Posted on 01/01/2012 8:10:22 AM PST by Gen.Blather
I met some illegal Mexicans last night at a party. Several years ago I stayed with a couple of wonderful Mexican families in the Baja below California. These were well-off people. The homes, on average were beautifully tiled and some of them had mahogany inlaid walls, bookshelves and cabinetry that would cost a hundred-thousand dollars here. So, I’m guessing if they aren’t rich they’re very comfortable. The elderly not as well-off grandfather, while living in Mexico was receiving Social Security from the United States and owned a rent-free apartment in California which he used as his address to receive several forms of assistance checks from Californian agencies. He visited the apartment once a week to re-arrange things and make it looked lived in. He had a car, a Toyota Corolla that looked quite nice and had working air-conditioning. I gathered it was supplied as some form of assistance and he generally left it in California at the apartment. The apartment was about 1100 square feet and very livable. The grandfather told me most of entire complex, easily a 1000 units, were like him, on Californian assistance, but actually living in Mexico.
At the party were a couple of teenage boys from this family. Very nice kids. I’d be proud to have them as my own; diligent, hard working, trouble-free and much more adult than you’d expect from that age. They told me that they’d decided to go to high school in California instead of Mexico. They said that the (California) government gave them an apartment and they travel back to Mexico on the weekends. (I don’t know if they’re staying alone or if a family member is staying with them, but if I had to guess, they came alone.)
When I posted information on this family last time, Freepers angrily asked why I hadn’t reported them. Firstly, I was a well-treated guest. Secondly, this must be obvious to the casual observer. Even if I knew who to report it to in California, which I don’t, it is obvious that this is how it’s done. These people are only taking advantage of “benefits” put there for them. Not to avail themselves of these benefits would be like deciding not to take candy freely offered to you.
I put “Bones” on the Netflix queue, since I’m liking “Lie to Me.” Helps to keep us awake in the wee hours ...
I LOVE “Bones!” I may have to put it in my Netflix queue, as well.
That gal is so good!
Thirded. And even Fourthed (from The Stig)
And if The Stig approves, that settles it. The only stronger endorsement would be Shannon on the keyboard, patting the screen with her lily-white paw.
She used to get up by the tv when we were watching “Walker, Texas Ranger” and pat Chuck Norris. Maybe he should have run for President.
it's Weird2
I've read it. But it has been too many years ago. It's time to re-read it.
Now if I can find it in my library, I won't have to buy it again.
Another series in this genre, which begins to approach my own, is John Scalzi's "Old Man's War", which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Yes, I know. You either. Thank God you had each other through the trials He chose to put you both through.
I suffer from a chemical imbalance which causes depression, and a few times over the years I reached out to him over it.
He was always, as you said, the quick witted, kind, generous and compassionate soul many (me included) looked to for advice, solace and understanding.
You betcha we're family, LoM, and like families, you're stuck with us whether you want us or not. :-)
Maybe I shouldn't be so forward, but my impression is that you used to think that we were Sionn’s friends, but now, I hope you do realize that during all the time we spent with Sionn, he made you and the girls a part of our family.
You are not, and never were, a stranger.
Love and hugs!
OMG! Fan, of course I consider you my family. Sionnsar’s family of origin has all but frozen me out. I have not had emails, calls or letters since he died. I kept knocking myself out trying to stay in touch with all of them during the death investigation that ensued for months in California (they live in California, you’d think they’d put in some effort, but NO.)
Sionn’s mother died on August 24th. Since then I have had no news of a memorial service or a burial. I guess I am no longer family since I am a widow.
I have had the long ordeal of waiting for the final death certificate, the meager life insurance funds, and now a 2 year wait for the widow’s benefits from social security. I am living on the edge, waiting for the bank to take the house since there was no life insurance on the mortgage which was in his name only.... I could go on, but that is most of it.
Fan, I understand depression from a whole different perspective. While Sionn grappled with his issues, I had plenty of my own. With him gone so much it was difficult to feel like I have any emotional support. I often told him that I’d rather have him home, and have home be small, than to have him killing himself for the elbow room he desperately felt he needed. Now I live in a 2,600 square foot home on 1.33 acres 10 miles outside the city of Redmond (might as well be in a State forest) and I cannot keep the place up, physically or financially.
None of this is Sionn’s doing - none of it. He was poisoned: either accidentally or on purpose. I will never accept the “official” version from California that he committed suicide. There is no evidence that supports this finding, just a total lack of competence and care. I have to live with the uncertainty, and having been under suspicion. The King County Sheriff’s detective up here got the case from California and his investigation has essentially cleared me. He points the finger back at Contra Costa County for having failed to do a proper job.
So there you have it. The only family I have are my own blood and Free Republic. That is plenty good enough for me.
Good thing you didn’t marry his family, eh? People can be so mean. I know.
“I often told him that I’d rather have him home, and have home be small,....”
Yes, he mentioned that. He loved you so very much.
I can’t believe you could be accused of hurting him.
People still have it out for you, eh?
There's a well-known tendency for people mildly affected by events to "blame the victim".
It's a lazy solution, but it focuses the anger on the one who brings them pain or inconvenience. It also drives that person away, thus solving their problem.
Except that they haven't done what they should have done, you're better off without them.
Thanks for the tip, Bob. I’ll have to check that one out.
Best,
That's a very good observation about human nature.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.