I'm living the Republican agenda in Texas.

[hamsterjill]

This post is meant as a warning. Because the idiots who have done this in Texas are not going to stop at the state border. I’m living the Republican agenda, and it may very well kill me. Which is exactly what the Republicans want.

I have been jobless since the pandemic began. No, please don’t send me suggestions of where to look for jobs. Because I’ve been searching since day one. Actively. Earnestly. Seriously.

Abbott is cutting the pandemic unemployment in another week. I am going to be forced to take a job where I will literally be making less than one-half what I was making pre-pandemic. Why? Because even if there are jobs available, there are none in my field that pay anything. And most won’t hire people of a certain age - which I am.

Once I am forced to take the shit job, I won’t be making enough to cover my expenses. I won’t be able to continue to look and interview because I’ll need to be on premises at the shitty job all the time in order to make as much as I possibly can. So, I’ll be stuck. I’m too old to work more than one job. My body won’t handle that.

I stand to lose everything. Fall to my knees and weep? Every day.

The stress alone will probably kill me. That’s fine with the Republicans. Less SSI coming out of the coffers.

This is the Republican agenda. This is the outcome that Ronald Reagan wanted. They win. I give up.

Short of Stacy Abrams and Beto O’Rourke, I don’t see Democrats fighting for change. You can disagree with me. That’s fine. But I don’t see fire and fight. I see rhetoric and acquiescing. I see big ideas getting watered down to nothing. I see capitulation. I see stupidity.

Where in the hell do we go from here? I don’t have the fight left. Does anyone else? Give me some hope. Please. Give me some hope.

[jmbar2]

1. I am SO sorry you are in this situation

I left Texas 5 years ago because it scared me to grow old there. (In Oregon now). I now enjoy Oregon state health insurance, which was a huge motivator. However, housing is expensive and hard to find.

I don't know what your skillset is, but to paraphrase an old joke, on the internet, they don't know you are old. There has been a growth of online, remote shit jobs since the pandemic, and your age may be less of a barrier. (Check out Indeed.com remote job listings).

I was seeing the writing on the walls 10 years ago, being in the same boat. I taught myself how to daytrade. It took a long time, I lost a lot during the learning phase, but it now provides a small supplement to my social security. If that holds any interest for you, DM me and I'll share how to get started.

Hang in there and don't give up.

[hamsterjill]

2. Thanks! I would love to leave Texas.

Unfortunately, I have some circumstances that prevent me from being able to move.

I will send a DM later this afternoon. Yes, I’d love your insight on supplemental income.

[jmbar2]

3. I'll be happy to share with you.

[SemiHalfling]

30. Too few posts to DM here but...

I’m in a similar boat and wouldn’t mind some advice on reading material etc. I’m looking to move out of SC later this year and room with a friend in Oregon. Granted I’m younger, and have started college online, but the fewer loans I need to take out the better. In-person work options for me are also limited/often unfeasible for health reasons, so the more I can do remotely or online the better.

[jmbar2]

35. Sure

Congratulations on going back to school. I did it at midlife. What are you studying?

Are you more interested in the online work opportunities or stock trading?

If work is your first priority, go to Indeed.com and do a search for "remote jobs". You'll be shocked at what's available out there. There is always demand for people to work customer service online. It's shit work, but keeps the wolf away from the door until you find something better.

Here is a link to an introductory course on stocks and options by Tradesmart U. They are VERY good, and that's where I started my learning path. (I have no financial interest in this - just a former student)
https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-trade-stocks-and-options/


Just to be clear, I am not a financial advisor or anything.

Keep in touch!

[SemiHalfling]

64. Thanks!

I’m studying computer science, I was split between it and business/economics. I’m only one semester in, so I have room to adjust it too.

In theory I could be more interested in trading than online work opportunities if it pans out in the long run, but I know it has risks. Luckily I have the time to put in now; assuming my budget holds after the move, and depending on the difficulty of the classes I’m in.

A coworker of one of my now-retired parents recently tried to get me interested in it too and recommended some books, but I’ve been hesitant to jump in without having seen enough previews and instructions. That and I needed to take intro to scripting with Python (which I’m working on) and do a math refresher (starting next term). There are tons of materials online these days too, but gauging their usefulness or transparency isn’t always easy when it comes to stocks since I’m less familiar with that domain of knowledge, so thanks for the recommendation! I’ll definitely take a look.

