I am the 47%.
My father served in WWII and received veterans' benefits. He used the GI Bill.
When the recession struck in the 1970s and my father was without work for a year, the only way we could put a roof over our heads and food on the table was with public assistance and food stamps. My father accepted unemployment benefits and job training to get him back on his feet.
When I became the first member of my family to attend college, I used Federal grants and student loans to pay my way. Every one of those loans was repaid.
When my mother became too ill to work after an injury, SSI disability brought in a little extra every month. When there was no private insurance coverage, my mother was able to get medical help through Medicaid.
My dad lived out the last of his days on his Social Security checks.
My parents paid income tax and payroll taxes every year they were employed. So do I.
My daughter is using student loans to help finance her college education.
So don't come along and tell me I'm a fucking freeloader, or that I don't matter.
I AM THE 47%.
