Obama: 'We've Got The Mom Of 2 Of Our Troops Wearing A Coat INSIDE Of Her Home-We've Got A Problem'

[kpete]

Last edited Tue Jan 7, 2014, 01:47 PM - Edit history (1)

Katherine went on to say, I've applied to everything for which I'm possibly qualified, to no avail. I've worked hard all my life, paid taxes, voted, engaged in political discussion and made the ultimate sacrifice: My two sons serve in the U.S. military. Job loss is devastating, and if I could fix it myself, I would. I challenge any lawmaker to live without an income. (Laughter.) That's what Katherine said. It's hard. (Applause.)

So when we've got the mom of two of our troops who is working hard out there but is having to wear a coat inside the house, we've got a problem, and it's one that can be fixed.

And Katherine's not alone. Develyn Smith (sp), who's watching today from her home in California wrote me about her hunt for a new job. Since she was laid off 13 months ago, she's sent out hundreds of resumes, she's volunteered, she's done seasonal work, she doesn't want to just be sitting around the house. She's been taking online courses to learn new skills. Without unemployment insurance, though, she won't be able to pay for her car or her cell phone, which makes the job hunt that much harder.

And Develyn (sp) wrote to me and said, "I've wanted nothing more than to find a new full-time job, and I've dedicated every day to that mission. I'm asking you to advocate for me and the millions like me who need our extended unemployment benefits to make ends meet."

FULL TRANSCRIPT: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/transcript-president-obamas-jan-7-remarks-on-unemployment/2014/01/07/79c65704-77bc-11e3-b1c5-739e63e9c9a7_story.html

Click here to watch the full video on C-SPAN: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/317045-1

http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/president-obama-speaks-emergency-unemployment-insurance

[OnyxCollie]

1. Time to cut LIHEAP (again.)

[Iliyah]

2. Many relatives live in Ohio, Michigan, NY, and down South

and they have all said in their life time they have never seen a winter like this. As a Christian, I hope the CEOs//States, and Federal fore-go cost for those who can not afford heating. Please GOD - the people who can make it happen do it. Round up the homeless and get them into shelters, please!

Prayers from California.

[FatBuddy]

3. that anyone has to be cold inside their own house is a tragedy

whether their kids are soldiers is irrelevant.

that people live outside in the cold is a travesty.

[BobUp]

9. I'm freezing

in my dumpy apartment. I ask myself this question when I think of either wanting to be warm and comfy, or do I want to be totally broke. Can I really afford a $200.00+ a month heating bill, which leaves no cushion for emergencies, like a flat tire on our vehicle, or a dead battery, or my wife's prescriptions? Which is most important? Do I really have a choice? My state claims we have too much money coming in for LIHEAP and a food card, yet we struggle and juggle funds to make it to the end of every month.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

4. They ought to have a HEAP level pay plan for people on a fixed income.

[busterbrown]

5. This is the price we pay for because of..

Benghazi, Fast and Furious, AP Story, etc.. Why the Communist, Kenyan, Muslim President must be stopped at any cost.. People starve and freeze to death? The price we must pay.... As long as it’s not my family....
As a matter the market is up today... Just assholes!!!

[cantbeserious]

6. The Oligarchs, Corporations and Banks Own And Control The Politicians That Own And Control Us

eom

[Spitfire of ATJ]

7. It's based on the idea that every human NEED should be for SALE.

[busterbrown]

8. Love that, Spitter!!! Perfect and I’m gonna steal it and pretend I came up with it..

I also love the derivative I just made up from your handle..
Send me the bill for all this..

[greiner3]

10. "They ought to have a HEAP level pay plan for people on a fixed income."

The Republicans cut HEAP several years ago and besides, at least in OH, you apply in the summer and the money comes in about January or February.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

12. What gets me is how Republicans rail about "waste, fraud and abuse"...

They have forced language in all of the applications that talk about prison terms for giving out false information to discourage people from applying for aid for which they are eligible.

That old Right Wing outrage that everyone on aid secretly has a million bucks in their mattress.

[Smarmie Doofus]

11. Hmmm. Interesting comment. It's not like the two facts are unrelated.

He's just figuring that out?

[nilesobek]

13. We have been twirling in front of space heaters for years

The furnace is broke anyway and I couldn't afford to run the thing at $400 a month. Its easier and cheaper this way. I just leave the water running so the pipes won't freeze.

Its day to day warfare around here. There are wolves at the door. I just pick the biggest wolf and slap it with $100 bills. This does seem like social Darwinism in a way. After a long period of poverty like this, I start to wonder what kind of character poverty actually creates.

[BlueCheese]

14. Maybe we shouldn't have cut LIHEAP these past years?