That’s good to know about the support jobs, I figured I would have that option if I needed it, especially up in Oregon compared to the southeast.

[jmbar2]

65. You're on the right track

The fact that you are computer fluent already will help you a lot, plus the degree of focus you have developed as a programmer. Very good background for trading.

Learning to trade is a process best done in sequential, short sessions. TradeSmart U has structured their content well for this type of learning.

I'd recommend taking that course, printing out the presentation slides and keeping them in a notebook. That way you can learn a small chunk, put it away, and then review the content and take the next chunk. You'll need that kind of repetition for something so new to begin to stick.

After you get through that, I have a bunch more links to take you the next steps. But it would firehose you to look at all the other stuff before you have the basics.

As you are learning, try to accumulate a trading fund of $2000-3000. You can also open a practice trading account at E-trade with no money to start learning the interface. Other brokerages offer the same - Etrade is just the one I'm familiar with.

Good luck and stay in touch.

[yellowdogintexas]

41. I hope something breaks for you soon.

Definitely look for listings of remote jobs.

There really are a lot of them out there. They won't pay as much but you won't have transportation expenses every day.

Keep the faith and keep us up to date

[Nay]

4. Cheap RV Living on YouTube

You are obviously totally stressed for very good reasons. I've included a link for you -- it may be undoable for you, or completely unpalatable to you, but this video (1-5) and the second that follows (6-10) talks about what to do (whether you choose to do it temporarily or semi-permanently) when disaster truly looms.

My hubby and I have always kept this option in reserve -- we traveled in a 1964 schoolbus converted to a camper from out West to the East, with a tiny baby and very little money. We lived in it for months.

Even if you feel you don't want to try this, maybe watch just the videos that are relevant to your situation right now.

I hope things get better for you soon!

P.S. Please feel free to send me A DU Mail message if you have any questions.

[XanaDUer2]

5. all I can say is I'm so sorry

I'm facing down loss of income, and it's scary as hell.

[hamsterjill]

6. I know you are.

I know I’m not alone. Why are the Democrats not fighting for us? Where’s the lowering of the Medicare eligibility? Where is the fight to make red state governors NOT refuse pandemic Unemployment Insurance? I hear that there is a lawsuit over this in Indiana. Why aren’t there lawsuits in every red state?

[XanaDUer2]

7. I concur

red states are shit. We're lucky to have a democratic gov in this state. I want Medicare eligibility down to age 55.

[Hortensis]

19. Your dilemma is new to you, but others have always faced it.

The current problem of Democrats in office as always full of wonderful plans and as always eager to carry them out -- except that voters didn't give them enough power -- is the usual one and pretty much explains it all.

So, your job is to take care of yourself. If you really don't see yourself returning to your previous state of wellbeing, figurer out the life you want to live with less means and go for it. We were both industry-downturned into too-early retirements and have already downscaled to much lesser means, but are happy in retirement. In this portion of life, we go where our kids and my husband's fishing take us but make sure there's still gardening stuff for me.

You may not be ready to consider it, but if you're fortunate enough to have a house you can't afford to keep, maybe start thinking of selling it? Soon? If that's in the future, do it proactively before you're in a hole. It's a seller's market now too. If possible invest at least some of it to give even a little income and/or growth.

The possibility of living in an RV is already suggested , so I'll leap in with my tried-and-loved alternate way of existence: a MH on land in a pleasant neighborhood or in a park. We've had one on a canal off Tampa Bay with every convenience a bike ride away and one surrounded by wilderness marsh. I feel really sorry for people who down-scale their living to dreary low-end apartment houses in dreary neighborhoods, when they could have a much better lifestyle by choosing first for the most appealing location and neighbors they can afford.

Nice parks aren't full of poor people. MH's are extremely comfortable and economical and can be remodeled to suit. You can have space to garden or make sure you never have to again. Btw, for our vacation homes so far, we've chosen to own the land outright or as part of a cooperative, rather than paying lot rent. Renting while you decide where to end up is of course an economical option. Just a thought, but you have to live somewhere and should examine all possibilities.

