Well, i give up. I messed up, I am getting punished for it - and yet bush is walking free

[The Straight Story]

I blame only me for this. I screwed up. I had a driver's license from Ohio which I thought was good until October of this year. I was wrong (I live in CA now). I kept that license because I thought I may end up moving back there (and even applied for jobs back there as I am not finding much here).

Today I rolled through a stop sign, no one else around. And got pulled over.

They gave me a ticket for that, which I deserved. But then I come to find out my license was expired. So they took it and my car (and won't let me have it back for 30 days, and that will cost me plenty - and I am out of work).

Never had a ticket in my life, and I am 42. I have worked hard, been a good person I think, and now I am facing a misdemeanor charge of driving without a valid license - and I have lost my car.

We can't go to the store, money is short, and the job I was hoping to get I probably won't now (had good offers up north and in Ohio, but was trying to stay local so my wife could be close to her family).

I have never hurt anyone, never waged war based on lies, and have lived a pretty simple life I thought. And now I am a criminal with no car all because I made a simple mistake.

I admit I was wrong. For the first time in 20 some years I made a mistake while driving. And since I was not in Ohio I did not get the notice to renew (and I don't spend all day reading my license, last time I did I would have swore I had until October to renew it).

Now I am fucked seven ways to Sunday. No car now. No job. No way to pay for the impound and ticket.

I spent last night working out ways to start my own business, and woke up today feeling good about life. Dropped off my little girl and was on the way home, and then this.

bush is out there killing thousands based on lies, and he has a private driver and a chef to cook for him, not to mention health care we have paid for.

Will this hell I have been in the last 4 years ever end? Death after death, sickness, and now this.

All the while bush sits pretty and no one will even try to impeach him.

I run a stop sign (well, I did slow way down) with no one around and I lose it all.

I guess I am getting what I deserve.

When will bush?

I have cried as much today as when my mom died, I just lost all hope I had. And yeah - I am pissed. I made some minor infractions and it will ruin my life, while bush and crew screw people over and kill them and they walk free.

The 'law' only applies to the little folks. The big folks in life can kill people and walk free - all the while having money taken from our paychecks and given to them.

I'll pay for my mistakes, as I should. What I am mad about is that some folks won't. And the people we elected to make them pay for their mistakes have abandoned us.

Fuck that.

[Hawkeye-X]

1. Hmm.. do you think we DU'ers should chip in and help SS?

Up to you guys, pending Skinner's approval

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. I have no problem with that

[pepperbear]

22. HEY MAN, count me in. keep your chin up, StraightStory. n/t

[The Straight Story]

25. Once more - NO

I don't deserve help. You all helped me out once before and I still feel bad about it.

Please, I don't need to feel any worse about myself, and people helping me out just makes me feel bad about myself.

[truedelphi]

55. Okay so here's the deal - some of us will send money, and some of us will

Send booze.

We will toast you through the computer screen, and you'll get so S^%t faced you won't be able to feel bad!

[antigone382]

115. You live in California, like lots of other DUers...

Maybe there's a DUer who lives close to you who can help you carpool to work somewhere...whenever you had money you could help with gas...that way it isn't exactly charity, it's just doing what you must to manage a difficult situation.

I don't know how to orchestrate this, it's just a thought.

[emilyg]

10. If you get something going

count me in.

[The Straight Story]

11. No

i don't want anyone's help or money please.

[The Straight Story]

13. You all helped me out once

and i am still ashamed that I needed it then.

Things will get better I hope.

I can't bear the thought of help again - so please don't.

[Laurab]

26. The impound and the ticket divided by a bunch of DU'ers

contributions of even 5 or 10 bucks could be so easily solved, and you wouldn't have to go through a month of hell. Please reconsider, unless you have family that can bail you out. Pride doesn't put food on the table, and I wouldn't miss 5 or 10 bucks.

[bobbolink]

65. Your shame is misplaced.

Your taking your anger out on you, rather than where it belongs.

DON'T TREAT MY FRIEND THAT WAY!

:hug: :loveya: :hug:

[Skittles]

66. HEY

do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT feel ashamed!!! EVERYONE needs help sometimes!!!!

[knitter4democracy]

89. It takes a village to survive. We're a village.

:hug:

There's no shame in taking a bit of help. Hell, when I had my kidney surgery, knitter friends sent me yarn. I need yarn like I need a hole in the head, but I sat down and cried. The yarn was so pretty, and the love behind it was so strong that I was just overwhelmed.

