The best giving starts HERE on DU FOR DUers- Please read.

[LibraLiz1973]

I've just come from donating over at this thread
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=2880482&mesg_id=2880482


I also read Skinners post about a DU Charity drive. My original vote went to Habitat for Humanity. After reading TAPat's thread, I realized that the most fulfilling donations take place when your involved personally. There are many other DUers having financial problems. I know that both MrScorpio and bobbolink are in need right now. Would it be possible to have a DU Fundraiser for our fellow DUers who need a hand RIGHT NOW?


There is no way to measure how good you feel when you make a difference for someone you know.

If you are in favor of a DU Charity drive for our fellow DUers, please vote this thread up. The suggestion was getting completely lost in Skinners post.


I wish all of you a very happy and healthy Holiday Season- whatever you celebrate.

[LibraLiz1973]

1. Shameless Kick

[calimary]

25. Another shameless kick!

I'll put in a few.

:toast:

[LibraLiz1973]

2. Wow.... really? No?

Just thought people might be interested. Guess not!!

[nam78_two]

3. you have four recommends-one from me

:)
:toast:

[Wheezy]

13. don't be like that...

things fly through here so quickly. And it's Saturday night. What do you expect? That out of a hundred new threads, we'll all feel the feng shui of this one or something?

I'll kick and rec, gladly. But don't go all pouty or it's just not attractive.


xox

Wheeze

[LibraLiz1973]

45. lol- I wasnt trying to be attractive

[ms liberty]

4. K&R - I agree...

We have people right here that need the help very badly...they say charity begins at home, and this is home for us in a very real way, isn't it?

[LibraLiz1973]

10. Your exactly right. It IS a home for many of us

Without DU I would worry 10x as much about the state of the world. Knowing that there were other people out there who saw things as I did, and refused to drink the kool aid, made 2004-06 bearable!

[sandnsea]

5. What's up with MrScorpio

I hadn't heard.

[LibraLiz1973]

8. Not sure but

Last week in the lounge he posted that he wouldnt be online for a while because he lost his internet and he was hoping things would get better soon

[Nite Owl]

6. Let's make this a happy holiday

season for all DUer's! We can give to other causes individually but only other DUers can help another here. We can make a difference.

Peace

Nite Owl

[calimary]

26. VERY nice post, Nite Owl!

:toast:

(Another shameless kick!)

[Viva_La_Revolution]

7. Great idea

I wish I was doing well enough to donate to the cause.

I'm just happy to be doing well enough to pay my bills. Big improvement over last year. :)

[LibraLiz1973]

9. viva- I am happy for you!!!

I've been on the other end and I remember how HUGE it was to be stable enough to pay my bills. Congrats to you!!


for what its worth, I think giving your good wishes is just as important!!

[Sydnie]

15. Me too

I am looking property tax foreclosure in the face right now myself. Otherwise, I am making it ok for now. Just got a promotion and a small raise, but not seeing enough hours to make any large impact at all yet.

I wish I could give too, I know just what you are saying. I just hope I can keep the tax man from taking my house! Mugging Peter and Paul get really old, don't they? :hug: to you and I am so glad to hear that you are staying afloat too!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

18. that sucks

you won't have to sell, will you? :(

[Sydnie]

20. Can't sell it

The ex still owns part of it. I have to find a way to stop the tax man from moving forward right now. Pay off enough to keep the wolves from the door until tax return time and put all of it toward the bill. Problem is, my room mate hasn't worked for over a year (except for a few weeks that looked promising but didn't work out as well as we had thought it would). So, I have been trying to carry the load for all of us (two adults and 3 kids) for too long by myself. She has been looking for a job, but things have been up in the air as her son's father was ill with a rare form of bone cancer and he just passed away this past Friday. Even though they were never married, he has required a great deal of her time, because of her son and his visits with him and such ... and her parents need her far too often too. (Neither parent drives now, father is legally blind and mother is epileptic, so she has never driven). Her mother still works and depends on her (or me) to drive her back and forth to work, the store, the doctors (for both of them) ... it's been one emergency after the other with them as well. Now that her son's father has passed, once the final details and the service conclude, she will be in a somewhat better position to look for meaningful employment. Flexibility for her is the issue with her parents needing so much of her time and her schedule has not been her own since her father stopped driving either. If she can find a job and take some of the pressure off me financially, then I could get a grip back on things and get back on track. I am keeping my fingers crossed that things break for both of us soon! Been waiting to exhale for so long now ...

[Viva_La_Revolution]

23. The ex won't listen to reason?

It goes on his record too. Not to mention, if you get a good price, he ends up with $ in his pocket. :shrug:


disclaimer: my ex and I get along great... I realize that's abnormal and it makes me very lucky.

