I met her canvassing! She's jobless, disabled, unable to pay rent. Where does she turn? Jack Markell

[rpritchard]

I know to many of you this may not be important. I understand the vast majority of you are not from Delaware, but please there is a great story below! As a fifteen year old interested in politics, but with a very limited access to help, I came across a true diamond in the Diamond State. Take a look!

For the past several weeks I have become deeply involved in a political campaign. While it may not be one many of you are familiar with, it is one that has great meaning, and great importance. It will decide whether my home state, Delaware, will move back into the forefront of our nation's greatest states. I am proud to say that I am an avid supporter and volunteer for Jack Markell.

The Markell campaign is one of grassroots. Earlier this year, our opponent John Carney released a list of about 600 grassroots supporters. We followed with a compilation of over 2,000 loyalists. The folks in Delaware are eager for change, and they look to Jack Markell to bring about that change.

Delaware is facing some tough times. We have 105,000 citizens uninsured. High school graduation rates are the 40th lowest in the nation. Our ability to create new jobs is ranked just 48th of 50. These are staggering numbers, and people feel the affects of these shortfalls day in and day out. I know that. I see that. I have been canvassing for several days now, and dozens of hours. I have had conversation after conversation with people who really feel Delaware, and the nation, are on the wrong track. This state, small as it may be, is a microcosm of the nation. We represent all walks of life, all struggles and all triumphs. Unfortunately, the struggles greatly out weigh the triumphs...

I am proud to have the honor of supporting Jack Markell, and working on his behalf. He truly is a man of the people, for the people. He stands up for the average citizen, man, woman, black, white, rich, poor, it doesn't matter. If you need help, he is your help. He has the only plan for universal health care in the state. He understands the risks of betting on the next "big industry". He knows that if our education is going to improve we must do away with No Child Left Behind, and our state test as well. We need to invest in our kids and give them a test that no longer benefits the test-makers, but rather the test-takers. It is this knowledge, these ideas that drew me to his campaign, and that has drawn so many more as well.

Like I said, I have been canvassing for Mr. Markell, and I have spoken with hundreds of people. One person however, has stood out. I have shaken so many hands on Jack's behalf, but none as honorable, as caring, as concerned as one woman today, and I wish to share her story. She used to work for Chrysler, until she lost her job. She retired unemployed and disabled from the plant. She lives with her daughter, her son and her grandchild, unable to pay rent. She can't drive, she can't work, her son has no health care, and there has been no one there to help her. She has been thrown to the side by big business, by an industry once thought to be the next "big thing". Delaware bet on the automobile industry. It did everything it could to bring them here to Delaware. Delaware and its leaders lowered taxes, provided incentives, and basically begged them to come. Well, they did. And as long as the automobile companies such as Chrysler were strong so was Delaware. Now however, as more and more plants across the state close, people like the woman I met today fail. They fail! Their families fail. Their community fails, and it is simply unconscionable!

What gives hope to people like that fine, hard-working woman today is a leader that will change the system we have fallen into. Jack Markell gives us hope. He has promised to move away from hedging bets on big business and looked towards entrepreneurship for the answer. He has looked towards small business and those Ma and Pa shops to help ease the pain. He is a man of as all, not just the big business.

I spoke with this woman today, in the middle of a canvass for twenty minutes. I dropped everything, because I knew how much this meant to her, and I know it's what Jack would do! So, on his behalf, I shook her hand. I listened to her. I consoled her. And most importantly I explained to her what Jack Markell will do for her. She was such a nice woman, such a caring soul; she deserves better. Jack will give her something better. When I left her to continue my canvassing she proudly displayed a Jack Markell yard sign!

Now, like I said, she is disabled. We have coordinated an effort to make sure she, and people like her can make it to the polls. I even pulled a few strings and will have Jack give her a call. She deserves it! Delaware deserves it! America deserves it. Her story touched me. It shook my conscious! Never before had I met someone in her situation, hurting so badly, but remaining so eager to talk about her plight. It was this moment that solidified my belief in the need for change. It was that moment that solidified my belief in the need for Jack Markell!

So, today I shook the hands of many more Delawareans on behalf of Jack. I explained to them his health care plan, education plan, energy plan, his transportation plan and spending plan, but most of all I explained to one wonderful woman his plan for the average person. I explained to her how hard he will work for people in her situation. I explained how much he cares, and how he will fight to make this economy work for everyone! Now, I know many of you don't live in Delaware, but to those of you who do I would appreciate it if you join the grassroots movement for Jack Markell. For those of you outside the state I thank you first of all for reading this far. And now I ask you to look into what Jack has to say, and perhaps donating to the campaign. He is a true progressive, working hard for all of us, Delaware natives or not.

