http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ United Professionals Forum: Recent Posts en Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:38:18 +0000 http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=76#post-221 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:50:27 +0000 Diane.Alexander 221@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Looks like I can post here again -- I was shut out for days. Don't know why this keeps happening.</p> <p>jsamans, we've already talked via email, sorry I couldn't entice you to help organize a DC meeting. Is there anyone who'd like to work on this? I can provide help with this. </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=76#post-220 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:46:11 +0000 Diane.Alexander 220@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Testing ... </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=76#post-218 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:08:14 +0000 barbaraehrenreich 218@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Wait a minute, jsamans, your dues do not go to pay any directors, myself included. Except for the people who run this site and put out the e-newsletter, UP is an all-volunteer effort, and that's what's been holding us back. We have been desperately trying to raise money so we can hire some staff, and some of us have even made generous contributions of our own money. </p> <p>Even so, we've done a lot by way of advocacy -- on extended unemployment benefits and health insurance for example. We could do so much more if members like you would join us in helping making UP a vital presence! </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=90#post-216 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:06:47 +0000 billholland 216@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Vic:</p> <p>I was particularly excited to read your posting because it speaks to a gap in current thinking about American work-life and what should we do both collectively and individually. As it turns out, that is the subject of my next book, The Narrowing Path to the American Middle Class: Things You and Your Children Must Know. (Only God knows when it will be completed and published).</p> <p>The reality is the rules have changed. Going to college, getting a job and joining/remaining in the middle class does not work the way it used to. For on-going confirmations see/read Bait and Switch (Ehrenreich), Supercapitalism (Robert Reich) and others. </p> <p>So what are the new rules? In many respects Vic, they are as you have suggested. Rather than rely on others, begin to map your own individual strategies for survival and prosperity. Here, though is the problem: Even if you play by the new rules, your chances of economic ruin are considerably higher now than they were just 30 years ago. For a good understanding read High Wire (Peter Gosselin). There has been a substantial erosion of various safety nets that Americans once enjoyed including an enhanced ability of insurance companies to avoid paying claims. Gosselin cites one particularly egregious case in which it was noted that the patent “died as a direct result of the companies’ improper refusal to pay for the alcoholism treatment that he needed, that (the)<br /> health plan promised, and that state law required be provided. But the insurer and the other defendants got the case removed to federal court, arguing that ERISA preempted state law and did not provide for damages…no matter what the factual circumstances, because the Supreme Court had held in effect that all beneficiaries are entitled to are benefits denied them and since the patient was now dead, he was no longer available to receive benefits…” </p> <p>I sometimes try and listen to the “rugged individualists” and others pose the question of safety nets as a dichotomy between socialism and the “good ole American way.” Such nonsense hardly deserves comment except to say that some of what is problematic about the news rules of the game are appropriately the subject of public policy even for the most extreme of the laissez faire capitalist. But even the most informed public policy does not obviate the requirement that we captain our own ship—manage our own destiny and do what we can to survive and prosper.</p> <p>R. William (Bill) Holland<br /> Board Chair, United Professionals<br /> Author, Are There Any Good Jobs Left? Career Management in the Age of the Disposable Worker </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=87#post-214 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:39:59 +0000 vicnapier 214@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>"Since your Master's degree has evidently not helped you get a job, why are you pursuing a PhD?"</p> <p>Probably for the same reasons I am:</p> <p>Student loans pay at least a few of the bills.</p> <p>Everyone believes the myth that education results in a job, and going to school seems to satisfy the expectations of doing something to "better oneself".</p> <p>Who knows? More initials after my name might actually help find a job.</p> <p>A PhD opens the door to a lucrative consultancy, but does not guarantee it.</p> <p>Degree inflation is a reality. In my state a PhD is required to teach in a community college and two Masters are needed for public school teaching. (Paying 40k and 30k respectively.) </p> <p>Going to school is more satisfying and personally rewarding than the alternative -- homelessness.</p> <p>Vic Napier </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=90#post-213 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:29:19 +0000 vicnapier 213@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>I have read a number of posts here and they all seem to have a similar theme -- downsizing and job shortages are not fair; someone needs to do something; I am educated and experienced and therefore deserve a job; capitalism is evil, etc, etc.</p> <p>All of that is true. I would not argue or dispute anything I have seen people write here. However, here is a newsflash -- the world has changed; the economy is not the same economy that existed when we graduated from high school or college. The rules have changed. What we think of as normal, right, or correct no longer is.</p> <p>We can do one of two things: </p> <p>We can sit here and complain about how wrong these changes are, and talk about socialism, or the evil of businesspeople, or re-inventing labor unions or discuss any number of things that are no longer relevant. But that is like complaining that rain is too wet or rocks are too hard. We live in the world we find ourselves in, not the one we wish existed.</p> <p>The other thing we can do is learn about the economy and labor market we now find ourselves in, muster the courage to replace old ideas and values with new ones, and find a place for ourselves in this unfamiliar environment. That is a choice open to each of us.</p> <p>This country is awash in money, in spite of high gas prices and outsourcing. The proof is in the fact that the lowest people on the economic ladder -- drug addicts, thieves and criminals -- can get by simply by picking up stuff that isn't nailed down or locked up. That is how much wealth is simply laying around. Property can be sold for ten cents on the dollar and drug habits costing hundreds of dollars a day can be financed simply by petty theft. I am constantly amazed by this.</p> <p>If there is that sort of wealth just laying around it seems to me that any of us should be able to figure out what our neighbors need, turn our talents to giving it to them, and consequently make a legal and honorable living.</p> <p>I am quickly coming to the conclusion that the normal state of affairs in an economy like ours is for people to spend their 20's and 30's working at a traditional job learning skills and getting an education, and then becoming self employed in their 40's and 50's. That just may be the 21st century version of working for an organization until retirement -- the sort of thing the economy of our youth could provide.</p> <p>Things have changed, and we must change also. If we don't we will be left behind.