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A Member Of The Middle Class Responds To Jon Hilsenrath

Tyler Durden's picture




 

Reader Joe responds to Jon Hilsenrath's "ironic and tongue in cheek" letter:

Dear Mr Hilsenrath and your Central Bank Team,

This is Joe from the disappearing Middle Class in America.  You asked me the other day to drop you a note if I felt that something was wrong.  What I’m having trouble with is “why” you’re asking me if anything is wrong!  ?

So let me explain.

Regarding the weather, as you stated, the sun shined in April.  It was also overcast some days some places, rained a few spots here and there, was nice quite a few days and even got dark on time, most evenings.  And the Commerce Department is spot on that my spending didn’t increase any adjusted for the inflation that you all keep telling me isn’t there.  Have you tried to buy some hamburger recently or do you just eat out on a corporate credit card?  The price of a pack of spaghetti has doubled over the past 3 years.  Me and Mrs. J along with the kids kinda like spaghetti now and then and the Mrs. even made a great Bolognese sauce, but the hamburger got too expensive as has the spaghetti, so we had to cut back.   So you're right, we did sit at home and watch Dancing with the Stars a lot.  It's what we can afford.  So, I really don’t get what you guys mean by those “winter doldrums” because things have gotten worse independent of the weather.  The weather's had nothing at all to do with it.

And talking about worse, you’re right.  I did get fired in late 2008 from a high paying salaried job with benefits when the economy dumped due to the Lehman Brothers shock.   Since then I’ve been holding down a part time greeters job at Home Depot with no benefits.  I even took on a second part time job with no benefits at another place because I was getting bored watching television all day.  Plus, we could use the extra money as our savings has been depleted.  And we’re very worried about our health and the cost of healthcare is skyrocketing.  But I guess you probably have a health care plan paid for by the Wall Street Journal.  Why, feeling particularly liberated, Mrs. Joe's even picked up a couple of part time jobs, as well.  “Arbeit macht frei" seems to have taken on a whole new meaning these days for whole bunch of us out here.

And then when the stock market collapsed, our 401(k)s got wiped out as we’d been buying all the great stuff that the professionals on CNBC and and our broker had told us were "bullet proof".  See, I had to rely on somebody, because I’m not a professional investment manager and really don’t have a lot of financial savvy.  I was just doing what my government suggested, that I was liberated by doing my own investing in my own 410(k).  I guess not.  And yes, when I got scared to death, right at the bottom of the market, I sold all the stuff and wound up with next to nothing for retirement.  And since we don’t have full time jobs with any benefits, it’s kind of a moot point that my market timing was bad, isn’t it?  So when you think of all the wealth being gleaned by people invested in stocks, none of us few guys left in Middle America have any stocks, period.

But it is what it is, isn’t it?   Maybe you should understand that as well: we’ve not benefited from any largess bestowed upon the “system”, zero interest rates since nobody loans me money at zero %, or rising stock prices.  Lemme know if you can tell me where to issue 100 year zero coupon bonds like them Brazilians, OK? (Even I get that! Great math, because I’m not gonna make it for 100 years, am I?)

I know that you said that you guys in the newsroom think that these shocks were a long time ago, and they were, indeed.  But you see, I've had a bad experience since 2008 and the only thing happened is that it’s gotten worse, since.  Guess you never took the hit, did you?  Maybe that’s why you’ve no empathy with my situation.  Nope, no empathy whatsoever, all you guys in good jobs talking with one another and the Wall Street tycoons and gainfully employed high income earners. 

And I’ll bet that your kids who just graduated college, both of ‘em in the last 4 years, didn’t have trouble getting decent jobs, did they?  Well, both of ours didn’t get any job straight out of school, looked for over a year and now have part time, no benefits jobs, just like mom and dad.  And they both graduated from great schools with real employable skills.  Little Joe has a degree in Marketing and Little Mrs. J in Journalism.  Would you be looking for anybody at the Journal?  I didn’t think so.  What about those people who all work for the government making all sorts of rubbish up out of thin air and calling it news?  I don’t know any, either.  By the way, the kids live at home because neither can afford anything on their own.

So, you and the American economy might just not want to hold your collective breaths waiting for any of us to spend money on anything, because we can’t afford it.  Do you understand now?  And talking about phones, do you know where can I get an ObiePhone, because I can’t afford all the monthly bills for the four of us, anymore.  Let me know.  And buy the way, I fully understand that the Greeks and Chinese are not as well off as we.  In fact we know that there are kids starving in Africa.  So, do something about it, you’re the people with all the influence!  And what's any of that straw-man rubbish about Greeks and Chinese got to do with the four of us having a tough go of it?  And no, we haven't been able to pay down any of our debt as we don't have the disposable income.  In fact, if we had a windfall maybe we'd use it to to pay off the second mortgage that everybody told us to get because home prices were going to go up forever (just ask the CNBC folks again) and nobody asked us anything about our assets or incomes.  They called us NINJA’s and that we were smart and brave.  Lot of good that did, no?

So John, here’s the real scoop.  We ain’t got the resources to spend anymore on anything except what is absolutely necessary.  Oh, you ask, who then are the folks crowding the cruise ships and tattoo parlors?  We'd guess they’re the people on government assistance that we're supporting on de minimis hourly wages and no benefits that the government showers with our tax money in order to buy their votes.  Didn’t think I knew that, did you?  Well, we all do.  And no, we’re not racist, radical or anything of the ilk for disliking it. 

So, hope you get my take on all this.  And if you're left wondering, maybe read it a couple more times because the truth of the matter is right there.  And please remember us during the next big holiday, when the Joe family will most likely be lucky to be splurging, stretching it, with a plate of spaghetti Bolognese.   

Joe

* * *

Here are some more of the nearly 200 comments after the original WSJ piece.

 

Many more responses here.

