~Unemployed Friends Letter for the 99ers & All Exhaustees~ Updates and suggestions ~

First topic message reminder :

#99ers #HR589 Two years is long enough, we need jobs, we need benefits not drug tests. Pass HR589 for the #99ers

We, the Unemployed-Friends are writing today to ask you to please hear us.
Many of us are without benefits since March 2010. Most of us are without jobs since the 1st quarter of 2008. We need your help.

We are an organization that has kept each other strong, lobbied for extensions and most importantly lobbied for jobs. For the best part of 2-1/2 years we have applied, emailed, faxed and pounded pavements looking for work. We have joined organizations, registered with temporary and permanent employment agencies, registered with on line job searches as well as the states unemployment-jobs agencies. We have not stopped actively searching for work as we hear on an almost constant basis. Our resumes, applications and phone calls for all intents and purposes have disappeared into thin air. The reason for that is companies large and small are not hiring. You can and will draw your own conclusions, however, we are looking actively, we have no choice. Sadly, so many jobs have gone overseas. Why?

Many of you have indicated you need our support to get legislation passed to extend benefits to what we now know as the "99ers". You have also indicated that you need our help to get the Small Business Bill passed. Well ladies and gentlemen, we are here and reporting for duty. What is it you need us to do. We are ready, willing and able to do it.

Let me explain a little about us all in a general fashion. We met on the Unemployed-Friends forum. We have shared employment histories, interview results, resume writing techniques, "how to survive" stories and ways to shop and save on unemployment. We have lobbied for benefits extensions and bills for jobs. We are from every state no matter what the unemployment rate. We range in age from 18 to over 63. We are receptionists, secretaries, lawyers, teachers, real estate agents, financial managers, mechanics, machinists, contractors, carpenters, electricians and plumbers. We are a true representation from all classes. What we have in common is the desire to be gainfully employed again and enjoy raising our families. Not one of us here is looking to make a fast buck on the back of someone else. We are a "family" of people who have never personally met, but are closer than most blood relatives. We have worked together, supported one another in our every day lives. If someone needs a car fixed, a ride, prescriptions filled, resume advice, interview advice, help with homelessness and sadly suicide, we have been there for each other. It used to be the American Way. Most importantly, we are together and not leaving until we get the help we are entitled to. I realize entitled is a dirty word, however, we did our jobs and did our parts for over 30 years. We are not asking for a lifetime of income, but for a lifeline until an effective jobs program is created and we are all working again.

We are a talented bunch. We write, sing, play instruments and as I mentioned above have many enviable job skills. We have a fantastic work ethic, if we didn't this forum would have died three weeks after it started. Take advantage of our talents. What do we need to do to prove to all of you we need jobs and we need benefits as well?
Who do you want us to contact?

Those of us who exhausted our benefits worked tirelessly to get H.R. 4213 passed knowing it would not benefit us. Those that benefitted from 4213 are still working with the 99ers to get this bill passed.

Most importantly, we need jobs created. Real jobs. It is very disheartening to hear many of you give your dailly sound bite telling us that jobs are available. I am here to tell you, they are not. Certainly, there are a few. I am registered on 11 different agencies and internet sites. I have had three interviews out of 1241 applications sent. Bloomberg reports this morning that Walmart and Home Depot are keeping ahead for two reasons: they don't bonus out their managers at any level and they are keeping their current work force of full time and part time employees. No additional hiring this year as well as last. Minimum wage jobs are not readily available, as some have said and a minimum wage part time job will help, however, for most families it continues them on TANF, Food Stamps and Medicaid. How does that help cut spending?

We have suffered through most of the summerof 2010 without incomes and benefits while you have taken two vacations with no help to those who need it. Now you are gearing up for the fall campaigns. Do you not think advertising $22 million dollars for ad buys is a slap in the face to people who have no income. Do you think we won't remember?