</p> <p>Vic Napier </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=87#post-212 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:20:30 +0000 jsamans 212@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Since your Master's degree has evidently not helped you get a job, why are you pursuing a PhD? </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=89#post-211 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:16:30 +0000 jsamans 211@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Okay, so if we do that, we'll have read a book and grasp what some organization with drive, motivation, leadership, and initiative MIGHT do about it. And we can all smile and nod, and wonder when such an organization will come to be -- because it's pretty clear that it's not going to be UP. </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=76#post-210 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:15:00 +0000 jsamans 210@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Two years now since I joined UP, and this organization does less than my local NetSquared meetup (or my local Scrabble meetup, for that matter). All that I read is how it's very hard, there's no time, there's no money, etc. </p> <p>In the interim, I saw tens of thousands of normally apathetic people mobilized in support of the most involved presidential primary season that I can remember. I saw hundreds of thousands of people contribute $1-$5 to promote their candidates of choice. What has UP done? We can't even manage a "happy hour" in D.C.</p> <p>I paid dues to fund a salary and benefits package for a director who now says that she can't even log into the forums--for TWO YEARS, and she never saw fit to resolve that problem. OOPS.</p> <p>This is just too much. Let's stop pretending that UP is a bold new idea. It's a sham of an organization that does absolutely nothing but try to justify its own existence. There are dozens of groups far more deserving of our time, money, and effort. </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=81#post-209 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:32:47 +0000 P 209@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Hi Barbara,</p> <p>I was terminated (I really hate that word - it's like you were executed or something) from my job last October. The reason was that my position was eliminated (ha ha ha - it was not, a 25 year old was hired as an administrative assistant, so our board decided they could shove my work off on him, plus make him do all the phone answering, customer service, etc. My title was marketing administrative manager, but I only spent about 30% of my time doing any marketing work, the rest was phones, customer service, etc., because there were only 3 of us in a small non-profit historic theatre, and we all had to do everything to keep up, but no one minded because we loved our theatre. However, our board of directors were sure that everything would be so much better if they fired the director age 57, and replaced her with a 29 year old, and fired me age 55, and replaced me with a 25 year old who would do 2 jobs and not complain. If this sounds like age descrimination, what doesn't, but the lawyers I consulted said that there was no point in pursuing it.<br /> So now I have only had one interview in over 6 monthes, and only one job offer for a part time thing that I can't afford to take because of the long commute and no benefits so I just keep looking. Add to this health issues ( un-health is more like it, really bad sleep, bad fatigue, etc., and no health insurance). But my house at least is paid for and I still have some savings to live on - boy does it go fast when you have no other income.<br /> I live in Northeast Ohio and we have been devastated here with lay offs, plant closings, more off-shoring, and no new companies to speak of.<br /> But there are ads posted for jobs that sound really great, that I know I would be perfect for, but that I do not even get a response to my wonderful application. I write really good letters and have a terrific resume. I have been told to take off any experience older that 15 years ago (now why would a company hold that wonderful experience against me - and view it as a negative - unless perhaps they do not want an older person, hmmmmm? They would not be holding my age against me, would they??????????? I have had several phone interviews (could it be because I have taken all dates off my resume?) and the interviewer has asked me questions like what year did I graduate from college (like that would be really important to my new job) and other questions trying to figure out my age without asking.<br /> How am I coping? Really badly, but I am working on my house and yard, and I have planted an awesome vegetable garden out of which I am already eating a huge salad every day. And I have a dear sister who helps me out a lot with house &#38; car repairs, etc. But I desparately want a good job with real benefits and a real paycheck that I can get ahead on, and get my life back. Is that too much to hope for? </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=89#post-208 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:06:57 +0000 billholland 208@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>If you are wondering what government can/should do about this situation read Peter Gossein's new book, High Wire. It is an outstanding discussion of the erosion of our collective safety net and how everyone from insurance companies to higher education feeds their need for better economic returns at our expense. See his chapter (8) on education in particular.</p> <p>Bill Holland<br /> Board Chair, United Professionals </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=49#post-207 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:59:05 +0000 billholland 207@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Hi!</p> <p>I am Bill Holland, Board Chair for United Professionals. I wanted to take a moment and let you know we hear you. That being said, jsamans is essentially correct. We are coming off a 30-40 year period begining with Reagan's presidency in which government solutions to these problems have not been looked upon favorably.</p> <p>I talked about this in my book, Are There Any Good Jos Left? Career Management in the Age of the Disposable Worker. The book is far too expensive, but I would recommend getting a copy froom your local library to get a better understanding of what is happening to jobs in America (and the world) and why. The issues are systemic to a globally capitalistic system. Rather than standing aside to let the system work, our government owes us reasonable levels of intervention in helping those who loose their jobs get back on their economic feet. If job loss is an inherent part of workforce redeployment for the betterment of society, then it is reasonable to expect assistance from the government for the betterment of individuals and their families. </p> <p>Stay tuned to our next news letter in which another Board member, Tom Lewandowski discusses "transition rights." </p> <p>Meanwhile, there do not appear to be any solutions on the near horizon which will help you individually. In light of that, please begin to develop individual strategies about personal survival--the subject of my next book--The Narrowing Road to Middle Class Life: What You and Your Children Must Know. Stay tuned and best of luck.</p> <p>Bill Holland </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=49#post-206 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:00:23 +0000 ThreeRivers 206@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>If only that were really true in the workplace! Sounds like the law has a lot of catching up to do. Anybody know a good legislator? </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=89#post-205 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:54:04 +0000 ThreeRivers 205@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>If you're an over-40 techie, you'll know what I mean. You get laid off, outsourced or just plain discriminated against, and the end result is you're out of a job. You have about $50,000 saved up in retirement at work - just getting started. You look for work, but see above for the over-40 worker. The government funds retraining - but the catch is that retraining (at a fairly low level) takes about 1.5 to 2 years, and you must pay your own living expenses. See above for "retirement" savings. Gone.</p> <p>Complete and repeat. </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=88#post-204 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:54:03 +0000 Elyssa Durant 204@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>I just returned from my monthly visit to the doctor, and subsequently a visit<br /> to the pharmacy. Nothing unusual with my medications-they have been stabilized<br /> for several months. Yet this time the pharmacy could not provide my customary refills. My Medicaid will not pay for them. Not this time. </p> <p>Together the whole lot of them (4) costs just less than $900. Nine hundred dollars that I don’t have, and nine hundred dollars that I have no way of getting. I have no other benefits, no Social Security checks to count on; no disability payments to pull together; no Medicare to meet me when the bottom falls out, again.<br /> This surely is not the first time my Medicaid has not come through as a reliable source of payment. It is not even the second or third time. It more like the eight or ninth, maybe more often than that. I only recently qualified for Medicaid some eight months ago! Since then, I have already acquired several thousand dollars in unpaid medical expenses that have made their way to collection agencies. </p> <p>I constantly ask myself why does this happen to me? Am I part of some diabolical scheme to do away with public health efforts? Silence the noisemaker! Or is it just a coincidence that I spent 3 years in a doctoral program studying health law and policy specific to mental health and Medicaid. Don’t they know how much more it hurts me to know exactly which systemic cracks I am falling through? Why have I encountered so many random barriers to health care in addition to those obstacles strategically placed in the system? We all know them: the endless forms, the incompetent employees, the negligence that already works to deter consumers such as myself from using the public health programs to which we are entitled. Yes, entitled. Medicaid is in fact an entitlement program no matter what they would have us believe.</p> <p>Don’t they know who I am? Who I could be? Who I might be if only my mental health and medications would remain stable? If only my health could be stabilized, I could live the rest of my life in rhythm without having my peace of mind tampered with by bureaucratic negligence and oversight. Without having my benefits tampered with by bureaucratic negligence and oversight! I could be a real noisemaker, if only...<br /> Unfortunately, no one in the Medicaid office knows who I am. I remain a faceless, quantifiable case number who means nothing to them. And I am not alone. But I need your help. Together we can fight to change Medicaid prescription limits and managed care formularies. I am not alone. Let your voice be heard. </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=87#post-203 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:22:39 +0000 Elyssa Durant 203@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>[This document was created in response to an online forum concerning the TennCare Budget Crisis -- by Elyssa Durant, Welfare Recipient, Nashville, Tennesseee]</p> <p>Yup! That’s right, I’m on welfare…. I’m milking the system for all its worth! I had better go get in line before those Louisiana people and immigrants suck up all our resources (which have never once been available when I have needed them) That’s right, just another Ivy League grad too smart to go to work! I am just waiting on my next free meal ticket, subsidy, or voucher. The opportunities to exploit the government are endless! Where do I begin???</p> <p>I remember how difficult it was for me to obtain benefits when I first applied for benefits several years ago. I am deeply concerned about how the most recent decision to eradicate yet another class of TennCare recipients will affect the poor and disabled residents in Tennessee. Without my current level of benefits, I simply do not function. </p> <p>Before my benefits were stabilized, learning to navigate the system consumed every waking moment of my life. I was unable to work or attend school on any substantial level and I am deathly afraid of straying from my established, stabilized, treatment plan-- again. If I lose my benefits, will I still be able to work? To function? To be productive? </p> <p>Any new public program requires careful planning if it is to be effective. Recent discussions have not focused on the true impact these changes will have on the "street-level." </p> <p>Has anyone asked recipients how they feel the new program (safety- net) should be designed, implemented, or evaluated? How will this impact the community and other social service or welfare agencies??? I want access, quality, and outcomes. I want… I want… I want!!! </p> <p>The massive number of people being dis-enrolled or limited in their access to medical care and other social services will no doubt create significant anxiety, confusion, and chaos for everyone involved in the social service and health care industries. </p> <p>I remember when Mr. Brian Lapps was somewhere very high up on the corporate TennCare ladder in 1999 when they adjusted the prescription formulary over Memorial Day in 1999. I see Mr. Lapps quite frequently since he now works at the local gas station down the street from where I live. </p> <p>To this day, he insists that cell phones and TennCare are somehow contraindicated. Perhaps he knows nothing of the population he claims to know just all-too-well…. housing conditions that may or may not have electricity, broken families—some riddled with community violence and domestic disturbances. In the hood, your cell phone is your very best friend. 9-1-1.</p> <p>These people plagued by domestic violence and community instability makes a cell phone the only logical option. How can you find a job with out a phone? How can you find a home with out a job? Yet even 6 years later, Mr. Lapps uses cellular phones as an example how the TennCare program is being abused by lazy, cheap, and unscrupulous second hand citizens who are just shiftless lazy bums waiting around for their next free hand-out. </p> <p>Anyone who has EVER applied for or relied upon any kind of government subsidy to have their basic needs met, e.g., food, shelter, medical care, dental treatment, etc… let me personally assure you that there has never been a single time where I felt I was “pulling one over” on the government. I am not just one of the poor saps who believed what they told me they in school, I bought it hook, line, and sinker for the mere price of $279,982.00 and not a shred of financial security to show for it. </p> <p>Even after consolidating my student loans, the interest alone is $10 less than my monthly income from social security. </p> <p>So what happens now that the state of Tennessee will begin to cut off social security recipients from TennCare? I honestly do not think I can survive yet another re-certification process-- God knows the first one almost killed me. After three years of appeals, my condition had deteriorated so severely that I was forced to drop out of school, lost my home, lost my sanity, and lost hope. In short-- I lost my dignity and my belief in the social welfare system.</p> <p>By the time my benefits were approved, I had already checked myself in to NYU Psych Ward because simply could not cope with the reality of what my life I had become. I weighed 94 pounds and suffered in excruciating pain that has only gotten worse with time. My extremities were ice cold, and my hands were numb since I went without medical treatment for the spinal injury that was first discovered when I was 22.</p> <p>I am now 35 years old. My spinal cord is now damaged from years of delayed, sub-standard medical treatment. I owe the federal government $279,982.00 in student loans and when I am able to work, I make $10.46/hour as a substitute teacher in an urban school district. That job comes with no security and no benefits. It does however offer the flexibility I need to receive the bi-monthly epidural injections and other procedures necessary to manage my pain and alleviate the numbness I feel because of the damage to my nerves. And even though I cannot afford the gas money to get my appointments, pay for all of my medication, or even to get back and forth to work, it does allow me a few weeks of mobility so I can drive, use my mouse or hold a pen. </p> <p>I have an advanced master’s degree from an Ivy League Institution. I am 12 credits shy of a Ph.D. in public policy. And despite maintaining a 3.2 grade point average, the Graduate School I attended for my PhD will not grant me any leniency by extending the amount or time permitted to complete my degree-- or allow me to transfer those credits towards another program at the same institution since it has been just over ten years since I first enrolled. Vanderbilt will not even allow me to use any of the credits I paid for (in spades) towards another degree at the same university since they no longer have the program I was initially enrolled in. I think it goes without saying that I do not have the financial resources available to finish my last semester, take the GRE's over again, or pay the associated application fees necessary to make the time spent there worth while. </p> <p>Throughout the three year process of filing