Thank you Jon Kyl!!!

[Sub Atomic]

Oh it seems like mere months ago that the Senate passed the unemployment extension! As my benefits ran out in the end of July and I STILL can't find work, I was so very hopeful that I would be able to make my tax payments, keep paying my cell phone bill, give the friend who was putting me up SOMETHING and perhaps even be able to take my interview clothes to the dry cleaners.

But you, Mr. Kyl, had other things in mind for me and hundreds of thousands just like me. You knew what was good for me, even though you have no idea who I am. You took it upon yourself to hold up the unemployment extension for various reasons, such as wanting the moneys to come from the stimulus that you vowed you would fight against and never support. I can't remember the other bullshit reasons you used to make sure that thousands of us became homeless, but hey - at least you were able to take in a few more campaign contributions and have dinners with lobbyists who patted you on the back to make you feel like the righteous man you think you are.

Yes, Mr. Kyl, President Obama eventually did sign the unemployment extension on November 6th. It was a victory for the American people and another FAIL for you.

But you see, Mr. Kyl, my unemployment comes from California. And as of today (37 days AFTER President Obama signed the extension into law), I have yet to see any additional funds or even know when/if the state of California will finally get around to issuing them. Last I read on the CA EDD website was they were still testing the programming changes and they were HOPING that they would get claim forms out by the end of the month. Add another 10 days to that and if I'm lucky I'll get a check.

My cell phone was turned off because I can't pay my bill. It's kind of difficult to job hunt when you have no way (except email) for a potential employer to reach you. I'm also in the middle of trying to find a place to live as my buddy's condo (which he has been renting for 9 years) has been foreclosed. Not sure what I'm going to do or where I'm going to go. Having no money left eliminates me being able to go back to California or make it to the East coast where I have a brother. Being a single male means I can't get welfare (except for food stamps). Being a former mid-level professional means I can't get an interview for any number of menial jobs that I'm more than willing to do just to have an income. And the jobs I'm qualified for have literally hundreds of people applying for a single position. I've become depressed, discouraged and desperate. For the first time in my life, I've bandied about the idea of robbing another person. Taking from somebody else that which I want so that I can survive.

I never thought I'd have to beg for money to do my laundry so I don't smell. I never thought I'd steal deodorant from Walgreen's. I never thought I'd be that guy standing on a corner with a sign that says 'Homeless. Anything helps'.

So thank you Mr. Kyl. I never realized how easy it is in this country to fall so far.

[bridgit]

1. If Kyl had to prop up a republican prez like w. or H.W. he'd be passing out the checks himself

The only way to combat these pernicious-ass republicans is to first understand just how vicious and politically vile they are as a group

[Lugnut]

2. K&R n/t

[myrna minx]

3. K&R

[roamer65]

4. You are exactly why we need 70% income tax rates on the wealthy in this country.

No person should want for food, housing, medical care or any other essentials of life in this country.

People should not have to think about committing criminal acts to satisfy these needs.

I hope things get better for you soon.:hug:

[KamaAina]

5. If only he had to beg for money to wash that ugly rug of his

:P

[spanone]

6. he is one smug prick and couldn't give a shit about you

[alstephenson]

7. Vile Kyl. I'm ashamed that he is my Senator.

And so sorry that you're going through these tough times.

[CrispyQ]

8. I hope your fortune changes & very soon!

The mean-spiritedness toward our fellow citizens, who are going through rough times, is simply boggling! Yesterday there was a thread about people who ask for money in parking lots & on street corners & I had to double check that I was on a progressive board, as so many of replies were completely heartless!

Jared Bernstein, Biden's economic adviser, says that in a just society, there is no limit to how high one can climb, but there is a limit to how far one can fall. Ours is not a just society.

May better times come your way soon! :hug: