I'm gettting too beat to fight the system anymore

[Stargazer99]

Rent is taking over 50% of income. Electricity, water, sewer, Medical co payments taking almost another 50% of Social Security. Last month I could not afford the specialist for the foot that keeps me from walking properly, can't afford the co pay for mamogram, haven't seen a dentist in 10 years (they only pull your teeth if you can't afford the sliding fee scale), can't afford the heart test from the specialist,etc. Just getting tired of trying. Can't afford the Quickbooks class (have some tax and accounting education but I'm too old for entry jobs). The landlord just upped the rent by $100 per month (there went my food budget). Yes I have Medicare but they all want a co-pay, there is no extra money for dental care...I'm getting depressed because I can't see my way out of landing on the street. Republican compassion isn't worth the effort to speak the phrase. It must be nice to be able to have what one needs, not luxuries but basic needs being met. I think of our young men dying every day under Republican ignorance and willingness to let someone else pay the price. Our rights as citizens have gone down the tubes. We can't even vote without being shortchanged by Republicans. Why they don't hang their well heeled heads is beyond me. But maybe they are good at denial. The Nazi's didn't have any qualms about the terrible things they did to Jews, what makes them think the poor and low income are not subject to the same denial of humanity by them? I've seen Republicans in action when they are confronted with the pain their system has caused...it doesn't come home to them. If this country cannot create a system inwhich all are given opportunity and the ability to survive financially, it is a failure.

[The_Progressive]

1. It's always the darkest before he dawn

Just hang in there. Things will change.

Either throught the electoral system or people will start voting from the rooftops.

[babylonsister]

2. My heart hurts for you, Stargazer99. "Why they don't

hang their well heeled heads is beyond me" is so true. All politics, all the time, what happened to working for the people, what happened to compassion?
Here's a hug, and I hope there's a way to improve your situation. :hug: :hug:

[ninkasi]

3. I'm so sorry, Stargazer99

For a person on a very limited income, getting through life has to be a cruel ordeal, unless you have a supportive family who can help out. Do you have any friends or family members who can help? My husband and I live on Social Security, but are blessed in that we have grown children who are always willing to help out if we need help. I also have two incredibly wonderful nieces who would do anything for us.

Since we own our home, and our car, we haven't had to ask for help, but knowing that it's there if we need it takes a huge load off of our minds. Do you have ANYBODY who can help you? I hope that you do, and that you will be ok. It's a crying damn shame that anybody has to suffer so much in this country. Every cent that can be squeezed out of the poor of us, has been redistributed up wards, enriching the greedy wealthy even more. It's so very unfair. I pray that you will be ok.

I wish I had more to offer than just words. You should not be in the position you are. I'll be sending good thoughts your way, for what it's worth.

[Stargazer99]

9. No relatives to help with the problem

And DSHS says the social security amount keeps me from qualifying for medical without a spendown. The spendown is $1,200 annually and my social security is $8000 annually. Moving is not an option as we have animals and cannot pay the pet deposit on a new place even if we could afford the first and last months rent. Both of us are not well and to physically move would be a problem. Moving would require renting a moving van which would preclude any rent payment. The State of Washington is no longer supporting adult dental care. We've rented this house for over 10 years it seems like that deserves a break but you know "those that own the means of production".

[welshTerrier2]

4. a few long shots?

i wish i had better answers than i do. i know it's easier said than done but as we used to say "keep on keeping on" ...

there are a couple of things you said that don't have to be working against you. one was "too old for entry level jobs". at some employers, that is certainly the case; it's not the case everywhere though.

here's one concrete suggestion you might look into ... type this into google: "free quickbooks tutorial" ... i got tons of hits ... there must be a Quickbooks for Dummies at your local library. if not, go sit and read it in a bookstore. learning a new skill can do wonders for your morale. it can give you hope.

a good friend of mine with a little "tax and accounting education" now is doing tax work all year round. he's no spring chicken either.

also, it's probably a long shot but maybe worth a try: why not tell the landlord the rent increase is a real hardship on you. maybe he'd be willing to reduce the increase or even roll it back. you won't know if you don't ask. there are all sorts of people. some are pretty damned nice.

anyway, just wanted to try to help in some small way. i imagine there might be training available out of one of your local unemployment bureaus. might be worth giving them a call to find out.

keep us posted on how you're doing. i'm sure everyone here is rooting for you.

on edit: here's a limited but free version of quickbooks available for download: http://quickbooks.intuit.com/product/accounting-software/free-accounting-software.jhtml

[AtomicKitten]

5. you are a living breathing testament to a failed economy

I feel your pain. I think many Americans are one paycheck away from catastrophic financial disaster.

Here's hoping the squeeze eases up for you soon. Cheers.

[Downtown Hound]

6. I'm sorry

I've been there. There really are no words to give you, except to say that I really feel your pain. Here's to hoping you can find a way out of this mess. Just remember one thing. IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT. I know you probably weren't thinking it was, it's just that in this society we're so conditioned to think that our success is our own responsibility, that the system is set up so anyone can make it. That's just not true. There are millions of people busting their asses who can't get ahead, and you're one of them.

[Stargazer99]

7. thank all of you for responding

I will take your advice and encourgment and into tomorrow. It is nice to know some do understand how difficult it can be.

[file83]

22. Stargazer99, I love your name.

It tells me a lot about your heart. It is upsetting that there are so many people in this "greatest nation on earth" struggling so hard everyday, fearing for their future.

By you reaching out with this post though, you have made a difference. You have let many others know they aren't alone in financial hardship and fears of homelessness. Knowing we aren't alone helps, even if just a little.

