politcal class is slowly making the less fortunate disappear into the background while telling clueless Americans that all is well and please go buy another TV, ipad, ipod, (made in China).
This assistance should go on until this person gets a job or gets social security and medicare. And by assistance I don't mean unemployment benefits. I mean that the state should provide him with shelter, food and medicine. The alternative is that he will die on the street. Here we are on the 21st century spending 700 billion a year on the military, tens of billions spend on Wall Street bonuses, and yet we can't provide basic care for a human being.
You are speaking the truth, and some people aren't going to hear it no matter what.
I have added 8 employees over the past 6 months. 1 is over 60. 2 are in their 50's. 2 are in their 40's. 2 in their 30's and 1 is in his 20's (son of one of my 50's).
I've hired these people because of their skill level, work ethic, honesty and integrity.
The problem is ... of course ... there's only one of me.
What this country needs is local investors starting up local companies which are cash flow positive and which have the opportunity to grow because they deliver a quality product.
I've found older workers very good at delivering quality products. They take it personal ... which it is. Equally important ... older workers tend have a better understanding of the value of money and are much less likely to squander it (my money).
Talk about squandering ... too bad Washington keeps taking my money and giving it to the banksters. I would provide more value with it than they ever could.
You'd think that would be obvious, wouldn't you? What about the obvious are the financial and political classes so afraid of? They all have enough. Like old Mubarak I guess -- enough is never enough. Money causes social blindness.
I applaud what you are doing. However, could it be that the preference of most companies to hire young is due to our insane employer-based heathcare system? Younger employees mean lower premiums for the employer.
Some people just have to blame the victim. Their knee jerks too hard for them to do otherwise.
Well, some 'victims' have to blame those that are more fortunate as this letter writer did
He is only blaming politicians and Wall Street you piece of shit.
It's not fun blaming the actual culprits. No glory in that.
unjunk. we really need an unjunk button.
I feel for the guy. This line is VERY telling:
I think that this is telling. Some people refuse to lower their standards. They believe the old normal will return and they hold out hope for a job similar to the one they had in 2006 (the good times).
He could have waited 5 more years when he gets Medicaid and is then eligible to work at Wall Mart.
How does that sentence indicate he has refused to lower his standards? Have you ever been subjected to age discrimination?
I have. So have others I know including an attorney sister and a systems analyst brother who both "settled" for lessor jobs because of the discrimination.
There is nothing inherently wrong with age discrimination, nor any other form of discrimination in hiring for that matter. The employer should be free to exchange his money for the labor of whomever he likes. After all, it is his money, and he should not be forced to spend it in ways that satisfy your particular value system. Don't like it? Start your own company and hire only the people you think should be hired. This is a big problem with America: everyone - not just the politicians - wants to spend other people's money.
+1
You are right . So since this man can't find work at his age and he has contributed many years to SS he should be able to collect it now . It is after all his money ?Can he get what he paid in adjusted for inflation in a lump sum ?
No, as a matter of fact he would be penalized by at least 35% of his pension for drawing early. That can't even start till he is 62.
I am 62.5 and in the same boat. My GF and I became domestic partners to get insurance for me and I have around 30k in the bank to make my share of the household before I begin to draw.
I experienced everything the 99er said. Usually in these threads are trolled by 30 something who watch 'Fast Money' and think it's reality, telling us 'tough shit' you should have saved.
The fact is many of us have been 'pasturized' with no hope of getting a job. There is a bit of Darwinism at play here, and a lot of sociopathy.
I feel for your predicament, but as the standard of living is reduced in this country and the working/elderly ratio continues to fall, old people without savings will have to accept some level of poverty. I am 30 years old, and I am planning for a future in which there is no social security or medicare. I plan on buying and living in cheap houses (less than $35,000) until I have enough rental units to retire on.
The fact of the matter is that old people are not productive, they essentially leech resources from the productive. As our wealth decreases relative to the rest of the world, hard choices will need to be made, and I expect I will receive far worse treatment when I am old than the current elderly. I fully expect that no medical intervention will be allowed for me when I am over a certain age. If I have a heart attack at 75, I expect to die, as should all young people unless they attain wealth. My goal is to have my living expenses less than $1000 in 2011 inflation adjusted dollars.
Imagine what it like to be elderly in China... much worse than here I assure you, but these disparities will be equalized over time to our detriment. The free trade advocates sold us down the river long ago.
gee, that's the way it used to be !! when you were of a certain age & got sick ........... YOU DIED ! .......... even when I was growing up in the 1950's, we never went running to the doctor or the damn hospital for every little thing ! The medical industry has just become another money-making industry for hospitals & doctors. Unfortunately, tho, the elderly did contribute to society when they were younger & they did pay taxes & they did pay into social security & they were MOM'S & Dad's who raised you !! ........... at least do your best to help them & feed them !! .......... someday we'll all be old & no matter how much you plan & save & do the right thing, governments have a way of wrecking your elderly life.