I don't think you need yarn, so just look at it like love personalized. :)

[lildreamer316]

20. YES.

Impound can't be more than a few hundred dollars. We also need to check for travel expense to get him AND A LICENSED DRIVER to the impound yard.
Is anyone close?

[The Straight Story]

21. NO

No more help from people, I can't live with that ok.

I feel bad enough already. Been a fucked up day and I don't want to add people helping me to that.

[lildreamer316]

29. Please..I'd like to explain something.

I, too, have received help from ppl on this board. More than once. At first I was ashamed that I had been reduced to that point. Now, I am just grateful that there are ppl out there who are so wonderful and loving as to help me when I need it the most. It is what the term community is all about.
Someone has helped me just this week. I would welcome, and feel empowered by, the opportunity to pay it foreword that helping you would give me. Please, let me bless others, as I have been blessed!!

[The Straight Story]

33. I shouldn't freakin need help damnit

I am 42, a skilled worker, and I should be working. I had 2 jobs last July, and worked 16 hours a day.

I had 2 interviews this week and was way over qualified. I can't fucking find a job here because I have too much experience - even though I had told people time and again I would take dirt cheap wages and work my way up.

All I want is to take care of my family - and I don't want to feel like anymore of a loser than I already do.

[lildreamer316]

48. Stop that right there.

You sound like my husband, bless his heart. Even though he has a job, it is barely paying the bills, and he is so frustrated. I love him so much...

YOu are not a loser. In this day and age, with everything going on, we ALL need help. It is paycheck to paycheck for probably half, if not three-fourths of ppl here, and ppl I know. Sure, there are few with good paying jobs, but if you have a 401K or any kind of investments, you still have to be worried in today's recession and stock market climate. As for me and mine, we are paycheck to paycheck (husband is only one working); and I was lucky enough to inherit stock for my retirement..but I cannot take money out of those to live on, and with the above-mentioned concern with the market, I'm not really counting on those to be there anyway.

We are all going to have to revamp our thinking about community, and what it means in today's world. It is very true that the ones we have been waiting for are us (grammar!!ack!). Seriously. It is time for us to step up and help in whatever way we can, as we see the opportunity. I believe in the Universe (in a spiritual, not religious way), and I believe that when you lead with your heart (thanks, sister..); you are given not only what you need, when you need it, but the opportunity to give others the same.

It flows.

I am so sorry for the hardships you have endured, and are still having to endure. I am not the one given to know why. But I know that you are a good man, who works hard, and you deserve, just as much as anyone, a hand when you are down. That does not make you a loser. That makes you a participant in community, and humanity.

NO man is an island, friend.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

49. It's not your fault, SS

There are thousands of skilled workers who have done everything right all their lives who are in your position.

[spacelady]

60. I get exactly where you are coming from. My husband, an environmental

engineer with 20 years' experience, got laid off a year ago right in the middle of chemo for colon cancer. I have just gone back to work after a parental hiatus of six years.... we do what we can for our families. We had few worries in the Clinton years, the minute *stupid* took office was the first time my husband was laid off. It is THIS CRIMINAL REGIME that is to blame, professional educated people who bought in to the "American Dream" and jumped through all the hoops, find themselves adrift.

[knitter4democracy]

90. When have you ever been a loser?!

Stop that right now! You are strong, you're funny, and you help so many of us understand more and see stories we should see and learn more about how things really are. For crying out loud, that's massive! You perform a major service here, and we all appreciate that. What's wrong with giving a wee bit of help when it's needed?

It's that damn patriarchal thinking. No one's so strong that they never accept any help of any kind. No one. Hell, even Bush has taken money from friends many, many times. ;) All the rich have. They help each other all the time. Let us give just a bit to help you through this.

Tell us more about your business idea. I bet it's interesting. :)

[Rosemary2205]

94. HEY YOU - Fight it out alone if you must BUT YOU AIN'T NO LOSER BUSTER!!

I really only know you by your posts, which is not much and heck even *I* know you are not the big L.

Oh yeah, and fuck all the economic predators who got us in this mess!!

[emilyg]

53. Accept the help

I worry about your sick wife and little girl.

[Name removed]

51. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[truedelphi]

54. I have six bucks to my name today, but I am willing to send five n/t

[puebloknot]

62. Yes, let's do it. And we can think of it as getting sweet revenge...

...against an uncaring and insane system.

