~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
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cheri
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Jennifer Culp Schenectady,NY
Paul Larrabee Schenectady NY.
MarianG - California

Thanks Exhausted. I agree we must keep it going, and YES, it's exhausting and makes you dizzy and blind. But many thanks.

Well it's going to be hot, hot, hot, so let's stay cool and email, call and tweet. Hope you will join me.

and re- Please and thank you!!

I have been tweeting. Please help me out. I will be calling this afternoon.

I am going back to the emails. Please all, please, let's get busy. As always, thanks for the help.

bump

Thanks couth. Need a small a/c break. Everyone okay. Everyone cool and hydrated? Please be careful.

So what kind of feed back or "vibe" are you getting at this point? I have been emailing as many congressmen as I can think of and trying to get others to do the same.

I have received good vibes on the phone calls. No one is "unaware". Most expect that the debt ceiling must be addressed before anything gets done. However, they are nervous about it and are not encouraged by the unemployment numbers. I have had many retweets from Keith Ellison, Barb Lee's office, Crew of 42 and CBC.

When I actually get something concrete, believe me, I will post.

And, just a reminder, Progressive Radio tomorrow. Jeff Santos asked for stories, I sent him the letter, he sent me an email and will be using on his show tomorrow. Now we need more like him.

Stay cool and hydrated. Thanks Truth for you ongoing help.

TruthBTold wrote:So what kind of feed back or "vibe" are you getting at this point? I have been emailing as many congressmen as I can think of and trying to get others to do the same.

I've tried to create a tweet list for HR 589, but am not sure how to post to the list. I checked the Tweet help, and didn't see it addressed.

Maybe you could post it here and people can use it.

Thanks couth for all you do.

I will be tweeting today. I am not sure about emails and calls, until they make "the deal" I don't know that we will be addressed.

It's going to be one of the hottest days so far this summer, I am urging all members to stay cool and hydrated. It's just brutal. We need all our members to keep our fight going and we want everyone here and well. So take it easy and keep cool. Monday we will begin again and we need a big, big, loud push.

If you are up to it, join me on twitter.

MaryKay wrote:Maybe you could post it here and people can use it.

Thanks couth for all you do.

I will be tweeting today. I am not sure about emails and calls, until they make "the deal" I don't know that we will be addressed.

It's going to be one of the hottest days so far this summer, I am urging all members to stay cool and hydrated. It's just brutal. We need all our members to keep our fight going and we want everyone here and well. So take it easy and keep cool. Monday we will begin again and we need a big, big, loud push.

I put the list as public: couth11/hr-589 I am so new to twitter, it isn't funny. I was hoping I could add reps, media, etc. to my hr-589 list, have them in 1 spot, and then just send 1 tweet, which would get to everyone in the list, making it faster and more efficient to rattle their cages simultaneously.

I am new to twitter as well. I am not the one to ask, it sounds like a great idea, I will see if I can find out how to do this. I know Desp is really good at this, but has her hands full right now. I will ask her for some instructions.

Again, thanks couth

MaryKay wrote:I am new to twitter as well. I am not the one to ask, it sounds like a great idea, I will see if I can find out how to do this. I know Desp is really good at this, but has her hands full right now. I will ask her for some instructions.

Again, thanks couth

The knowledge, skills, talent and empathy on this site is amazing. Our reps should visit just to learn about collaboration.

I sent a tweet and email with our letter to Paul Krugman, since he is one economist that sees unemployment as a real mountain when it comes to deficit reduction and debt ceiling and the general state of the economy. He has been a huge supporter of extended benefits and help for the 99ers, I am hoping with his many connections, he will shed some light on this for us.

And now, I am wearing my Mom hat. Please all members, stay cool, hydrated and healthy. It's another blistering day and from the looks of it our cool down will be minimal and two days at the most. They are calling for a bad ozone, unhealthy breathing day as well. Check on your family, keep the kids and pets cool and inside and stay well yourselves. If you have elderly or high risk neighbors, give them a check. This is something we can all still afford to do.

We all need to be here to continue our fight, safe and healthy.

For Al and his family, on his first anniversary. We have not forgotten. Always in our hearts.

MaryKay wrote:I sent a tweet and email with our letter to Paul Krugman, since he is one economist that sees unemployment as a real mountain when it comes to deficit reduction and debt ceiling and the general state of the economy. He has been a huge supporter of extended benefits and help for the 99ers, I am hoping with his many connections, he will shed some light on this for us.

Brilliant! Now if the lawmakers will listen to an economist instead of their naval lint, we might have a fighting chance at survival.

MaryKay wrote: For Al and his family, on his first anniversary. We have not forgotten. Always in our hearts.

And we haven't given up. Strength, courage, and comfort to all of us.

Amen.

I tweeted and emailed Paul Krugman. Would appreciate some retweets.

Also, if you wish to share your unemployment story with him:

@NYTimesKrugman.

thanks for the retweets guys. It's so stinking hot. need an a/c break. Stay cool all.