Well, as I detailed yesterday, still no unemployment verification. And for some reason, we were turned down for TANF money, which got me to thinking.
When voters asked for welfare reform, this wasn't what they were asking for. Even the most conservative among us acknowledged the need for SOME kind of "safety net" for families when they are truly in need. And yet, I remember when I started at joeuser, the numerous articles that popped up that decried all these welfare families getting something for nothing.
I've got news for you: just because Rush Limbaugh says there are people getting a free ride on your tax dime, doesn't make it so. Take it from someone who's living it as we speak.
So, I've been outlining our options. If I can find a place for the wife and kids to stay, I may bus into California every week and bus back on the weekends. California minimum's $1.60 higher than Nevada. Otherwise, since we still don't have an eviction notice (one much needed bright spot), my plan is to drive into Vegas Monday morning, work day labor Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, sleeping in the car at a truck stop Monday and Tuesday nights, then return home Wednesday night so that I can take care of little things like groceries, etc., stay in town on Thursday, then return to Vegas Friday and Saturday. This will put a little extra money in our hands, and maybe we can get a storage shed for our things so that we don't have to leave them behind (although we'll try to sell the fridge, washer and dryer rather than dump them).
I'm in a little better spirit than I was last night, thankfully, but, to be completely honest, it's not been a fun time. I've tried to be as optimistic as I can, but at the same time, I have been dealing with an understandable bout of depression; and while I would never DO such a thing (I promise, so don't worry too much), I do understand the mindset of the farmers during the mid 80's farm crisis who committed suicide and made it look like an accident so their families would be taken care of. I also (and again, I would never DO such a thing, I promise), understand why in some cases men have felt that abandoning their families was the best thing for their family (in a church community, people tend to rally around a single mother far more than a nuclear family, and welfare benefits are more easily attainable for a single mother than a family; what a horrible message we're sending here).
I'm concerned for my family as well as the move to Vegas now seems all but inevitable. In the kinds of areas where we will have to live, you DON'T answer the door, you DON'T show any money, and if you have any goods that are easily fenced, it's best to not let ANYONE know they exist. I have been explaining the ins and outs to my wife as best I can, but I know it's not going to be easy.
Once again, though, thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. They are felt here, and they really do help us keep our heads up.
respectfully submitted,
Gideon MacLeish