I'm not suggesting we completely abandon our elderly, but what I am suggesting is something a little more balanced and sustainable. I love my parents and I will do what I can for them, but the young must remain the priority because they are the future. Every good parent sacrifices for their children, but this fundamental law of all life is being turned on it's head given where we're headed with medicare. Social security pales in comparison to the problems of medicare.
Revenant Baby:
You speak eloquently on behalf of my belief that parents should be able to abort their creations at any time after conception, whether it's 3 months or 30 years.
Ok, so I should be killed because I recognize the unsustainable nature of our standard of living? I expect no less a response from people such as yourself until change is FORCED upon us by the laws of economics and nature. Explain to me how I am wrong, because I wish someone could.
.
I have no problem with your statement, but remember, as Sandi says- eugenics cuts all ways. More important, you fail to include government taxation and spending, corporate welfare and bankster theft into your equation. You talk as if we must accept whatever is given or what we are told to accept.
This makes you the perfect patsy, incapable of standing for something better than the tyranny you will receive at the hands of your police state. You will look around at the poverty that surrounds you and rejoice in the wisdom of a few rentals- when society could have been free and wealthy by not giving all their wealth and production to the criminals that run our country.
The laws of economics have been hijacked by the central banks- they are permanently suspended or have you failed to look around you? When was the last time you could debase your own and most every countries currency and have a CPI of less than 1%? When was deflation outlawed? When was malinvestment sold back to the FED balance sheet to be held against the taxpayer, rather than written down?
Perhaps, you should take the time to listen, learn and expand the world you live in.
Damn. That was good.
My only leeway with his statement is that he just doesn't have the world view that comes with living long enough to have a wide one. That will come and he will regret his constricted philosophy.
of course, you raised yourself from birth, no one had to pay for you to eat, sleep, school yourself, nothing - you are completely in-dependent. . .
mind that wall while traveling at such a speed.
Now, that's a good answer.
I live in a predominantly chinese neighborhood. It's a major part of their culture to respect and care for the elderly, much more so than for us in the west. San Francisco has a lot of asians and a lot of homeless but you almost never see homeless asians. I've seen one - homeless chinese guy here once (in 20 years), completely insane and combative (no wonder no one had taken him in - or maybe he didn't trust anyone that offered help).
of course, bc the $ he "earned" then are just as easy to earn now & should be given deferential status. asshole
Are you even coherent? Dicrimination is against the law.
Did you read the letter? ... miss the part about health problems?
'There is nothing inherently wrong with age discrimination, nor any other form of discrimination in hiring for that matter.'
reason is wasted on people like you.
go fuck yourself
Or life discrimination, but then you get what you pay for...
UNJUNK.
Sitting working today overhearing the CNN mouthpiece talking about some scenario where the person in congress was ridiculed and SHAMED for having a crock-pot in his office... how horrifying. The Government can never, ever, spend your money as well as you can..... they have to take their cut on the way to it's intended purpose. No crock pots for the Senators, they are catered to and wined and dined.... cooking your own food.... FOR GOD'S SAKE WHAT IS THIS COUNTRY COMING TO..... <<sarcasm off>>
It amazes me that everyone walks around saying "why won't someone GIVE ME A JOB" when the only real answer to that is: WHY DON'T YOU get out there and make your OWN living and build a business and give your OWN SELF A JOB. I just don't get this mentality here.
And, precisely how many classes did you attend in elementary/high school that "trained" you to be so independent?! Brainwashing is pernicious, and has been going on for a long time in USA Public Education!
Before the Federal Reserve was established, the majority of Americans did, in fact, work for themselves at THEIR OWN BUSINESS!
yeah, well, you GOT ME. I did go to public school but I guess their training didn't take! Always was a rebel. That's why I make my own job!
Hey what's with the name Stychokiller?
As have I, even so far as to have been forced out because I fit the white-male-over 40 taboo for large retailers, despite falling into the top 10% based on direct employee feedback. I have also gone so far as to leave 10 years experience off my resume so as to not look too old.
A lot of people do hold out long past the point it was prudent to do so. If he has any fight left in him he will take a part time.greeter job and pay five bucks a day at the homeless.shelter. eventually guys like that can trade room and board for administrative work at the shelter and collect SS at age 62
CD,
That sentence indicates that he refused to lower his standards because describes his hopeful employers as seeking: "workers who demand less." You are fixating on the young vs. old problem. Gender discrimination does occur, but don't overlook what HE HIMSELF admitted.
I don't place all the blame on this guy, but you cannot overlook this fact. It is a sad story, if true. We should all use this as a warning. Start saving now. Increase what you a socking away for the bad times. Prepare.
Increase what you are socking away for the bad times. Prepare.
How true.
Start planning for the bad times during the good times.
Apparently even the US government must on some level understand that. I wonder what they suddenly are looking for 140 million prepackaged meals with a shelf life of 36 months for? https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=eaea338540a0aea155a...