appeal after appeal after appeal, I acquired well over 1/4 million dollars in debt due to uninsured medical expenses and student loans. My life will never be the same. My heart will never be the same. </p> <p>So after all this-- now I face losing my healthcare once again? Where is the safety net? Where is the American Dream that I so diligently chased after for so many years? What was the point spending so much on an education that will never be utilized? I understand the how; I just don't understand why. </p> <p>Maybe one of these days Vanderbilt University and the Department of Education will realize it might just be cheaper to hire me that harass me, because unless I find a real paying job soon, their collections department will no longer be able to reach me on that extravagant lifeline my friend, Brian Lapps, refers to as a luxury. </p> <p>If anyone on your staff would like to “trade places” with me for one month—I will gladly assume his/her responsibilities for that position if you can find a writer who is willing to endure and write about the reality of social services in our fine State. I do not want a paycheck from your organization; I just want the opportunity to put the myth of freeloading welfare mother s to rest. Live in my shoes for 30 days. Can you find the out? Can you balance my budget and make it work? Can you get the bill collectors of my back? Can you afford internet service to file state job applications and apply for services online? Can you maintain pride and dignity without feeling the least bit sorry for yourself and the choices you have made?</p> <p>When I go to the pharmacy, I am humiliated that I do not have the $3.00 necessary for the co-pay on my covered TennCare prescriptions. At least when it was $40 dollars, I was not so damn embarrassed by my lack of funds. </p> <p>Remind me again why I went to school. Remind me once more why I bother to speak out. Then remind me right now that that there is somebody listening. I cannot be the only one who actually gives a crap. My contact information is listed below. </p> <p>Elyssa Durant, Ed.M.<br /> Nashville, Tennessee<br /> E-mail: <a href="mailto:ed70@columbia.edu">ed70@columbia.edu</a><br /> (FORMER doctoral student in public policy) </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=86#post-202 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:07:12 +0000 Elyssa Durant 202@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>[This document was created in response to an online forum concerning the TennCare Budget Crisis -- by Elyssa Durant, Welfare Recipient, Nashville, Tennesseee]</p> <p>Yup! That’s right, I’m on welfare…. I’m milking the system for all its worth! I had better go get in line before those Louisiana people and immigrants suck up all our resources (which have never once been available when I have needed them) That’s right, just another Ivy League grad too smart to go to work! I am just waiting on my next free meal ticket, subsidy, or voucher. The opportunities to exploit the government are endless! Where do I begin???</p> <p>I remember how difficult it was for me to obtain benefits when I first applied for benefits several years ago. I am deeply concerned about how the most recent decision to eradicate yet another class of TennCare recipients will affect the poor and disabled residents in Tennessee. Without my current level of benefits, I simply do not function. </p> <p>Before my benefits were stabilized, learning to navigate the system consumed every waking moment of my life. I was unable to work or attend school on any substantial level and I am deathly afraid of straying from my established, stabilized, treatment plan-- again. If I lose my benefits, will I still be able to work? To function? To be productive? </p> <p>Any new public program requires careful planning if it is to be effective. Recent discussions have not focused on the true impact these changes will have on the "street-level." </p> <p>Has anyone asked recipients how they feel the new program (safety- net) should be designed, implemented, or evaluated? How will this impact the community and other social service or welfare agencies??? I want access, quality, and outcomes. I want… I want… I want!!! </p> <p>The massive number of people being dis-enrolled or limited in their access to medical care and other social services will no doubt create significant anxiety, confusion, and chaos for everyone involved in the social service and health care industries. </p> <p>I remember when Mr. Brian Lapps was somewhere very high up on the corporate TennCare ladder in 1999 when they adjusted the prescription formulary over Memorial Day in 1999. I see Mr. Lapps quite frequently since he now works at the local gas station down the street from where I live. </p> <p>To this day, he insists that cell phones and TennCare are somehow contraindicated. Perhaps he knows nothing of the population he claims to know just all-too-well…. housing conditions that may or may not have electricity, broken families—some riddled with community violence and domestic disturbances. In the hood, your cell phone is your very best friend. 9-1-1.</p> <p>These people plagued by domestic violence and community instability makes a cell phone the only logical option. How can you find a job with out a phone? How can you find a home with out a job? Yet even 6 years later, Mr. Lapps uses cellular phones as an example how the TennCare program is being abused by lazy, cheap, and unscrupulous second hand citizens who are just shiftless lazy bums waiting around for their next free hand-out. </p> <p>Anyone who has EVER applied for or relied upon any kind of government subsidy to have their basic needs met, e.g., food, shelter, medical care, dental treatment, etc… let me personally assure you that there has never been a single time where I felt I was “pulling one over” on the government. I am not just one of the poor saps who believed what they told me they in school, I bought it hook, line, and sinker for the mere price of $279,982.00 and not a shred of financial security to show for it. </p> <p>Even after consolidating my student loans, the interest alone is $10 less than my monthly income from social security. </p> <p>So what happens now that the state of Tennessee will begin to cut off social security recipients from TennCare? I honestly do not think I can survive yet another re-certification process-- God knows the first one almost killed me. After three years of appeals, my condition had deteriorated so severely that I was forced to drop out of school, lost my home, lost my sanity, and lost hope. In short-- I lost my dignity and my belief in the social welfare system.</p> <p>By the time my benefits were approved, I had already checked myself in to NYU Psych Ward because simply could not cope with the reality of what my life I had become. I weighed 94 pounds and suffered in excruciating pain that has only gotten worse with time. My extremities were ice cold, and my hands were numb since I went without medical treatment for the spinal injury that was first discovered when I was 22.</p> <p>I am now 35 years old. My spinal cord is now damaged from years of delayed, sub-standard medical treatment. I owe the federal government $279,982.00 in student loans and when I am able to work, I make $10.46/hour as a substitute teacher in an urban school district. That job comes with no security and no benefits. It does however offer the flexibility I need to receive the bi-monthly epidural injections and other procedures necessary to manage my pain and alleviate the numbness I feel because of the damage to my nerves. And even though I cannot afford the gas money to get my appointments, pay for all of my medication, or even to get back and forth to work, it does allow me a few weeks of mobility so I can drive, use my mouse or hold a pen. </p> <p>I have an advanced master’s degree from an Ivy League Institution. I am 12 credits shy of a Ph.D. in public policy. And despite maintaining a 3.2 grade point average, the Graduate School I attended for my PhD will not grant me any leniency by extending the amount or time permitted to complete my degree-- or allow me to transfer those credits towards another program at the same institution since it has been just over ten years since I first enrolled. Vanderbilt will not even allow me to use any of the credits I paid for (in spades) towards another degree at the same university since they no longer have the program I was initially enrolled in. I think it goes without saying that I do not have the financial resources available to finish my last semester, take the GRE's over again, or pay the associated application fees