Well the 99ers got into the mainstream propaganda on Saturday thanks in part to a FOX propaganda piece designed to belittle the deplorable conditions we 99ers find ourselves in. Like the piece on 60 Minutes, it was designed to show the 99ers as a people who are not really that bad off and completely to blame for our plight as we were not fiscally responsible with the boondoggle we received from our unemployment benefits.
The person being interviewed, one Leslie Jacobs, is perfect for a hit piece on 99ers, obese to a fault with a holier than thou attitude. She indicated that after a year she came to the conclusion that she needed to “bank” more of her unemployment monies.
She had to be in the top 1% for unemployment benefits. I know my unemployment wouldn’t even pay my bills. She then said 99ers needed to budget. To which I reply, “Budget what?” In living on food stamps, I know I have lost weight every month. There is no way this cow is existing on food stamps.
She then went on to say that she finally decided to put her efforts towards her side business. This woman is not, was not, and will never be a 99er in the sense that the majority of us are. She was put in the mainstream propaganda for no other purpose than to bolster the lie of 8.8% unemployment number and put forth the preposterous illusion that things aren’t really that bad out here.
Of course FOX News will never interview a real 99er in a tent city, on the street, or about to be put out on the street. In fact they would probably not even let one of us in the building as our worn and holy clothes would not be acceptable for their decor. The propagandists on FOX will not know our anger until we are dragging them away in hand cuffs to be prosecuted as the traitors they are.
Also on Saturday on FOX, I heard that forked tongue hypocrite, Huckabee, saying that poor people were overweight. You realize these Neo-Cons purporting themselves as Tea Party advocates are purposing cutting food stamps. And hell, why not? The economy is doing great. If you have any doubts just watch FOX, they will tell you.
The fact is food stamps make up about 2.7% of our entire budget. There are 40 million people in the United States who are receiving food stamps. Many serving in our military are among them. And these sadists like Huckabee and company are actually purposing taking food out of poor children’s mouths to pay for further tax cuts and deregulation for the rich elite.
You Tea Partiers out there tell me, is this what you are about and what you support? You claim to be Christians, so what’s the deal? Do you believe Jesus is going to descend out of the heavens and feed the multitudes of the poor with fishes and loaves? Or is it your attitude that those who have become impoverished via the gluttonous excesses of the rich elite should be left to starve to death? If so, be advised. Whether you can get it through your little pea brains or not, you are next.
Ali Velshi of CNN also spoke of the 99ers on Saturday. Ali has spoken out in the past for the 99ers and on Saturday he did so again. Though he spoke the truth in identifying us as many who are being forgotten, he then turned around with all his vigor and perpetuated and supported the lie of 8.8% unemployment number. This man knows the truth and now can only be considered another propagandist.
To Ali I say, “We 99ers are not going to be separated from this society which we built. The plan to make us all recipients of reduced welfare for the rest of our lives is a no-sale. We want our living wage jobs back and we want them yesterday.”
Ali and company then went on to talk about the expanding economies in India and China, putting this scenario forth as a good thing for U.S. workers. He put forth the notion that these foreign economies would create industry in America and that with their new found wealth they will want to buy new luxury items. His guests then went on to clarify in saying the luxury we will be providing will be in serving them as rich tourists in our country.
I tell you what, Ali, you foreigner loving son of a bitch, I will never serve an Indian or a Chinaman in my country. The only service you and your foreign buddies are going to get from me is in physically throwing your treasonous asses on a deportation barge bound for Somalia.
99ers be aware. The mainstream propagandists put people like Ali and Glenn Beck out there to put forth the illusion that they somehow have a connection with us and then when the time is right, and while smiling in our faces, they drive the daggers in our backs.
This being said I have to believe the 99ers out there are starting to make a little noise, otherwise we wouldn’t have even been mentioned.
How many 99ers were out on the streets yesterday? I live in a small town up in the mountains, so I went down in front of the community center, carrying a sign that says, “99ers – The Forgotten People.” I am well known in this town and many stopped to ask what the hell I was doing. I received nothing but support. I only marched for a half of an hour as that was all my old bones could stand, but at least by God I did something, as I am not going to just stand by and wait for somebody else to solve my problems for me.