[Sapphire Blue]

11. K&R for a fundraiser for our fellow DUers in need RIGHT NOW.

:kick:

[LibraLiz1973]

12. Thanks Sapph!! I am keeping my fingers crossed that we can DO

something... ANYTHING helpful for our friends in need.

[calimary]

27. Dang. I keep getting this annoying little error message, how I've already

recommended this thread. Why can't I do it again?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

14. Kick! Great idea.

[Sydnie]

16. You're right

It should start right here. Thanks for leading the charge.

[Lex]

17. Some practical questions might be

how do you determine how to split the money up and
how do you determine what the 'cut off' line is (in other words, what constitutes truly needy)

I think it's a great idea but practical decisions need to be figured out too or it could get really ugly really fast, imho.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

19. Popular vote... vetted by the Admins

Candidates post Anonymous OP's stating their eligibility. Facts will be verified by the Mods/Admins.

I think we could all get with that. :)

[lonestarnot]

21. Yes a most excellent idea!

I down with it!

[LibraLiz1973]

48. I could also get behind a "Pay it Forward" type of thing

The people that get help from the DU fundraiser would commit to paying it forward back here, when they were able.

[bobbolink]

49. That's called a "loan" not a gift.

[LibraLiz1973]

52. Let me explain what PAY IT FORWARD means (to me)

It means that if you were ever able, maybe you would donate some money into the fund. It could be $10 it could be $200.
It isn't a payment plan, it isn't written in stone. It is the HOPE that some day if you are ABLE you would put a little something into the till for others in need. Paying it Forward can also be done by way of deeds.

Maybe you would find out about another DUer in need- someone hesitant to ask for help. You would submit that persons name- and maybe take some time to talk to them & tell them that someone cares. And that it does get better.

You took what I said WAY out of context. I don't consider paying it forward a loan program. No one is saying that anyone who got help needed to sign a blood oath.

As someone who for many years desperately needed a hand up, I take immense pleasure in giving to others. Every time I do I have the feeling that what I went through (the terror, the desperation, the anxiety, the hopelessness) was not for nothing. It brought me here, to a point in my life where I can help. For many years I was only able to do that with words. I don't consider that contribution to have been any less meaningful.

[Skittles]

24. I have these concerns too

there are always plenty of people in need

[Drops_not_Dope]

29. I agree with you Lex

BTW, how do I apply?

[calimary]

30. Just some musings:

Could this be set up as sort of a DU "bank" in which a) DUers can choose to drop a few bucks in per year, or from time to time, and/or b) the overall quarterly fundraisers could turn over, what? Five percent or something of the whole proceeds - to the "bank"?

From time to time, as designated routinely if need be, the mods report on whether the "bank" is getting a little thin and needs shoring up. We certainly hear from our local Red Cross people, when certain times of the year - when there's more call for blood donations - are imminent, and they gear up in an attempt to anticipate need.

A DUer in need could PM the mods and make a discreet inquiry. If some funding could sand a few of the rough edges off, excellent.

Not sure how these things work. I just know the need is serious, and for a few, immediate.

[Booster]

22. Great idea. Even if it just helps them get thru Christmas it would

be something good. I'm all for it.

[silverojo]

28. I absolutely support this idea!

Charity begins at home! :)

[Control-Z]

31. That is a wonderful idea!

I would be honored to contribute. Small gifts add up fast in a community this size. We could really make a difference for some of our fellow DUers.

[w8liftinglady]

32. I just donated...kicking

[LeftishBrit]

33. Great idea- kick!

[calimary]

34. Kickez-vous!

Just one more time (at least). :D

[NoBushSpokenHere]

35. Yes, lets do it! DUers taking care of DUers! nt

[ananda]

36. I give close to home.

This year I have bought gifts made by children with cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Center; I have given to the organization against electro-shock in Texas; and to the Jung Center... and of course to Howard Dean and the Democratic Party as well as DU.
smiling smiley

I'm tapped out for this year.

Next year I plan to think more about environmental and global warming issues, as well as the local areas that need funding.