necessary to make the time spent there worth while. </p> <p>Throughout the three year process of filing appeal after appeal after appeal, I acquired well over 1/4 million dollars in debt due to uninsured medical expenses and student loans. My life will never be the same. My heart will never be the same. </p> <p>So after all this-- now I face losing my healthcare once again? Where is the safety net? Where is the American Dream that I so diligently chased after for so many years? What was the point spending so much on an education that will never be utilized? I understand the how; I just don't understand why. </p> <p>Maybe one of these days Vanderbilt University and the Department of Education will realize it might just be cheaper to hire me that harass me, because unless I find a real paying job soon, their collections department will no longer be able to reach me on that extravagant lifeline my friend, Brian Lapps, refers to as a luxury. </p> <p>If anyone on your staff would like to “trade places” with me for one month—I will gladly assume his/her responsibilities for that position if you can find a writer who is willing to endure and write about the reality of social services in our fine State. I do not want a paycheck from your organization; I just want the opportunity to put the myth of freeloading welfare mother s to rest. Live in my shoes for 30 days. Can you find the out? Can you balance my budget and make it work? Can you get the bill collectors of my back? Can you afford internet service to file state job applications and apply for services online? Can you maintain pride and dignity without feeling the least bit sorry for yourself and the choices you have made?</p> <p>When I go to the pharmacy, I am humiliated that I do not have the $3.00 necessary for the co-pay on my covered TennCare prescriptions. At least when it was $40 dollars, I was not so damn embarrassed by my lack of funds. </p> <p>Remind me again why I went to school. Remind me once more why I bother to speak out. Then remind me right now that that there is somebody listening. I cannot be the only one who actually gives a crap. My contact information is listed below. </p> <p>Elyssa Durant, Ed.M.<br /> Nashville, Tennessee<br /> E-mail: <a href="mailto:ed70@columbia.edu">ed70@columbia.edu</a><br /> (FORMER doctoral student in public policy) </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=85#post-201 Thu, 22 May 2008 16:49:42 +0000 barbara 201@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 5/22/08</p> <p>E-mail haunts Countrywide chief</p> <p>Calabasas, Calif. --- The chairman of beleaguered Countrywide Financial Corp. raised eyebrows and tempers with his snippy reply to an e-mail plea from a man who said he was in danger of losing his home. "Disgusting," Angelo Mozilo wrote in his inadvertent reply to an e-mail from Daniel Bailey Jr. Bailey's e-mail went to 20 Countrywide addresses. He used language from a form letter on the Web site LoanSafe.org, which offers advice to borrowers in trouble. "This is unbelievable," Mozilo wrote Tuesday. "Most of these letters now have the same wording. Obviously they are being counseled by some other person or by the Internet. Disgusting." Mozilo apparently clicked "reply" instead of "forward," sending his comments back to Bailey. </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=84#post-200 Thu, 22 May 2008 16:42:20 +0000 barbara 200@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>In the last 2 days, I've heard/read that cell phone sales in the US are down for the first time ever while sales of vegetable seeds are way up as people replace flowers with tomatoes and squash. Any clues as to how people are coping? </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=81#post-199 Thu, 22 May 2008 16:39:22 +0000 barbara 199@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Eve -- What a story! Of course you're depressed and demoralized. You're in that awful gap between being "too old" to be hired and too young to get Medicare or Social Security. </p> <p>One group you might want to contact for some suggestions is Catalyst in NYC, which works on women's employment issues. The AARP (in DC) has a Women's Project that you might also want to find out about. Yours seems to be just the kind of situation they are concerned about.</p> <p>Let me know if either of those groups offers any help.</p> <p>Barbara </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=83#post-198 Sun, 11 May 2008 04:38:32 +0000 wordsmithy 198@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>"We will not walk in fear, one of another. . . . We are not descended from fearful men, not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate and to defend causes which were for the moment unpopular. This is no time . . . to keep silent. . . .</p> <p>"We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom--what's left of it--but we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home."</p> <p>--Edward R. Murrow, speaking at the end of the immortal 1954 segment of his CBS television program _See It Now_ exposing Senator Joseph R. McCarthy, a media landmark dramatized recently in the popular (and highly accurate and relevant) film _Good Night, and Good Luck_</p> <p>"Your silence will not protect you." --Audre Lorde, writer, poet, activist</p> <p>-o0o-</p> <p>Dear Friends:</p> <p>In this time of what some, not quite tongue in cheek, have called the "Great Repression," the June 3, 2007, _Chicago Tribune_ ran an excellent essay on why so many people in modern America, even, quite possibly, devoted anti-Iraq-war protester Cindy Sheehan, have lost hope in the possibility that speaking out can bring real change. Take a look:</p> <p><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-070603sheehan-story,1,5998514.story?coll=chi-opinionfront-hed" rel="nofollow">http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-070603sheehan-story,1,5998514.story?coll=chi-opinionfront-hed</a></p> <p>In his article, author Rex W. Huppke has noted something that I've been pointing out for at least 20 to 25 years--that much of today's apparent apathy stems largely from a (deliberately, I've long maintained) job-scarce economy, one where people feel so consumed by the need to survive and other concerns they consider strictly personal that they feel they have no time for political or social activism and change, and that efforts toward such change will be futile. (The great irony is that such activism and such efforts are exactly what are needed most to bring about the changes that will resolve the concerns! Those who prefer the status quo doubtless know--and fear--that, hence the great drive to intimidate and silence people like us.)</p> <p>When combined with the actions of out-of-control employers and others who, thanks to such things as the Internet, now find it amazingly easy to snoop into your and my private lives, this has made for a potent, malignant recipe for repression unlike anything we've seen since the days of Joseph R. McCarthy.</p> <p>The resulting widespread feeling of futility and, yes, fear, is exactly what a lot of the clowns now in power want, just as did _Star Trek_'s collective being the Borg: "Resistance is futile."</p> <p>Wrong.</p> <p>Resistance to what's been going on in our country and world these last 27 years or so, especially these last seven, is not only logical, sane, and, when done right, effective, but vital for your and our recovery and survival.</p> <p>As Huppke quotes University of Wisconsin professor Jeremi Suri regarding today's college students: </p> <p>-o0o-</p> <p>"It's not that they don't care; it's that they don't believe they can make a difference[. . . .] Students have become very risk-averse. They care, but they're afraid that if they go out and get involved in something they might not get into law school or get the job they want."</p> <p>-o0o-</p> <p>That echoes all too well what I've been noticing--and openly noting--ever since my own (proudly activist) college years, and (as unapologetically activist as ever!) have been saying to so many people, people like you included, during and ever since those years.</p> <p>As someone who has long taken pride in being a concerned, active, and outspoken progressive activist on many issues, I have found that many people, especially in today's job-scarce economy, are now hesitant to take part in any form of political activity--writing a letter to a newspaper, calling a radio talk show, posting something on the Internet, taking part in a march or a rally, or even coming to a public hearing or other public forum with their legislators--for fear that their employer might somehow find out about and frown on such actions. Today, the Internet, credit bureaus, and like means make it frighteningly easy for employers to snoop into job applicants' or employees' personal beliefs and activities.</p> <p>Ironically, *the fear that many workers now have of employment discrimination based on their political (or other lawful outside) activities* is the very thing that keeps them from taking the steps, both as individuals and with others, to bring about an end to this and related abuses.</p> <p>As National Workrights Institute legal director Jeremy Gruber has noted, the nosiness many employers now show by digging for "digital dirt" and otherwise intruding into employees' and job applicants' lives outside of work poses grave dangers for our society, our freedoms, and for each of us. As he put it, employers that delve into our lives outside of work "are making decisions based on information not submitted by the employee or references. It is wholly unrelated to the employment relationship."</p> <p>What's more, Gruber added, "The idea that when you hire someone, you should be able to look at every aspect of their personal life is completely at odds of how a democratic society should operate. It has huge consequences for freedom in this country, when people are afraid or are changing their behavior because of what a potential future employer might say or do."</p> <p>Any society where that happens is not a free society.</p> <p>Perhaps even more frightening than the blacklists and "political clearances" of the 1950s or today's fears over what has been called "digital dirt" is how such things, especially in our "Bushed" economy that, like the right-wing, "you're-on-your-own" political, social, and economic climate that has largely prevailed in our "free" country these last 27 years or so, have fostered a dangerous feeling among all too many Americans of isolation and helplessness against out-of-control government, corporations, and other forces many believe are impossible to challenge or overcome, not to mention the self-censorship that millions of Americans, in a climate of economic insecurity amid out-of-control employer power, have imposed upon themselves.</p> <p>This is exactly what many of those in power want--and have come to expect. They don't fear speaking out, as the toxic, falsehood-filled blabberings we've all been forced to endure from the likes of Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, ad nauseam, clearly show. Why should any of us?</p> <p>Let's stop giving them the silence they rely on.</p> <p>Speak out yourself on at least one issue that really matters--this week and every week. Write a letter to a newspaper or post something to a blog or newsgroup. Call a radio talk show. If you haven't yet, join and become visibly active in a pro-workers' rights organization--for one, United Professionals. Encourage at least ten other folks you know to do likewise--every week. Let's do away with apathy and fear in our once-free country--as well as that word "once."</p> <p>Write to your state and federal lawmakers. Urge them to follow the lead of such states as California, North Dakota, and Colorado and enact strong, enforceable legislation protecting the rights of employees and job applicants to be free from employment discrimination on account of lawful, off-hours political or other activities--what is now often called "lifestyle discrimination."</p> <p>The more you speak out, the more others do, the more often we all do, the more quickly we can and will take back our country and our freedoms. Those in power depend on silence--and control. Once any one of us speaks out, a few more will, and then a few more, and then a few more, and . . .</p> <p>As at least one high-school alternative journalist noted back in the 1960s, the three things those who have arbitrary or unjust power fear most are questions, unity, and resistance. So let's give them plenty of all three.</p> <p>The alternative for you and me is to continue to endure a society that many employers and America's current government are turning into a nightmare, high-tech, 24/7, worldwide version of the old-fashioned company town, Pottersville, or Stepford. Are we serfs--or free human beings? If the latter, let's make sure that our government and employers know we will live as the latter.</p> <p>Let's make them realize, once and for all, that we are not theirs to silence, exploit, or control--that we can and will bring them, our government, and our economy back under our democratic control. And let's not hesitate to do exactly that.</p> <p>Remember the famous words of pastor, theologian, activist, anti-Nazi leader, and concentration-camp survivor Martin Niemoller about the dangers of not speaking out. (Although there is quite a bit of debate over what his exact words were, his message was and is clear, one that applies everywhere, and to all and each of us.)</p> <p>Then, break the silence. Be "controversial." In other words, be--an American; be and act as a free human being in a free society.</p> <p>Take back your and our rights--and your and our country!</p> <p>wordsmithy</p> <p>Proud of (and ever adding to) what one nosy, out-of-control prospective employer, in 2002, called my "record of being involved in controversial matters" (gasp!)--and working for, among many other efforts to take back our rights, state and federal legislation to protect your and my rights to engage in political and other activities away from work without fear of employment discrimination </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=81#post-197 Tue, 06 May 2008 17:21:11 +0000 hopefuleve 197@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>My Lay Off Experience </p> <p>I'm happy to write about my lay off and hope it will help you and others as well Barb. It's been a terrible time for me, age 63 and not much to look forward to come 64.</p> <p>I'm told that I still look "good" for my age, but age is what it is. At some point they will have to know the truth - when you complete paperwork for medical insurance or sign permission for a background check it all comes out. I come from a generation that looked up to and respected their elders, maybe the last generation as far as I can tell. </p> <p>After working for unscrupulous, greedy people who happened to be in real estate when the sub prime market blew up on their company last year I found myself unemployed, a lay off and office closure due to lack of work. The simple truth is no one at the corporate level cared about the people or how they might be affected. No one so much as said "thanks for your hard work and service." </p> <p>I collected unemployment to the bitter end of the 6 month period without being able to find another job that would come close to paying me what I earned before. Unemployment ran out in March and I still have not found a permanent job. My savings are gone and I now face reposession of my car, the IRS threatening to Levy for money I owe them for back taxes that were underpaid in 2006 and I've been paying off monthly. I am not accustomed to the bill collectors calling me daily and it's not only bad for morale, but also very depressing. Oh, and did I mention that my fridge is empty most of the time, I buy my dog what she needs (lucky for me she is small) and hope for invitations where I can take home left overs to live on till the next dinner out. Last week I actually considered suicide! No worries, I won't do that but it sure would be an end to my troubles. I have no one to fall back on, no one who can help me through this, and no one I can move in with. I sold anything I could that would help me keep up with my bills and now it's all gone. I have always been the strong family member who everyone else turned to for help making it hard for me to now ask for help from anyone. </p> <p>This week brought news that I now need surgery for a cataract as my vision has deteriorated making it difficult to work on the computer or see well enough to drive. Stress? Who knows. My family can't help for a variety of reasons I won't go into. I am so overwhelmed at this point I don't know where to turn. Holding on to what is left of my pride is important to me, but I realize I'm facing having to pay a visit to the local Social Service Office and find out how I can get emergency housing for me and my little dog, (try finding a place to live with a dog) medical insurance and I guess food stamps. Luckily my landlord has been understanding and kind all things considered. I try to pick up temp jobs to meet the bare survival expenses, but I need something permanent with insurance. You can't rely on getting enough temp work, that's been my expereince and it took weeks