As I said before I believe we were heard. The fact is they know our numbers. What they do not fully comprehend yet is just to what lengths we are willing to go to achieve our goals.
We have three weeks until Easter. Who among the 99ers is going to step up and be one of those some bodies that finally achieve a tangible result? Before you dismiss yourself from this chore, you had better take a moment and think long and hard about what is going on right now.
The elite and their propagandists are at present pushing to put the issue of the 99ers into the past, even as we are starving and freezing to death in the present. Build those crosses, build those platforms, get out in front of the churches on Easter and show the world the 99ers being crucified on the cross of corporate greed.
And to anyone who tries to perpetuate the lie of economic recovery in your presence, shout them down using the truth and let them know they are next.
God bless the Republic, death to the international corporate mafia and their propagandists, we shall prevail.
TURN ON CBS!!!!!!!!!! THERE IS A SPECIAL ON THE UNEMPLOYED………… THANK GOD
ITS ON THE LONG TERM UNEMPLOYED 99ERS
I watched the CBS report on the older unempoyed in this country, it’s all true. My age is a BIG factor along with my work experience. Washington doesn’t get it. But they will, when all the older American’s in this country will need to go on Social Security earlier, most of the older unemployed do not have health insurance, mine ended when my job ended, and who do you think is going to have to take care of the medical bills of the older people. Corporate America would rather hire a younger, LESS experienced person all for the simple reason that they can hire them for LESS money. I was raised to respect my elders, and I don’t think being 56, which I am is old. I am willing to work for less money and a lesser position then I had before and still can’t get hired. I really worry about the future of this country, without the older American’s not being hired, there is no example being set in the workplace for the younger generation, most important Work ethics. But I guess Corporate America will realize they get what they pay for.
In a tiny town in Florida, at a tiny church, a paster burns a copy of the Quran and the NATIONAL MEDIA jumps on it! Then our president who refuses to utter the word “99er” finds the time to comment on it. Obama shows true colors, he cares more about the Quran than he does about millions of American citizens. We all tried to do the right thing when we voted but we sure made a big mistake for the causes of America,
Thank you for your comment. It is exactly what I told my son and husband, this morning. What happens over seas is big news, but as we go hungry and pray for work, no one wants to talk of our plight for survival.
That’s our money, they been taking out of our check and now Congress has the balls to say we r lazy, unemployment down my ass, working @McDonald could not play my room and bord, I want to go back to work, it’s sad how the usa treats us, I’ll be homeless soon, maybe if I was Japanese, or from a other country, then I would get help then
Please forward the Fox link you are reporting about along with this story to Ed Schultz. He should rip it (the BS Fox story) apart on his MSNBC and radio shows!! ed@edschultzshow.com
Unfortunately Henry, I have already been seperated from this society. And as it is currently constructed, I’m not sure at all I want to be part of it anyhow. This country and the rest of the world is truly upside down. It has been turning that way since the down I popped out of the womb. Jobs have been outsourced since the day I was born (1956 ). And for that lard ass saying she had to bank more unemployment money is absurd. She is not representative of a typical unemployed person let alone a 99er. She can’t be serious….. Thanks again for your articles.
I saw that on Fox and was quite dismayed as my life as a 99er has been different. I lost so much weight during the 3548 time, that I could have passed for anorexic. I had no $$$ for adequate food. I had to leave my house, and lived in the back of my truck(I have a canopy). I bought a twin mattress which fit nicely in the bed of the truck. My belongings went in storage and I bathed at the YMCA. Frequent stops at fast food restaurants to use their toilet facilities, throughout the days. I could go on and on, but no one really cares. I dont tell anyone what I went through , for several reasons. Only post about it, as I can remain anonymous.