I'm praying for you sweetie. :hug:

[grasswire]

8. about the only thing I can think of...

....is for seniors to start doubling up and living with other senior or with family members. It's a sad reality.

I'm sorry for your situation, Stargazer. So many of us have such lousy futures in George's America. It's heartbreaking.

[ninkasi]

11. That's an idea, grasswire

I read Stargazer's post several times, and felt such anguish for a good person, trapped in a cruel system. Living with relatives is something my husband and I have discussed for quite some time now. Although he and I could probably make it, we have a couple of relatives our ages...60s, who will at some point need assistance. We have talked about how to set up our house to accommodate them.

We both refuse to have the ones we love sink into utter poverty, and despair. Maybe Stargazer can find another person to share expenses with, and help alleviate the problem. I still can't believe that all of this heartbreak is happening in the America I used to be so proud of. Until we find a way to stop the upward distribution of wealth, we are doomed to a dismal future.

[femrap]

16. I wonder if there are some groups of

seniors on-line who are looking to share homes....maybe Craig's List has something.

As the Boomers age, I bet we'll see more roommating in the future so to cut expenses....especially with women who usually outlive the men. Something like "The Golden Girls."

Stargazers post again reminds me of my utter disgust and absolute hatred of the Greedy and Selfish. Karma will prevail, but my patience does run thin.

Good luck, Stargazer....DUers provided some good ideas.

And don't forget Food Stamps and/or Food Banks...please take advantage of those, OK?

[emilyg]

10. Very sorry.

[Pooka Fey]

12. I'm so sorry, Stargazer

Many of us are struggling, you are not alone. You are so right about the lack of compassion in our country. :hug:

[Eurobabe]

13. My mom is not far behind you

she's been unemployed for 5 yrs., has health problems, wonders what the hell each day will bring. Sometimes she feels like just giving up. These are her golden years and she feels robbed.

[many a good man]

14. Maybe you can check out SCSEP

It's a program sponsored by AARP to help find jobs for the elderly. http://www.aarp.org/money/lowincomehelp/scsep_program_history_and_success.html

[shenmue]

15. I understand a lot of that...

Having been through many of the same or similar things in the past few years myself, I can understand to at least a degree why you would feel bitter. All I can say is try to hang on. We're the only ones standing between us and the Republicans... :(

Good luck. :patriot:

[CrispyQ]

17. The flow of money in this world is mind boggling.

There is no reason that the basic needs of every human being cannot be met. It is greed that keeps this from happening. There is plenty for everyone & also for those who want more, but that is not enough for them -- they want it all.

It is such an inhumane & short sighted worldview. I would feel sorry for them if it weren't for the harm they cause.

I hope life gets better for you, even in some small way. :hug:

[The Backlash Cometh]

18. My heart goes out to you.

You wrote an excellent piece that explains our crazy times. Republicans are people who have managed to shut themselves off from their fellow American citizens, and even have used religion and politics to blame the poor for being poor. And as things get tighter and more expensive, expect them to become even more stingy.

Only the Democrats can save us.

Believe me, Republicans can be assholes, but they love Democratic programs that benefit their families. One asshat Dittohead with two daughters was beaming because Title 8 means that colleges have to provide scholarships for girls too. It's particularly important to him because his daughter is less than talented, but since there is so much money in the girl's athletic department, he has a good shot at it.

I told him to remember to thank the Democratic party for Title 8.

[shireen]

19. don't go it alone

I am so sad to hear about what you're going through. Life can be overwhelming. I'd like to make a suggestion: talk to a counselor, someone who can help you sort out your problems and work with you to figure out how to handle them. He/she may also have leads on programs to help you.

When you're feeling depressed, it's so important to seek help. Everything gets tangled up in your brain, and you don't know where to start ... talking to someone trained to help people in your circumstances will be very helpful.

Here's a link that may be useful: http://www.look-upwashington.com/index.html
Go to the bottom of the page, and click "Social Services & Counseling"
There's an annoying google ad that goes up and down on the left of the page, blocking the website contents. If you widen the page, that annoying ad won't block the text!

[rox63]

20. Does your area have low-income housing?

I don't know what state you are in. But in my small city (pop. ~100,000), I know people who have applied to the local housing authority for emergency housing. The cost is kept to no more than 30% of income. Please check your state government's web site for low-income housing programs. Many of these programs are funded by HUD.

[liberal N proud]

21. It does seem like an unending affair at this point

But we must keep up the fight.
Did we give up when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

[truedelphi]

23. Don't be shy about reaching out to evryone that

Could help.

Local churches, the local senior center, and make yourself a big fat list of everyone you could possibly ask for help.

Also, sometimes the miracle you need happens... Somewhere out there is possibly a landlord who would be glad to have you - his younger more affluent renters partied a bit too hard. he now respects ther older crowd =- even if they have less money to offer.

If you could find something cheaper and as nice - well, often that happens by putting the word out.

We found our new place through putting out flyers. I cannot tell you what a miracle our new place is - we got it when Mark had jsut started working and we had really bad credit, little to offer in the way of security monies etc.

[earth mom]

24. My heart goes out to you.

I hope things get better soon!



While I'm not in quite the same boat, I've been sick lately and a bunch of appliances around the house have recently broken-including my computer which is totally dead and we can't solve any of it right now-our budget is too tight right now. My illness is lingering and all the doctor appointments are getting me down even though I'm trying to get healthy. So now, I'm feeling depressed about it all instead of feeling the anger like I used to just a short while ago.

Sounds like we both need to get good and mad at these bastards again!!! :grr: