~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
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hank K New Jersey
Renee Sullivan-Jacksonville, Florida
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Denise B - Massachusetts
Laura G-Kentucky
Susan R West Chester, PA
Winnie E -New York
Corinne D-Wisconsin
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Chris S. Knoxville,TN
Mike S. Atlanta,.GA
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Joe G Sussex,WI
Mary O Brookfied,WI
Lorraine R Milwaukee,WI
Vicki M. Milwaukee,WI
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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
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Adam S. - Mantua, NJ
Ed L. - Sewell, NJ
Marcella M- Latrobe, PA
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Charles R - Pensacola, FL
Helen F - Pensacola, FL
Kathy Y - Ft Lauderdale, FL
Tina A - McDonough, GA
Fred F - McDonough, GA
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Mark S. Lawrenceville,GA
Lee Justice Norcross ,GA
Jean Dugas Duluth, GA
Naomi B Palm Bay FL
Bryan B Palm Bay FL
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Michael S Melbourne FL
Debbie G Melbourne FL
Sabra T Melbourne FL
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J. Stuckey Collinsville IL
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Wayne S Michigan
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T. Sancrante PA
John Conley, Charlotte NC
Linda C, Chicago, ILL.
James Baker California
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Michele W-Canton, OH
M Coutu in Tennessee
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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

MaryKay wrote:I will be back later. Getting ready for the Reuters people. I will check in later and start emailing and tweeting. Everyone have a great day and if you wish to sign, please do.

I am not giving up, hope you are not either

Not a chance! I already know that you'll do us proud.

Okay, I am ready. I have to admit I am nervous. Everyone have a great day and stay cool. It's beyond hot and humid here today.

Will let you all know. Wish me luck.

I am back. I think it went well unless it backfires. I talked about the unemployed, 99ers and our forum. Showed them a few things, of course, it was erupting with all news about the Social Security cuts etc and I took them here to the letter. They were very nice and it appears they will be going through with the story. They will let me know. They left so she could report.

I told them how we all came together, Al, our daily routines of joblessness, our new fulltime/parttime jobs are now looking for full time work, about the town hall yesterday, took them through most of last year and the agony for most of waiting until December to get benefits extended, nothing for the 99ers. I think I hit it all. They asked about me specifically as well and I found it easier to open up than I thought. I told them about the letter being published and being hesitant to meet with them due to the haters, but thought it was important to put our story out there for people to see. Alex is on the economics team at Reuters so she was well informed of the mess we are in. She knew alot more than I thought she would. All in all, it was good, I hope I did us proud and it doesn't backfire against us, but I tried and I am not sorry I did.

couth, I will check the last paragraph now. Thanks.

Thanks couth, shows you where my mind was today. I missed it altogether. It's fixed.

To all our new members and our guests. Please, if you would like to help, sign our letter. Just post your name,city and state and I will gladly add it to our correspondence being sent today. We would appreciate all the help we can get and welcome you to join in and share your ideas to get the help we need so desperately.

Thanks.

Let the emails and tweets begin. I will check back in shortly.

MaryKay wrote: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 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 summer 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.

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

The list of names is getting quite long!

I wish we could capture all 99ers and really see just how many we have, maybe they will listen then.

Sent out emails to CBC and working on Progressive Caucus. If it cools down a bit, I intend to tweet tonight.

How is everyone tonight. Hoping you are all well and cool. Brutal here in NJ.

Tomorrow, Senate, Congress and then the CBC and Progressive Caucus again.

Have a good night everyone. Tomorrow is another day to hit the emails and tweets. See you all then. Sleep well.

Good Mornining Friends,

Back to work today. Emails, calls and tweets. I am tweeting using tweetdeck and will be sending the letter that way as well.

Would still love to have all new members sign and all guests as well.
Just post your name and city and state and I will include you.

Have a great one. Looking like a soaker here on the east coast, rain and heavy storms forecasted for the day, so stay dry and cool.

As always, if I receive any feedback or responses, I will advise.

Our elected officials will be working all weekend. Although I don't feel we will be included in debt ceiling talks, we still need to be heard and included in the future. Hope you will join me tweeting and emailing!!!!

Well friends. 9.2% Unemployment Rate. 18,000 jobs added. We all realize it's that bad, but we live it. This is a good day to tweet and email. We definitely have their attention now. Need everyone's help!!!!

Tax Cuts, Debt Ceiling, Cuts to Social Programs!!!! I don't think so. Want to fix your problems with the debt, hire the 99ers. Every unemployed person and 99er = Tax Revenue. Stop ignoring us and listen. Maybe this will get their attention!!!! Lazy my foot. We don't have jobs because week after week there are not enough jobs for us.

Mary Kay-
am I imagining it or was there something on here about a law already on the books that mandates a public works project be created for the jobless if the unemployment rateI is above a certain #. ?