[yellowdogintexas]

40. Medicaid expansion has been refused by our previouus and current

governors.

We would have affordable ACA if not for this.

Many of these fights have to take place at the state level unfortunately and we have a horrid state government.

My biggest anger over 2020 was that the Democrats did not take over the Texas House. I guess there was a lot of ticket splitting going on.

[Bettie]

8. I'm sorry

I wish I had advice, but sadly, all I have to offer is sympathy.

[hamsterjill]

9. Thanks. Again, it's me now. Could be someone else soon.

Texas is gerrymandered to the point that there is no hope of changing anything for decades. Abbott/Cruz have successfully implemented their very calculated agenda. Once they see it succeed in Texas, they’ll be coming after somewhere else. We are the test laboratory.

I know real estate investors that are literally chomping at the bit for the eviction moratoriums to be lifted and people kicked out of their homes. The investors will grab up properties, which will lower property values for everyone else. It’s all about land in Texas.

[ancianita]

21. Same in Florida. They're both structurally run by billionaires and their Republican tools.

Can you sell and move? NM is cheaper and waaaay bluer. And smarter. Their whole state got rid of qualified immunity and the Dems there are badass.

[tirebiter]

10. It could only be worse in Milwaukee

[hamsterjill]

13. At least I'm not alone!

n/t

[LymphocyteLover]

11. I'm so sorry. I hope you find some way out of that madhouse.

[rainin]

12. Would you add what field you work in just in case someone here is hiring?

It may not help, but it can't hurt. Best of luck to you. I'm sorry you're going through this.

[hamsterjill]

14. Real estate administration.

I’ve worked for lawyers, developers and realtors.

[CrispyQ]

73. Virtual assistant? I know a few women who make decent bucks doing this.

Last edited Sat Jun 19, 2021, 11:23 AM - Edit history (1)

Can you set up a website? A one page site would be all you'd need, along with a contact form. You're industry specific experience might give you an edge. If you have any tech skills, like updating WordPress sites, that will help too. Now that so many offices have seen that they can get quality support from workers-at-home, starting a virtual assistant business might be even easier than before.

Here's a discussion board with lots of info about starting a virtual assistant business: https://www.vanetworking.com/forum/

And as far as the dems, IMO, the right knocked the fight out of our side when they assassinated JFK, MLK, & RFK, & we never recovered. In the meantime, they've built up a right-wing media machine & our side doesn't even have a marketing department. Hearing Dianne Feinstein say that she doesn't think our democracy is in danger almost sent me over the edge last week.

I'm so sorry to hear of your misfortunate & wish you the best! Above someone mentioned taking action now & that's excellent advice. It will help mentally, too.

[Solly Mack]

15. I wish I had answers.

I won't lie and say things will get better because the truth is even as it does get better for some there will be many people who fall through those proverbial cracks created by bad government policies.

I do hope though and maybe knowing a cynic like me still entertains hope for something better helps - if only a little.

[hamsterjill]

17. Thank you.

I just feel that the Democrats should be doing more for ALL of us. As I stated above, there is supposedly a lawsuit already filed in Indiana to stop its governor from cutting off pandemic unemployment benefits early. I would imagine the premise is that those in red states that are receiving the U/I payments are being discriminated against simply for having the misfortune to live in a red state. Blue state recipients will continue to have benefits until September 3rd. In my opinion, Dems should be filing lawsuits in every red state - as a gesture to bring attention to this if nothing else.

[samplegirl]

58. Can't bring a knife to

a gun fight. I’m done with going High when they go low…….we need to stay with it no matter how long it takes! Fight with everything we’ve got.

[seta1950]

74. Democrats do it better

Look at California, our economy is better than the US economy, when Democrats are in control everything is better, that’s not to say there are no problems here,housing is very very expensive etc…
That’s the reason for all these voter suppression laws cropping up everywhere.
I’m very sorry about your circumstances, I got laid off in January and can’t find anything because of my age, so it’s very scary.

[GoodRaisin]

79. I agree with you.

Dems should immediately file lawsuit to block this action cutting off your federal unemployment benefits in Texas. That's the only way to deal with your Redhat government in Texas on this issue.

