AFL-CIO: Lest We Forget: Stories of the Shutdown

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.aflcio.org/Blog/Political-Action-Legislation/Lest-We-Forget-Stories-of-the-Shutdown

10/17/2013 Kenneth Quinnell

While the irresponsible Republican shutdown of the government has ended, the solution is only temporary and we could see the hostage-taking begin again in January. While many of the extremists who supported the shutdown will tell you it was no big deal and didn't cause any harm, the stories that working people tell are quite different.

The AFL-CIO asked people affected by the shutdown to text us their stories. Here are some of the more compelling responses (some have been edited for grammar and clarity):

As both husband and wife furloughed is a huge impact to our income. Most everyone we know is having to already dip into their precious savings.

My son who is disabled from the Iraq war was told he would not get his disability check.

Because of the government shutdown I am unable to pay my rent, get groceries and feed my family. I must report to work while I am considered an essential employee.

I am a vocational rehabilitation counselor working with the Department of Labor and am unable to proceed with my work with my disabled clients.

MUCH more at link.