Before You Judge, I Just Feel Like Railing

Yesterday, I read a story about a mother who applied for Food Stamps for herself and two children.  She was so upset she pulled out a gun and took hostages.  After awhile, she turned the gun on her children and then killed herself. 

http://news.yahoo.com/state-mom-shot-kids-self-denied-food-stamps-204249288.html

I have an idea there is much more to this story than what is being reported.  What I don't understand is how many more people out there in America is facing the same humiliating doom of applying for public assistance.  Personally, I have seen folks in local stores make faces and comments to those carrying the Texas SNAP card.  Really???? Just who are we to judge others? 

This story just makes me so incredibly sad because there by the Grace of God could walk my family so far, we have been spared.  $296 a month may seem like a lot to others but, from experience with teenagers who constantly eat --- it's not near enough for growing children.  I understand the SNAP card is supplemental assistance meant to augment a meager income. 

Another thing that just pisses in my Cheerios, it pundits much like Mr. Gingrich wishing to abolish federal laws concerning on child labor.  All I can say is: "WHAT AN ASS."   How the heck are children who have enough trouble in their homes getting their nutritional needs met to concentrate on their studies; let alone be put to work as janitors, library aides, or crossing guards? 

This makes the assumption that said children have no working parents at home. 

I am sick to death of listening to others make harsh judgements on families they do not know.  Just perhaps, if we take that mirror and look at ourselves with the same critical eye --- we may just be shocked. 

-- Not everyone knows how to budget; a skill that has not been taught to the masses.
-- Not everyone has access to lawyers to explain credit applications.
-- Not many know how to plan meals and work with sales or coupons & rebates, or stockpiling when able.
-- Not everyone has access to free banking with over draft protection (those with large accts.)
-- Not everyone has low interest rate home loans.
-- Everyone does not have a reliable mode of transportation.
-- Not everyone has cadillac health insurance provided for them.
-- Not everyone has been lucky to have an education.

Let me tell you gentle reader; I am sick and tired of Republicans wanting to take away from government employees as well.  I will tell you all about my own income. 

When I joined the Air Force in 1986, I earned a total of $5,111 for ten months of active duty.  Upon my last year, I earned a whopping total of $34,898 after 20 years of honorable service to my country.  Granted, I lived on base in Maryland and got approximately $300 a month for food allowance, and had access to 24-hr medical care. We as a family was so fortunate (lucky lotto-winners) to have a second income from hubby's job. 

All that went away upon my retirement with the exception of 1/2 of my active duty pay under $1,200 a month when adding our insurances for health and life.  My hubby was lucky to find a job with the Army; we watch our spending throughout the year.  We save a little each month to cover holiday gifts and emergencies.  However, the retirement system my husband is enrolled in will not give him a retirement check --- those went away in the 1980s.  We will only have Social Security and my retirement check.  We are the lucky ones....................

So far, with this economy we are waiting for the other shoe to fall to wipe out our cushion. On this day as we remember those who scarificed during the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Please keep in mind those who are scarificing just to make ends meet.

Woman Against Herman Cain, Or Any Republican

Okay folks, I finally figured out why Hermain Cain is not the candidate for me.  Personally none of the Republican offerings this campaign have a flipping clue as to what middle America is like anymore.  Today as I listened to Cain's nonsense it dawn on me while my back was turned to the telecast about GOD and other ilk he was laying out to the national media.

He sounds just like Samuel L. Jackson's character from 'SNAKES ON A PLANE.'  I do not want the person who is representing me to start ranting like a maniac during a national crisis.  Another thing Mr. Cain reminds me of a banty rooster in a pimp daddy hat strutting around the hen house; knowing full well he will be mostly ignored.  I mostly feel sorry for Mr. Cain's wife because it feels like another Tammy Wynette moment of 'Standing By Your Man.'  Mr. Cain makes for awesome reality television viewing but, not as leader of the free world. Really does anyone take this person seriously? JMHO

Next, I could not vote for Mrs. Bachman either.  Anyone who does not fully support human rights and the ability for citizens to fulfill their life by marrying whom they wish; it just not my choice either.  No full rights for our gay population means Mrs. Lady means you need to pray for my vote yet, that is not happening on my watch.  Her flubs in other subjects just makes my head turn; how in the hell did she get elected to Congress in the first place?  Again my opinion.....

Newt Gingrich,  I personally could not support this man after what he did to his former wives.  No Way No How! Secondly America, do you not remember he was basically tossed out as Speaker of the House for corruption; go look up his record.  Third, he is sorely out of touch with suggesting 'poor kids' need to work so, they will learn how to join the working poor masses and not use welfare. 

Here I also understand Mr. Gingrich has read 'The Working Poor:, chapter 4 The Dauting Workplace' by David K. Shipler.   I am tired of folks who have not lived on Ramen noodles tell our country; all that is wrong with the poor is a work ethic.  Really Mr. Gingrich; you need to go back to your ivory tower or live on less than 10K a year. Go ahead Mr. Gingrich, I double dog dare you to live a life in the margins without access to a viable job, health care, housing, and food.  Our American schools are in shocking disarray and you suggest to have children become janitors instead of actually teaching them their required education subjects. Again......JMO

I can not vote for Mr. Romney either.  Any man who changes his mind with the blowing of the media wind or audience he is addressing is not trust worthy.  I could not pull the lever for any one who has rested upon his laurels without actually busting his / her tocks for anyone other than themselves. 

Santorum was a Bush Lackey............nuff said.

Ron Paul, I am still researching his record.
Mr. Huntsman, I am still researching.

Rick Perry has screwed up Texas and used federal handouts to balance the budget while cutting programs for the poor and public education.

After paying attention to the media circus for the last year.  I am under the impression the GOP, the Koch brothers, Grover Norquist and corporations have designed this campaign mess on purpose.  My way of thinking is, US political system is hi-jacked to keep Mr. Obama in office because he can get nothing done.  Mr. Obama is left twisting in the wind while Republicans are running amok and killing the American economy by wiping out the middle class and sequestering the poor under more and more scrutiny.

What better way for the Republicans to get a smaller government and more control by passing more laws: to limit personal freedoms, social reforms (deep cuts), a less educated populace, making deals with banks and so on.  By keeping Mr. Obama in office, Republicans and the weathly get exactly what they want.  Don't let the 8.6% unemployment numbers confuse you because this is a shell game.

While the troops are drawn back stateside, government positions are cut -- just where are all those people going to be? 

Folks,  we really need to wake up here.  Americans, the 99% are using the teachings of Gene Sharp to get their voices herd.  If you have time go check out books by Mr. Sharp. 

So pissed off at our societal issues, I am going to find a book in which to escape for a few days.
/////Steps off egg crate/////