I live in North Carolina where I am all too familiar with the Republican agenda over ~ the last decade so I can empathize with your situation. The only reason our benefits aren't being cut now is we were fortunate to elect a Democrat governor take over for the last Republican asshole (McCrory). McCrory had cut state unemployment benefits to where we were last in the nation for state benefits, and refused to expand Medicaid. My next door neighbor was forced to empty his bank account to pay $10k a year in premiums for health coverage without the medicaid expansion. He was living the Republican agenda. So I totally get what you are going through. We were very badly gerrymandered, so the legislature here has been all Republican majorities in the Senate and House. At times they even had super majorities to overide Governor vetos (thankfully not now). Having a Democrat governor was a godsend, he has provided some relief, like keeping the Fed's unemployment intact for us now, which would be gone with a Republican governor, like yours.

It is very unfair for this Federal pandemic unemployment to vary from state to state. Abbott is an evil SOB, like McCrory was for us. He wants to force Texans into MacDonalds and businesses like it without paying the workers any more wages, so the lines will move faster. This is a form of slavery. He doesn't distinguish between able bodied and non able bodied people. He doesn't care a shit whether you eat or die.

I see he is now contemplating increasing your taxes to pay for a border wall. Expect the poor Texans to pay most for it.

People would be wise to heed the warnings from you and those like you. Without the John Lewis voting rights bill, I fear that there will be more states like yours once new laws allow state legislatures to overturn the will of their voters. I hope we can somehow unite our U.S. Senate Democrats to push the John Lewis bill through which addresses these states making laws allowing them to overide their voters.

[hamsterjill]

82. Thank you!

I love this well thought post! Well said!!

[CrispyQ]

75. "No matter how cynical I get, I can't keep up." Lily Tomlin

I think that's my life's philosophy.

[Solly Mack]

77. Exactly. Thank you for sharing that wonderful quote, CrispyQ!

[Johnny2X2X]

16. Best wishes, people are closer to disaster than they think

I feel for people like the op. I think a lot of people have a false sense of security in their careers, it takes constantly changing and adding skills to built something permanent, and then even if you do that there's a luck factor involved.

We had a good economy since The Bush Great Recession, people built their lives, and felt secure. The disaster Trump left the economy in was a total mess. Because it was in an election year though both sides agreed to give the people unprecedented help. Now some Red states are taking away the last bit of help and it's leaving people hurting.

Here in MI, there's pressure from the Republicans for the governor to turn down the UE that goes through the Summer, she's not going to do it, instead she's going to continue it and find ways to use it as bonuses for those that can return to work. Leadership matters.

Texas will eventually be an awful place to live, their leadership is terrible and wrong on almost all of the issues that matter.

[hamsterjill]

18. Texas already is an awful place to live.

As I stated upthread, I know real estate investors here in Texas who cannot wait until the eviction moratorium ends so they can buy up the homes people are evicted from. Once that happens, the economy is going to tank. Small business? They better worry because there isn’t going to be anyone able to buy anything that isn’t an absolute essential. So they fail. Ripple after ripple after ripple.

All already in progress in Texas and it won’t stop here once it succeeds.

[Dan]

22. I wish you luck.

And if things continue, then all I can say is

Welcome to the Revolution!!!

[samplegirl]

70. It's sad because they keep voting them

in on a local level and before ya know it your like Ohio Red!!!

[Rustyeye77]

20. Texas ? You really live in hell.

[alfredo]

24. The whole south west is in for tough times with drought spreading.

The long term climate models call for drought in the southwest, and better conditions in the south east.

Okies head east.

[CrispyQ]

76. Soon migrants in the northern US will be US citizens from the southwest.

We're thinking of relocating north. Summers used to be the prime season along the Front Range. Now, it's my least favorite season. We used to get a few 90° days, not many. Now, half of June is over 90° & it's not even summer yet.

[alfredo]

83. All of this could have been prevented if the elite would have cared.

They listened, but acting would have meant spending money to update and advance. Their standing on the Forbes list was more important than human life.

[hamsterjill]

86. I agree.

It’s the greed that’s going to be what gets us.

[alfredo]

88. At the bottom of the economic barrel is the fear of

Losing what we have.

Our feet turn to lead when called upon to make changes of any kind.