Tonight brings us to the State of the Union 2011. For the 99ers the State of the Union sadly brings us a new year with no help. Not one of us is asking for anymore than the Banks, the Auto Industry and the Mortgage Industry has asked for, far less actually. We need your help until jobs open up at a greater rate than they are currently. We all wait every single day for phone calls and emails that never come. Over 14 million people are not lazy, untalented, untrained individuals who couldn't hold down a job. Many of us were employed for over 30 years. What we need is your help and for the truth to be told about just how many unemployed Americans there are. On a weekly basis, the 99er numbers grow and the unemployment numbers decline. Mainly these numbers decline due to the number of people who are no longer counted among the unemployed because they have in fact exhausted all benefits, not because we have become disinterested in seeking employment. We cannot afford to do that.

This morning at 9:45 AM Rep. Lee and Rep. Scott held a Press Conference to introduce the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act. This would give a much needed 14 weeks of benefits to the 99ers who have exhausted all benefits. Today is February 9, 2011, some members will "celebrate" their one year anniversary next month with NO benefits. H.R. 589 is a lifeline and hope for exhaustees and should not be ignored. Your support for this legislation is very important and the moral thing to do. As of today, we see very slow job creation. Although any job creation is a great thing, we need massive efforts to get ALL the unemployed back to work in jobs that will pay a living wage and afford people the ability to obtain healthcare, shelter and food; a wage that would enable them to be removed from all programs the Federal Government and the States Government funds.

If American companies want to hire dedicated workers who will give it their all, retrain for positions out of their field, keep open minds and remain loyal to companies, they have to look no further than the 99ers of the United States. Through the worst of times that can be described only by those who are living it, we have stayed together and kept each other going with nothing more than posted words, but two and one-half years in, we are still together doing just that.

Living in a country such as ours, for all of us it is unthinkable that we would not help countries like Haiti who are so in need. How is it that you can forget people who until 2008 helped our country help others and yet, not even kind words are lent to the American 99ers. We now need your help and have needed it for well over eight months.

We are all here now waiting for you to tell us what help you need. The ball is in your court. I think at this time you are aware that there are more unemployed than the numbers truly reflect. That is a great deal of votes. We are asking you now to help us secure employment.

You asked for our help, we are here waiting for your response. What do you need us to do? You cannot keep telling us NO!!! We need a plan of action and we need it now. Winter is too cold to have families without heat and food and benefits and the 99ers are families not just individuals.

Here we sit in June 2011, still searching for that job that will get us the financial help we need for ourselves and our families, while bills sit in committee and our lives hang in the balance. We aren't disappearing, our numbers are growing. You can't ignore us forever.

Today, July 6, 2011 well over a year with no benefits for most 99ers, the President held a twitter town hall. Not one mention of the unemployed directly or the 99ers. We are invisible, not counted. Can you afford to lose the votes of the unemployed and 99ers for ignoring us? We are part of this country, a major part of the unemployment picture and our missing tax dollars do add up. Our deficit grows daily, revenues don't. Can you afford to continue ignoring us?

Tell us, what will you do, a jobs bill, a real one this time, in the meantime, benefits are necessary. What help can we give you? We are willing, but now it's time for you to act responsibly. Actions not words are needed.

This weekend, Labor Day Weekend 2011, the second summer ends for most of us who are living with no benefits and no job prospects. Thursday, a really poor jobs report and a Congress who is more interested in sound bites, a Republican Debate, fourteen months before an election and a squabble with the President over dates to hold a joint session of Congress. You set a wonderful example for children who will study this in the future. You behavior is horrible and quite frankly in poor taste. You have American Citizens, Voters who are starving and desperate and you worry about budgets. Should you, of course, but not at the expense of human lives. We need your help, we have needed it for two years and now it's time for all of you to roll up your sleeves, get to work and make something happen for us. We are more than willing to help, but you MUST help us. We can't sit by and patiently request your help any longer, you MUST HELP US.

Now we find ourselves in October of 2011. We have Presidential Candidates, OccupyWallStreet, Debates and still no Jobs Plan. Are you starting to see what we mean now. This letter will get longer and longer and yet still no real plan of action. There will be a test vote tonight on the Senate Floor. Will you vote to bring the American Jobs Act to the people who elected you and really need this legislation, if not, will be present a similar plan of action that will help the PEOPLE? I think you know by now, we are NOT going away. Why can't we all work together on this? Let us help, start by listening, then tell us what you need for us to do. We can't wait much longer. If things don't change soon, you all may be part of our group. We have nothing left to lose, you still have much to lose. Please, hear the messages, work together, get a plan of action.