 

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Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:30 | 6160505 Jumbotron
Jumbotron's picture

We're the canary in the coal mine, you moron Hilsenrath.  Wake the fuck up.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:37 | 6160531 BrocilyBeef
BrocilyBeef's picture

Gotta wonder how long that letter was planned. 

Perhaps the Alphabet Soup Agencies had an "ear" to the wires. 

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:44 | 6160564 0b1knob
0b1knob's picture

< Canary in the coal mine. 

< Meat in the sausage grinder.

 

What you feel like.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:59 | 6160616 SeanJKerrigan
SeanJKerrigan's picture

"You're right, we did sit at home and watch Dancing with the Stars a lot. It's what we can afford"

The only leisure activity positively correlated with financial anxiety is watching tv. - Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone

http://www.culturism.us/booksummaries/BowlingAlone.htm

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:10 | 6160628 Headbanger
Headbanger's picture

I'm surprised Joe didn't cancel his cable TeeVee service too

Could save a lot of money not watching useless shit and everything is on-line anyway.

Also finding several auto shops including a Midas near me now allow customers to bring their own parts !

They charge a little more for labor but huge savings there too.

And the shop manager says it helped boost business a lot and hired more techs.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:15 | 6160664 Squid-puppets a...
Squid-puppets a-go-go's picture

reading that letter i reckon his family is one expensive health issue away from being shoulder to shoulder with the baltimore/fergussons

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:31 | 6160701 Herd Redirectio...
Herd Redirection Committee's picture

John Sherman wrote an infamous letter in 1863, proposing a National bank: ”The few who understand the system will either be so interested in its profits, or so dependent on its favors, that there will be no opposition from that class... The great body of the people, mentally incapable of comprehending, will bear its burden without complaint, and perhaps without even suspecting that the system is [contrary] to their interests.”

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:09 | 6160838 macholatte
macholatte's picture

 

It might be interesting to read another couple of letters written by .gov employees... say a fireman gaming the system for massive overtime pay and sick leave, a school teacher (check dat spelling), a mid level city building inspector, a mid level state department lawyer, an IRS auditor and a national park ranger... just to name a few.  All currently employed life-long blue team cheer leaders and remaining anonymous, of course.

 

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 19:32 | 6161139 Waylon Bits
Waylon Bits's picture

Hilsenrath got his ass reverse-trolled....

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 20:05 | 6161254 Handful of Dust
Handful of Dust's picture

Hilsenrath emails his banker bosses : "We're gonna need bigger FEMA camps."

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 21:07 | 6161445 Richard Chesler
Richard Chesler's picture

Shove that up your hilsenrat corrupt miserable ass motherfucker!

 

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 03:44 | 6162119 potato face
potato face's picture

I wouldn't mind living in a FEMA camp if I can have free health care and cable t.v.  Will the government also pick up the bill for my utilities?  Sounds sweet.  Mmmmmmm.  FEMA.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 20:09 | 6161273 James_Cole
James_Cole's picture

And talking about worse, you’re right.  I did get fired in late 2008 from a high paying salaried job with benefits when the economy dumped due to the Lehman Brothers shock.   Since then I’ve been holding down a part time greeters job at Home Depot with no benefits. 

We'd guess they’re the people on government assistance that we're supporting on de minimis hourly wages and no benefits that the government showers with our tax money in order to buy their votes. 

So this guy is basically unemployable, has a family that’s equally unemployable and is bitching about people in the same boat as him, pretending those folks are on taxpayer funded cruise vacations? Guy needs a reality check. You ain’t paying paying for those cruises with your tax burden at home depot and cruise ships aren’t filled with people collecting EBT, that’s fucking ridiculous.  

Joe needs to learn a bit of empathy for his fellow royally fucked job seeking compadres. The sad reality is a lot of people no longer have monetizable skills, and that isn’t going to change unless they change. Bitch at hilsenrath, imagined welfare queens, central banks etc. all you like - won’t make you employable.  

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 21:35 | 6161507 Bob
Bob's picture

Agreed, it was pretty fucking ignorant that way.  But the people who live in that echo chamber go multi-orgasmic over those pictures, never seen but wondrously evocative. Ignorant suckers who think they're being meaningfully fucked from both sides.  lol.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 23:32 | 6161827 snr-moment
snr-moment's picture

The sad reality is a lot of people no longer have monetizable skills, and that isn’t going to change unless they change.

 

You mean, like "labor" right?  Imagine that.  I know plenty who would kill for fair priced "labor".

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 20:21 | 6161312 A Nanny Moose
A Nanny Moose's picture

<Go Long Cake Mix

<Go Long Rope and Lumber

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 07:48 | 6162324 Macchendra
Macchendra's picture

+1 for CakeWalk (tm) brand Yellow Cake Unknown Unknowns.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 20:38 | 6161369 Dead Man Walking
Dead Man Walking's picture

great idea. also a letter from senator and one from barry

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 22:52 | 6161739 Crash Overide
Crash Overide's picture

2:46 pm June 2, 2015 Dan W wrote:

  • Dear Mr. Hilsenrath,

    My apologies for not spending beyond my means in order to satisfy the hack economists and central bankers of the world. You see...there is this problem that you and the people of your ilk seem to forget when you all are high on your "intellectual" soapboxes telling us how to spend. That problem is that your formulas, smoothed statistical models, and seasonal adjustments are so far from objective reality that you dopes actually believe the stuff you print. To make matters worse, you and your people use the media to promote your failed policies as if they worked. Well, they didn't. Very little of that cash that you gave to people at zero interest rates apply to people like us. That money was meant for your elitist friends. None of it made it to where people like us are on the social totem pole. Actually, it made matters worse for us. While your arrogant, schmuck banker and elite friends were allowed to speculate with the zero interest rate money you gave them, my rent, food, and medical care all have gotten much more expensive. Its very difficult to make ends meet when you have to make a choice between paying rent and putting food on the table, and living paycheck to paycheck is simply the way it must be for us to survive nowadays. It is hard to part with what little cash you have when you have lost your job due to the epic crashes you genius central bankers have caused with your monetary policies, and you are forced to take on 3 waiting jobs because all of the good American jobs went overseas. So, sorry for not helping you and your clown friends out.