to be asked to the first temp job. </p> <p>Said best, people don't plan to fail, they fail to plan. I was so busy supporting others for so many years, I forgot to take better care of myself in the process. Wanting to see the rest of my very small family on their feet I forgot to plan for myself or kept putting it off, thinking, or not, that I still had a little time or maybe I'd meet Mr.Right and get married again. Times up! The future is here and I have started collecting my social security early because I had to- $684 a month. Yes. That's ALL there is. And I never wanted to become a burden on my family or society! </p> <p>On a recent job interview I noticed the interviewer writing on my application and when I stood up I leaned over to see what she had written. "Older" was the word. I pointed it out to her and she ,red faced, replied, "oh I just do that to remind myself." Yeah sure, honey! On another I was outright asked my age, which I know isn't legal yet the discrimination continues anyway. Why tell her she was breaking a law, I'm sure she knew and just didn't care, the lick em while they're down syndrome! I am trying to not be bitter, accepting part of this is my own fault for not planning better for myself. Yet, when someone tells you he received just over 100 resumes for the position and they will be interviewing for weeks, or when people say they will let you know one way or the other and you never hear from them again, or when you take the time to respond to an add and hear back nothing at all, it's hard to NOT feel angry and bitter,not at anything or anyone in particular, just at the situation in general. What really burns me up is this; (for anyone else trying to find a job listen up well)As a result of job searching on the Internet and clicking on various adds I am now receiving daily emails promsing me money for doing data entry or surveys etc.<br /> KNOw THAT 99% OF THESE ARE SCAMS PEOPLE! "They" the invisable vultures, see a need and come crawling out of the woodwork to take advantage of people are desperate or may not know better than to give out a bank account number for a one time debit to pay for a list or the like. I cannot believe the mean ness in some when they see you down and still attempt to take advantage. That makes me angry and bitter for the ones who are being dupped. </p> <p>I have never had a difficult time finding a job so this is an unbearable situation for me - I have good skills, I'm hard working and reliable, honest and I have great references. I think I've done all the right things, but to no avail. I'll try to maintain my dignity and keep a sense of humor and positive attitude etc. till I'm working again but it's hard, it's really hard! And some days you just want to give up you feel so beaten up. </p> <p>I ask that your readers share their experience and please give me some guidance and advice that may help me find work locally, which is in New Haven, Connecticut, or better yet offer me a job! I'll get my eye fixed ASAP and be as good as new, even if "old". I may be an oldie to some, but I am most certainly a goodie to all! </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=82#post-196 Tue, 06 May 2008 00:18:03 +0000 MiserableMoi 196@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Thanks for your reply, Diane. I'll check into NELA and see if they can help.</p> <p>MiserableMoi </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=82#post-195 Sat, 03 May 2008 23:29:10 +0000 Diane 195@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Dear Miserable, I'm sorry to hear of your situation. United Professionals partners with the National Employment Lawyers Association. You can visit their website at <a href="http://www.nela.org" rel="nofollow">www.nela.org</a> to find an employment lawyer in your area. Be sure to ask if you can have a free initial consultation, as many lawyers will offer this.</p> <p>We at UP can't give legal advice -- good thing, since we aren't lawyers -- but I'm sure one of the lawyers at NELA will be able to answer your questions and give you specific advice.</p> <p>My best wishes to you -- please let me know if NELA was able to help you.</p> <p>Diane, UP site edior </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=82#post-194 Fri, 02 May 2008 02:05:41 +0000 MiserableMoi 194@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>I wasn't sure where to post this question; here or on the other forum, but finally decided to post here.</p> <p>Anyway, I work as a receptionist at a small law firm of two (female) lawyers. About 10 years ago I had arthroscopic surgery on my left knee and they found a great deal of arthritis in it. At that time I was working for a magazine at a large corporation. There was no problem with my being out for a month. After my sick days were over, my paycheck was mailed to me regularly on disability. </p> <p>Recently I went to see an orthopedist because of the pain in my knee that's increased ever since I tripped and fell in Nov. '06 and broke my left thumb. The doctor said the kneecap's pretty much worn away and wants to see me in a couple of weeks to talk about knee replacement surgery. I'm pretty sure that since this is such a small company that I wouldn't get paid if I take time off for surgery. Would anyone know? I can't call the Dept. of Labor at work because I have no privacy and by the time I get home the place would be closed. I could call at lunch time but it'd be hard to find a private place in New York City. </p> <p>Actually I've been trying to save money and preparing to take money from my Visa charge to live on, if it comes to that. Also, I've been worried that if my employers get a temp to cover my job while I'm gone, that they might terminate me when I'm able to come back, or maybe they'll terminate me even before the surgery. I just don't know what my rights are, especially since there's no such thing as a human resource office, here. That might be a blessing if I lose my job because it's stressful working for lawyers and if I knew it'd be easy for me to find a job, afterward. Yeah, right. ;( Even though I have two weeks vacation, my employers would rather I only take a Wednesday or Friday off, when the paralegal comes in, so someone is always there to answer the phone. In the three years I've been working there, only twice have I been able to take more than one vacation day off at at a time, and that was for two days, each.</p> <p>As I stated, I used to work for a large publishing corporation. I was an editorial assistant for 11 years and loved that job. But then we got a new president for the magazines and in Aug. '01 I was laid off when it was decided more could be done with less people. Most of the magazines were affected, and at mine, five of us were laid off, most of us middle-aged, three of them, editors. I tried to find employment again in the publishing industry, as I liked the creative atmosphere but things changed and I had to take what I could find.</p> <p>I'm depressed because my pay is so much lower than what I used to make, I had to take money out of my IRA to live on while I was unemployed, along with using my credit card for cash and eventually I had to declare bankruptcy. I'm resigned to the fact that life will never be as good as it used to, but I'm tired of putting up with the pain in my leg. Actually both legs, since my right knee also has torn cartilage. I always liked walking and still force myself to, even though I walk in pain. But I sit so much at the desk that I need to do what I can to move around. I'd appreciate any answers. Thank you.</p> <p>MiserableMoi </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=81#post-193 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:17:44 +0000 Diane 193@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Thanks, Barbara, for asking. I'll send an anonymous one soon. </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=81#post-189 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:58:37 +0000 barbara 189@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Tens of thousands of people are being laid off or are about to be laid off in the finance, real estate and other sectors. I'm looking for people in that situation who are willing to blog for UP. I thought I had a couple of them, but they chickened out, fearful that even an anonymous blog could be traced back to them and somehow affect their chances of re-employment. That seems to me like excessive caution. As this recession closes in on us, it's more important than ever for people to reach out, share experiences,and begin to come together for action around things like portable health insurance and extended unemployment benefits.