Here we sit Monday, November 21, 2011, three days before Thanksgiving. Many families have NOTHING to be thankful for. The Super Committee has proven to be a failure and with a downgrade, a shakey economy and no Jobs Bill, those without benefits for almost two years are hopeless. Just how long do you think people can depend on the kindness of friends and families before their money gives out. A thought that apparently doesn't occur to most of you. If you don't want class warfare, don't continue to add to it. People need your help and they need to believe in the people who they elected. What will it take? We have many times offered our help and very few have responded, so again we ask, what do you need us to do? We are waiting.

In addition, do you truly not believe that November 2012 is an election year not only for the President, but for many of you as well. Right now, it's not Democrat or Republican, it's about cleaning house. Party will not matter to many, they will vote for whoever will help them, many will vote just to clean house. The people are waiting for leadership, help and a government that works for the Country, not for your particular needs and wants, they will vote for theirs.

It's the end of January 2012, we are still here. You have collectively done nothing to help us. For many this is the start of their fourth year. Another election campaign is upon us. It would be wise to start working on issues that people care about. It's a disgrace that after this long, many, many reports, many, many months, nothing, NOTHING has been done. Please remember, we VOTE.

~~~May 29, 2012 Update~~~

Okay, so apparently the game of chicken is scaring both parties. Please remember, you are playing chicken with the lives of millions of American Voters. We may not be able to find suitable employment, we may be down but we will never give up this fight. You can continue to ignore us and things will get worse until, once again it blows up. Europe is close. We refuse to give up, help us so we can help get this country back to where we should be. Help us to get jobs so we can contribute to taxes, benefits, social security. Help us so we can pay bills, buy goods, get proper medical attention. Stop playing chicken with peoples lives. We remember and we vote.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Mary Kay C - Sewell, NJ
Jason D. - Pittsburgh, PA
Janet S. from California
Jim S.-Latrobe, PA
Ron M CT.
Brenda H. Springfield, Mo.
Admin, Unemployed-Friends.com;C in Cali(Admin)- CA
M.Iacobino, Fort Lee NJ.
Larry M. Pensacola, FL
Mrs. Chang, San Francisco, CA
Martha Main, Naugatuck, Connecticut
Paula Coutu Madisonville Tennessee
Nathalie Armsworthy, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Admin, Unemployed-Friends.com; Jenny H - South Carolina
Judy G - Pennsylvania
Richard T - Las Vegas, NV
N Stacy, Grand Prairie TX
Denise D.
D. Chick, Brick NJ
Elizabeth W. Cleveland, OH
Mercy T. Bradenton, Fl.
Abbie H. Eaton, Ohio
Alice T-Missouri
Terry Wold, Riverside CA
John Wold, Riverside CA
Travis Wold, Riverside CA
Rita Speers-Duluth,GA
Amy K-Massachusetts
Edward K-Massachusetts
CA, Massachussetts
Laura Lewis Columbus, OH
Helen M - Harleysville, PA
Dennis S - Harlesyville, PA
Ann C - Glenside, PA
Steven M - Harleysville, PA
Richard M - Mantua, NJ
Mary V - Sewell, NJ
Maggie M - Cheltenham, PA
Claire H - Philadelphia, PA
Bob H - Philadelphia, PA
Nancy H - Philadelphia, PA
Gabriele R - Melbourne, FL
Terry Wold, Riverside CA
John Wold, Riverside CA
Travis Wold, Riverside CA
Mark Edwards, Los Angeles, CA
Stephanie S - California
P Stark Ohio
Janet Clayton - New Jersey
EdTV - Salinas Valley, CA
Kathy Miracle Covington, Ky.
Patricia A. Adams - Bethel Park, PA
Bill C - California
Shelly M. New Jersey
Rita S. Georgia