Sonovabitch! I need more lead, and be sure the delivery system is serviceable.
If you have reached the age of sixty in the United States and have not prepared for the possibility that you may be unemployed and forced to take care of yourself, you have made some poor choices. Dependence on others - for a job, for welfare benefits - comes with a price. You enjoy the benefits, so do not be dismayed when the bill arrives.
Very well said. The new reality is contract work. Only the cream of the crop will survive.
The benefits:
1. You are you own boss. You sink or swim on the quality of your work. If you suck ass you get no work. This is a powerful motivator.
2. No one will ever tell you how much you can make. Want to get rich? Work your ass off (if you can find the work)
The downside.
1. You are you own boss. You sink or swim on the quality of your work. If you suck ass you get no work.
Thats the difference between being a man and being a slave.
You got that right, Tom. It can be fun to wake up in the morning and know that it's all up to you to make a living. It can be terrifying to wake up another morning knowing that you need to make a payroll -- somehow. I've been self employed since my Air Force days in the early 1970s. Never been paid as an employee unless I also owned more than 50% of the stock of the company that was paying me. It can be exhilarating or depressing. But when the dance is over the money on the table will be what I put there.
+1 cxl9 Many of us have been trying to say this. I've learned early in life that no one owes me anything and that no one has my best interest in mind except myself. We are responsible to look after ourselves and prepare for the future. Why are so many on ZH stocking up on food gold, silver and lead?...because you want to take care of yourself and your loved ones.
There comes a time when we have to accept responsibility for our own actions.
Is the deck stacked against us? Yes! do we live in a fair world? no!
many ancient scriptures whether it be the Torah, The Bible, Tao, The Koran etc.. talk about storing up your harvest for bad times. It is wise to do so and regardless if one is spiritual or religious one can gather many truths and wisdom from such ancient writings.
Should we have compassion on our fellow man? Yes...it would be helpful if we can get back to community based living where we know our neighbors and help each other out, but we all have to ultimately be responsible for our own well being.
I think this piece was written to prove a political point as it has many little side paths bringing up known talking points.
In closing I find the piece hard to believe and if true I do feel for the guy, but his biggest mistake was believing everyone else would take care of him and he failed to prepare and was seeking too many answers without instead of within.
I see ... homeless, unemployed, and eating out of garbage cans is too good for some people.
How many freakin burger flipping jobs do you think are out there?
Does he know how to drive? He could get a job in any city in the US driving a cab.
Egggzactly! He seems to be able to write and type as well.
Fuckin' A Ironman... He writes damn well. So, anyone here want to put up or shut up? There's hundreds of comments on this post. I, for one, would like to read more from this dude. Interesting perspectives, cogent, well articulated. I'd hire this guy for writing projects in a heartbeat. Any other takers?
Let's try and track this brother down... It it's a hoax it's a hoax... If it isn't and he's the real deal, he (and us) could benefit.
I'm off to find out. If anyone knows how/where to reach him, let me know.
It's not a hoax. It's some nicely crafted creative writing. We need more writing of this calibre to help the sociopaths of the world gain a little compassion.
If Mark's not already gainfully employed writing emotive copy for somebody, it's really a loss.
Indeed... Our loss. So, the site where this was h/t'd and hosted (acompanyofone.org) is down. The host is Simplenet and the owner of the website is Buddy Meyers from Las Vegas, NV. Email is webmaster@tobuds.com. I've emailed him to see if he knows where to find this cat.
"We need more writing of this calibre to help the sociopaths of the world gain a little compassion."
not gonna happen
Frontal lobotomy could yield some results though.
We're lucky he is articulate, Dr. Sandi. Those not so blessed will be the ones expressing their anger in other ways -- if you know what I mean. There are a LOT more inarticulate ones out there than those as gifted as this fella. The circuses aren't so much fun without the bread.
THIS IS A SUICIDE NOTE!!! the guy is dead, he says so right there. You didn't even read it.
You and the Iron headed one are BOTH full of crap.
Are you or have you ever been a cabbie??
Have you ever gotten the required docs to operate said cab?
Did you or did you not understand anything of the health problems the dude has?? Sorry, that's foolish of me. Obviously you can't.
The peeps that are so high and mighty on this dudes back better hope and pray they never have an financial setback.
Seems many posters never lead much of a life or they may temper their opinions.
As to the 99weeks , I say as long as the ponzi runs then so should the freebies, why should a PD make the first buck while they grind down the suckers?
"Are you or have you ever been a cabbie?"
Two different times when I lost my regular work and I was damm happy to do it.
If the guy can't drive, I'm not sure what he is fit to do other than push some papers around in an office. This whiner certainly isn't fit for a "management job" anymore (whatever that means).
That said, I think this letter is BS
Guy's working for 35 years, no kids and he doesn't have a pot to piss in once his unemployment runs out. He's certainly not qualified to be anyone's financial adviser.