To look into him visit www.markell.org

Take a look at his economic plans and his health care plans. Listen to what he has to say about energy and the environment. I'm sure you, like that fine woman today, will be pleased!

Comments are also welcome!


Also, please view my video in support of Markell at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=SSgY186mIuk

[Bluebear]

1. K/R thank you for a great story and a great post.

[liberalmuse]

2. I can't believe you're only 15!

That was a very eloquent post, and heartfelt story. You're one of the many reasons I have so much faith in the youth of this country.

[rpritchard]

3. Why thank you!

[EFerrari]

4. I can't either.

[PCIntern]

5. Neither can I.

[EFerrari]

8. It would be nice to have such a good PR team

for any of my projects, or such good composition skills among any of my English Language & Lit sections.

[notadmblnd]

20. this is a 15 yr old male and golf is his hobby?

my 15 yr old is into dirt bikes and such. I don't see too many 15yr olds on the course these days not even as caddys

[emilyg]

22. Tiger started earlier.

[notadmblnd]

25. anything is possible I guess.

but something is fishy and either this woman is taking advantage of a gullible 15 yr old or we're being sold some propaganda. Big 3 workers have excellent benefits even with the cuts in recent years. No one that has worked for the big 3 as a union member should be destitute.

[rpritchard]

30. I hope she did not take advantage of me...

And I see no reason why she would. I saw her house. I know the neighborhood she was living in. It wasn't a good one. She spoke with me for 20 minutes and shared all of her problems. While I understand she ought to have benefits, we don't know the extent of them. We don't know how long she was employed or the level of her medical bills. I trust her.

I must say however, I wish her circumstances were in fact different, and better.

[notadmblnd]

32. Even if she wasn't employed for long, being disabled, she is entitled to at the very

least SSI benefits. It will be based on past earnings. If she is receiving health benefits via her previous big 3 employer, it tells me something is not right with her story. However, you telling me that she now has insurance after you first posted that she did not, has raised a red flag. it is indeed sad that I have become so suspicious and cynical and I hope I've said nothing to offend you, but I'm sure under the circumstances you can relate to my pessimism.

BTW, welcome to DU

[rpritchard]

33. No I said her son does not have insurance...

He is well into his twenties and working with minimum wage.

[notadmblnd]

36. I apologize, I mid-read that.

"She used to work for Chrysler, until she lost her job. She retired unemployed and disabled from the plant."

How does one retire unemployed from the plant? When my husband could not work any longer, for the first year he received from Metropolitan Life weekly disability benefits. After that first year, he was forced to retire, take his pension and collect SSI.

This is the thing that bothers me, with union backing today, it is almost impossible to get "fired" from the plant. So basically, there are three ways to lose your job, take a buyout, retire or get laid off Now if she took a buyout and agreed to the package Chrysler presented to her, she most likely received a lump sum payout (depending on years of service could be between 50,00 and 100,00)they may or may not have offered her benefits for a certain length of time. That would explain why she has health insurance but no pension, but still, being disabled she should have SSI. If she was temporarily laid off, there are other benefits she is entitled to also. Unemployment insurance plus sub pay which should amount to 95% of her weekly gross. Also there are funds that will pay for furthering her education. I can't remember the acronym for it but I attend classes with a woman who no longer works for GM and she is taking advantage of it. Now if this woman became disabled while she was still employed, she is entitled to all the benefits I mentioned in my previous posts. She has grown children, You didn't mention the age of her daughter, but you did mention grand kids, so I'm assuming this woman is at least 40 and probably has 10 years in the shop. Again, she should not be destitute.

For her son, there may be a state sponsored insurance program. My 19 yr old niece has insurance through a Michigan program, she pays nothing. If you are interested in finding our what the name of the program is so you can check in your state if one like it is available, I'll be happy to ask her about it when she gets home. I truly do feel bad for everyone these days suffering from the results of the bush admin.

You didn't mention if her son was healthy or in need of care, but there are options for the poor ranging from programs like I just mentioned to public health departments and walk in clinics. He needs to make an effort, get back in school and do more to help his mother.

[rpritchard]

37. I cant tell you her daughter was in her 20's.

And her grandchild was roughly two years old. In regards to "retiring unemployed" I simply meant she stopped working when she became unemployed. This was a mistake on my part, and I apologize for not clarifying.

[EFerrari]

26. But Tiger didn't post manicured posts to discussion boards

and claim to be 15.

This is a work of art. If I'm wrong, I'll happily apologize.

I love backing DU projects and I hate being lied to.