Corrupted traitor politicians have become the new “Domestic Terrorists “… We must act now because our government is blacking out media and the real Internet news. This is a protesting idea we all should work on. It will take some motivation, effort and support from the public though. Everyone nation wide organize protesters by state and counties to protest/march to your local downtown government or political office the public majority has agreed on. Then pick a day nation wide all citizens will march/meet like Jan1, 2012, or something to show we are taking back our country for the New Year. For citizens without cars or money or if you’d rather support public transportation… Organize gently with public transportation workers and operators working all railways, buses, and air transportation to look the other way to allow all USMOA citizen volunteers a free/commandeered transport to and from rally points for the day to support the take back of the U.S.A by the people to save us all. Basically the USMOA citizens all at once on a day must commandeer all public transportation lines to support our cause as a federal emergency act to restore order in our government to save lives. Taking back our country starts is here pass-it on!
Support yourself & countrymen at http://usmoa.org/
The 99ers were the backbone of America. The good hearted honest people of America who wouldn’t steal a dime like those crooks on Wall Street do everyday! We the 99ers are unlike the crooked corporate freaks on Wall Street that steal from American people every day. These spineless bastards are the scum of the earth that would steal from their own mother. They take, take, take and than they want more. We all know that big business makes up America, but not at the greedy cost that these scoundrels have been dishing out! The America I knew was a country that would help out their fellow man and woman.
The country was built on trust and now this America is built on greed!
I was chosen for quality control through the department of HUMAN SERVICES. It was to make sure my destitution hasnt changed. I asked the man doing the interview why i was chosen? He said it was a random thing. He proceeded to tell me that he understood the reduction to poverty by our government and that he had friends that were on the snap program that are selling food stamps to pay their rent so their children would have a roof over their head. Imagine that! He knows they are selling food stamps to keep a roof over their childrens head. He also commented on the fact that we are not being counted in the unemployment numbers. He just hung his head and didnt really say much else. He took my paper work and copied it. He wont rat his friends out he doesnt want to be responsible for his friends loosing a roof over their heads. So if this man knows whats going on then so doesnt our government. They do a good job of ignoring us. They all get an A+ for a job well done.
I have been unemployed for the last 3 years my unemployment ran out march 30,2010 I have maxed out to 99 weeks limit and I need more help I have been on 3 interviews that’s by force not choice. I wish I could gone many more but, that’s all were offer by the employers. I have all the quality for these position that I am applying and still can’t land a job. I want to work I desperately I have no one to help me in the my situation. I am an American citizen I and I don’t deserve to be treated like this. I have paid taxes out of my check without a problem my previous jobs for many years and now I need help and the leaders of the United States refuse to provide me assistant I lost my job through (NO FAULT) of my own I have lost everything that I owned behind this economic crisis I know there are million of other in the same the situation as me with no hope. I really feel like a failure I try all I can do whatever it takes and still that’s not enough in this country why do I have to suffer like this I am a good person all I want is get back in the working industry and feel like somebody again is that asking for to much? I’m a young woman 26 years and can’t get a job that’s not normal to me. Then you have older people that can’t get a job either because of there age all age groups are suffering now the young and the old there are people with master, bachelors, associates degrees who are unemployed you begin to feel worthless after a while the only person that I have on my side is God without him I don’t know where I would be someone please help the people that are barely surviving give us the help that is need put yourself in our shoe and feel the pain that we are in I bet you can’t imagine not knowing where your next meal, shower, monies will come from can you? I know you can’t but I can have a heart for the people that are no longer getting benefits LONG-TERM UNEMPLOYED Grant us more assistant It is only right that you lend a hand helping hand because the leaders Congress, House, President are the only one’s that can get us out of this disaster. HELP THE MILLIONS OF AMERICAN’S GET BACK ON THERE FEET.
Missed the program but am ‘living the life’? I am constantly amazed by our elected ‘leaders’ ignoring the vast number of unemp and 99ers! Most states are now cutting unemp benefits as well as time periods. In IN the average unemp benefit WAS $268 and in 2011 they CUT unemp by $ 60 a WEEK! In MI they shortened the initial state unemp from 26 to 20 weeks! Guess ‘we’ are are sharing the pain? That way there will be NO FUTURE 99ers!