Take care ya'll,
Sue

[Beaverhausen]

37. Radfemfl needs our help too

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x5925838

[I Have A Dream]

38. Also oktoberain

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=5925838&mesg_id=5926818

[calimary]

39. Kick for bobbolink!

:hug:

[JeffR]

40. Kick for a great idea

:kick:

[angstlessk]

41. I was cut off from DU when my mom died..and it was the most

heartbreaking thing EVER, cause I so needed to come here to say, my mom died tonight and hear from all the people who love life and other DUer's...I NEEDED THAT, but days before my phone was cut off from non payment. I am on dail up. The check I used to pay my water bill was returned NSF. The electric was close to being cut off. My mom, bless her soul, had made sure I got money after she died and my sister said, I will not wait for the will to be probated I will tranfer a CD to your account. THAT SAVED MY LIFE...I had entered into an agreement with the Mortgage company to stave off repossession and had a balloon due Nov 26, I had the tax man threatening to sell off my property for non payment of taxes (do not have tax/insurance in mortgage) My mom died and left me enough money to pay all my bills including the tax man and the mortgage company...so now I can help...and trust me IT FEELS FUCKING GOOD TO BE ABLE TO HELP!

I was devastated when my mom died and I could not come here for solace...and I want to prevent that from happening to other DUers..if I can...MrScorpion is an ICON here...and bobbolink might be invisible to the rest of the world, but to DU she is an important member of our society...to me DU is a seperate society from the 'rest of the world'...

[LibraLiz1973]

46. I am so sorry for the loss of your mom Angstlessk

:hug:

[bobbolink]

50. I can wholeheartedly agree--it feels so much better to be able to help and give

than to need!!

That saying, "Tis better to give than to receive", should be, "Feels infinitely better to give than to receive"!

I have met so many people who have had to ask for help, and I can tell you that not one has enjoyed the experience! I would love to have the money to just give and give and see people's eyes light up!

However, I also really believe that the opposite is true... that one really doesn't know how to give, until one has had to receive. There is a learning and a humility in that which is very important to understand.

I'm so sorry for what you endured, and it must have been a really awful time for you.

Thank you so very much for your very kind words.... you don't know how much that helps! You have given me some badly-needed strength from your words. :hug: :hi: :hug:

[angstlessk]

42. This needs a kick for the giving season!

:kick:

[JeffR]

43. Kicking again

:kick:

[philosophie_en_rose]

44. I don't like it.

I really want to help DUers, but it smacks of inappropriateness and has some potential for fraud. I think we should individually decide to help people that we've come to know here, but I don't think there should be a group fund.

I think the intentions are good, but running this kind of program is not as simple as it seems. Who decides who is worthy? Who decides how poor or not poor someone is? It's not that I don't support coming through for DUers, but it is a large burden on the mods and admin to "vet" these stories or to manage a fund.

[LibraLiz1973]

47. the truth is that of course there CAN be a negative in any charity... BUT

I choose to think positive. I refuse to believe that these good people that come to DU regularly to post would be scamming us for a few hundred dollars or some food.

Sometimes you just have to choose light.

[dogday]

96. If but one is helped, then a good thing

was done.... The idea is to help.. To help means to reach out and do what you can. It is hard for someone to put out their circumstances on this board.... I have been there and I know the feeling.. All I can do is contribute time and money to the effort of helping, even if it is just one...

[dweller]

116. we are all one

:kick:

dp

[nam78_two]

51. kick-if this ends up working out

I hope the message will be up somewhere where it doesn't get lost in all the clutter...

Maybe PMs to interested individuals (I would be one) would also be a good idea. There is such a lot of traffic here.

[shadowknows69]

53. Ok, swallowing gallons of pride to even ask

but how do we apply?

[SammyWinstonJack]

55. I'll kick this for you and for an answer.

[LibraLiz1973]

59. Hi Shadow-

Looks as if right now you tell us what you need and those of us that can are helping directly!!

[shadowknows69]

72. We were doing ok

Well, actually we've been pretty far from ok but stable. Things at the cab stand have gone south in the last couple weeks and I haven't been able to work much. I can't anyway because twelve hours of bouncing on city roads is seriously aggravating a back injury I have from a car accident several years ago.

Also it seems I have one or more of my co-workers actively trying to get me fired or push me to quit. I have this on authority to one of the dispatchers there who I've worked with for years. He stood up for me but I have another driver who works after me claiming I'm shorting him as much as $10 bucks a night on my tank fillups so that is being taken from me and I basically have no chance to defend myself from it. For the record, I know how to fill a tank of gas and I don't screw my relief driver. There is no way this guy fits as much as 4 gallons of fuel in any tank that I filled. Basically one of our main competitors is slowly going out of business due to insurance issues and a lot of their drivers, old coworkers of our dispatcher antagonist, are looking for jobs.

All of the sudden I'm off the shedule this saturday after working like the last 8 in a row so I'm not even sure if I even still have the job.

Long story short I just want to be able to get Mrs. Shadow something nice for the holidays and as it stands it's coming down to the 25 dollar DVD set I was able to buy her already. I'm not even sure i"m going to have an internet connection in about a week either but we should have that bill covered.

