Posted on 01/05/2005 7:28:24 PM PST by Ellesu
We live in a society where cash comes before being human
Dear Socialist Worker, I am a single woman, currently unemployed, with a home-based business that is barely bringing in any income. I have always supported myself by working in nightclub industries as a promoter and makeup artist, and writing resumes (my business).
In September, when I was about five-and-a-half months pregnant, I could no longer work in the nightclub industry, which was 90 percent of my income and allowed me to afford my rent and pay most of my bills. I tried to look for a job, but a lot of places would not hire me because of my pregnancy.
I fell three months behind on my rent--about $3,300. I have lived in my apartment for seven-and-a-half years and have always paid the rent. My landlord recently gave me an eviction letter asking me to come up with the money or leave in three days. I wrote a letter explaining that I was due to give birth and, as of January 1, would be back to work and caught up.
I explained and apologized for any inconvenience that I may have caused. But he and his lawyer went ahead and started the eviction process.
I am at my lowest low. I cry every night because I have no support. The social service people said they will not provide any rental assistance because my rent is too high. But my rent is standard for a New York City apartment in a decent neighborhood.
I just can’t believe that in this country, there are people made homeless everyday, and that the law will allow a landlord or a judge or a lawyer to evict a pregnant woman and contribute to homelessness.
I could understand if I was working and refusing to pay rent. Then I would think that was the right action to take on his part. But I am showing an effort to pay, and I have a good reason.
It is sad that we live in a society where cash comes before being human. It is sad that we live in society that contributes to homelessness because someone has suffered a financial crisis or major setback.
I have called every charity in my area. Most of them tell me they have no funds or don’t provide funds. I called a lawyer to assist me in court. I explained that I am getting evicted, and all he could say to me is “I could represent you for $600.” I just told this man that I am being evicted--that means I have no money.
I was not able to afford an attorney, and the landlord got the upper hand. I was given the “choice” of coming up with almost $6,000 by February 28--that will include January and February rent and the back rent I owe. I have to start making a payment in the next 20 days of $500. If I am a day late, they will send the marshal to evict me. So, I am basically still in the same position.
I have been to the charities that I was told to go to. A lot of them say there is no money. The Salvation Army said they could only give me $600, but that is only if I could show them proof that I can come up with the rest. I tried to get a one-shot deal, but they said I needed to have a job to qualify to show how I will pay them back. If I had money and a job I would not be going to them! They made no sense.
We have billions to use for war, but no help or funds for individuals in need. It is sad that we call ourselves the richest country in the world. We are the poorest, because of our poor sense of humanity. Anonymous, New York City
>>>...we are all questioning our role in life and what we might do to help...<<<
Indeed and I hear ya. We also need to be good stewards and discerning. There's also the psychobabble concept of "enabling" that needs to be taken into consideration. I like to donate to organizations that give the gospel of Jesus Christ along with the rent check!
<><
I think you are smarter than that...most of us are immune to that psychobabble crap...
It usually doesn't hurt when a person actually gives some credit to others...unless you are more comfortable insulting others...
And no doubt you ignored alot of wise council to get there.
Don't mistake the frustration for malice. Conservatives are made, not born. The reason most of us are conservative in the first place is because we "rode the tiger" ourselves... and got bit.
There is only so long you can watch people rushing to their own destruction before you have to build yourself a defense against the sight. I think you're seeing that defense.
Even so, I think it is in keeping with the command to be "innocent as doves, and sly as serpents" to establish for yourself a line between the edification of fasting, and the destruction of starving yourself.
as a devout Christian...I am removed from my former wisdom and as such am now a child (see my home page for the old me).
As you know...I appreciate your input.
Sorry, lots on my mind, but I'll try to be clearer.
BTW, have you read any C.S. Lewis?
"I have always supported myself by.... writing resumes (my business)."
"Guess she is not too good at it. LOL."
Well, you know, you can't write resumes when you're pregnant. Duh!
"I called a lawyer to assist me in court. I explained that I am getting evicted, and all he could say to me is “I could represent you for $600.” I just told this man that I am being evicted--that means I have no money."
I get this all the time. The caller has absolutely no defense, but wants me to pull something out of my hat to let them stay. Plus, they apparently want me to get my fee from the landlord too. What the hell, milk him for all he's worth!
Lots of people looked older then than they today,at the sames age. Fred wasn't all THAT much older than Ginger,when they made those movies.
I can understand reasons to terminate a pregancy, and offer encouragement in the decision that you made, even without a father's input!
Flames will be tolerated!
lots..read and reread...
tomorrow....
< That refers to being born w/o original sin. >
I'm very much aware of what it means. How interesting to find someone else who does.
I was merely using it in a way of noting that the article mentioned nothing about a father. I was using it wrong, but in a way that most people mistaken believe is correct. I
was trying to be funny. On second thought, I was perpetuating the mistake. My bad.
Well it's not our kid so we don't have to. But the lady whom wrote the letter needs to go after the guy who got her pregnant so she can get $$ to raise the kid and have a place to live.
You were. I got a good laugh. This woman reminds me of someone I once met whose goal in life was to be kicked out of more towns than anyone else. He couldn't see why his various bosses weren't forced to pay "living" wages, because those bosses could pay cash for things and he had to "borrow" to fund operations.
Out of all of Lewis' writings, I believe the collection of essays in "God in the Dock" is the most useful for Christians with an interest in politics.
If you haven't read it yet, there is no other book I can recommend more highly.
What makes you so sure they haven't?
Think of the lousy life the child will have, given this loser for a mother. The first advice should be to get to a Christian charities group and offer the child for adoption to responsible parents who are able to provide for it. The agency will even take care of the mother until and shortly after the child is born. Then get out of NYC if you have no money. That is one of the most expensive places to live and a stripper can find work anywhere.
Thanks, I will.
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