Of course, running a stop sign at the corner of Nowhere and Elsewhere, where Peter the Pig is hiding out with his ticket book and pen in hand, shows that the perpetrator is a shady character who ought to be put in stocks for his high crime and misdemeanor. But you can be sure, in Bush's America, he'll get his comeuppance. (Actually, he already has.)

Paypal?

[SidDithers]

111. Canadian funds OK?...nt

Sid

[AlCzervik]

2. that sucks and imo it's all about fee's and a word of warning, make sure you study for that test

it's not hard but it's not easy, we have some weird road things and quite frankly just stuff you forget when you haven't taken the written test a long time.

[saracat]

3. I am so sorry Straight Story. You do NOT deserve this. And you are so right.

And it is only the "little guys' who pay the price for anything. I am so sad for you. I wish I had a way to make it better, but I don't.:hug: :hug: :hug:

[gateley]

4. "The 'law' only applies to the little folks."

I know. I'm so sorry that's how it is, and that this happened to you. :hug:

[tbyg52]

88. You nailed it. The little folks pay and the big folks play.

One set of rules for us and another for them. This is the root of what's wrong with the country now, IMHO.

It's always been so to some degree (in the history of the *world*, not just the country) but right now, right here it's the worst most of us have seen in our lifetimes. And it seems things are moving backward, not forward.

[tandot]

5. Shit. That sucks big time.

Hang in there. Maybe someone can organize to get you the money to get at least your car back.

I'll check the thread later to see if I can help in any way.

:hug:

[Flabbergasted]

6. Here's to hoping things get better. It's been a REALLY rough year for us too.

Especially the last month.

[provis99]

7. well the law is intended to protect the rich. That's its only purpose

God forbid we should ever permit someone who committed more serious crimes, like trading with the Nazis, become a Senator, or his son trade weapons to our nations enemies and conspire to assassinate heads of state, become CIA chief and President, or a son of that President convicted of DUI, deserting from the National Guard, paying for an illegal abortion, making crooked money from insider trading, become President, too. Oh wait...

I'm sorry for you; I've been there; spending 3 months in a jail cell because I couldn't raise bail money for driving without my license on my person (it was in the glove compartment) pretty much fucked things up.

[Horse with no Name]

8. Ahhh man that really sucks

I wish there was something I could do.:hug:

[Edweird]

12. Traffic attorney.

Get one. I understand your point, and agree, but get a lawyer. It will help. Well, they work wonders here in Florida, I suppose in CA your mileage may vary....

[The Straight Story]

16. No, I admit I was guilty - I don't want to worm my way out of paying the fine

*I* was wrong, and I will suck it up and pay whatever fine I must.

I am just pissed that bush is living it up after all he has done.

[BigDaddy44]

38. Forget the fine

You need your car and license back. An attorney may be able to help. You didn't kidnap the Lindberg baby for crying out loud....

[Dr. Strange]

43. You ADMIT that you're wrong?

Boy, some politician you'd make!

Hope it gets resolved nicely.

:hug:

[The Straight Story]

46. When I am wrong, I am wrong

:)

I even told the cop I was wrong.

I just wish these same cops would ticket bush :rofl: (at some point, ya have to laugh about it all...)

[dajoki]

81. Dear Straight Story...

OK, you made a little mistake and WANT to pay for it, and Bush made many BIG ones and will NEVER pay for them. That and that alone should make you feel like anything but a loser!! When you think about it, and you know its true, WE ALL make "rolling stops", so that's no big deal, you knew it was safe. So please stop thinking like that!!

You are probably wondering, who the fuck is this guy telling me what to do? Well, I am a loser, I let my family down, I feel guilty as sin!! I'm not going to get into right now, as many people know what I'm talking about. You can ask me and I will tell you or please PM me and I will explain it all to you, it a long complicated story and much worse than what you did.

I will say, like you, I worked my entire life, paid my bills, supported my family and played by the rules. One day that all ended, that and a series of unexpected circumstances has put my family and I against the wall.

Well anyway, I kept blaming myself and still have to fight those thoughts off. But my point is that Du is here to help, I learned that from a few people in general and one person in particular. She is currently TEACHING me that it is not my fault and to stop beating myself up over it. If it wasn't for her I don't where or what I'd be today. Her constant positive reinforcement is starting to sink in.

Just remember, DU IS a COMMUNITY, and we are here for you, cut yourself a break and listen to the posters, they KNOW what they are talking about, as do I. So why don't you give me a PM and give me a shot at "paying it forward". If I can help you half as much as I've been helped, you'll be glad you did.

I must also say this, even though she wants no acknowledgement, THANK YOU BOBBIE!!:grouphug:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2872013

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/dajoki/56

[pitohui]

14. i'm really sorry this happened

i've seen crap like this happen over and over, there is no such thing as an "accident" or a mistake when it comes to driving, the state is a predator that profits by taking a person's last little bit of hope and crushing it

without reliable transportation, you won't be hired for any job where i live, you MUST have a car, yet...they make it SO hard to keep it legal

i like how denmark does it (is it denmark?) -- if a traffic ticket is to create pain, it must create equal pain, therefore the traffic ticket doesn't have the same price on it for everyone, the price is a percent of income -- a millionaire had to pay a $100K ticket, because to a poor person with an $800 net worth paying an $80 ticket is just as painful -- if not more so

my state is "weird" about renewals, if you live in the "right" zip code, you get an automatic renewal mailed to you and you don't have to go to the DMV and i am lucky now to live in such a rich zip code, but when i lived in a poor zip code, they sent NO renewal, you had to keep aware of when to renew yourself or else it would quietly expire and give them an excuse to fine you

interesting how certain zip codes were treated differently from others!

my old zip code was in gentilly, now famous for being one of the places utterly destroyed by the failure of the levees in new orleans, goes to show how much they valued human lives if we lived there, the old folks i lived with there...they paid the ultimate price and were killed by the rising water

i understand why you cried and don't you dare feel guilty for it

[FourScore]

15. Almost the exact scenario happened to me in CA.

That was 11 years ago. It was like the last Hurrah to a long streak of bad luck. After that, my life really turned around for the better. Good luck to you and your family!

[The Straight Story]

17. You give me some hope

god knows it can't get much worse.

Maybe things will look up from here.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

18. Yes. That's how our system works. I understand the mix of anger and feeling, well, oppressed.

All us common folks MUST be responsible and pay when we have nothing, yet those who have money and power get a pass on 'responsibility'.

It's not fair. That is a fact.

However, in spite of the FACT the nation we live in is ruled by people who ARE NOT FAIR, who get a pass merely because they have money,...

,...that has nothing to do with how valuable you are.

People love you and want you to survive. I love you and KNOW you will get through this.

Hang on,...with me.

Okay? :hug:

[angrycarpenter]

19. Went through the same thing 15 years ago.

It made me homeless for about three months. For many tickets are the straw that broke the camel's back.

All I can say is stay strong and never surrender.

[cornermouse]

23. You don't want to be in Ohio and points north right now.

Trust me on that. This is not the time of year to go there.

I'm sorry things are not going well. Do whatever you can to keep the plan to own your own business alive. Don't give up on that job you were hoping to get. It might still happen. All platitudes, I know, but know that you're not the only one on DU stressed out in so many directions that you don't know which way to turn at times.

As far as Bush is concerned, I'm one of those barbarians who truly believe that after he goes to meet his maker he's going to pay (polite society description) much more than anything we could imagine.

[samplegirl]

95. I'll second that Straight Story

Nothing more in Ohio but Doom & Gloom! No real jobs here and everyone here suffering depression due to the economy.
I was so sad to read this and sounds like just bad luck. Yeah
and then I have to go and read that Bob Ney has only served 10 months for his horrible coin-gate crime and is already going to a halfway house he'll most likely do a little time there and he will be out as a lobbist most probably.
I don't have much right now but dart me your address I would be happy to help. I am a firm beliver in whatever you give you get back a hundredfold.

[The Backlash Cometh]

24. In these tough economic times, we need to rethink our draconian laws.

[lonestarnot]

27. There has got to be a DUer near you with a car. How did you get your little girl from where you

dropped her off? Pride has no place in a fuck-up.

[The Straight Story]

30. She took the bus home

I usually take her to school and she takes the bus home. She can take the bus to school now and to home. So she is ok.

[lonestarnot]

34. Can you take public transportation to the interview?

[leftofthedial]

28. keep your chin up SS

I'm pulling for you. I wish I still had lots of dough, I'd help out . . . :-(



there is no justice in this world. there is no karma. there is only power. I know that doesn't cheer you up much, but I hope it helps focus your energies on the reality of the problem.