Anyone more needy than I goes first obviously. If anyone wants to pick up something cheap but nice for my Nancy she deserves more than I've ever been able to give her. Not her fault she married a bum like me.
S:-(

[SammyWinstonJack]

54. Question....can we donate through DU for SS and others?

I don't want to use paypal but would like to contribute to SS and others who need help. Is there a way to do this through DU now?

[shanine]

56. If you send a PM to TPat

they will tell you where you can send a check.

[SammyWinstonJack]

58. Thank you. So there is no way to funnel a donation through DU at this time?

I can send a check.

[LibraLiz1973]

60. Hi Blue

Right now there is no way to do it through DU. Skinner just asked the question about charity and this came up.

Hopefully by next Christmas it will be alot easier for all of us to get together on this.

For now, we are all doing what we can. Every little bit helps!!

[SammyWinstonJack]

62. I am trying to donate through paypal right now but the question of

which category of purchase came up and I don't know which too choose? Help? I've never used paypal before. :silly:

[LibraLiz1973]

64. Try Services

[Chorophyll]

57. Lovely idea.

:kick:

[TakesAVillage_People]

61. ^5

My heart is big.

[TAPat]

63. Go Girl!

You are RIGHT ON my page! :woohoo:

Keep in touch, my friend - we're working on *underground* help for Bobbolink :)

Mr. Scorpio? Oh man... I may have a link for him...


edit - I'm so tired...

[LibraLiz1973]

66. I know your tired- BUT

YOU have done an AMAZING job.

I have to give you total Kudos. You've done a great great great thing.
I sent $100 thru paypal for SS to you yesterday- I hope it helps. What are you up to for him now?
And can you also PM me and tell me where to send money for RadFem?


Your awesome!
:yourock::woohoo::applause::yourock::woohoo::applause::yourock::woohoo::applause::yourock::woohoo::applause::yourock::woohoo::applause::yourock::woohoo::applause::yourock::woohoo::applause::yourock::woohoo::applause::yourock::woohoo::applause::yourock::woohoo::applause:

[LibraLiz1973]

67. I see we have another DUer in need

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=2890020&mesg_id=2894005


Let me know what we're doing for Bobbo as well!!

[TakesAVillage_People]

68. Hi this is TAPats 'other'

She asked me to respond because she is writing the update on the status of SS, so please check it out in a few.

Your 100 dollars is such a generous and kind gift. It will go far to assist SS.

BTW, who is RadFem? We are in communications with Bobbalink but is not familiar with RadFem.

[LibraLiz1973]

71. Here is the link for RadFem and Oktober

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=5925838&mesg_id=5925838


also


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=5925838&mesg_id=5926818


as well as two more people who were brave enough to speak up and ask for help:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=2890020&mesg_id=2894005


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=2890020&mesg_id=2891004

[Jeffersons Ghost]

65. K&R

[intheflow]

69. How would the funds be disributed? Who decides who's worthy?

We can't just nominate fellow DUers in a poll, there may be confidentiality issues. Or how about if you're a DUer who just doesn't know anyone that well in person and don't talk about their need on a public web site, so they really need help but no one knows about their situation? I love the impulse of this thread, but I wonder about its implementation.

[SeattleGirl]

70. Kick

:kick:

[TakesAVillage_People]

73. Too stagnant

...let's move this puppy up. :kick:

[TAPat]

74. Morning KICK

Time to keep this at the top of the page too!

[dogday]

75. It begins at home, Our DU home and our

members are caring people... I am all for doing what I can.....

[TAPat]

77. Hey, Dogday...

:yourock:

[dogday]

83. Coming from you that is indeed high praise

You Rule!!!!!!

[LibraLiz1973]

99. Aww I love your smiley

I should start posting fun smilies

[TAPat]

76. KICK

I'm very busy! And so happy to be! :bounce:

We reached our goal of $1000.00 immediate cash for Straight Story plus there are the checks in the mail that will be coming in!

We're going to be sending his check overnight this afternoon - Thanks everybody :grouphug:

I am now working on Bobbolink's situation - Gotta run, but I'll be back to :kick:

[peekaloo]

78. kick

:kick:

[BluePatriot]

79. K&R, and suggestion

Maybe a mod could start a sticky-thread titled "DU Wish Tree" or the like, where people in need could post a wish list and then those interested in giving could send PM's for details. Totally a YMMV thing. It would stop sinking to the bottom and retain the spirit of community-oriented giving vs. anything more formal which could (unfortunately) cause some trouble for DU.

[LibraLiz1973]

100. oooh oooh I LIKE THIS!!! What a great idea.