We just continue to apply for jobs, an occasional interview (!), but no way out of this maze… The cost to our mental, emotional, and physical health is relentless. How and why does the media constantly drone on and on regarding the citizens of other countries and their inability to support their families or have adequate career opportunities but remain silent regarding OUR AMERICAN CITIZENS? It should not be considered ‘charity’ to extend unemp benefits as long as needed in this great nation!! We are missing vast opportunities to improve and stabilize the lives of so many, instead of just digging the hole deeper! How sad and unjust… Peace but not much hope.
I saw a media propagandist on Fox News interviewing an economist the other nite. They were talking about how the economy was improving ( 8.8% bullshit # ), and the economist actually admitted that there were 15 million people no longer receiving UI benefits, but the way she said it was that ” 15 million people have DROPPED OUT of the nations work force ” with a smile on her face, like we’re all fine, nobody’s homeless or hungry, like we all voluntarily decide that we didn’t want or need to work anymore. That’s what we are facing , brothers and sisters.
Henry,
In response to the following quote from your article:
“She then went on to say that she finally decided to put her efforts towards her side business”
Unemployment benefits are not paid to people with any form or dimension of personal business. Unlike a wage from working for someone else, income from self employment cannot be deducted up to a certain limit from the benefit amount. Even worse is the fact that by simply having a “side business” she renders herself ineligible to legally collect any benefit at all regardless of whether there is any income at all either gross or net.
Consequently who in their right mind would pursue self employment, let alone make such a statement, unless he or she were financially able to forgo unemployment compensation?
Another fact to present in proving your point that this person is as atypical an example of our demographic as could possibly exist.
While on the subject why not point out that this debacle has been endured by many of the self employed with absolutely no assistance whatsoever as they helplessly watched their markets dissolve. What attention has been given to that issue? And when the “education for profit” madness results in massive student loan defaults because there are no jobs?
Oh yeah…I forgot…these grads can get jobs at the hotels catering to the foreign wealthy at 200 bucks a week and just pay ’em back. Sorry…I sometimes overlook the obvious…another senior moment I guess!
Brian,
Thank you for further clarifying the information in this article. You are absolutely correct. I know a lot of young people who have gone back to school for no other reason than to get some money coming in so they can stay off of the streets. These young people are the cream of the crop of their generation and rather than being allowed to enter the work force and make their own way, they are being forced to pursue further education which will not help them, as we continue to lose more jobs every day and the average standard of living continues to fall.
As for myself, I feel I owe it to my children and grandchildren to make a fight of it before I die. I mean it is not like I’m doing anything else at the moment. I constantly have people my age and older come up to me and say, “Henry, if even just a thousand would take up arms and start marching towards Washington DC I would step in and join them.”
I don’t think we are far away from being forced into a shooting war. It is a natural fact that the most dangerous thing in these United States is an ardent, Constitutional loving, patriot with nothing left to lose. May we find our courage soon.
Henry,
You’re welcome, of course. These are just such obvious points to those with awareness either in the present stage of the decay process or those waiting their turn and yet, here we see this blatant display of absurdity on national TV news. But then, what’s new about absurdity.
The movie “Network” was at least equal to Orwell’s work, I think.
“If you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face – forever.”
George Orwell
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/g/georgeorwe159448.html#ixzz1IbbqsNDi
ITS TIME TO RAISE HELL ,ITS NOW OR NEVER FOR THE 99ERS. WHY DIDNT OBAMA INCLUDE THIS EXTENSION IN DECEMBER???? WHY ARE THEY TRYING TO PASS US OVER???I BELIEVE IT OBAMA DIDNT PASS THE EXTENSION IN DECEMBER TO USE US NOW AS ((((((BARGAINING CHIPS))))))) AND THESE FRESHMAN IDIOT TEA PARTY CONGRESSMAN ARE ANTI-AMERICAN ALL THE WAY. THEY DONT CARE ABOUT ILLEGALS GETTING FREE BENEFITS BY THE BILLIONS. BUT DONT LET THOSE AMERICAN 99ERS WHO PAID TAXES AND WERE LAID OFF DUE TO REPUBLICAN TAX CREDITS TO THE RICH HAVE THEIR UNEMPOYMENT EXTENSION. ITS BACKWARDS POVERTY I TELL YOU PLAIN AND SIMPLE. WHY IF I JUST CROSSED THE BORDER ILLEGALLY 2 HOURS AGO THE REPUBLICANS WOULD SAY “””WELCOME, AND BY THE WAY HERE IS $10,000 RIGHT OFF THE TOP TO YOU FOR HOUSING AND WELFARE””” OOOH BUT THOSE AMERICAN 99ERS DONT GIVE THEM TAX PAYING FOOLS ANY EARNED BENEFITS.. WHY THAT MONEY IS FOR THE ILLEGALS….