    It would be very much appreciated if you could tell your central banker elitist friends that they can f--k right off, and please...don't forget to include yourself on that memo.

    Sincerely,

    Everyone

 

 

^^^^^^^ THIS

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 02:40 | 6162070 Obama LaForge
Obama LaForge's picture

You know what? We need another 9/11, but just for the bankers. If that's at all possible. And the politicians. Actually, seems like another 9/11 would do the trick!

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 07:38 | 6162306 N2OJoe
N2OJoe's picture

Best response yet CO.

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 00:18 | 6161937 laomei
laomei's picture

anyone gaming the system is simply taking advantage of the system they have been given.  if you dont like it, then change the system, because it would be flat out stupid for them to NOT take advantage of it.  not unlike the oil trains which go back and forth over the border to collect free money, or the "farmers" being paid to not grow things.  Or the rich who conveniently have a 5.01 acre lot and planted some trees or have some beehives to avoid property taxes.  Or if you bill through an offshore to avoid taxes... that's not evasion, it's avoiding.  You are taking advantage of the system the way it is set up.  If you want to bitch at anyone over it, you should see who made the loopholes in the first place (and who paid for them)

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 21:20 | 6161478 J J Pettigrew
J J Pettigrew's picture

Let us not forget that cable TV was a lie..

remember it was..you pay..because there will be no advertisements..

and now it is about 50% advertisements.

one more lie

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 21:20 | 6161479 J J Pettigrew
J J Pettigrew's picture

Let us not forget that cable TV was a lie..

remember it was..you pay..because there will be no advertisements..

and now it is about 50% advertisements.

one more lie

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 09:39 | 6162599 quartshort
quartshort's picture

Dear Mr. H,

This guy will spend money soon enuf. Right now I'm saving for a guillotine. When my purchase hits GDP it should also be hitting your neck. 

 

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 10:56 | 6161399 Jumbotron
Jumbotron's picture

"You're right, we did sit at home and watch Dancing with the Stars a lot. It's what we can afford"

The only leisure activity positively correlated with financial anxiety is watching tv. - Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone"

 

**UPDATE**    The only leisure activity positively correlated with financial anxiety is watching online porn". - Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone 21st Century Edition

 

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 21:06 | 6161443 GuyJeans
GuyJeans's picture

238 Political scientists John Brehm and Wendy Rahn found that TV watching has such a powerful impact on civic engagement that one hour less daily viewing is the civic-vitamin equivalent of five or six years of education.

 

When I get home the TV is turned off and the books, boardgames and musical instruments come out.  

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 21:27 | 6161500 PhoQ
PhoQ's picture

We removed the TV, books, board games and musical instruments and installed a dungeon.

When I get home, the paddles and handcuffs come out.

Screw civic engagement, bring on the good ol' ass paddlings.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 20:43 | 6161383 Jumbotron
Jumbotron's picture

< Canary in the coal mine. 

< Meat in the sausage grinder.

 

What you feel like.

 

A canary in a sausage grinder in a coal mine.

 

 

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:42 | 6160555 BullyBearish
BullyBearish's picture

Banker's whore...

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:08 | 6160641 Achilles Heel
Achilles Heel's picture

Worse than that...

 

Does this fellow actually think that a tribe member mouthpiece to the tribe contolled banking system gives a FF about his, or anyone else's concerns.

 

The only one I know of that jacks off to Hilsenrath is CH1 (in the Booze Allen custodian closet).

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:54 | 6160784 Oldwood
Oldwood's picture

It is Hilsenrath's job to inform and influence us peeps to act in a way responsive to THEIR needs. If gentle suggestion and persuasion don't work, then try impugning and insulting us. Keep telling us how stupid we are and maybe we will "get smart" and start spending our remaining savings and what ever credit we can consume.

To me it is no small coincidence that their claim that we hold the solution to this decaying economy through profligate spending, simultaneously transfers our remaining wealth into their hands AND depletes our remaining savings, further increases our indebtedness, while also increasing our dependence upon Big Brother. The elimination of savings, which above all things IS our only security, forces us into a reliance on the SYSTEM. Rugged individualism displaced by the "collective" warmth.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:20 | 6160871 MsCreant
MsCreant's picture

Not to mention enticing us to burn up finite resources at a faster pace to create and consume shit we don't need (or even want) so that we can pollute the environment both making it, and later putting it in the land fill. 

Fuck those death dealers. They like infinite growth? I volunteer them for compost. Grow something real then.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:30 | 6160907 Cautionary Tale
Cautionary Tale's picture

I'm thinking that if you actually chemically composted them down you'd end up with 'Round Up'.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:58 | 6161010 Lord Blankcheck
Lord Blankcheck's picture

Grow some Dope

Plant a Politician

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 21:09 | 6161447 Ness.
Ness.'s picture

If smoking dope kills Politicians - I'm doing my part.  Rasta up ;)  That's like some transitive property, right?

Reading those comments gives me hope.  

 

Go Hawks!!!

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:42 | 6160557 SWRichmond
SWRichmond's picture

Hilsenrath will not be woken up by any canaries dying in any coal mines.  Mundanes die all the time. 

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 20:19 | 6160888 MsCreant
MsCreant's picture
Wed, 06/03/2015 - 21:28 | 6161501 PhoQ
PhoQ's picture

Coal mine canaries have become an important source of protein for many of the Owners' hacks.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:35 | 6160716 SilverFish
SilverFish's picture

"We're the canary in the coal mine, you moron Hilsenrath.  Wake the fuck up."