[rpritchard]

27. Trust me, I'm 15.

Here is a video I did in support of Markell: http://youtube.com/watch?v=SSgY186mIuk

[EFerrari]

29. I hope you accomplish what you want to accomplish. n/t

[Bluebear]

6. Neither can I!

Bravo!

[ismnotwasm]

7. Great post, thank you

:)

[notadmblnd]

9. As a survivor of a GM worker who retired disabled and has since passed

I can only speak to my experience. When my husband was sick and could work no longer, he applied for and received his disability and pension. UAW negotiated contract enabled us to retain his health insurance and we continued to live quite comfortably until his death. Since his death I have lost my job and my health insurance through my employer. However, as a surviving spouse. I still receive a portion of his pension and SSI survivor benefits for myself (until my son 16) and for my son. It has meant a decrease in income yes, but we are far from destitute. I will receive his retirement and health insurance until the day I die or if I remarry (not likely) I find it hard to believe, if this woman is a former auto worker, that she has no disability benefits package. She needs to contact her union reps and place in motion the assistance she is entitled to as a dues paying union member of the UAW. The union will also help direct her on applying for SSI disability payments.

[rpritchard]

12. She has health insurance...

However her son, who is in his 20's does not. He lives with her, and works on minimum wage.

[notadmblnd]

17. if he takes college classes, even at the local community college

he is entitled to insurance under his mothers group coverage. As long as my boy stays in school, he has coverage until he is 23 and I can guarantee you, that he's going to college if I have to attend classes with him. This following is what we received before my husband died. Pension was 2000.00 SSI for my son and him was approx 1375.00 each for a total nearly 4k a month. Now that he's passed, we receive 1400.00 son, 1400.00 myself and 600.00 pension, that's 3100.00 a month, not chicken scratch and nothing comes out of that for health care. Things are tight, but the bills are paid. This kind of money is pretty much the standard for all UAW contracts across the big 3 companies in this country. Being the employee, she should know this.

[rpritchard]

18. Well...

I'm not sure about their college availability, but it's good to know. Thanks a lot for the information! :)

[Breeze54]

21. I am her and she is me.

Or could be except I'm not disabled but my son is 19, works
for a little better than minimum and has no health insurance...yet.
And we share a rented townhouse.

[rpritchard]

23. Good luck to you!

Strong spirits can keep people going. She has one, and it sounds like you do too!

God Bless!

[malaise]

10. You're 15?

Impressive post.

[TayTay]

11. Thank you for writing this.

Thomas Jefferson believed that democracy would endlessly renew itself as long as we had people who cared enough to step up and work for it.

You are doing just that. Keep writing, keep hoping and keep working on behalf of those people you believe in. You make a difference.

There are only two creatures of value on the face of the earth: those with the commitment, and those who require the commitment of others. -- John Adams.

[rpritchard]

34. Thank you for reading this.

[asdjrocky]

13. Good on you!

I know of Markell, and he's a good egg. I have a feeling in the not too distant future we'll all be supporting you in your bid for Congress.

You make me proud to be an activist. Keep up the good work.

[RoyGBiv]

14. FWIW, I can believe you're 15 ...

I know we all too often underrate the youth of this nation, but I have personally witnessed more genuine desire to do some good in the world, more ability to express that desire, and most importantly to put actions behind those words than most of the people I know from my own, cynical, lost generation (and I don't exclude myself from that).

Well done.

K&R :kick:

[Breeze54]

15. MARKELL: CAMPAIGN BANKS $2.5 MILLION FOR GOVERNOR'S RACE

MARKELL: CAMPAIGN BANKS $2.5 MILLION FOR GOVERNOR'S RACE

READ THE RELEASE >
http://www.delawaregrapevine.com/1-08markellmoneyrelease.asp

Posted: Jan. 9, 2008

Jack Markell, the Democratic state treasurer running for governor, announced Wednesday
that his campaign will file a record-shattering campaign finance report later this month,
when it will report that almost 3,000 supporters contributed more than $1.6 million in new
donations last year.

Of course that was in January. How's he doing on donations now?


Is he on Feingold's Progressive Patriots FUND list? http://www.progressivepatriotsfund.com/patriot-corps/

Also contact Act Blue: http://www.actblue.com/

[rpritchard]

16. I, quite honestly, don't know.

I do believe it's better than his opponent though!

[Breeze54]

19. Well; that's a good thing! Sounds like a great guy and he has a great campaigner in you!

Way to go!! There are many people like her all over the US of A. :(

Many are here at DU. I wish you the best of luck! Great Job! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[JeffR]

24. I can't tell you how inspiring you are. I just can't find the words.

:dem:

[rpritchard]

28. Thanks...

I can't find the words to express my gratitude to all of you who read this diary, and recognized the importance of this woman, my candidate and the plight of working America!