[peggysue2]

23. It's a rotten position to be in particularly as we grow older

Stamina is not what it once was and the stress alone can make you sick.

I don't have any solid suggestions. Not sure what your living situation is but if you own a home, the market right now is off the charts. I'm in Tennessee and we just sold our property in less than 24 hours at $85,000 more than we willing to sell at two short years ago. Our house languished on the market last time for 6 months. Yesterday after we went live, it was total craziness--12 hours of showings and two offers. We took the highest bid.

People are acting as if the last homes on Planet Earth are up for sale--cash deals, no inspections required, etc., etc.

So, depending on your property situation, this is definitely a sellers' market. And then you can downsize to your means. Won't make it easy but perhaps less difficult.

Best of luck and good vibes! Sorry this is happening.

[keithbvadu2]

25. Become a Trumper and you'll have the faith!

Become a Trumper and you'll have the faith!

Become an AMWAY acolyte, sell products and convince others to sell under you.
You'll do great.

(Although the real AMWAY wealth is made by selling pep rallies and motivational supplies to the rubes at the bottom.)

???

[pecosbob]

26. I lived in Texas for most of my life...left in 2004

I worked in architecture there through all of the boom and bust cycles. Eventually I jumped off that hamster wheel as I got older and my legs got tired. In 2000 I had a dozen family members in the state...they've all bailed, despite being native Texans.

[ShazamIam]

27. Please copy your post into an email and send to all your legislators, State and Federal.

You have written a well stated reason and argument for keeping the extensions.

Along with the weird fact that when your income is lowest, everything cost more, primarily because of loss of access to choices when poor.

[czarjak]

28. The cruelty is the point for them.

[hamsterjill]

49. Exactly.

They enjoy it.

[SarcasticSatyr]

29. I feel your pain, I'm in much the same situation in Florida ...

I've considered suicide ... I probably won't go through with it, but I've thought a lot about it.

[jmbar2]

36. Don't give up

I remember a news story years ago when George Bush won his second term. A young man in Florida who was very invested in the election was so despondent that he committed suicide.

By doing so, he missed seeing President Obama win the election in 2008. No one could have foreseen that in 2004!

I believe that we are in a major transitional time in the U.S. We need you to help us push through change, and get this country back on track. You count!

[Skittles]

47. no one kills themselves because of who is president

it's just the last straw in years of being unable to cope

[hamsterjill]

50. Please don't.

If you ever need to talk, please DM me. It helps to talk to someone, to be reminded that you’re not alone, and that you’re going to be okay somehow. Sometimes other people can see things from a better vantage point.

[Jedi Guy]

53. Please seek help if you're having suicidal thoughts.

I've been there, and I know how compelling the darkness can be. But you have people who love you and care about you. Reach out to them, tell them how you're feeling and that you need help. If you need to talk/rant/cry/whatever, DM me. I'll listen to whatever you have to say.

[jalan48]

31. Abbott is getting his marching orders from the uber-capitalists that put him in office. These folks

are telling us you will work for what we tell you. Reagan pushed hard against the unions and it's been a decline in membership since the 80's. Without an "identity politics" of the working class things are only going to get worse.

[hamsterjill]

51. Agreed.

I think Abbott is taking his orders from Putin just like Trump and Cruz are.

[jalan48]

56. Yes. Along with the Koch Brothers.

[dalton99a]

32. Kick

[stillcool]

33. if you're breathing in and out, there's hope

whenever I get bummed out, I imagine being born an Iraqi. All that war, all that trauma, all that death. And yet, people love, people laugh, and people live. We humans adapt to damn near anything. In spite of ourselves. When the water is rough-going, do the back-float.

[Texaswitchy]

34. I remember Texas being run by Democrats.

We had Bill Hobby for Lt. Governor for 18 years.

The older Democrats who used to vote in every election started to die off.

My Grandparents generation and my parents generation.

My parents were election judges and all the neighborhood adults always came to vote.

I used to work voter registration and it was hard to get younger people to register.

Baby boomers held the line but the older boomers are dieing off.
My oldest brother and sister have passed away.
I am the youngest and I am 67.

We Democratic boomers are not getting any younger.

Voting matters and that is every election.