You are making a lot of assumptions when you throw around those bigoted words about people based on their size. The woman in that Faux News piece clearly doesn’t represent the average 99er–as you’ve said, how could we save money we don’t even have?–but don’t assume that just because someone is bigger that they aren’t suffering, or even going hungry. I have been unemployed for three years now. If it wasn’t for my friends and family I would be homeless. I search everyday for a job, and as you all know there are none out there. To make matters worse, I have arthritis in both knees (which happened before I gained weight, and is one reason that I became physically inactive in the first place), and since I don’t have a car, I am in agony as I walk to different businesses to apply. The thing is, you might see me and think that I am too big to be hungry, and you’d be wrong. I have lost weight since my benefits ran out. I had actually already started before that, and it was a good thing. But, as you know, starvation is not a good way to lose weight. Honestly, it wouldn’t matter what my weight was, it hurts to go hungry. It’s not only physically painful, and emotionally draining, but it is also dehumanizing. No one deserves to feel like this.
Remember, we are all in this together. Please don’t say things that will factionalize us and turn us against each other.
I continue to stand with each and every one of you. We can still win this. Peace.
Poverty Sucks,
I don’t care if you are short, tall, fat, skinny, black, white, Christian, or Jew, if you are a 99er who wants to fight I call you my brother or sister. However I do not believe in political correctness as it is a socialist atribute. This woman on FOX News insulted me by trying to belittle my condition. So I insulted her back because she is a self-righteous pig.
I can’t believe we are even discussing hurting someone’s feelings at the same time our enemies are trying to put us in the ground.
In short, with all due respect, this is no time to succumb to thin skin.
It isn’t really about hurt feelings, and I sure as hell don’t believe in political correctness. Look, that woman in the story was a jackass, but it wasn’t because of her weight. Why go there with it? It’s an easy thing to pick on because the worst thing one can be in our society is fat. I’m saying that, not only is it wrong to single people out based on their weight, it is also a distraction. In fact, that’s what Faux news was trying to do with that story–as you pointed out. The thing is, we shouldn’t be falling for that. But, we are falling for it when we get angry and use their ideas (ie “see how fat she is?”) as part of our argument against what they are doing. The important element of that story is that it was a lie and we all know it. We have to fire back with statistics about how much the average unemployment check really is, and our own videos of tent cities, and the plight of the average unemployed person.
By the way, it really isn’t thin-skinned not to want to be insulted by your allies. Let the jerks on the other side say whatever the hell they want, and I will tear them a new one. Anyway, I’m not trying to start an argument here… I appreciate all of your hard work. Thank you for keeping the true story alive.
Poverty Sucks,
I too have no desire to argue, therefor I will end this conversation the way that my father used to end conversations that were going nowhere for no good reason. “You are right and I might be too.” 8)
Haha! Nice. 🙂
By the way, there are a lot of poor people who are overweight. Lots of folks will buy the worst junk to eat because it is the cheapest and makes them feel full the longest. Not only that, but food banks give away a lot of bread and pastries. It’s true. A person can be big and still be malnourished–meaning that they don’t have the vitamins, minerals, protein, etc. that it takes to build a healthy body.