 

Usually the canary has to go completely belly up before anyone pays attention though.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 19:01 | 6161021 Bunga Bunga
Bunga Bunga's picture

Not even that. Hilsenrath will only wake up when the shit hits him through fan.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 19:27 | 6161121 overmedicatedun...
overmedicatedundersexed's picture

Hilsenrath, is testing the waters for the Fed's defense in the coming election year..they know they are in the bulls eye..deflect blame is the plan for banksters across the world.

Ron Paul and Rand pose a threat, they are moving to shift blame.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 20:07 | 6161264 Handful of Dust
Handful of Dust's picture

Je suis canaries

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 01:12 | 6162016 MarkGoldman
MarkGoldman's picture

Ron and Rand, perpetual fundraising machines. 

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:04 | 6160816 Meat Hammer
Meat Hammer's picture

Hilsenrath knows why the middle class is evaporating.  He's just an asshole who looks down upon the people from his Park Ave balcony. His article was just a big middle finger to the middle class for not being as brilliant as he and his elitist cocksucker friends.

The guillotine is too good for him, unless the blade is really dull.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 19:51 | 6161211 tempo
tempo's picture

The Clintons, new America idols.. milk the system, steal, lie and claim you are a victim. It takes a community and Grandma is a great example for all of us.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 23:55 | 6161886 TheReplacement
TheReplacement's picture

I find it interesting that there really is so little information about this man when I search him out.  Nothing negative at all and no real background information.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:34 | 6160507 astoriajoe
astoriajoe's picture

my email just called him a patronizing asshole.

I could have elaborated, but what would be the point. He knows the deal, and so do the rest of the fed clowns. They are just gnawing off the last bits of meat from the bone before they drop it in the garbage and move on to a new place to gut.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:41 | 6160551 Bell's 2 hearted
Bell&#039;s 2 hearted's picture

the disconnect is biblical

 

i know  a few people like him (in top 5%) in the real world who think exactly same.  Good job and portfolio kicking butt ... things never better

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:29 | 6160693 Tall Tom
Tall Tom's picture

It was the same in the Court of King Louie and Marie Antoinette before the Revolution.

 

The Reign of Terror commenced directly afterward.

 

The drought in California will make the people hunger due to the lack of food....crops.

 

All required elements are falling into place at a rapid pace.

 

The USA has less than a year.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:38 | 6160721 messymerry
messymerry's picture

If you believe the thumpers, it's going to start in September...

;-D

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:51 | 6160776 Tall Tom
Tall Tom's picture

It is just the beginning of sorrows...with many more to follow.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:12 | 6160843 greenskeeper carl
greenskeeper carl's picture

I like and respect a lot of your posts, so I'm curious, why do you make the less than a year call? A lot of people said that last year, and the year before, and I must confess, I have it's the a couple years when they started all this QE nonsense, so I was way off. I still think Greece/EU or the time bomb that is Japan will be the first to go, and since that hasn't happened yet, I still think, absent some massive black swan, we still have a few years before it gets that bad here.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 19:05 | 6161040 Calmyourself
Calmyourself's picture

I like Tom as well he should have his onw site... With instructions and formulas for hobbyists...

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 19:21 | 6161105 bbq on whitehou...
bbq on whitehouse lawn's picture

In 2008 the Fed ran out of money. So they just issued statements of money they had no access to, this worked. So rules, laws and such later in 2009 fraud became the new money, just lie and if everyone lies it will be believed, it worked.
2010- now the lies are running thin money is needed in the system not just lies. The finacial system was needing people to believe those lies enough to go all in on the lie, clap your hands and believe. Its not working and the fraud is causeing serious distortions in the system that might be intractable. So fraud is now leagle, but there is still no money in the system what was added was credit backed by fraud and nothing more.
How long can you leverage that fraud and keep up the show.
Credit was loaned and barrowed based on a prayer of money in the future. It didnt happen. They either increase that fraud so more credit can be lent and barrowed or the credit market implodes.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 20:58 | 6161284 RichardParker
RichardParker's picture

My guess is that the CB MFer's will keep pulling tricks out of a hat (similiar to and including ZIRP, NIRP, bail-ins, digital currency, etc) and drag this out for as long as they possibly can (presumeably >10 years).  The additional time will enable them to extract even more wealth from the plebes. 

Economists refer to this phenomena as The Slow UNCOMFORTABLE Screw.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 22:18 | 6161648 harleyjohn45
harleyjohn45's picture

I thought the economy would crash in the mid 80's, I have been wrong for 30 years.  I'm now starting to believe there is no end to how long TPTB can keep it going.  Watch Greece, they are supposed to default on Friday.  Someone will pull a deal and all will be well.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 23:59 | 6161897 TheReplacement
TheReplacement's picture

Carl, do not question the timing.  Simply prepare like every year is the year and be grateful at the end of each that it wasn't the one.

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 10:32 | 6162863 tudemonstro
tudemonstro's picture

I'm looking at mid-September 2015 too.  I'm not a financial analyst or trained in any way.  I'm just a simple goy, trying to answer the "when" question for myself.  I certainly recognize I could be wrong.

The more I think about the significance of the concept of shemitah, specifically as it relates to what happened in September 2001, then seven years later in September 2008, the more I suspect something big going down in September 2015 (seven years, again).  God works in mysterious ways, but He sometimes gives clues about what He is doing to those who are willing to listen.  Consider some of the prophecies about Messiah, written years before the birth of Jesus Christ (Genesis 3:15, Genesis 22:18, Genesis 49:10, Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Micah 5:2).  Also, the name of the ruler, Cyrus, in Isaiah 44 and 45, who would later allow the Israelites to return to Jerusalem from captivity.  And the prophecy of Jeremiah, which identified the captivity of Israel would be for 70 years (Daniel 9:2).  Each of these prophecies were written years before their accurate fulfillment.

