Whether you're a Democrat or Republican, and whatever you think about "Obama Care", look me in the eye and tell me, who has worked her ass off from the time she was seventeen, that I don't deserve affordable health care. Maybe you don't know anyone who would be personally affected by the Affordable Care Act. Well, now you do. Am I thrilled that I "have" to do this? Not really. I'm not exactly sure how I will find the money, even at the discounted rate I will no doubt qualify for, but I will find it.
For the record, if you haven't seen me say it, or can't just tell, I am a Democrat. My Republican friends will say that because I believe in fiscal responsibility I am really one of them, but every other view I hold would scream Democrat. However, I am not, nor have I ever been, a fan of the President. That's not what this is about.
It's about me, and what has happened to me in my pursuit of the "American Dream."
_________________________________________________________________________
I wrote the above paragraphs this morning, after I was getting sick and tired of all the nonsense. This evening, I am downright livid. I spent part of my afternoon listening to some folks argue that Obama Care is the devil, and the Democrats his minions. Every single one of them, EVERY ONE is on state funded insurance, not costing them a dime. (That isn't a guess, it's a fact.) I was stuck in a position where I couldn't say anything. ( You know how I love that.) If I could have, I would have simply told them to shut up. I will listen to your opinion when you are in my shoes. How dare you? Why are you more deserving of health insurance than I am??
Three years ago I was downsized out of a job (20 years in) that had full benefits. The health insurance was crappy, but at least it was there in case of an emergency. Being a child care teacher was a career, not just a job, so I tried to work for another center, but none of them here offer health. Within a years time the cost of living went up so much that I could no longer even afford to stay in the field. I went out and found a better paying job, but still, no insurance.
I have never asked for a hand out, or a hand up (which is what it should be), though I have qualified. I pay my own way, and am more than willing to pay a reasonable amount for health insurance. Tell me I don't deserve that opportunity.
When people talk about the "working poor", they are talking about me. Although I never consider myself "poor". I have a roof over my head, food to eat, the bills are paid, and I am so wealthy in other areas of my life. I just don't get a lot of extras, and that's o.k. People are always telling me about this program, or that program, and my response is the same. That's for folks who need it. People who have hungry kids. Not me. I get by, and if worse comes to worse I can eat at any table of a family or friend. It wouldn't be the first time I've grabbed a pizza out of my sister's freezer because money for groceries was short.
If the time ever comes where I have to have a hand up, I will take it, but it would be after exhausting every other option. I've always been of the opinion, "Help yourself, help others, and the Lord will provide." It has never failed me, and I feel blessed. On several occasions I have given my last dime to help someone who had less, and somehow I always have enough.
It has been three years since I have had health insurance (knock on wood), and luckily I haven't needed it. That could all change in an instant, and I would lose everything. I relish the opportunity to pay my fair share. Tell me I don't deserve it.
I'm sure the plan has flaws, but how about working together to fix them? How about doing your job????? It would go over really well if we all went into work tomorrow and argued with our co-workers over how to do the job instead of doing it. Many people are out of work tonight because Congress can't get their act together. Perhaps if their paychecks depended on their performance, like the rest of us, we'd see a little more co-operation, and a lot less nonsense.
I rarely get political, but there you go. That's my story, and I'm proud that I stand on my own two little feet. I thank God for my health, and the life that I have been able to build, no matter what gets thrown at me. Go ahead. Tell me I don't deserve it.
For the record, if you haven't seen me say it, or can't just tell, I am a Democrat. My Republican friends will say that because I believe in fiscal responsibility I am really one of them, but every other view I hold would scream Democrat. However, I am not, nor have I ever been, a fan of the President. That's not what this is about.
It's about me, and what has happened to me in my pursuit of the "American Dream."
_________________________________________________________________________
I wrote the above paragraphs this morning, after I was getting sick and tired of all the nonsense. This evening, I am downright livid. I spent part of my afternoon listening to some folks argue that Obama Care is the devil, and the Democrats his minions. Every single one of them, EVERY ONE is on state funded insurance, not costing them a dime. (That isn't a guess, it's a fact.) I was stuck in a position where I couldn't say anything. ( You know how I love that.) If I could have, I would have simply told them to shut up. I will listen to your opinion when you are in my shoes. How dare you? Why are you more deserving of health insurance than I am??
Three years ago I was downsized out of a job (20 years in) that had full benefits. The health insurance was crappy, but at least it was there in case of an emergency. Being a child care teacher was a career, not just a job, so I tried to work for another center, but none of them here offer health. Within a years time the cost of living went up so much that I could no longer even afford to stay in the field. I went out and found a better paying job, but still, no insurance.
I have never asked for a hand out, or a hand up (which is what it should be), though I have qualified. I pay my own way, and am more than willing to pay a reasonable amount for health insurance. Tell me I don't deserve that opportunity.
When people talk about the "working poor", they are talking about me. Although I never consider myself "poor". I have a roof over my head, food to eat, the bills are paid, and I am so wealthy in other areas of my life. I just don't get a lot of extras, and that's o.k. People are always telling me about this program, or that program, and my response is the same. That's for folks who need it. People who have hungry kids. Not me. I get by, and if worse comes to worse I can eat at any table of a family or friend. It wouldn't be the first time I've grabbed a pizza out of my sister's freezer because money for groceries was short.
If the time ever comes where I have to have a hand up, I will take it, but it would be after exhausting every other option. I've always been of the opinion, "Help yourself, help others, and the Lord will provide." It has never failed me, and I feel blessed. On several occasions I have given my last dime to help someone who had less, and somehow I always have enough.
It has been three years since I have had health insurance (knock on wood), and luckily I haven't needed it. That could all change in an instant, and I would lose everything. I relish the opportunity to pay my fair share. Tell me I don't deserve it.
I'm sure the plan has flaws, but how about working together to fix them? How about doing your job????? It would go over really well if we all went into work tomorrow and argued with our co-workers over how to do the job instead of doing it. Many people are out of work tonight because Congress can't get their act together. Perhaps if their paychecks depended on their performance, like the rest of us, we'd see a little more co-operation, and a lot less nonsense.
I rarely get political, but there you go. That's my story, and I'm proud that I stand on my own two little feet. I thank God for my health, and the life that I have been able to build, no matter what gets thrown at me. Go ahead. Tell me I don't deserve it.
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