</p> <p>UP can't do this alone, at least not on the slender budget we now have! Please write about your lay-off experience or help us find someone who will.</p> <p>Thanks--</p> <p>Barbara Ehrenreich </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=76#post-185 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:50:01 +0000 Solo 185@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Thanks for the reply, Diane.</p> <p>However, it may be too little too late. Unless you get a board that's really energized and reaches out to the people who joined the organization, I doubt anything will change.</p> <p>You might ask the board to look at the Healthcare-now.org website. It took a while but they're very mobilized and have grassroots support. "Universal" healthcare (however you define it) is a top tier priority, something no one would have believed even a few years ago.</p> <p>Every day more and more people join the ranks of the educated, experienced unemployed. Gas, food and housing are becoming impossible to afford. We're headed for a major meltdown, which provides the best opportunity for change. But we need people to take the helm and lead the way. </p> <p>On a side note, I thought tieing membership levels to purchasing books by Board members was a BAD idea. It put a commerical undertone on the whole venture. </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=76#post-184 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:31:18 +0000 Diane 184@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>This is Diane, site editor. I completely understand what you're saying and your frustration. I just had a talk with Barbara Ehrenreich who is unable to log in to this forum -- perhaps all the other board members are also -- and therefore she never uses it. My first priority will be to make sure access to this forum is easy for all to use. Additionally, UP has just added three new board members, and the entire board is dedicated to re-energizing this organization and this website. </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=60#post-183 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:07:37 +0000 Solo 183@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>"They" say the FBI is investigating mortgage fraud, yet the emphasis seems to be on people getting mortgages with false documents! Didn't the banks check? Who ever heard of giving hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans without checking the borrowers background? </p> <p>I want to see all those who practiced predatory lending in jail and forced to give back their bonsuses. That money should go into a fund to help those people who were conned.</p> <p>One issues of the housing mess I never see mentioned is the exhoritant run up in housing costs during the bubble. YOu often hear people say low interest rates and "creative" mortgages got poeple in trouble. What I seldom hear mentioned is the unbelievable run up in housing costs? In Arizona some "hot" areas were adding $10,000 per hour to available properties. It was criminal.</p> <p>Though several states tried to investigate mortgage practices they were stopped by the Feds. The same Feds now trying to determine if there was fraud and who is responsible.</p> <p>Maybe we'll finally wake up and demand that our govertnment work for us not the interests of special interests and lobbyists. </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=76#post-182 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:54:59 +0000 Solo 182@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Sadly, UP seems to have withered on the vine.</p> <p>Currently they are re-cycling articles appearing elsewhere in an effort to make it seem like there's interest in the site. </p> <p>Barbara Ehrenreich has completely abandoned the forum on her website, though she occassinally responds to comments on her blog.</p> <p>I'm very disappointed as I was willing to help in any way possible. Even e-mailed the office a few times. I understand that the organization was just getting started, but it really seems to have stalled.</p> <p>Yes, the probablem is there ARE NO JOBS for the majority of us who are educated, experienced and downsized. It's a problem few wanted to recognized, even now when our plight slips into main stream news it gets little attention.</p> <p>I wanted this site to be a place where we could brainstorm and more importantly provide emotional support for those of us walking this dark path. At no other time in history have people with so much to offer been so easily discarded. </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=76#post-181 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:25:21 +0000 rjunderwood2000 181@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>CynthiaW:</p> <p>Your point is well taken. I have not been on the site lately. There seem to be a lot of complainers but not people who want to do something. The expect UP to help them get a job, when the problem is there are no jobs. There is even page on this sight were someone testifies as to how he wrote ads to exclude Americans, but still they do not seem to get it, and they seem want to wait for someone else to do something.</p> <p>You may want to read my site at<br /> <a href="http://www.electbobunderwood.org/ussenate/en/free_trade.htm" rel="nofollow">www.electbobunderwood.org/ussenate/en/free_trade.htm</a></p> <p>If you are in Massachusetts you should consider helping me.<br /> How can people help?<br /> Help someone run for office, or run yourself. No one will do it for you. </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=34#post-180 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 19:41:40 +0000 Diane 180@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>That's why we're hoping people will form "virtual" chapters here on the UP site. Anything we can do to make this easier for y'all? </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=34#post-179 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:14:36 +0000 skandrews68 179@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>Definitely relevant for me! I'm an almost- Ph.D. candidate who is sick and tired of being underemployed, underpaid, and yet apparently "overqualified" for every position I've applied for over the last year in my professional field! Forming a chapter would definitely be in order, although geographical distance might be an issue. </p> http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/topic.php?id=76#post-178 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 01:25:45 +0000 CynthiaW 178@http://unitedprofessionals.org/blog/forum/ <p>I am also curious as to the purpose. I just joined, but wonder if I should have joined Democratic Socialists or the Greens instead. Ms Ehrenreich self-identifies as a Socialist. I live in a small village in Ohio where several people who live on investment income and have no fears or worries about health care, losing their homes, and are beyond employment worries due to retirement, also self-identify as "socialists" - but whenever I've been unemployed, or subject to political retaliations at work, they have been completely unconcerned. I hope more will be forthcoming, but I do think we may have to do some things ourselves. I've been part of networks locally for single-payer health care for a long time (years) and only recently acquired a nice little medical debt myself. I joined a "Workers Center" in another state because they said all the right things and were grassroots, and I still admire their work - but they represent only either low-income people, or contingent university faculty (college town), neither of which I am. So all my good feelings about "solidarity" with this out-of-state group left me high and dry by myself. Now the hospital where I work is becoming really draconian - they reinforced warning today we cannot use Internet to surf (I had cut way back, but it was my only tiny taste of freedom each day); have us collecting our own trash (cut the jobs of the janitorial staff); we get sent home if our work runs out, on our own vacation time; yet they keep adding administrative layers (in contradiction to the corporations I've worked for in past in NYC area, where managers got laid off first); and a coworker told me all the administration at this hospital have company SUVs (with company fuel allowances). I do hope as Rod and Robin suggest we get locally active. I've always been politically left of anywhere I've worked (including major universities), but now these people running my workplace and the Dayton area businesses (we score in top 20 on many negative econ measures) are really making me mad. </p>