Now I am not aware of any biblical prophecy that identifies September 13, 2015 as a critical date.  But I've been reading doom porn on ZH and elsewhere for many years and it seems to me recent events (both in significance and frequency) indicate that we are swirling toward the drain.  I've thought it would come long before this, but like others on ZH say, I am grateful for every day it doesn't as another day to prepare.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 20:10 | 6161277 acetinker
acetinker's picture

History doesn't repeat, but cycles do.

Thumpers aside, [the ones talking about Shemitah only follow the Torah, y'know], I find it useful to imagine myself as an individual bacteria in a petri dish. [What Vonnegut said]... Doesn't matter what I, as an individual do, or say, or think- I am not in control.  The collective is.

The vast majority (of said collective) has no idea that a cancerous variant of their own type (bankers and politicians) has organized and has, over the years, taken control of their medium of exchange- and by extension- themselves. It has spread by thin tentacles and now reaches nearly every aspect, of every individual's place in the dish.

Then, one fine day, a portal [ think ZeroHedge, et;al.] appears that lets the independent (not of the dominant collective) bacteria communicate with each other to discuss ideas outside the accepted view of the dominant collective.  Even there, the individuals argue fine points of order- to their own detriment- I believe, but they begin to sew- slowly at first, their own threads throughout the dish.

Now, we still have the problem of living in a petri dish to begin with, but there is at least a glimmer of hope that the dominant collective will come to see the cancer for what it is, and eliminate it.

Oh, and Cog, if you see this-  Some years ago you asked, "Why do you come to ZeroHedge?"

I couldn't answer that back then, but I'm gettin' closer to an answer every day.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:17 | 6160866 Culling of the Weak
Culling of the Weak's picture

A year is optimistic! Weeks or Months at best. Be prepared WTSHTF!!

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 19:06 | 6161042 Calmyourself
Calmyourself's picture

Been hearing this since the 1970's Global cooling anyone?

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 06:51 | 6162095 August
August's picture

>>>The USA has less than a year.

Hope you're right Tom.  I don't want to see mega-death, but the electrical charges aloft need to ground, and the dead wood badly needs burning.

I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical.

Given the massive distortions and deceit that characterizes Modern Amurica, I doubt that "a little rebellion" will settle the matter, though.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:49 | 6160765 Pumpkin
Pumpkin's picture

Sell your soul and you can have it all.  For a while anyway.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:58 | 6160796 Oldwood
Oldwood's picture

Every deal the Devil makes always requires payment in the future.

The real economy is that which represents todays purchases made with today's earnings.

Buy now and pay later...what could go wrong?? All they really want is your soul.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 20:57 | 6161423 tdag
tdag's picture

Yep. TPTB can string this thing out as long as we are willing to play the game. And, apparently, we love playing this game.

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 11:08 | 6162986 Jumbotron
Jumbotron's picture

"i know  a few people like him (in top 5%) in the real world who think exactly same.  Good job and portfolio kicking butt ... things never better"

 

Textbook definition of cognitive dissonance.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:31 | 6160511 TrueBull
TrueBull's picture

That is High Contrition Joe

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:33 | 6160518 Squid Viscous
Squid Viscous's picture

Home Depot pitchfork in his smug cock sucking face, that will boost GDP as well ?

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:57 | 6160790 The Darwin Mode
The Darwin Mode's picture

Did you misspell vicious? I guess tentacles are known for their adhesive quality, if that's what you're going for...

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:26 | 6160863 Squid Viscous
Squid Viscous's picture

finding new ways to ryhme due to ZH ban of prior accounts

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:34 | 6160521 2468 everyone e...
2468 everyone evacuate's picture

I feel like I could sign my name to that, it so accurately reflects my situation and views. Thank you.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:34 | 6160522 Dead Canary
Dead Canary's picture

Pure, weapons grade bologneum!

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:39 | 6160542 Squid Viscous
Squid Viscous's picture

also known as Lavorgna-um, dispensed on CNBS daily

 

another motherfucker that needs a pitchfork in his huge forehead

 

and he's not that hard to find

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:34 | 6160524 saints51
saints51's picture

Bravo Joe...Bravo buddy. To all the Joe's out there. Keep your head up and hang in there. I have a feeling the slate will be clean pretty soon.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:38 | 6160528 FreeShitter
FreeShitter's picture

Keep your pecker hard and your powder dry and the world will turn.....

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:59 | 6160797 zeroaccountability
zeroaccountability's picture

Drop your socks and grab your Glocks.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:22 | 6160879 Major Malfunction
Major Malfunction's picture

Definitely time to 'rock out with your Glock out' --!

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:23 | 6160884 greenskeeper carl
greenskeeper carl's picture

See that new G43 yet? Good little pocket pistol

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:33 | 6160926 MsCreant
MsCreant's picture

What would the kick be like though? I have a hard time managing the 26.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 20:42 | 6161381 RichardParker
RichardParker's picture

You're better off with a 38 snub nose.  Same number of shots with same or better reliability.  Either that or a Glock 26 (10 rounds) if you don't mind the extra bulk for CC.  BTW, did not junk you.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:03 | 6160813 The Darwin Mode
The Darwin Mode's picture

"The slate will be clean", saints51? How so? Are you predicting that an economic collapse or "global reset" will benefit the plundered through some sort of aggregate debt forgiveness? That sounds a bit pollyannaish to me.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:29 | 6160904 Squid Viscous
Squid Viscous's picture

are you just here to be a prick?

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 19:11 | 6161052 Calmyourself
Calmyourself's picture

Always find that interesting myself..  You don't actually believe in some sort of Jubilee do you, if so disabuse yourself of that notion we are well past that point.