Sandra S. Eugene, Oregon
hank K New Jersey
Renee Sullivan-Jacksonville, Florida
Terri S Melbourne Fl
David S Melbourne FL
Denise B - Massachusetts
Laura G-Kentucky
Susan R West Chester, PA
Winnie E -New York
Corinne D-Wisconsin
Rita S. Duluth,GA
Chris S. Knoxville,TN
Mike S. Atlanta,.GA
Heather S. Knoxville,TN
Joe G Sussex,WI
Mary O Brookfied,WI
Lorraine R Milwaukee,WI
Vicki M. Milwaukee,WI
Wayne M. Milwaukee,WI
Connie T. Milwaukee,WI
Brian K. Milwaukee,WI
Mark R. Milwaukee,WI
John B. NYC (aka)Milwaukee,WI
Dave T. Milwaukee,WI
G. Robinson - Melbourne, Florida
Lisa G - Washington Twp., NJ
Joe L - Philadelphia, PA
Walt G. - Philadelphia, PA
Adam S. - Mantua, NJ
Ed L. - Sewell, NJ
Marcella M- Latrobe, PA
Ronald M- Latrobe, PA
Darlene M - Latrobe, PA
Randy M- Latrobe PA
Judy M- Latrobe, PA
Rhonda W- Latrobe, PA
Eileen H- Greensburg, PA
James H- Greensburg, PA
Donna T- Greensburg, PA
Connie R- Pensacola, FL
Charles R - Pensacola, FL
Helen F - Pensacola, FL
Kathy Y - Ft Lauderdale, FL
Tina A - McDonough, GA
Fred F - McDonough, GA
Bonnie L, Melrose MA
Mark S. Lawrenceville,GA
Lee Justice Norcross ,GA
Jean Dugas Duluth, GA
Naomi B Palm Bay FL
Bryan B Palm Bay FL
Nancy S Melbourne FL
Michael S Melbourne FL
Debbie G Melbourne FL
Sabra T Melbourne FL
MaryBeth A West Melb FL
Anthony A West Melb FL
Brian S Orlando FL
Steven S Palm Bay FL
Kimberly S Palm Bay FL
Janet J - Old Bridge, NJ
Janice Taylor, Oklahoma City, OK
Dana S Melbourne FL
Liz Steere, Mapleville, RI
Doug C - Nice, CA
Dave M Philadelphia PA
Crystal M Philadelphia PA
David M Oxford PA
Betsy M Oxford PA
Elizabeth A Philadelphia PA
Frank M Philadelphia PA
Carol M Philadelphia PA
Jamie M Melbourne FL
Christy E Palm Bay FL
Mike G Melbourne FL
Kim M Philadelphia PA
Jane F - Santa Rosa, CA
Bruce F - Rancho Mirage, CA
J. Stuckey Collinsville IL
Gary F Rozecki - Pa
Mark R Campbell
Terriann Campbell
Bob D. - Palm Desert, CA
Ken S-boca raton fla
Linda F Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Wayne S Michigan
Rachelle A., Los Angeles, California
David H, South Carolina
Carol G. - Rohnert Park, CA
T. Sancrante PA
John Conley, Charlotte NC
Linda C, Chicago, ILL.
James Baker California
Beth C. - Santa Rosa, CA
Michele W-Canton, OH
M Coutu in Tennessee
Patty Hadley - Palmdale, CA
Kathryn V. Manitowoc, WI
Heather L. Needs, Lebanon, OH
William R. Hatley, Lebanon, OH
peachiebaybee
jim cusimano las vegas, nevada
Greg S. - Las Vegas NV
Chris R - Phoenix AZ
ninia c from las vegas, nv
Nancy P Wisconsin
Grace V Wisconsin
Terry G Wisconsin
Debbie M Wisconsin
Fran N New Jersey
Lisa Burke - Egg Harbor Twp, New Jersey
Kim M from MO
Laura P from Michigan
Anne H. from MA
Fran from Philadelphia region
Jennifer D. - Indiana
Parker F. - Santa Rosa, CA
Erika A- New York, NY
Ann C-Glenside, PA
Jack P.-Philadelphia, PA
Keegan H - Phila.PA
Luke H - Phila.PA
Abby H - Phila PA
Edward M - Phila PA
Diane M - Phila PA
Jim M - Phila PA
William R - Roslyn, PA
David H. - Palmdale, CAila
Michelle H. - Phoenix, AZ
Dixie B. - Spokane, WA
Michael R.-St Petersburg,FLORIDA
Megan N - Chicago, IL
Amy W - Philadelphia, PA
Emma N - Chicago, IL
Joe L-Phila,PA
John W -Phila, PA
Will C - Lansdale, PA
Chris C - Phila, PA
Kevin C - Wyndmoor, PA
Collette B - Phila PA
Cheryl S - Phila PA
Todd B - Ambler, PA
Patty C - Pitman, NJ
Marc C - Pitman NJ
R. Sancrante PA
Nancy T, Florida
Travis D. - Indiana
Macie G. Maryville,TN
Connor S. Knoxville,TN
Jeff F. Atlanta,GA
Brian Main, Naugatuck, Ct
Chris Main, Naugatuck, Ct
Marlene Z, Phoenix, AZ
Vanessa T, California
Wanda M, California
Bobby G - Indiana
Jenny G - Indiana
Don S - Indiana
Becky I - Indiana
Paula W, California
Lisa Hatcher, Pittsburgh, PA
Jerry G. Pasco FLA.
Mary V - Sewell, NJ
Nancy Vetrano Revere, MA
S.Sutton-NYS
N.W. Smith, FL
Vivian B WA