He claims he has tried to secure a job. We have only heard his version of events so far.
Hey there IronMaam,
Thatcherite perhaps?
I just love what you wrote... can't be sympathetic to a homeless middle aged gay guy with advanced medical conditions now can we?
America is fast becoming the perfect Darwinian experiment. Survival of the fittest in a land of the independants (divided) until one man... one man only (heretofore called The Victor ) will no doubt own every last crumb of bread and grain of sand.
Now that's a New American Dream Republican and Democrat legislative whores alike are eagerly getting behind.
I on the otherhand am haunted by this little historical ditty...
"In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up."
Just who is speaking up for the marginalized and disenfranchised these days?
ZerOhead,
Nice to see you back in the litter box. You have been gone way too long.
Empathy and compassion are for the weak. That is the message of the poster. I've always said that a society is ultimately measured by how well or how poorly it provides for it's weakest members. Notice that I said society, not just government. As conditions become tighter, more dog eat dog will be apparent. The guest post by The Burning Platform noted that if you need help turn to the poor because only they will extend a helping hand.
The posters attidtude is also a measure of the Stockholm Syndrome in America and to what degree the average Joe adopts the methods and attitude of the abuser. We are seeing exactly this playing out in America today.
Indeed Cog D. And to your comment about the measure of a society I would agree, though from a personal perspective, I find the more I invest in the life of another, rather than in money or material things, the more I find my life has purpose from which I derive meaning.
My riches are not measured by any standard which could be understood by most people today, but to me and mine, it matters not.
Hey there CD... nice to be back in the litter box... it's where I belong!
It was once said that taxes are the price a society pays to achieve a degree of civilization.
Even though revolution upon revolution is now cascading through the (soon to be former) Empire of Pax Americana... TPTB clearly don't yet understand why.
Over the years to come the soon to be pertpetually urine soaked graves of our politicians and investment bankers will bring tears to their eyes worse than a Cat's litterbox.
They should pass a more stringent bi-partisan law against that soon!
(Who says Dems and Reps can't join hands to pass important legislation? :)
"urine soaked graves" ... I like the way you think. You can have the headstones. I'll make sure the flower pots get a good splashing.
But one proviso: Geithner's grave is ALL MINE. Back off.
Looking forward to practicing some "Trickle down economics" on the lad's mortal remains are we?
I have a feeling that cremation is going to become all the rage amongst the ruling elite.
Not a bad warm-up act for them... heading to hell and all! (I recall something about rich people and camels and eyes of needles... )
(No Detroit jokes please!)
Hi CD,
My own corollary to the measurement of society, is how society treats it's most productive members. Taking from those who do, to give to those who do not is not in any way better than not giving to those who need.
The system as it is now pits people against each other. Instead of creating together, the rich see the poor as wanting to take their wealth, while the poor see the rich as jealously hoarding their privileges. Both are right, of course.
In a fair world (personally, I abhor the word 'fair' as it shows significant bias by the user), the 'rich' would be able to employ the poor cheaply. There is never a lack of productive work, only government regulation preventing the work to be performed by those who want to do it.
-S
You live in a dream world.
The rich don't get or STAY rich by employing people anymore.
You really need to get out of those dusty old textbooks and into the real world.
Buyouts chop 'em up and hedgies baby. There is no need to employ people and us that have the bucks to do it don't see the reason anymore.
Ponzi to the moon, the less useless eaters around the less I have to pay for security.
O by the by , we DO employ the POOR cheaply, have you missed CHina,etc al?
Dreamworld deluxe you are buddy!
when you say "empathy and compassion are for the weak" many here would agree with you. . . we humans need to acknowledge that the traits most diss'd & dismissed are the ones necessary to survival now - the above letter, irrespective of whether it is "true" or created to prove a point, illustrates that without a supportive network of trusted people we are invested in - not invested for profits, but for community building - any one of us will surrender to death.
it is in the interest of those who are intentionally dismantling whole cultures by theft, disease, and destruction for all of us to embody competitive, self-centred, me-first personalities, dog-eat-dog in-fighting - all of this assists those who would rather we surrender life before they have to steal it - one of the greatest acts of resistance we can embody is to work towards self-sustaining nodes of empowerment.
You rightfully highlight the insanity I have been talking about here on ZH since I began posting a year and a half ago. We attribute so many of man's destructive elements to "human nature" in order to shrug it all off as inevitable and thus perfectly natural. I say it is not natural. One only needs to look at nature itself to understand this.
All aspects of nature works together to grow and flourish. Each memeber of nature only takes what is needed and always returns as much or more than it takes. The destructive aspect of being human has been exaggerated and exploited for thousands of years by small men to control larger men.
"All aspects of nature works together to grow and flourish. Each member of nature only takes what is needed and always returns as much or more than it takes." HAHAHA obviously you have never seen animal species over propagate and exceed their habitat's carrying capacity and thus decimate the entire population of the species due to lack of resources (i.e. locusts).