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 09:04 | 6162481 saints51
saints51's picture

Your comment has inaccurate information. Think about it, then report back when we can discuss further.

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 00:03 | 6161909 TheReplacement
TheReplacement's picture

The slate will be clean when everyone is dead.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:34 | 6160525 gregga777
gregga777's picture

To the Wall Street Journal, the Fed and all of the Elites especially the Criminals of the Political Class: eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow…

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:04 | 6160631 ATM
ATM's picture

The guillotines!

https://youtu.be/sM-169xrYpQ

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:36 | 6160527 11b40
11b40's picture

I wrote Hilsenrath yesterday and included a link to the ZH article and suggested he read the comments section if he wanted a slice of what Middle America thinks.

Have not heard back from him yet.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:14 | 6160657 Realname
Realname's picture

He probably shit himself then called DHS, the FBI, and the local po-po.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:44 | 6160748 messymerry
messymerry's picture

Yup, keep a sharp eye out for the black helicopters, or worse, the hummingbird sized drones with really really large hypodermic needles sticking out of the front of them...

;-D

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:31 | 6160910 Phil Free
Phil Free's picture

And NO home improvement projects, no trips to the corner Home Depot or Lowes -- avoid nailguns!

And for that matter, avoid all invites to BBQ's on someone's deck/balcony, if it is on ANY floor but the ground floor.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:37 | 6160529 p00k1e
p00k1e's picture

Joe the Plumber reruns? 

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:38 | 6160533 Bell's 2 hearted
Bell&#039;s 2 hearted's picture

Don't fall for the trap!

 

NSA tracking all emails sent hils way and round up teams are in place

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:36 | 6160718 Tall Tom
Tall Tom's picture

Still here. Emailed him yesterday and today.

 

I will be here tomorrow.

 

NO FEAR. Boldness is active and brings forth that which is desired.

 

FEAR stymies people and leads to their guaranteed defeat without any struggle.

 

I shall not fear. You can cower if you choose, pussy.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:56 | 6161007 Bro of the Sorr...
Bro of the Sorrowful Figure's picture

+1000

 

the time for cowering like pussies is over. i dont expect many such pussies to make it through the events that await us.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 23:10 | 6161782 Government need...
Government needs you to pay taxes's picture

If all these agencies were REALLY good at their surveillance/intelligence, they would know which of us has the hardware, knowledge, and planning in place to turn a grab-team into chum.  I'm sure there are many commenter blowhards, but some walk the walk.  I'm with Tall Tom, they can fuckin' bring their best and we'll have a go.  In some ways, it would a refreshing release.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:12 | 6160845 Clarabell
Clarabell's picture

"...round up teams are in place"

Naw, Halsenrath is is just a toady for the oligarchs, no one give a shit about him, he's expendable. As long as you don't threaten the real "Powers That Be": the oligarchs, you'll be fine.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:39 | 6160541 coulous
coulous's picture

Joe and his familly need Ipâtes

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:40 | 6160547 Wm the Shrubber
Wm the Shrubber's picture

Hilsenrath is a cog in the wheel, playing his part. He likely knows he's a douche, but his livelihood depends upon his doing his masters' biddings.

As for the Joe family, bravo and hold fast!  Take your family out for a good Italian dinner and forward the bill to me.  Things are tight in the Shrubbery business, but I, unlike Hilsey, can very much empathize!

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:53 | 6160594 Ward cleaver
Ward cleaver's picture

Yep, just like any fascist state he is simply doing what he's told or else they'll find someone else to do it. Love the show "Turn" where some well off people risked it for their principles. All these oligarchs will get theirs in the end as rates increase and the whole Ponzi scheme unravels.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:41 | 6160552 homebody
homebody's picture

Joe you can all eat cake - sarc

 

Time to clean house

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:43 | 6160561 joseJimenez
joseJimenez's picture

The pretty much sums it up!  You got that Jon?  You fucking Federal Reserve Bitch.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:43 | 6160562 cherry picker
cherry picker's picture

It doesn't sound like Joe is a member of the middle class anymore.

If he can't afford to eat well, go out, as a first and second, supports his children, his property taxes will probably do him in.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:43 | 6160563 CarpetShag
CarpetShag's picture

"the sun shined" - is that Esperanto?

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:01 | 6160803 zeroaccountability
zeroaccountability's picture

............beats 'shinned'.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:44 | 6160566 Eastwood
Eastwood's picture

As much as I'd love to deride the WSJ columnist, he wrote the article in a sardonic tone. I'm not trying to throw cold water on a hot issue, but one might recognize that he's writing this on (most of) our behalf.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:55 | 6160598 Toolshed
Toolshed's picture

Eastwood, you can't be serious.........

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:24 | 6160683 BandGap
BandGap's picture

I saw it wriiten as a type of "trial balloon" - just ambiguous enough with the intent to get the sort of feedback we see here.

People are shocked to think this might be a real sentiment because if it is, the gloves are off for real.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:55 | 6160599 r00t61
r00t61's picture

Hilsenrath has been THE mouthpiece for the Federal Reserve for years.

He is NOT some "man of the people" working from the inside.  He is NOT writing any of this because he cares about you.  He is a total apparatchik of the Parasite Overlords.

"Hilsenrelevant Still? Fed Mouthpiece Unleashed To Save The Day Again" (http://www.zerohedge.com/node/475533)

"Did Jon Hilsenrath Just 'Leak' The Fed's "Earlier-Than-Expected, Surprise" Rate-Hike Plan"

(http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2015-01-08/did-jon-hilsenrath-just-leak-fe...)

My personal favorite: "Hilsenrath Asks 'Does Ben Bernanke Deserve A Nobel Prize?'"

(http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-10-01/hilsenrath-asks-does-ben-bernan...)