I am trying to find out that info couth. I came up to my sisters because we are having storm after storm and I thought it was my computer at home. Her's isn't much better. When I find the info, I will let you know. I know there is a law, don't know the details, how it's funded (which is the key)and what the triggers are. I will keep looking.

Meantime, let's make some noise friends and members. Tweet, email and fax, our extreme displeasure and desperation needs to be known!!!!

couth, I didn't forget. I just finally got home. Horrible storms and the major roads to the shore here in NJ are flooded and closed, and of course, I need to use them to get back home. Not one of my better moves going there today. 3 hours in the car. Needless to say, first stop was the bathroom.

I will start looking this up and get back to all.

Meantime, tomorrow, I intend to tweet and email to all our good friends working diligently in Wash. DC this weekend.

MaryKay wrote:couth, I didn't forget. I just finally got home. Horrible storms and the major roads to the shore here in NJ are flooded and closed, and of course, I need to use them to get back home. Not one of my better moves going there today. 3 hours in the car. Needless to say, first stop was the bathroom.

I will start looking this up and get back to all.

Meantime, tomorrow, I intend to tweet and email to all our good friends working diligently in Wash. DC this weekend.

That's ok, I'm about ready to quit for the night. Some fool called Emperor Norton accused me of being a spam bot and reported me ( I was tweeting RTing petitions (Pam Sexton's & the one for HR589) & letters I could only reply that I am indeed not a bot. I am efficient, though, and I finished off by asking Obama to hire us (the 99ers & job seekers).
GOP is looking at redistricting, I think....

Good Morning All Friends. Rain finally stopped. 4" yesterday. It was crazy. Still Hot and Humid. Good day to tweet and email for me. Hope you all have a good day too. Stay cool and hydrated.

Well after some reading, this seems to be the most concise version I could find. Unfortunately, from the way it reads, from inception of the program to it's congressional conclusion, I don't know that this would ever get off the ground. Seems even back then, Republicans were not for any "help" either.

Here is the link and the explaination of the program.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Works_Progress_Administration

couth, I couldn't find where it was rate of unemployment based. It was created to get people back to work, however, it does mention it did not come near it's goals and was fought heavily by the right (some things never change).

MaryKay wrote:Well after some reading, this seems to be the most concise version I could find. Unfortunately, from the way it reads, from inception of the program to it's congressional conclusion, I don't know that this would ever get off the ground. Seems even back then, Republicans were not for any "help" either.

Here is the link and the explaination of the program.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Works_Progress_Administration

It sounds like a great idea; if it can't get off the ground, then our next hope seems to be wartime work, and our poor world can't afford any more damage.
But you know, I would think that with all the infrastructural repairs that need to be made, and all the weak/compromised areas of this country that need to be addressed in order to maintain a strong, healthy country- hiring us would be cost-effective.

I don't disagree at all, I am and have always been a big infrastructure lover. Problem is, those with the power to do this could introduce it and there it will sit, right along with HR589 and we know it. Last November really hurt this country and pretty soon we will see just how much. Over the last two decades we have spent no money on suring up our nations power grids (remember NY and Ohio), no railways, no bridges, roadways, interstate enhancing, nothing. Not to mention the factories that could produce the materials needed for this type of expansion and update. Instead we wait until people die in bridge collapses to have the "conversation" and then we do the one thing that is so beneficial to infrastructure, we reduce taxes to the wealthiest among us, create no jobs and let the road, rails and bridges sit, decaying in some areas, crumbling in others and fight to keep gays from openly serving in the military. Does this make sense to anyone? It doesn't to me.

I would gladly take a job, temporary or not, to enhance this countrys infrastructure and ensure safe rails, road and bridges. I think it would be interesting and I would love to be part of something that helps our country. Now all we need is the opportunity.

I'm pretty much open to anything. I don't know how useful I would be at actually building a bridge, but there must be supportive roles I could do. And there are so many other things in this country that need to be fixed or created. They've got a staff ready and waiting...

Happy Sunday morning all Friends, have a cup of tea and going to email and do a little tweeting and send a few letters via tweet deck.

Maybe we will get some information on the Debt Ceiling today. I am not hopeful this will bring help to us, but if it's out of the way, the governing can begin and this is when we need to get loud.

If anyone can help tomorrow, I want to email the CBC, Progressive Caucus and the Republicans in the House. In the afternoon, I want to hit the Senate, they can help. Many bills start there and then go to the House and then back again. It's worth a try. These job numbers will hurt all of them, not just the President.

Just if you can, send a few tweets, emails or make a few calls, we need help and we have to fight to get it apparently.

Thanks again.

It goes without saying that if anyone who hasn't signed would like to, please post your name and city and state and you will be added to all the correspondence going out. New Members, we would love to have your support.

Our letter can be sent via tweet deck @BarackObama, @whitehouse,@VP.