WHILE THE GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES CONTINUE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE IN CONGRESS AND SENATE THE BACKBONE OF THIS COUNTRY, THE MIDDLE CLASS IS BEING ELIMINATED……….IM 53 WITH A COLLEGE DEGREE HAVE BEEN OUT OF WORK NEARLY 3 YEARS AND AM SELLING OFF MY ASSETS AND USING MONEY I SAVED FOR LATER YEARS TO SURVIVE TODAY……..THE ANTISEPTIC INTERNET JOB GAME WITH ITS BUFFERS AND STAFFERS…..PRETENDERS ALL, HAVE MADE CONTACT WITH A PERSPECTIVE EMPLOYER A VIRTUAL IMPOSSIBILTY………….THE OTHER DAY I ANSWERED A 3 LINE AD IN A LOCAL PAPER FOR A 11 DOLLAR AN HOUR JOB FOR WHICH 125 APPLICANTS SHOWED UP………..WITH ODDS LIKE THIS AND CORPORATE BLOODSUCKERS CONTINUING TO OUTSOURCE THE FUTURE IS BLEAK INDEED…TIME FOR A REVOLOUTION AND I MEAN NOW.
Hi there:
I read your comments about my appearance on Fox News. Let me explain–since you have not read my book. I lost my UNION job in August 2008. I was making 50,000 (I have a Masters degree from Wesleyan University–so I did not think 50,000 was alot) Yes, I made abotu 30,000 on unemployment and banked about 7,000 a year.
I bought my condo when it was 41,000 dollars…and saved the downpayment on 30,000 salary. I believe everyone can save on any salary. I would not ever take down the 99ers–and I went on Fox to say that–and I did. I was not holier then thou–my knees were shaking under the table–it was my frist time on national TV–and I am obese and need to lose weight…but I along with others eat my feelings and quit smoking. But, today I am not eating them I am telling you how I feel.
But, I am thinking postive and life is getting better. When I was laid off–the other person in the office was 70–and they laid off the YOUNGER person…But, I am not going to let bitterness get ahold of me. I am fighting to stay above the fray…and that is my point of the whole thing–OUR GOVERNMENT IS NOT GOING TO HELP THE 99ERS–WE HAVE TO HELP OURSELVES. So, instead of lashing out–why don’t we come together and maybe we can all help each other.
Leslie Jacobs
This is not meant as an attack. I could care less about your weight. However, how dare you speak on behalf of fellow Americans who’s circumstances you obviously cannot comprehend? To be quite honest, you come across as a “plant” (accessory/accomplice). Look outside of your own little box. If you truly are a 99er, I will be happy to elaborate
BTW
I am a Vested member of the AFL-CIO w/ a MA Magna Sum Laude
Angel,
Now now. Read those words of wisdom again…”OUR GOVERNMENT IS NOT GOING TO HELP THE 99ERS–WE HAVE TO HELP OURSELVES.”
“Help yourself” is our new anthem. Isn’t that what the rich did? They “helped themselves” to everything that was ours. We are just dumb working people. What do WE know?
And now we have the audacity to question the wisdom of sending all the jobs out of country to make them richer? Angel, do you realize what those yachts and planes cost? Are you some sort of dissident?
What do you want….a living wage or something? You’ve been allowed to continue living haven’t you…at least so far anyway. Why not try Wendy’s (who won’t hire you anyway) and supplement by collecting cans on the roadside?
A “plant”? C’mon…don’t be silly! Such paranoia…shame, shame! I just can’t believe this!
(Wonder if she worked her “side business” while collecting benefits.)
I couldn’t work my side business–the economy was in the toilet–and no one was hiring anyone for anything. But, I am grateful to have this dialogue. Now, how do we move forward instead of with anger and backwards.
Have you talked to your creditors and explained your situation?
What is your passion in life?
Mike Huckabee certainly has no right to call anyone obese. He has been a fatty on a roller coaster ride with weight issues for most of his adult life. And have you ever seen his wife? She’s a big ole woman! They both need to push themselves away from the table.
This slogan was from a billboard in Florida by Peta’s Anti Obesity Campaign that ask us to ‘SAVE THE WHALES’ LOSE BLUBBER: GO VEGETARIAN. PETA…it had a picture of a fat woman in a red poka dotted two piece swim suit. This was too sensitive for many and was taken down.