"All aspects of nature..."
CD, i gotta argue that one.
it only appears that way because of the survivor bias (you only see what's left after the natural adjustments settle).
in the 'real world', the fastest critter with the sharpest teeth gets to rip the head off, and *eat* the cute fuzzy bunny rabbits. there would be no rabbits left were it not for trees and holes. locusts strip fields to the nut. ... this is no eden.
nature is a begrudging balance. there is simply no ongoing choice based on some primal mutual respect or realization of the value of cooperation. the lion quits killing when he's full, not because he realizes the wisdom of saving some for tomorrow.
i don't argue the miracle of nature's balance, merely that it is not intentionalism that drives it.
of course, man and well-fed house-cats kill for the fun of it... look at the balance now, eh?
it's never not been this way. it suprises me that you'd actually write that.
ditto and props to CA
consider the message we send to our poor confused kids... most teach the first precept, and live the second...
(seriously, picture the average kindergarten class-room...)
"I've always said that the health of a society is ultimately measured by how well or how poorly it provides for it's weakest members." (underline is my addition)
I just want to know when enough is enough? How is 99 weeks not enough. Yes he says he is gay, middle aged, homeless and sick. Apparently he was stupid too. He says he worked for over 30 years as a manager and he doesn't have a pot to piss in?
I give to charity (often), but I VERY much resent government taking my money and willy nilly passing it out to every person with their hand out. I never hear from you so-called "good hearted" people talk about personal responsibility. Its always up to the next guy to anti-up his paycheck to bail someone out of their mess. I don't have a problem teaching a man to fish, but I'll be damned if I gonna give him a fucking fish for 99+ weeks.
http://guerillatics.com
He didnt want your money he wanted a job .
There are plenty of jobs. He just wanted a specific job. Sorry, but sometimes when you need to feed yourself you must take what you can get. The premise that there were absolutely no jobs for him is bullshit.
Where ever you are you need to travel around the country a bit and see how people are living .Seriously don't think the entire country is like the area you live in .
Then move asshole. I did.
This isnt about me . I am fine . This is about your ignorance as to how other people live.
If anyone is ignorant its you. If what you say is correct and there are no jobs where he is, he can move. This is America, he is free to find happiness elsewhere. Just because he cant find it where he is currently does not mean it is up to me to supply him with it. If he refuses, he can rot.
Pretty sure your ignorance is drawing many assumptions.
i'm not buying the purported irrationality of ironmaan's statements.
it's clear 'we' are not going to convince the 'you's that leaving a place without food to find a place *with* food is actually a rational and natural behavior in the natural world.
he may be coarse in his phrasing, but he *is* correct. there are jobs in some places, and none in others.
why this is so uncomfortable to admit is quite amusing to me. it's like the folks who vote for services and against spending.
yes, moving sucks. so far, i'm assuming death sucks more. i'll move. some won't. go darwin.
a ZH article in the banner-bar is 'Crossing the 7 billion Mark'. although tragic, the marks really won't be missed. folks will just act like it, and have another beer.
When is enough enough?
Good question. Charity is a poor substitute for a decent job that brings a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. This guy (real or fictional) did not strike me as one who was looking for a freee handout.
So let's redirect that anger towards the recipient of the Public's largess... which likely does include your cash... er sorry... portion of national debt obligation... and ask a new empowering question.
Like... "Where the fuck did all the good paying jobs go?"
Once you ask the right question the correct answers are much easier to find.
The willfully blind and narrow minded never ask questions to broaden their mind, but rather to reinforce their own beliefs and denial.
"See I told you I was right and there's the proof."
What a fucking endorphin high we get when we are told (or tell ourselves) were were/are right, when our confirmation bias is sated. I'm beginning to understand that the terminally closed minded, ego centric and cruel are addicted to their own endorphin releases.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endorphin
We all have the tendancy to blame the victims for their misfortunes. Sometimes they should share the blame... but it doesn't help that the cards in the deck are usually stacked against them.
As for endorphine highs...
Confession time.
Works the same way on me... I just love a good a good troll burn high every now and then. The ensuing scracthes (junks) are my badges of honor!
Moi aussi, and the best way I know to get junked is to oppose the ever-thoughtful CogDis.
Enjoy another than bitch.
Once you ask the right question the correct answers are much easier to find.
Not if you are a shill for the goobermint like ironhead.
Unfortunately, it's Ironmaan and far too many like minded... who parrot this hateful rhetoric coming from those bought and sold by big money, who have no soul, have completely taken over the US political system, and will continue the centuries old game plan (leverage, inflate until it pops, then rape and plunder the masses with impunity).
Is it possible the letter is not genuine? Of course it is, but it matters not... the story is very real in the lives of tens of millions of American's... and most unfortunately, so is the shocking lack of empathy.
Like the economic story in general... this can not end well.