Especially this first time around.

[BluePatriot]

120. Could we let the mods know about that idea?

Glad you like it!

The sticky Wish Tree thread could have the DU disclaimer ala the SS thread.

[JeffR]

80. And kick:

:kick:

[JeffR]

81. And kick again:

:kick:

[JeffR]

82. Back to the top

:kick:

[dogday]

84. Kick

[earth mom]

85. This thread brings tears to my eyes.

Been there myself... :cry:

Maybe we can get a thread going for each person who is in dire need along with a paypal donation link.

[mandyky]

87. If anyone would like to help me and DU at the same time

I haven't been able to donate to DU since last Feb. I am currently homeless and getting sober in Lexington KY. I am at the Salvation Army here (that can be verified if need be).

I am not good at asking for help for myself. I've been tempted a few times since May, but this thread helped me to ask again. PM me if you want/need more info.

[dogday]

86. Kick

I love doing this!!!!

[JeffR]

88. It is time

for another kick
:kick:

[TAPat]

90. Atta boy

:)

[qanda]

89. Even as tight as things are for me right now

I have tried to help out other DUers worse off than me and I think there are others who feel the same way. I don't think it takes much to take someone out of the depths of despair. Perhaps this little kick will help someone who is in need. :kick:

[TakesAVillage_People]

91. It takes us all

...We are only as strong as the weakest amongst us.

[Zhade]

92. I am very much in favor of it, I even suggested something similar a few days ago.

Thanks for taking the time to organize it - I'm in!

[TakesAVillage_People]

93. You're the best Liz

Check out SS's update :bounce:

[dogday]

94. I am in favor

and here's a kick for ya!

[TakesAVillage_People]

95. A Kickin' We Will Go

:kick: :kick:

[dogday]

97. Charity begins at home

kicking for DU....

[JeffR]

98. Kick!

:kick:

[LibraLiz1973]

101. If you wonder what the impact would be, read this

I really wish Skinner would let us know what his views are on this issue. I'd be most interested in his take on it.


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=2880482&mesg_id=2898033

[TAPat]

102. Drive by

:kick:

[LibraLiz1973]

104. yay!! I see you left tracks too

[TakesAVillage_People]

107. This looks suspiciously like a penta...

gram to me ...DO YOU LOVE SATAN?! :evilgrin: :rofl:

[LibraLiz1973]

108. Could it be... Satan?

[TakesAVillage_People]

109. You my dear are a heretic

....and I love it :P:

[MrScorpio]

103. Greetings from the Library

Thanks for thinking of me.

I don't have aenough time right now to read all of the replies.

Please send me an email if you have questions.

Thanks

[LibraLiz1973]

105. I PMed u

But I dont know if I caught you before your time was up at the library


PM back when u get a chance

[TakesAVillage_People]

106. I'm gonna kick this habit

:kick:

[Wiley50]

110. Need Is such A Relative Thing

( I didn't mean to write such a long winded thing, but since I have written it
I guess I'll just go ahead and post it. It can't hurt.)



I just came from reading through Bobbolink's Habitat For humanity thread and
I have to say I saw a lot of misunderstanding there. She got flamed pretty bad.
So bad, that she said she wasn't going to be posting anymore. I don't know if she
meant in that thread or on DU at all. I haven't seen any other recent posts since
then, so I don't know.

After I read through it, I went back and read her OP again. I think she may have chosen
an unfortunate subject line, but she said that she didn't have much time to compose the post
(I guess she was at the library or something). She wasn't trashing HFH, as many posts very
defensive of HFH seemed to be responses to. She was simply pointing out that HFH got the lion's
share of attn as far as "housing" organizations go, which is true, they have high profile
people like Jimmy Carter speaking for them and a lot of mainstream churches behind them ( I
don't know if an open avowed atheist has ever received a Habitat home, but I'd be kinda surprised)
They are a good organization in the niche of people they help. When I was still able-bodied and
still installing carpet and sheet vinyl, I donated my labor to them more than once.

But they don't, nor do very many orgs, fill the gap between temporary shelters and HFH houses, the gap
that she exists in. And that was all she was really saying. It's too bad some people didn't get that.
I hope she will still be around.

I guess this is off topic in this thread, but that is where I felt the need to start.

Most of you have seen the threads I've been doing about the plight of the people in Oaxaca, Mexico.
72% of employed Oaxaquenos earn less than 60-70 pesos ($6-7) a day.