Alice T, Kansas City, MO
Michael D---Aurora Colorado
Gloria D---Aurora Colorado
Elizabeth M---Commerce City Colorado
Gail L. Lyndhurst, NJ
Lori, Joanne, Roberta P. Lyndhurst, NJ
Laura V. Queens NY
Keith.L Pittsburgh,PA
Teri C, Seattle, WA
Ellen T., New Port Richey, FL
Joe P - Chicago, IL
Mary Ann P - Savannnah, GA
T.J.P - Perry, OH
Mark P - Glen Ellen, IL
Cindy J - Wheaton, IL
Michelle C - Glen Ellyn, IL
Mary Jane P - Madison OH
JoeP - Madison OH
Shawn G Massachusetts
Michelle C - Ct.
Sharon M. - AL
W. Van Emmerik, Portland, Oregon
Sj M, California
Chris Reapp Phoenix AZ
Sarah Jenkins, Oklahoma City, OK
R. Taylor, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Chester L., Oklahoma City, OK
D.M. Page, Somerset, MA
Sherri S. - Temecula, CA.
M. O'Neil, St. Louis, MO.
Teresa Morales Mableton
Valerie W -TN
Mark W - TN
Haven C- TN
Betty B -TN
Eddie B -TN
Frank Mead Acworth Ga..
Maxwell F - Philadelphia, PA
George F - Churchville, PA
Robert F - Doylestown, PA
C.L. Ott- Davenport, Iowa.
M. Donovan, Elsmere, KY
S. Drahman, Elsmere, KY.
Randall Mobley, Brandenburg, Ky.
B.Day, Redlands CA.
Rose B. - Kearny, NJ
Wilma H. Pine Ridge,Ky..
D, Brooklyn, N. Y..
Chris W, Alaska
Kelly O., New Jersey
Jeff G., New Jersey
Kelly G. - Michigan
Laurie F. - Tennessee
Michael
Quakertown PA.
Bruce T., California
E King -Dallas,TX
S. Black - Dallas, TX
J. Black - Dallas, TX
E. Black - Irving, TX
S. Fuller - Dallas, TX
S. Hood - Lewisville, TX
A. Hawkins - Irving, TX
J. Lewis - Dallas, TX.
cheri
Julia Lowen-Pittsburgh,P.A
Shirley King-Pittsburgh,P.A
Timmy Grogan-Pittsburgh,P.A
Shannon Dosdor-Pittsburgh,P.A
Shannon Schuster-Butler,P.A
Brandon Schuster-York,P.A.
Justin Morter-Butler,P.A
John DeBolt - IL
Judy N Sherman Oaks, CA.
Brian T.
jrgdsp07
Theresa M. - Elkhart, Indiana
Heather Couture, Minneapolis, MN
Kelly Schultz. Oshkosh, Wisconsin
K. McKinney Orlando, Fl.
Roger S. Mantua Twp. NJ
Len D. Sewell, NJ
Karl D. SaL, Sewell, NJ
Pat B, Mantua Twp., NJ
Tran C Mantua Twp., NJ
Cu C Mantua Twp, NJ
Joe LaR Mantua Twp NJ
Bud H Mantua Twp NJ
Ed S Mantua Twp NJ
Melissa B Mantua Twp NJ
Mare Croyle Mantua Twp NJ
Pamela Jo – PA
Gina O – FL
Les Tindall – Eugene OR
John Pochinski – Wausau, WI
Stacy Brunt, Riverside, CA
Jerry New Jersey
D. Kay - AZ
Edwina - Chattanooga, TN
Steve Pfarr -Rancho Cucamonga Ca
Ryan S. - Neptune, NJ
Jeff B - Houston, TX
Alan H.
Denise Scott - New Jersey
Jennifer Culp Schenectady,NY
Paul Larrabee Schenectady NY.
MarianG - California

The Progressive Caucus is gaining attention. Please all members, let' turn our focus there and keep emailing your stories, tell them your interveiw fiasco's, send our letter. This may be what we need to gain attention in a positive light to the plight of the 99ers who have had nothing for 1-1/2 years and to the unemployed who are now being told that their extensions now come with strings attached. Last December in order to get 12 additional months of extension for Unemployment up to the 99 week limit, the Republicans were granted the Bush Tax Extension, now they are adding strings to that bill, 7 months later in many states.

Send your emails, tweets, calls and faxes!!!!

I am starting now. I have been tweeting, help us out, retweet!
@mkcoy55.

Emails this morning, calls and tweets this afternoon.

Once again, thanks to all who keep working on our cause. We need everyone's help.

MaryKay wrote:I also think laine they don't want to address this in email form if they are against extending benefits. If there should be an email or emails floating arounds that they are for or against it, it's a permanent record that could be used against them. I get emails back from all of them at times that have nothing to do with what I sent them. We just wind up on a general email broadcast list.

