My father died my freshman year of high school and our household income dropped 80%. I didn’t get discouraged, I got busy. I went to college with two scholarships and then was offered a graduate assistantship. I have worked in social services and education all my life.

In 2000 I was permanently disabled in a horseback riding accident. Once again, I didn’t get discouraged, I got busy and found a position working with disabled high school students, ascertaining what their jobs skills were to help them find employment after high school instead of having to go on SSDI.

In June of last year the funding for the program was cut. Since then I have done project work doing genealogical research, social media for a literacy program, fact-checking and research for pop culture books and fund raising for victims of the Indiana State Fair disaster.

I get up at 3:30 AM to start my job searches.

So when I hear the conservative pundits telling people how the unemployed are lazy and wanting to live on UI, I am enraged.

I want a fighting chance to earn my keep, pay my bills the same month they come in and not have to lie to my son saying that I ate before he got home from school so he doesn’t know there wasn’t enough for all of us.

you no longer have freedom of speech in the work place. After Six years of busting my butt out I go . I am 70 years young and work just as hard as any one 20 years younger. I have lifted things heavier than most people. I have cleaned bathrooms so dirty it makes you sick. Always beat the managers to work. Do the best I can always . Instead of a pat on the back , I get a pink slip . Good old Bealls