 

 

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 19:58 | 6161236 BernankeHasHemo...
BernankeHasHemorrhoids's picture

So right. Hilsenrath is a cocksucker of the first order. He should be killed by a American patriot.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:45 | 6160570 csmith
csmith's picture

Nice job Tyler.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:46 | 6160574 coulous
coulous's picture

May i suggest to john to live like Joe du ring one year in the same condition ?

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:52 | 6160590 p00k1e
p00k1e's picture

What would that matter? 

“Common woman” Gwyneth Paltrow made a big deal about attempting to live at Food Stamp levels - $29.00 a week food allotment – for one month.

She couldn’t, oh well.  Jumped into her limo and hit Trader Joe’s.  

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:54 | 6160595 Squid Viscous
Squid Viscous's picture

daughter of hollywood zio royalty, sickening people all of them

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 04:40 | 6162161 Dindu Nuffins
Dindu Nuffins's picture

Not gonna lie, that'd be hard for me in America. I need lots of brotein to maintain the muscles and impress the ladies.

Peanuts and eggs, I guess.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:47 | 6160575 45North1
45North1's picture

The Middle Class is the cartlige between the Rich and the Poor.  Pretty much the group that ensures  Social order versus dis-order.

Those bones are starting to rub together.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:02 | 6160626 Ward cleaver
Ward cleaver's picture

You my friend have touched on the critical issue. We r the ones paying the taxes to pay for social order. As those revenues decline the picture looks bleak.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:38 | 6160720 arby63
arby63's picture

Stop paying. Pull out and fuck it. 

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:29 | 6160905 Berspankme
Berspankme's picture

In 2008 I paid $97,000 in Fed and State Taxes. Last year I paid $900.00. Starve the fucking beast

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 01:18 | 6162021 MarkGoldman
MarkGoldman's picture

Its the only way to be sure. 

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:47 | 6160578 Fun Facts
Fun Facts's picture

Hilsenrath's problem is that all the cattle are not as stupid as they need to be to swallow his bankster propaganda bullshit.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:50 | 6160586 larry david
larry david's picture

I hate the Fed as much as anyone here.  I own gold and silver.  But this guy comes off as a crybaby who's upset that the fine folks on cnbc and the government somehow misled him into losing everything.  

If you're gonna participate in a 401k, rule #1 is to not cash it out because of short term volatility.  I can see not participating at all  if you think the market is rigged etc as we all know it is.  Or I can see cashing out and buying precious metals or going to cash.  But why react to market volatility,  sell at or near the bottom,  and then blame someone else?  No one would advise you to ever cash out your 401k, not even the people on cnbc.  

 

If this guy can't afford some ground meat for dinner,  maybe he should ditch the cable TV  and the TV altogether until he has some savings,  or better yet,  for good.  Maybe he shouldn't have a smart phone or a cell phone at all.  I'm sure he wastes money in other ways too...gambling,  smoking,  etc.  

 

Of course the Fed sucks,  but this guy comes off as a loser who sold at the bottom and sits around and watches TV until he figures out who he can blame.  Yes,  the Fed is awful.  Yes,  cnbc sucks.  But it's not like this guy has any clue he's even been duped until it's way too late.  He's an idiot.  

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:31 | 6160703 Totentänzerlied
Totentänzerlied's picture

+100

Joe's screed seems a representative sample of the level of sophistication of the nation's public dialog - intellectually disabled, comical, pathetic, worthless, ignorant, whiney, generally deplorable... lowest-common(est)-denominator does not even begin to capture it.

Where is Joe's policy proposal? Being upset, bitter, and envious while planning to vote for Jeb Bush is not a policy.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:03 | 6160809 Dindu Nuffins
Dindu Nuffins's picture

I cuck whiny guys like that, so at least they good for something.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 20:36 | 6161362 Nostradumbass
Nostradumbass's picture

I think that based upon the tone of Joe's letter, as I am reading between the lines anyway, he sprinkled it liberally with /s for flavor.

 

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:53 | 6160593 Who was that ma...
Who was that masked man's picture

Fuck it Dude.  Scuttle whatever might be left of your pride and jump on the government chuck wagon.  Why the hell not?  Everyone else is.  You'ld be absolutely amazed at how much free shit you can get.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:02 | 6160623 p00k1e
p00k1e's picture

You have the best strategy.  Only frivolous use of resources will ensure the collapse while thrift extends.    

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:28 | 6160695 TeethVillage88s
TeethVillage88s's picture

Don't you have to be flat broke to claim a lot of stuff.

I mean I think that is how a lot of assistance work.

Like if you have money in the bank that is running down as you pay for the bills... you end up applying for help after your broke.

Not sure about disability.

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 00:16 | 6161934 TheReplacement
TheReplacement's picture

Something, serious, something something, have to lie, something, something.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 19:51 | 6161216 autofixer
autofixer's picture

Are you Cloward or Piven?   

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 21:54 | 6161566 harleyjohn45
harleyjohn45's picture

If he owns his home outright and it may be modest.  He is'nt eligible for anything.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:54 | 6160596 larry david
larry david's picture

Also,  he doesn't have money to pay down his debt,  or buy ground meat,  yet he pays the cell phone bill for his kids who have GRADUATED COLLEGE?  What a total loser.  

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:57 | 6160608 Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights's picture

Nice job Joe. I'm not rich, and I'm neither poor, I seen what was coming in 03 so I was well prepared, none the less Joe , I only spend what I need to spend and remain debt free, I refuse to contribute any longer to this cluster fuck called an economy. So Hissy and his WSJ rant can go fuvk themselves.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:59 | 6160611 curmudgery
curmudgery's picture

Globalism, "Growth" and Debt have long been unsustainable.  There is too much supply of everything that is unnecessary, and shortages of the things that are (like water).  