What hateful rhetoric? I simply think the man is weak, and should correct his thinking as it pertains to his entitlement mind set. Wouldn't it be better for him if he had a bit more personal responsibility and gumption to get it done for himself, instead of deciding to end it all? The bottom line is this, if he doesn't change as I suggest, and continues to rely on the govt assistance the end game will always be that he will kill himself, because govt assistance ends at some point. Unless of course you high minded individuals want to continue assistance ad infinitum.
Actually that is a rather valid point. If he had children or a spouse partner thing or even just some caring friends... it could help changes one's mental focus and thus the eventual outcome.
There was just no fight left in him. We've all experienced that feeling from time to time. Plenty will go out quitely... and others a little more creatively like Joe Stack. Remember Joe? I have a feeling that suicides of all types will become a nasty growing phenomenon.
My guess is that he was in the late stages of a progressive downward spiral into depression. Tough to get out of that slide without proper help.
+1
As we grow older, without the social support mechanism of a career or church, it is frightfully easy to become isolated. Perhaps Mark can take some solace from the supportive commenters on this thread.
There, but for the Grace of God, go I. - John Bradford
Even as a devout Athiest I can not deny the psychological advantages that a support group like a church congregation can offer during difficult times. And belief in SOMETHING can often keep people going through thick or thin. And there is going to be a lot of thin comin up.
People need people. We are social animals after all.
And yes... while I would never wish to render my own cerebral centers of reason useless... studies have shown that those with strong religious beliefs are happier than the general population.
So take that despair... that crushing weight that liquifies your very soul and channel it into outrage towards those who have led your country into decline and ruination.
Like the Egyptians... there will soon be a time to take things to the streets to send the same message... but first we must wake the sheeple up.
Sadly, I can't follow my own advice, as church congregations make me nauseous.
nauseated
Real true story , unlike the letter above.
Went to church this weekend... to the methodist church. Heard a sermon on an obscure passage from Genesis.... one punctuated by a clip from the lone ranger with guns shooting, then the preacher said "scared spitless" , the children's church got a lesson on wearing crosses for the right reason, although and I quote "even though fashion is very important". Talked all about Jesus and how we are supposed to live by his example. But NEVER, NEVER any mention of all the Iraqis and Afgnas we shoot every day just so our military can keep their Trillion dollar budget......... THAT WOULD BE POLITICALLY INCORRECT and also I would believe from the dearth of references to unwarranted killing it wouldn't be polite to talk about an un-Jesuslike behavior that each and every person sitting in those pews contributed to that VERY SAME WEEK.
+100
+100
Just who is speaking up for the marginalized and disenfranchised these days?
Amazing how many junks you received for that. Heartless fucks! Totally deserving of unemployment.
Ironmaan...you are simply a dick.
Your comment had such intellectual firepower. It really put me in my place.
I think he was just stating the facts as simply as possible. Even I got it.
based on your previous comments I think he wanted to make sure a uni-brow knuckle dragger like youself understood.
Shhh! Rude!
Don't you know that Rush is on right now?
Even useful idiots for TPTB need their diversions!
This man would have done better had he joined the underground economy, which is getting stronger every day. I, an admittedly young man, have plans to do so should my job ever be terminated for any reason. You'd be surprised how much you can make selling food from your garden and yard eggs at the local farmer's market, and tax free. It's not easy, but it's certainly better than death.
If his body was as ruined as he claimed, he should have applied for SSDI, or, in a more libertarian situation, applied for aid from charitable organizations. Most places have food banks that give out plenty of food to anyone who asks for it, no questions. One of my neighbors volunteers at one such place. Shelter might be a problem, but with long term unemployment, he should qualify for section 8, or again, ask for help from a charitable organization in a more libertarian society. If his health is bad, many hospitals provide care for indigents free of charge. The one where my lab is located is one such place.
Basically, this guy died of pride. Better to live on and fight most of the time. If he was simply in pain, and depressed such that he couldn't think straight, then there wasn't really anything anyone could do for him anyways.
Don't ignore the fact that this man has been extremely sick for many years. It is a crime to be sick and uninsured for any reason in America. Even if insured, try getting your insurance to pay what they promised to pay, particularly when the bills become large.
If you have never been extremely sick in America, even with insurance, you have no idea what I am talking about.
Note the paragraph on "indigent care". This man was clearly an indigent, and would have had to pay very little, just a little copay per visit, and a little copay for prescriptions.
He became an indigent only after expending all his resources. And I would wager that substantial resources of his were expended while he was employed and sick. He has been alone for many years, years during which he was sick. So no family members were standing in and helping. I'll say it again, if you haven't been (seriously) ill in America, you don't understand the problem.
I'm not beating you over the head tmosley. But I have been seriously ill in America and many here on ZH have as well. And there is no understanding it unless you've been there, no understanding the financial drain, the physical drain, the emotional beating one receives from every corner of society, most of all from those places society tells us are there to protect us when the shit hits the fan. That includes insurance companies, health delivery services (doctors, nursing, hospitals etc) government services, local and state programs, even the frigging tax code.
