'Bring back the Hope' - An Open Letter to President Obama

by Guest Thu May 05, 2011 12:12 pm

At the end of the day, there are no bigger threats to our nation than the unemployment and joblessness rates affecting our nation’s workforce. Especially in a political climate in which elected officials from both sides of the aisle seek to cut benefits for poor people. Because, unlike terrorism, which seeks to undermine society through shock and awe, hopelessness prevents the disaffected from believing that they have what it takes to become active participants in society.

And I am not sure if you know this or not, lots of people, including the young people from your old stomping grounds, the South Side of Chicago, are teetering closer to the abyss of hopelessness and despair. (Did you know that since the wars in the Middle East started, more Americans have died on our streets than have died fighting for freedom? Sorta scary, huh?)

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http://99problems.org/2011/05/on-open-letter-to-president-obama-you-brought-down-the-boogie-man-now-bring-back-the-hope/

by mrmarti Thu May 05, 2011 3:12 pm

I signed and posted this comment

Millions of us who want to work are faced with losing our unemployment insurance or have already exhausted our benefits because we have not been able to find a job. Congress needs to understand that America's Labor Force needs its help. The Democratic Congress understands this very well, it's the Republicans that don't want to understand, that don't care.

Since the new Congress commenced I have been waiting daily to see some sort of legislation proposed to help create Jobs. Oh yes, there is a lot of hot air about repealing this job-killing bill or that job-killing bill but no actual concrete effort is being made. I think Congress must think the American people are stupid. They keep using the "hot words" like job-killing or the one I like best is "uncertainty". Stop using political talk, roll your sleeves up and all work together. I am a living, human being who has been living with "uncertainty" for three years. And I am tired of it. I am tired of corporations, banks, politicians getting richer while I am hanging on by a thread. I would like to be able to snag a $10.00 an hour job - perhaps you could advise me where to look. Politicians need to stop campaigning for the next election and start dealing with the emergency situation of the unemployed.

It seems that Congress has forgotten that they work for US. We, the American people, voted them, and you, into office to help and protect the lives of Americans. But it seems that they have forgotten this. We are diligently trying to find jobs. And we are tired of struggling to pay our bills, we are tired of the pussy-footing going on in Congress. We are tired of job rejections. There are people losing their homes, living in cars or 'tent' cities. There are parents who are not eating properly, just so their kids can eat. There are more and more suicides. And all through no fault of their own. There are God-fearing people who I fear will resort to crime, just in order to survive. And now the Republicans want to take away safety nets like the food stamp program or energy assistance to name a few. Some Congressmen keep stating that they are worried about our children's children having to pay off the national debt. Well they need to start worrying about the children of the families that are affected by unemployment TODAY - give them a chance to have a tomorrow. A deficit is not a living, breathing thing - but Americans who vote in elections are. If Congress can afford wars, tax breaks and bailouts - then Congress can afford to maintain programs for the unemployed. This is a national emergency, a national disaster, as well as a national humiliation. And what is sad is that not only is America witnessing this immoral behavior, but the whole world have their eyes on us. I am so ashamed of what is happening in Washington. But there is small ray of light up on the horizon - it's called election day. And tho it's two years away, this is the day that unemployed Americans, their friends, families and neighbors will be voting and their voice will resound across this nation. "We will not vote for anyone who did not vote to help the unemployed."

But still I beg - until jobs kick in and every American is able to find employment - we need additional weeks in order to survive. Give us back our dignity. I urge you. as a representative in Congress, to fight for the unemployed, for the 99ers who have exhausted all benefits and to fight to add additional weeks of unemployment benefits. Please bring H.R.589 to the floor. Please don't let this crisis become a time of shame that our children's children will look at and say "How could they ignore desperate people."

by Guest Thu May 05, 2011 3:46 pm

I just saw your comment there! Excellent letter/comment! I hope that organization uses it as an article and publishes it!

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