Interesting comments, MaryKay..never thought about the "permanent record" issue. Recently sent my representative an email about the fact legislators didn't act on the EB for 15,000 in my state of AZ...his email back to me was "I would have voted in favor of keeping benefits and "good luck in the job search". Sounds like a canned response to me.

Been emailing and tweeting. Hoping you will all retweet and email as well.

There may be one less GOP Republican to fight against HR589- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/19/john-mcgee-arrested_n_880090.html . If he becomes a felon, can he still hold office?

Well now, that's just lovely isn't it. Sorry, but anyone elected to office needs to behave like they are an elected official. I am not a believer in giving breaks to the Dems or the Repubs when it comes to bad behavior, no matter how much good they have done. We pay these people's salaries and trust me, if any one of us behaved the way some of our elected officials have, we would be in jail with the keys tossed away. Rules are rules, laws are laws and that's just how I feel, I know it may not be popular, but it's really how I feel. At some point in time, history books that record this for future generations to study, is this what we want kids learning? Our country is falling apart economically and we are trusting people who steal trailers, get drunk, take photos of bulges in their bvd's, cheat on their wives, to get us out of this. What clue about fixing a world economy could they possibly have? They can't be trusted to managed their own impulses. I remember my niece and nephews discussing current events during the Clinton Administration, what 9 year old should be discussing the Presidential sexcapades. Not to mention, if these elected officials don't care enough about their own families feelings after doing these things, why would I trust them to do right by the rest of us. Again, that's just how I feel about it, not expecting anyone else to.

Now back on topic. The calls are going well. At least I am getting people instead of voice mails today.

Hope you are all having a successful day as well.

I am working the phones. Report back later. Hoping you are all having some success.

I'll be emailing and faxing.

MaryKay,
Just called my representative in Washington office. I wanted to know how the people are when you call. The one I got said "I'll pass it along" when I told him about 99'ers, etc. Guy sounded very apathetic. What happens when you call? And do you think the staff person really does pass what you say along to the representative?

laine, I have a script I use, I just jotted down a few notes. I ask for support for #HR589, state that I am a 99er for 1-1/2 years and I need Congressman's/Senator's support. Some ask if you would like a call back. I always ask if they know if the Sen/Cong. supports additional benefits for exhaustees. Then I hit them with the Cong/Sen stand on Job Creation. Is he/she working on anything, I would like a call back.

That's how I do it. I have to say for the most part, they have been positive calls. From time to time you get a rude or disinterested aide, but most are pretty sympathetic. Some will even engage you in conversation. I have had a few tell me that they have family members in the same boat. It all depends. I do believe some pass the calls along. Each call has to be logged and a reason for call given, so there is a record. Hope that helps. And again, thanks for your continued support of this cause. Everyone's participation really helps.

Yes I think I remember hearing that they do have to log in every call. I made a few calls and emailed and faxed today. I feel better if I do something...