And if you are alone you are in big trouble.
Or he could have gone to the ER and gotten it all for free.
The poster made clear an heroic desire not to be a burden on society. When he dies, it will be with his dignity intact.
The poster made clear an heroic desire not to be a burden on society. When he dies, it will be with his dignity intact.
The poster made clear an heroic desire not to be a burden on society. When he dies, it will be with his dignity intact.
They fix diabetes at the ER these days?
Whatever, if the guy existed, he was 60, diabetic, and losing his vision.
He was fucked no matter what. None of that bootstrap bullshit means a damn thing. And the whole "he should've had savings" meme is staggeringly ignorant of the costs of a long-term health problem like diabetes.
You tap out and we watch you die in the USA. This itself wouldn't be so bad if so many folks didn't shout jibes at you the whole time. Like it's not good enough to starve your neighbors to death, you have to piss on their tent too.
Hah.
Nonsense!! We have a corrupt political system along with a corrupt financial system in which both steal from those that play life fairly.....no different the all the other despot states around the world. Eventually the revolution will come here.....I am convinced of that.
Wow that is a record number of junks! So how long should we support the guy? I think the question is valid.
This letter, and perhaps many millions like it, is PROOF that the recession ended in June 2009 (also, the record 44 million Americans that are on food stamps is more proof...)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt-tm7K89Yw&feature=related
You would think people who face their own final solution would use their remaining time on earth to figure out why there is no job for them to do?
Perhaps too much fluoride ingestion.
#1) You can't compete with 50c Chinese and 75c Indian labor. Not possible.
#2) Consumer goods can't be made at a profit in the US, see reason one.
#3) Your government and the globalists hate you, even if you have the best toy maker skills in the world.
Welcome to the New World Order, Americans will wake up @ some point. Will it be to late, or is it to late. And yes there is a God, it might be on a spaceship with a reptile head. To think there is nothing in this universe bigger than oneself is vain..
why is it sad that someone in management never put aside a dime for a rainy day in 35 working years?
the only thing thats sad is he wants 300 bucks a week from the working middle class to support his lame ass.
he had 2 years to get creative and failed.
see darwin for explanation of why this man dies to early.
2 years is plenty of time to downsize and figure something the fuck out.
WHINER
wtf?
i'd lend him a shotty to get this over with quicker
its you who sealed your doom,made a maze you cant get thru,i've tried to help you all i can, now i cant do nothin fo' you man
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
You got all these people on your back now
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
Flavor flav got problems of his own
I can't do nuttin' for you man
Go lean on shells answer man
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
You jumped out of the jelly into a jam
Make ya love the wrong instead of right
Not a thief cat burglar through the night
cop told your girl her name was Shirl
About a rooftop crime to steal her pearls
Oozy down the bullets in the gun
Just microwave themselves a ton
The you tried to help them all they can
But they couldn't do nuttin' for ya man
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
They couldn't do nuttin' for ya man
Flavor Flav is the sun
Public Enemy number one
Gotcha runnin' from the gun (pow)
Of a brain that weighs a ton
Can't face my facts that's on the shelf
Cause you want a hand out for your wealth
Eatin' welfare turkey out of the can
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
You want six dollars for what?
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
You better man kiss my but
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
I'm busy tryin' to do for me
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
That's the way the ball bounces gee
Bass for your face, kick that shit
I caI can't do nuttin' for ya man
You got all these people on your back now
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
Flavor flav got problems of his own
I can't do nuttin' for you man
Go lean on shells answer man
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
You jumped out of the jelly into a jam
Make ya love the wrong instead of right
Not a thief cat burglar through the night
cop told your girl her name was Shirl
About a rooftop crime to steal her pearls
Oozy down the bullets in the gun
Just microwave themselves a ton
The you tried to help them all they can
But they couldn't do nuttin' for ya man
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
They couldn't do nuttin' for ya man
Flavor Flav is the sun
Public Enemy number one
Gotcha runnin' from the gun (pow)
Of a brain that weighs a ton
Can't face my facts that's on the shelf
Cause you want a hand out for your wealth
Eatin' welfare turkey out of the can
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
You want six dollars for what?
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
You better man kiss my but
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
I'm busy tryin' to do for me
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
That's the way the ball bounces gee
Bass for your face, kick that shit n't do nuttin' for ya man
You got all these people on your back now
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
Flavor flav got problems of his own
I can't do nuttin' for you man
Go lean on shells answer man
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
You jumped out of the jelly into a jam
Make ya love the wrong instead of right
Not a thief cat burglar through the night
cop told your girl her name was Shirl
About a rooftop crime to steal her pearls
Oozy down the bullets in the gun
Just microwave themselves a ton
The you tried to help them all they can
But they couldn't do nuttin' for ya man
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
They couldn't do nuttin' for ya man
Flavor Flav is the sun
Public Enemy number one
Gotcha runnin' from the gun (pow)
Of a brain that weighs a ton
Can't face my facts that's on the shelf
Cause you want a hand out for your wealth
Eatin' welfare turkey out of the can
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
You want six dollars for what?
