The Vanishing Middle Class.

[rg302200]

After almost 6 years of fascist rule under Dubya the middle class has become an endangered species. Families are losing their homes and parents are losing their jobs to countries with name’s that are barely pronounceable. Throw in high prices for everything from gas to taxes and the results have been catastrophic.
While many in the GOP would be quick to ask me “Where is the proof?” I would be just as quick to retort that the proof I have is in my own life, in my own family. The evidence is in my own experiences as a college graduate unable to find decent paying work in today’s economy. I see the proof everyday when I drive down the road hoping that I can stretch what little gas is left in my tank until the next pay check comes in. Then my paycheck comes only to find out that I don’t have enough money to cover all my bills. So I have to put off paying the credit card bills in order to afford the gas to get to my low paying job. All-the-while paying for high cost utilities and suffering through various illnesses because I do not have health insurance.
Even worse is the mounting student loan payments that I have. Loans I used to get a higher education, so I could obtain a better paying job. How I ironic! Then I have to listen to people like a Republican friend of my mom’s who recently said that her hair dryer broke and it was “A luxury item she just couldn’t afford.” Funny…. she just bought a HDTV with TiVo. So I say Hairdryer? Luxury? Hell, being able to afford groceries is a luxury for me. Just to top off the pity me cake I now hear that the state of Ohio is going to charge more for caller ID. Stating, and I quote, that “The rates are the same as they were 20 years ago we must raise rates to match the times.” Well yea, I buy that, but most people had jobs then that paid more than minimum wage!
However, it’s not just the parents and older people suffering, the children are suffering to. Many of them don’t have health care because their parents can barely afford gas for their cars. Almost all of the children go to inadequate schools because our glorious state of Ohio refuses to properly fund the education system. If they think the cost of an education is expensive they should try ignorance! But the politicians don’t care; their children go to good schools in upper class neighborhoods. All they see is success, when in truth success is something most kids don’t get to experience.
But my case isn’t unique; my case isn’t rare, in fact my case is anything but. I am in the same boat as millions of other middle class Americans. Many of whom now find themselves among the working poor. Unable to find decent work, unable to pay their bills, unable to afford decent health care, these people are the walking wounded in the war against the middle class. But their numbers are dwindling and their will to fight back is fading. I now consider myself among these blue colored warriors. I will raise my banner to fight for their survival in a land encased in a shell of creed and corruption. I will search for the light of success in a sea of depression, and bring along those who wish to live a better life.

[Amy Baker]

1. HERE, HERE!

Almost all of the children go to inadequate schools because our glorious state of Ohio refuses to properly fund the education system. If they think the cost of an education is expensive they should try ignorance! But the politicians don’t care; their children go to good schools in upper class neighborhoods. All they see is success, when in truth success is something most kids don’t get to experience.
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The only way to combat this is through grassroots advocacy.

But...as you mentioned, we are getting tired. :(

We have to make our voices heard to these pathetic lawmakers. We have to make them make education a priority. We have to make them get off of their butts and FIX the funding problem in this state.

We just passed a 9.7 mil levy in my school district and we are STILL facing a shortfall! There are indeed budget cuts that can and will be made, but the changes in funding due to HB 66 have creating a massive gap in the funding formula - which is unconstitutional anyhow!

The topic of education is an important one to me. I'm hoping I can network with some like minded, passionate, progressive people to help me out with this.

[rg302200]

2. My degree is in education

I know what you are talking about because I have witnessed it first hand. If you need any help let me know!

[geiger]

3. The first paycheck

out of school I remember to have been a shocker. It seemed like a lot of money and then I paid my rent, utilities, and car payment and went to the grocery store. It hit me pretty hard that most of my expenses were out of my control.
So, you and I have an education: I too wonder what it is like for people working two or three jobs to help support their family. I wonder why more people just aren't losing their minds.

and now twenty years later, the paycheck still evaporates into nothingness much too quickly.

[OzarkDem]

4. No safety net, either

For a growing number of people, mostly middle aged and young single women, if they're faced with an accident or debilitating illness, there's absolutely no help available. None, nada, nil.

Most emergency financial assistance programs are geared towards families (read minor children at home) long term disabled and elderly (over 65). For many in low to moderate income jobs with no benefits (usually women) there's no health care, no housing assistance, no short term disability assistance, nothing, if something happens. Since most people live paycheck to paycheck, an illness or accident that leaves you unable to work for a few months means you become homeless. Fast.

This is an area where many Ohio elected Dems, (let alone Repubs) and women's groups seem to turn a blind eye. Hundreds of millions of $$ are carefully allocated to children, families and the elderly, but nothing is left for anyone else. Its an unusual situation, one you won't find in other states.

[geiger]

5. Unfortunately, you are right

Ohio is so f'd up. How did we get to this point? It defies our rich history of overcoming odds, diversity of people and talent, resources.