[EFerrari]

39. lol

[Fridays Child]

31. Using your power for good, I see.

Nice work! :woohoo:

[Delphinus]

35. Great story - thanks for sharing.

I must add that Delaware, being as small as it is, has more uninsured than Indiana! We've *only got* right around 80,000, in comparison to your 106,000. Man.

Good luck - Markell should be proud to have you on his side!

[rpritchard]

47. That's a problem

Our number of uninsured are rising faster than most states. The number increased from 95,000 to 105,000 in just one year!

[EFerrari]

38. So, today you consoled a disabled woman with some unspecific

promise that Markell will support her if she opens a small business?

And, what kind of candidate is available to a fifteen year old's string pulling?

lol

The more I read this and see what a rehash of his website it is, the funnier it gets.

You haven't spoken with hundreds of people and you've never dropped anything to attend to a constituent. And you certainly never did either "avidly".

If Markell wants to campaign here, let him do it honestly. We'll be happy to hear him out and support him as we can.

But don't post this unbelievable stuff here. There's no need for it.

[rpritchard]

40. What can I do to make you believe me?

In regards to me "pulling a few strings" I know Jack's nephew. Your have to remember this is a small state, and everyone on the campaign knows everyone. I am interning for the Markell campaign, and they all know me well. While the conversation Mr. Markell will have with her may only be a few minutes, I felt I should have a second contact with her.

I truly felt for the situation she was in and I wanted to help.

In regards to the plan for small businesses, I was not saying if she pursued one all of her problems would be fixed. Neither has Markell. Encouraging small, new business over large corporations is however a piece of Jack's economic development plan. I suggest you read its entirety on his website.

[EFerrari]

41. I did read the website.

:)

I encourage you to keep working for your candidate as honestly as possible. He looks pretty good.

[rpritchard]

42. That I will...

I would like to re-emphasize that nothing in the piece was a lie, or was even exaggerated. Russell Weinstein, Jack's nephew, has grown to be a good friend of mine. He is who I spoke with to get Jack to call this woman.

I have spoken with hundreds of people, for I have been canvassing several times.

Again, none of this is a lie, it is in fact 100% truthful.

[Bluebear]

43. I am curious, are you in college yet? Your writing is absolutely brilliant!

[rpritchard]

44. No, I'll be starting High School this year.

But I can accredit my abilities to my 2nd grade teacher, Ms. Deirdre Aikens. She was huge on writing, and got me involved. She put me on track to want to learn more. I practiced and practiced, and got better. This year my English teacher, Ms. Tracy Wall sharpened my skills. I enjoy writing, which is likely the reason I excel at it.

[Bluebear]

45. Truly, you could be teaching high school English, not taking it!

You are going to be bored out of your skull lol!

[rpritchard]

46. LoL, Well thankfully they have advanced courses.

I'm looking forward to it. The high school I'll be attending is supposedly very good. The teachers push you if you have the talent, and motivate those who are lagging. It should be a very good experience for me!

[Breeze54]

49. Why are you starting HS so late?! I started at age 13 not 15!!

Why are you delayed going to high school?

It can't be your grades!!!

What happened? :shrug:

[rpritchard]

51. Speech therapy for a year...

And my birthday comes late.

[RoyGBiv]

48. C'mon ...

Caution is one thing, but this level of cynicism is out of line.

All he claimed was that he'd pull some strings to get the guy to call this woman, which is rather unremarkable in a campaign of this type if he knows the candidate at all. By the time I was 14 I knew two rather prominent politicians rather well, one of them a member of the House of Representatives, and he did a bona fide favor for the family of one of my friends. Call people? Hell, we have people on this site claiming that Obama called them, and no one is calling them out.

As for the writing, what he's done, etc., you've encountered Ava, right?

I know teenagers that write that well or better, my own daughter among them, and at the age of 13 she and a couple of her friends staged a bona fide protest on their own volition at their school after having spent weeks, without any adult assistance, figuring out their potential legal issues to an amazingly competent degree. She let me and her mother know about it the day before it happened, as her friends did with their parents and a teacher they knew would support them. I was astonished ... but it happens ... thankfully.

Hell, maybe I'm wrong, and this is someone claiming to be someone he's not, but does it really matter? He's not trying to sell anything but a candidate who pretty clearly fits the theme of this site.

Sheesh. This guy's got more patience than I do at over twice his age. If I'd been treated like this as a newbie, I'd not have made it past 20 posts.

[EFerrari]

50. I agree that young people should be encouraged to support candidates

that appeal to them.

[rpritchard]

52. Thanks for the support. n/t