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
You better man kiss my but
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
I'm busy tryin' to do for me
I can't do nuttin' for ya man
That's the way the ball bounces gee
Bass for your face, kick that shit
and you know he never put anything away again , how?
Fool,once you climb our of your mom's basement we can talk again.
What makes you think anybodies savings will be worth anything in a complete and total economic collapse that is mathematical certainty?
Do you really believe the current monetary system will survive?
It is not sad, it is bizzare that somebody in mid fifties has no savings. Are you planning your golden years on social security? It is probably very difficult to find a job in this age
but it is impossible to retire without savings.
Instead of blaming everyone and everything, uber rich or uber poor, claim revolutions and whine for change, try just to live within your means...
Sorry for a mean comment...
Probably spent all of it on medical care while unemployed. I could easily see a person burning through their savings when paying for chronic disease out of pocket for 2 years.
+a giant clock necklace
Change needs to happen here at home...when the laws and the politicians protect the criminals, what are we to do?
"Fear the time when the strikes stop while the great owners live - for every little beaten strike is proof that the step is being taken … fear the time when Manself will not suffer and die for a concept, for this one quality is the foundation of Manself, and this one quality is man, distinctive in the universe."
Jump! You Fuckers!
Really, doublejunking Steinbeck? I guess since TD got junked early on in this thread I should have expected it. What the hell is this place coming to?
No need to suicide. Grow weed instead. Lucrative, non taxable, income. And if the man pops you, you get a few years of rent free accomodations, with full medical and dental care. It's a win win.
Of all the places to be...
You do not want to be in prison when this shitshow goes down!
You will die there.
+ 100 for the absolute truth
agreed
Common misconception. Just throw some seeds out in the backyard, right? Unless you know what you're doing AND you have a market to sell to it's very tough, especially right now. Everyone and his brother is trying to grow dope.
FOR 40 YEARS we have been shipping out the jobs in exchange for cheap stuff from abroad, and now FINALLY, the CHICKENS HAVE COME HOME TO ROOST. We don't have any jobs because we have a SYSTEM DESIGNED to IMPORT the goods cheaper instead of making things HERE. The end result is that the JOBS have been EXPORTED in exchange for those cheap imports, not to mention the fact that we BORROWED the money to PAY for it all.
Nobody ever thought we would run out of will or ability to BORROW MORE TO BUY MORE, did they?
So... WHAT DO WE DO WHEN UNEMPLOYMENT DOUBLES FROM HERE? WHERE DOES THE MADNESS STOP?
It can't unfortunately.
The madness will only continue to get worse because the flaw in the system is the link beween money and political power.
Only the ruthless have the sheer audacity to lie and steal and prostitute themselves into the halls of power. (Remember Obama and Hillary kneeling before AIPAC during the primaries?)
The people who we really need and should be in power can never get there.
Here's the reason... read again.
Even if there were an obvious solution to what is going on it could no be implemented unless it made someone and their political sponsors rich.
The fruition of Reaganomics has finally arrived and the only people who saw it coming had no power to stop it.
ahhh, so true! I watched it simultaneously through Thatcher's reign, the "Big Bang" deregulation of London financial markets, and the transformation of shared values into "me firsters" complete with packs of drunken young men in their company-suits - at the time I just called it "amrknisation" because I recognised the bombastic greed from my LA upbringing - now of course, the overall plot is more obvious, globally. . .
Because of that, I prayed the economy would begin to collapse on a republican and it did. The housing collapse happened on George Bushe's watch, thank God.
so you really still believe there's a difference between the 'd' and the 'r', the clinton and the bush, the reagan and the carter, and even the barack and the hillary?
and you still wonder why (your particular flavor of) 'they' keep ruining it all.
the irony is simply gorgeous.
A complete fabrication which reeks of HuffPo intonation. "Gays have no rights" mntionec several sentences padt a reference to the Ten Commandments. Have ZH participants become so softenened as to accept this prattle as legitimate ? "I have a college degree [ which in itself gives tge author a leg up on over 60% of the working population as it is ]" Absolute nonsense ! And the majority ( so it seems ) of repondents to this posting truly accept this "letter" as fact ! To be blunt, what the hell is wrong with you people ?
This is bombast ! This is fabrication of a very low taste.
"This is bombast ! This is fabrication of a very low taste."
I personally suspect it is fabrication as well but I disagree with you in the evaluation of it's construction. I bet if you were able to locate the author of the piece he/she is trained at one of the better universities and quite skilled in propaganda (advertising or marketing are the modern names). Also you insult the author by trying to associate him or her with a low-grade aggregator rag like Huffington Post.
Yeah, I tend to agree, a fabrication. "couldn't even visit him in the hospital because gays have no rights" was where I began to doubt the authenticity of this.