I think that one of the reasons I put so much energy into getting awareness for Oaxaca is that,
relatively speaking, even I am so much better off than they are. It helps to take my focus off of
my own troubles. And I am, in some ways, in big trouble

I installed carpet and other floor coverings for 30 years. It was heavy work that did a lot of damage to my body.
I have Degenerative Disk Disease with ten disks with some degree of damage, several pretty much gone and several
vertebrae have basically no cushion between them anymore. This has caused the root nerves to both legs being
impaired. The doctor calls it Chronic Progressive Nerve Damage (at least it's progressive, lol). I have no
feeling in my toes (both feet) and apparently it will continue to get worse. It's a situation that has caused
me major pain over the years, but for the last 3 years I've worn a Transdermal patch that releases 50 micro grams of Fetanyl (a narcotic 100 times more potent than morphine by weight)an hour into my bloodstream. It works pretty well but
causes me to be physically tired most of the time. That's why I'm online pretty much all of the time, as I get pretty fatigued just going to the doctor or the store, pretty much the only time I go out these days.

So, After almost 4 years of fighting for it, I was finally declared disabled in 05 and even though Social Security
managed to screw me out of the SSDI I had paid in for all those years, I do now have SSI, $603 a month and medicaid,
but no dental under any circumstance I found out. I only qualify for $20/mo food stamps which isn't worth the trouble they put you through to get them so i don't get them.

In 05, when my arrear age was paid, I had had time to think about how I was going to survive on such a small monthly stipend. I knew that I couldn't afford to pay rent even with a roommate (with possible compatibility issues too) so I looked into the least expensive shelter that I could invest in while I had the funds to do so. As I had been fooling with sailboats as a hobby for years, I knew that there were a lot of inexpensive old sailboats around that would serve
my purpose just fine and would also provide me the means to escape Bush and Cheney's police state if that became necessary. I found a 1978 28 foot boat on Ebay I liked for $2500 and, after investing another couple thousand in new equipment, managed to sail it from Great Peconic Bay on the far eastern tip of Long Island, NY (where it was when I bought it)to Virginia on the Potomic via Long Island sound, NYC, the Atlantic to Cape May, up the Delaware River,
across the C&D canal and down the length of the Chesapeake Bay. I did have to sit docked en route one week during the
trip to dodge a hurricane coming up the east coast but, since this was also the same time frame when Katrina hit NOLA, I considered myself quite fortunate. I had considered buying a boat in the Gulf and am certainly glad I found one in NY instead. Of course, I never would have been able to do all of this without my Fentanyl patch and sailing isn't really all that strenuous if you're just cruising, not racing.

I had planned to stay in Virginia while I did a more complete overhaul of the old boat, but the DEA in VA is targeting pain management doctors so much that I was never able to find a doctor willing to continue my pain patch. I spent the
last of my nest egg getting the boat trailered back to TN, where I am now, because here is where my doctor is. A year later I am still living in it on a trailer on the farm of an old friend. I was doing pretty well taking the old boat apart and rebuilding it according to my needs until about the end of June when the 90+ temps and equal humidity set in.
The heat causes you to absorb more Fentanyl and faster and I started getting way too sick from it to continue. I had managed to get the old insides stripped out and partially rebuilt and maybe 60% of the bottom sanded to get it ready to paint but the ladder work caused me to start having a whole lot more trouble with my back and I wound up spending rest
of the summer seeing more doctors and having all kinds of tests only to be told that another operation would be a lot more serious than the last one, might not help and might even make it worse. Last fall, when the weather got cooler,
I wasn't able to work on it due to a persistent infection that started in an abscessed tooth and spread through all of my sinuses. I had to go through 3 different antibiotics and finally had to have three teeth pulled before I got rid of it.
It left me pretty drained physically and got me into deep doo doo financially.

All things considered, I'm doing OK now. The boat has a dormitory-sized frig/freezer and a two burner propane stove. I don't have running water and have a chamber pot I have to empty every day. I have two heavy duty extension cords coming aboard and run a small electric space heater on each one. That's not enough to heat the whole boat so I have used blankets to close off the V-berth (that triangular bed in the bow) which is about 7 1/2 feet long and 8 ft wide at it's widest point and enough headroom to sit upright legs crossed on it. I'm staying warm even though we've had a string of nights in the low teens.

My best fortune though is that my ex works for Verizon wireless and she lets me have one of her discounted lines at
her cost as a wireless Data Modem. So I have unlimited broadband internet for $40/mo. I used Skype VOIP for phone at only $38/yr. At least this year at xmas I'll have my DU family. Last year I only had an AM/FM radio and there was nowhere to get away from all of the xmas programming.

But, as I said so many paragraphs back, I am in some trouble that I can't get out of by myself and since people in this thread seem to be in the mood to help I need to put my situation up for consideration:

As I said before, I have medicaid but no dental so when I had to come up with $400 for getting those teeth pulled there was only one place a person such as myself could get credit. I had to use one of those cash advance places. So now, for the last several months (and for eternity if something isn't done) on the first day of each month when my $603 SSI check
hits the bank, I have to take out $447.50 and go give it to the Cash Advance place. That's $47.50/mo in interest or 117.74%APR. And, of course, I have to turn right back around once I pay it off and borrow it right back again so I can survive through the month. They've got me by the short hairs and I can't find a way to get out. All because my medicaid doesn't cover dental. I appealed to medicaid at the time and said the infection was a health, not simply a dental problem, but they denied me. I had the work done at the local dental college because they were cheaper than any dentist I could find but they demanded full payment up front and wouldn't let me make payments.

And now I even have another problem so big that I'm just gonna have to find a way to live with it. I overdrew my checking acct by only a couple of dollars ( but they charged a $38 overdraft fee) and the electronic funds transfer
for my auto insurance didn't go through and my policy was canceled. Before I could get up a down payment for another policy I had a minor accident. Now I've got to be in court Thursday on the financial responsibility law violation
and there will be a fine and court costs. But worse my driver's license and registration will be revoked until I can pay
for the damages to the other guy's car and pay a huge reinstatement fee to the state. That is not going to be possible as the other guy's insurance company just sent me a bill for $3550. So I guess I don't drive anymore. Where I live there
is no such thing as public transit. As I said earlier, I go to my doctor 70 miles away once a month, to the grocery and drugstore and not much of anywhere else. So I'm gonna have to start making some other arrangements.

But if I could just get out from under that cash advance vicious cycle things would be a lot easier to deal with.

[Sapphire Blue]

112. There was quite a bit of misunderstanding in that thread & yes, she did get flamed pretty bad.

She got flamed by people twisting her words around to mean something other than what she was saying. Thank you for understanding. :hug: Someone even felt obligated to start another thread on it, bashing her even more (& the lynch mob showed up right on cue): http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x2898320

Will she come back? I don't know. I don't know if I would if I were in her shoes. I've seen some real caring & compassion here... and I've seen some real ugliness.

Wiley50, I am so sorry that you are going through such a difficult time. I hope the 'Powers That Be' sanctioning this fundraising see fit to include you.

[LibraLiz1973]

113. Hi Wiley

I know I, personally, would like to help. It may not be much, but it is something.




Can you give us an exact number of what u need to get out of the monthly cycle issue??
It may just make it easier to raise money!!

Peace

[TomInTib]

114. Damn, Wiley50. That is a hard row to hoe.

I really wish that I could help you out of your predicament.

But you know why I cannot.

Buena suerte.

[Wiley50]

115. That's Ok , Tom

You are the one person on this board who I would return any help you did send.

And, no, I didn't insult her and have no reason to apologize

I only attempted to convince you that it was not polite

to flaunt your wealth in front of those less fortunate than yourself.

That was all it was ever about to me

Although I've noticed in the last six years
that the Texas Super Rich can be quite common
(in the context that a country boy uses the word common)

wiley

PS I did read about your imprisonment
and I'm sincerely sorry you were treated that way

[TomInTib]

117. If it is any consolation..

I, too, am hanging on by my fingernails.

Just barely, Wiley.

Life is curious, ain't it?

A few bad strokes...

A disastrous divorce (because I was just too nice)..

The IRS..

I am working two jobs, Wiley...

Two jobs.

And I am 56 years old.

Life is curious.

[Wiley50]

118. PEACE

It's tough all over

[angstlessk]

128. THIS is why we need to GIVE HERE...for lack of $400 you paid $500 for lack

of $500 you paid $1,000 for lack of $1,000 you paid $3,550...IF ONLY you had that first $400..how simple it all is! And once the snowball begins unless SOMEONE SOMEWHERE can reach out and stop it..it continues to, well, snowball!

[Wiley50]

129. Actually, The Medicaid Cutbacks Are The Center of the Snowball

They shouldn't have been able to deny me services
on the grounds that the infection began in a tooth.

It's not like I needed whitening or veneers
It wasn't cosmetic. I had a serious infection.

[SeattleGirl]

111. Kicking back to the top.

:kick:

[TakesAVillage_People]

119. Oh what a hopeful day

:kick:

[jeanarrett]

121. Where do we give?

I've got five kids and am one month behind in my car payment, other bills are due, and Christmas is going to be tight, but what the hell--I won't starve to death and I've got a good job, even though mine is paycheck to paycheck too. I'm not gonna miss the $15 or $20 bucks I donate now next year or even two months from now. And a lot of $15 and $20 add up quickly.