Local, and state elections are just as important as federal elections.


I am hoping this is a wake up call to younger working people the importance of voting to protect your self interest.

[ananda]

37. It really is hell having the government from hell here.

My vote for Congress hasn't counted since Tom Delay
engineered the gerrymandering.

[Skittles]

48. yes

I remember the odd feeling of voting for Biden in the primaries and subsequently thinking, wow, my vote finally COUNTED

[druidity33]

38. If the collective might of Du...

can find you a GOOD job, could you move out of TX? What can we do to help you?

[hamsterjill]

39. Thank you, and I would in a heartbeat if I could.

I run a small cat rescue and the property I have is configured for that. I could not possibly uproot that operation unfortunately. I also have elder family members here.

But I thank you SO much for your desire to help.

[mvd]

42. I sympathize completely!

In PA, we have Gov Wolf to stop a lot of the bad stuff. But the state legislature here would like to make PA like Texas.

I have constant financial stress. Should have filed for disability already but they don’t make it easy.

I am very relieved Biden is President. He started off well but we can’t lose the momentum. Lots of big things should be on the agenda as well as important items like increasing Social Security and providing student loan forgiveness.

Best of luck to you! I hope you can give us a happy update later.

[hamsterjill]

85. I, too, am relieved that Biden is President.

I just worry about the mid-terms because of the Republicans’ voter suppression tactics and underhandedness. I want the Dems to be more assertive.

We need all of the reforms you listed and more.

[mvd]

87. Agreed

I think it is a must that we get a good voting rights law passed. Maybe Manchin is heading our way finally, but we can’t delay much longer.

[Joinfortmill]

43. I am so very sorry. I am praying for you.

[hamsterjill]

89. Thank you for that.

Sorry for the late response. I am a believer, so I sincerely appreciate your prayer for me.

[left-of-center2012]

44. New Mexico for the most part is a Democratic state n/t

[OldBaldy1701E]

45. I truly wish I had something uplifting to say.

You won't be alone? That is about all I can come up with. We had the chance to address so much crap that has taken hold in our society, and we are pretty much blowing it. As one guy said in a comment section of a report I was reading about businesses closing, "You mean to tell me with the record profits of the past five years, these businesses could not make it one month without needing a bailout?" That should have been quite an eye opener... instead, everyone metaphorically looked away. The bloodthirsty capitalism virus has proven too virulent. Oh well...

[Corgigal]

46. I worked online for several years.

Company is called LiveOps. I took Pizza Hut orders, and made over 12 bucks an hour. Got direct deposit every 2 weeks. It wasn’t a real job, but I could work as much as I wanted at home.

It’s online, maybe they have a company that could work better with your skills.

[Jedi Guy]

52. I'm very sorry you're being put in that position.

Cutting unemployment benefits when the pandemic is not yet over, and when its effects on the job market are not fully understood, is idiotic and heartless. The fact is that many industries may not recover from the pandemic for years, if at all.

I can relate at least a little bit to the stress you're feeling. My wife is a chef, and given the number the pandemic did on the hospitality industry up here in Canada, she wound up taking a 33% pay cut when she got a new job a few months ago. On top of that, my work just announced that starting in September we're expected back in the office three days a week. Transit costs for me to get there would work out to about $360/month, which isn't exactly pocket change. Since we're already feeling the financial pinch, that news sent me into a panicky tailspin. My employer's utter unwillingness to even consider a compromise didn't help.

My best advice is to keep your chin up as best you can and keep looking. As others mentioned upthread, there are quite a few work-from-home jobs out there these days. You'd be amazed how much money you save by working from home... not stopping for coffee/breakfast in the morning, not eating out for lunch, etc. The benefits for work/life balance are huge, too.

Times are tough, but you're not alone. I'll keep you in my thoughts and send you good vibes! As my Grammy says, "This too shall pass."