We are going through the Big Reset.  The middle class is a liberal conceit - any of us who thought we were in that Middle Class - MC - are being dropped in the WC  (wretched class) because we no longer serve the elites.   After they have gobbled up all the assets they can with free gubmint money, they can just hunker down and wait through the long Winter (it already came, John Snow) and the rest can subsist on servicework.

We will have to be adaptable to survive with a fraction of the lifestyle we formerly enjoyed. The WC needs to seriously think and act in ways that do not feed the Elites' rapacious games that are producing a giant global Third World.

Big banks, stop using them.  Insurance companies, ditto.  New electronic buggy whips and their related comms companies - who needs it?  Colleges and Universities - nix.  Move to low tax states, or expatriate if feasible and appropriate.  A virtual Galt's Gulch is possible.  Would love to open this up and hear from those of us who are already creating a new world of possibilities.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 18:17 | 6160864 TeethVillage88s
TeethVillage88s's picture

If you are talking about a Boycott, then probably lots of young people are steering clear of the TBTF Banks and their Credit cards.

- Credit Unions will be a target at some point in NIRP/LIRP to force them to add fees of some kind, but they did good in the 2008 Financial Crisis, seems like everyone should find Credit unions for their banking services

Question: What is a cheap Brand of Liquor and Beer that doesn't support the Large Corporations? ... but affordable not like Boutique Beer

Probably there is a website to trace businesses ownership

http://www.secstates.com/ Search by State.

ICIJ Offshore Leaks Database
https://offshoreleaks.icij.org/ -

I remember a better search, here are some about money laundering and checking offshore companies

www.kompass.com
www.zoominfo.com
www.europages.com
http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/en/vieshome.htm

http://web.worldbank.org/
WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIE
S/0,,pagePK:180619~theSitePK:136917,00.html

www.imolin.org
www.moneylaundering.com
www.opencrs.com
www.fincen.gov

http://www.fintrac.gc.ca/publi
cations/guide/Guide2/2s5_e.asp

www.nationmaster.com
http://www.flips-search-resources.com/search.html

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 16:59 | 6160617 q99x2
q99x2's picture

Pretty good except poor people don't vote.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:00 | 6160618 walküre
walküre's picture

they shoulda let the banks go bust in '08 - plain and simple

lotta riff raff on Wall Street would have been purged

military could have taken over and brought us a new gold and silver dollar.. but no.... they had to keep the illusion up

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:06 | 6160620 AL_SWEARENGEN
AL_SWEARENGEN's picture

The truth of the matter is;  The wealthy, rich, elite, connected, & powerful of this world DON'T CARE ABOUT YOU OR YOUR FAMILY.  They really, really don't.  If this is news to you then I'm sorry for the hand you have been playing.  What matters?  STAY ALIVE.  This current system of outright corruption & evil will burn itself down.  Stay out of their fires.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:02 | 6160625 B2u
B2u's picture

The average credit card debt interest rate is over 13%.  Hilsenrath can suck my dick.

 

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/rate-roundup.aspx

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:05 | 6160633 ipud
ipud's picture

2007 Wall Street Journal newsstand price: $1.00

2015 Wall Street Journal newsstand price: $2.00

Wonder how Joe still reads it?

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 21:41 | 6161528 RichardParker
RichardParker's picture

Ipud:

Back in the early 2000's, I had an online subscription to The WSJ for about 5 years.  It was like 50 bucks a year.  The quality of writing/reporting was second to none. 

After The Bancroft family sold the paper to Rupert Murdoch back in 2007, the writing suffered greatly.  Murdoch fired about half of the reporters and dumbed the articles down to about a 9th grade reading level.  I never renewed my subscription.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:07 | 6160636 Brokenarrow
Brokenarrow's picture

The only two fuckers I hate more than hilsenrath are joe weisenthal and joe kernan, two douch bags that are wall st lap poodles, make little money, but love to swollow wall st cum.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:07 | 6160638 DiogenesTheCynic
DiogenesTheCynic's picture

Ground beef is expensive. Lesser known cuts of steak is a lot cheaper. Pork too.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:22 | 6160677 plane jain
plane jain's picture

Ground turkey...add beef bullion.

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 14:05 | 6163665 Raging Debate
Raging Debate's picture

Plain Jain - Sams just had a sale at $2.00 lb for 90% lean ground turkey. Wish I had a bigger freezer.

90% ground beef was $3.22 a lb. a year ago, now $3.78 lb.
for ground turkey, I mix it with beans and onions, a few slices of cheese, chili powder. Kind of a less wet chili. Very healthy, affordable and tasty.

I am in publishing and selling market intelligence data to insurance companies. I vastly inflate the price then I take some of the profits and reinvest them in a health publishing site where people can learn about the cause of many conditions and treat them, rather than paying massive repetitive bundles on treating symptoms and still feeling shitty.

Hey someone has to be Robin Hood ;/) And everyone seems happy about it.

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:07 | 6160639 Stevious
Stevious's picture

Middle class my ass.  Two part-time jobs at HD?

Smack into low class.  Of course he's now eligible for SNAP and excuse me about Obamacare being too expensive?  With such low income he'll get subsidzed up the ying yang or he's eligible for a state Medicaid program.

Therin is the rub.  Get poor and get by.  Get middle class and get f****d.

But why write an article that talks about "middle-class" when the person written about is not in it?

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 17:21 | 6160675 JR
JR's picture

Joe, a member of the middle class, in his darkest hours and struggle, is determined to rid himself and his country of this ongoing financial oppression. His mental set is not “lower class”; it is unwearied perseverance in the spirit of a true American, of America's middle class -- “the stuff which above all others makes a great people…the middles classes (the petit bourgeois, the epicier) that do three-quarters of the work of the world’s work and keep the machine going and the working man in a job…” (Buchan)

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