I agree laine. On days that it just gets to all of us, nothing like pounding the key, dialing or tweeting and retweeting. At least it feels like we are doing something. If we won't fight for ourselves, why would we expect anyone else to. We can't be silent. We have to keep on hitting them. I intend to.

Me too, MaryKay

Well I must have been having a moment today. I forgot to post here.

Have already sent about 14 emails. Need to call and tweet a bit as well. If I hear anything, I will post.

Later this afternoon, I have to run up and check on my Dad. Things are at least looking a little better there, but he is 83 and I think this time it really threw him for a loop.

I will check in later, in the meantime, I will be calling and emailing.

Hope you will join me.

Hi MaryKay,

Today is going better. I just spoke to staffer in David Schweikert's office. She took all my info and I told her about HR 589. She was at least cordial. Also sent him an email as well. Back to emailing and faxing and calling..

Good evening everyone. Made the calls and emails. All went well this afternoon. Will tweet in a few minutes.

Just to update. My Dad is having a procedure on Monday to determine the type of cancer he has so they can treat with chemo. He is not a candidate for surgery. I went up to see him this afternoon, something told me just to pop in, glad I did, the good folks at Fox Chase called so at least I was there to get it set up. Of course with heart problems we had to go over to see the cardiologist before they would schedule anything, and we got the go ahead with a few conditions. So, if you will one more time, say a prayer on Monday. At 83, he's been through alot and prayers help and mean so much to him. Thanks.

Tomorrow, back to the Progressive Caucus and the Republicans.

T

laine, glad you had a good day. It always feels better when you get some helpful, cordial people on the phones. As silly as it sounds, it relieves the stress and feels like you are accomplishing something. Thanks for helping with this. It is appreciated by all.

Hi MaryKay,

I just got a call on my phone...unfortunately I didn't get a chance to speak to my representative who is David Schweikert. He said he is not on the committee for HR 589 but Barbara Lee is and he will find out what the status is for the bill. I am sorry I didn't have a chance to speak to him but I misplaced my cell phone and by the time I found it he already had left a message. I'm hoping he'll give me an update on the bill

Bump!

Great news. Thanks laine.

All Members, please see the Reuters thread. If you can, please call her, if not send her an email. This is a very good thing for us.

MaryKay wrote:Great news. Thanks laine.

I was surprised he called me back. It was a Washington phone number. If I don't hear from him, I'll call back as I'd like to know the status of the bill. I will continue with the phone calls, emails, etc. tomorrow. I really do feel better if I'm proactive. Have a good evening!

I just went to this website www.popvox.com to share my story. You can sign up and then search for HR 589. You then write why you support the bill. It shows who your representative is and a pie chart on who is for the bill and who is opposing it. Your story will be delivered to your representative. I urge everyone to do this if we want to show our support for HR 589. We must do everything we can to show our support.

Good Morning. This morning I am focused on the Republicans in congress and then back to the Progressive Caucus, the President and the Vice President. Hope you will join me.

Just a reminder, please see the Progressive Caucus thread and send them your story. Please see the Reuter's thread and contact the reporter who wants to hear our stories. Please take advantage of anything that will keep our voices heard and our stories out there.