[Richard58]

54. I wish I could give some sage advice.

My heart breaks for you. I wish I could give some pearl of wisdom to help make your life better but I am stumped. I live in Pa and things aren't that bad here---yet. But I totally get your anger. It seems that the Democrats just talk a good talk but when it comes down to actually enacting REAL change that will help the average American they get blocked by the GOP and just throw up their hands and say, "Oh well, what can we do?" Oh I dunno? Raise hell! Fight back HARD! Take your case to the American people! But no, they acquiesce and water down legislation to try to appease the fascists in the GOP---which never works! Because even when the Dems compromise the Republicans still say "NO!" and demand even more concessions. It's a game to Republicans. A game the Democrats don't seem to know they are playing. Things could be SO MUCH BETTER in this country. I remember when Obama first became President the Democrats had strong majorities in the Senate and House. He COULD have gotten a lot done. But no, he squandered everything trying to "compromise" and be "bipartisan" with a party that had zero intention of working with him. Such a lost opportunity and it pissed me off. Anyway that is enough ranting for now.

[hamsterjill]

55. Thank you!!!!

You get it!!!! Thank you. You understand!!!

[mvd]

57. Keep up the passion!

I know we have to deal with Manchin and Sinema. But to stop fighting for a major infrastructure plan, more stimulus, more unemployment benefits, combatting climate change, $15 minimum wage,
reforming health care, police reform, gun control, loan forgiveness etc would be tragic.

I will keep you in my thoughts. I know how hard it is out there.

[GrapesOfWrath]

81. You speak for me

+1000

[Pinkflamingo]

59. HamsterJill, you sound like a lovely person.

You deserve better. Sometimes when I’m down, I try taking a universal view of what’s happening. There is much in life we can’t control.

Set a timer and spent one minute focusing on the breath. Feel the air going in and out. If thoughts come up, gently bring yourself back to the breath. Even one minute a day helps. It will help you have a clearer head. Doing this sometimes helps me to think of a good solution to a problem.

Please come back here from time to time to let us know how you’re doing. We all care.

Keep smiling. XO

[hamsterjill]

61. Thank you.

Are you familiar with the app “Insight Timer”? I use it a lot for quick meditations.

[Pinkflamingo]

62. Insight Timer, I'll try it!

[hamsterjill]

63. It's great.

When you have the app downloaded, hit “guided”, and then you are given a choice of meditations in five minute increments. You can do short or long, whichever you prefer. The app also has other stuff, too, like sleep music, etc.

[pansypoo53219]

60. raising the minimum still not a given. butbutbut inflation!

be happy serf.

[treestar]

66. The Democrats are dealing with the republicans

The ones you are living this way because of, you claim. Then you proceed to put them down. Beto is not even in office and he gets credit.

[hamsterjill]

67. I don't understand the first sentence of your post.

Sorry.

Beto is out here every single day in Texas trying to further the Democratic platform. Every. Single. Day.

Come on down. I’ll show you. That’s why he gets credit.

[treestar]

71. The Rs in DC are still powerful

And the Rs in Texas even more so.

Yet the Ds in DC are the bad guys? What about the Ds in Texas, who can't hold anything off?

Beto can talk all he wants. He has no more votes in Congress than we do. Or in the Texas legislature.

[hamsterjill]

72. So, let me understand this, please.

It’s a problem NOW that I’m complimenting Beto?

Have a great day. I’ll not respond further.

[treestar]

90. No it is that you were trashing the Democrats

In DC. WHILE complaining about Republicans in Texas.

[ReadABook1969]

68. You can't relent

I'm 70 and also tired of this bull crap. If you quit, they WIN. Part of their strategy, is to wear us down. Money never sleeps but we have to persist. Take a break. Spend a weekend doing something to re-charge you batteries and then get back into the fight. We can't afford to loose one single voice in fighting for democracy.

[carpetbagger]

69. We just don't have the votes.

I lived in Florida from 2007 to 2020 before returning. Lots more fight with Texas Dems.

[Chicagogrl1]

78. Happy to help you pro bono

I do resume/job coaching. It’s all @ getting past ATS , applicant tracking systems used by computers. All of us Dems need to help each other. We should set up a networking system. Wonder if there’s someone here @ DU that can help you with a job. Just DM me for resume help or just a chat.

[hamsterjill]

80. Thank you!!! I need your input!

I’m spending the day trying to recharge. I will DM you later tonight!

We do need to help one another and you are sweet to offer. I’m sure there are others that might need this as well.

With much appreciation!!!

[Chicagogrl1]

84. Here to help 😘