So where do I send it? Is there a paypal account?

You all rock--Merry Christmas!

Love and peace!

[SeattleGirl]

122. Kicking again.

I'm in a bad way too, but my mom just called me to let me know she's helping out with the biggest thing, getting my car out of repo before it's auctioned off. Not everyone has that kind of help, so while I cannot financially help others at this time, I do want to kick this up so those who can help will see it.

:kick:

[Lance_Boyle]

123. A nice idea, fraught with peril.

Think the "popularity contest" threads of the old DU were ugly? Get ready for the "I'm worse off/more deserving than you are" threads. And don't even get me started on the "Andy hoax" ugliness that was pepetrated on this board when well-meaning people gave and were then misled into questioning those donations. Or the BBV donation fiasco(s). And like Lex said, the fraud potential is high, as are the legal risks - to say nothing of the costs of administering a charitable organization.

I would strongly suggest that the admin dissociate themselves and the site from this idea unless and until they consult with an attorney and fully understand the details of establishing a legitimate charitable organization.

[LibraLiz1973]

124. Just because it is EASIER to turn away

and tell yourself that you avoided potentially being "swindled" doesn't make it right.

There are alot of people here in desperate need-is it wrong to want to help them? Frankly, you are the FIRST person
to have such a negative reaction to it. I come from the philosophy that you get what you expect. I don't expect this to become a feeding frenzy and, thus far, it hasn't.

Sometimes you need to have some faith in your fellow human beings.


Also I really don't view this as "charity". It would be a help fund. Small- certainly not as big as a Habitat for Humanity or
The Red Cross.

None of these people are asking for vast sums of money. We are talking about the bare minimum to keep their noses above water. Not one has asked for an amount that will even keep the whole head above.

I'm sorry that you find this so threatening and ugly- but not everything needs to be turned into some huge drama. What happened with Andy was ridiculously unfortunate and horribly mean spirited. It was created and pushed along by right wing zealots being idiots- who enjoyed creating and distributing false information. It was easy for them to create drama there because we were talking about tens of thousands of dollars and some people tend to believe the worst right away. Also, Andy was very threatening to them because he was such a pioneer for truth. The truth is that at the end he was treated horribly by people with no compassion and no soul. I shudder to think that we could be like the mad hoard that they are in any way. They found glee in kicking a dying man while he was already down. I'd bet that if he were alive today he would be the FIRST person to vote this (and threads like it) up. And the people who treated him so poorly? I'd guess that some day kharma will catch up with them~ if it hasn't already. And kharmas a bitch.

I choose to live my life on the sunnier side of the street. Where people help people and dreams come true. We worked together to create change in the 2006 elections. Can't we work together on other issues?

[dogday]

126. Ah, I am feeling the love....

NOT-- What up with that attitude?

Fuck it, my little bit I gave made me feel well worth it and I don't care where it goes, it was the spirit in which it was given.

Nobody asked for nothing. One person stepped forward and wanted to help, and that is all it took...

We are not talking about loads of cash, just enough to ease the burden somewhat.. When you don't have much, anything will do.....

[LibraLiz1973]

127. Pssst.....Dogday....

:yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock::yourock:

[dogday]

132. From one Rocker to Another

Thanks from the bottom of my heart....

[JeffR]

125. Geez - time for a kick

:kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick:

[LibraLiz1973]

130. Kickity kickity

[dogday]

131. I just love the smell of a fresh kick in the morning nt

[SeattleGirl]

133. Kick

:kick:

[LibraLiz1973]

134. k

[Wiley50]

135. I would like to thank again all who helped me

You folks got me over half of the way out of the situation
which makes it a lot easier for me to solve the rest of it.

BTW I had my court appearance on the insurance thing today
The judge (city) didn't fine me, only just $87 court costs

Of course, It still looks like the state will take my license and tags
I'm gonna contact the other guy's insurance co. tomorrow
to see if we can work out something, but i doubt that I can
afford large enough payments to suit them
But at least I'm gonna try

THANKS TO lIBRALIZ AND EVERYONE

[tinfoilinfor2005]

136. After hurricane Katrina, some folks at DU were collecting for others

and some of our own DUers were in need or just simply distraught. I responded to several requests for help from DUers collecting for others (short term hotel room donations, money for displaced families, etc.) and just sent a few fun things to people who I had come to consider friends. All but one request was legit because I got great follow-ups. The one that wasn't...well, perhaps that person wasn't totally honest, but then I knew eyes wide open what I was doing to begin with. So I guess my advice would be, if you are in a position to give, do so by all means, but keep in mind that you might get burned once or twice. A little care and research before giving isn't a bad thing either.