[Cleita]

31. Our system favors the moneyed and catches people like

you in its legal traps, those least able to pay their way out of a situation. It sucks I know. This is why I had hopes for a Kucinich or Edwards presidency, two guys who would have worked to end the injustice and inequalities in our system that hard working people run into who weren't born with an inheritance.

[renate]

32. I'm so sorry--what a rotten break

Maybe you can turn it to your advantage, though. When potential employers call, do exactly what you've done here: explain what happened AND take the blame for what happened. You aren't whining about how the cops are corrupt doughnut-eaters, you aren't pretending that you really did stop... you're stepping up and taking full responsibility for your mistake, a tiny mistake that could have (but I hope won't) have major consequences. Most people in this crappy, unfair situation would be flailing about looking for someone else to blame... not you.

If I were calling you for an interview and heard how you're not blaming anyone else and how you're accepting responsibility for this, I would be impressed as hell. In a situation like this, in which the consequences so overwhelmingly outweigh the offense, a mature attitude and a sense of ethics like yours is rare. You'd certainly stand out from the crowd.

Good luck to you. :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

35. My dear Straight Story...

Oh, wow, sweetie...

I am so very sorry to read this...

What an awful mess...

If there's anything (and I do mean anything ) that I can do to help...

Just PM me, OK?

:hug:

[The Straight Story]

37. I just need to cry Peggy - I let my little girl and my wife down

it is killing me.

If I were bush I could get away with it....

[knitter4democracy]

91. You didn't let them down.

:hug:

Sometimes my hubby has crap happen and then thinks he's let us down. That's a bunch of s***. You're alive, you're loving, you're a hard worker, and you will find a way through this. How the heck is that letting them down? Your daughter is learning great survival and empathy skills that will get her far in life, and your wife loves you dearly and hurts when you hurt. You aren't letting them down--you're being human. That's why they love you, silly. They don't love you for a job or for money or for a car. They love you because you're you, and you can only let them down by hating yourself and beating yourself into the ground.

[Irishonly]

36. CA has two impounding laws

I learned this when I was doing some volunteer work for One LA. The sobriety checkpoints around here are to check for licenses even though they think we are too dumb to know that. In Pomona if you were caught without a license they were impounding cars for thirty days. One LA was able to get the impounding down to over night. Maybe you could call legal aid and they would help.

[datasuspect]

39. did they take you to jail or did you bond out right there where you were pulled over?

i had this happen to me in illinois.

[The Straight Story]

41. they did not take me to jail

thank god :)

Something good from today!

[Wiley50]

40. I'm going through the same thing right now

In fall of 2006, I overdrew my checking acct by 4 cents and it set off a chain reaction.
After the bank racked up over $300 in overdraft charges, they didn't pay my direct draft insurance payment.
My insurance was cancelled.
I'm on SSI, so I had to get through the month before my next check to pay the overdrafts and get a new policy.
That SSI check was due on Nov 3rd
On Nov 1, a rainy night, some asshole who didn't signal turned in in front of me as I was pulling out onto busy street.
We hit and I didn't have insurance.

So his insurance company sends me a bill for $3550. I get $600/mo from SSI
So I could only hope some miracle happened and I would get it before I got the letter from the state
revoking my license ( we have Financial responsibility law here)

I never got that letter

Three Sunday's ago, I got pulled over for a seat belt violation
They ran my license, It came back REVOKED!

My court dates are in March.
No Lawyer. No money for fines

Probably do jail time

[The Straight Story]

42. A hug for ya

:hug: we need to talk sometime :) PM me for my #

[Wiley50]

45. OK

[knitter4democracy]

92. Whoa. We need to set up a fund for you, too.

We can raise that kind of money fast here. There has to be a way. :hug:

[seriousstan]

98. Set up a fund for someone who knowingly drives without insurance?

I'll pass. Let the fool sit in jail. Then he drives again? Jail will give him time to think, but I doubt he will.

[knitter4democracy]

124. Seriousstan needs to lighten up.

Everyone makes mistakes. That shouldn't mean that his family should suffer, he shouldn't get a job, and they should all end up on the edge of homelessness or worse. Sheesh.

[seriousstan]

125. He didn't make a mistake. He drove without insurance ON PURPOSE!!

Then, he drove without a license AND insurance ON PURPOSE!

Have you ever known someone who was hit, injured or killed by these criminal asshats? The fool can't afford insurance, how in the hell is he going to pay my hospital bills or pay me compensation for the loss of a love one? How am I going to get my car fixed so I don't lose MY job?

Fuck him, let him sit in jail and think over how phenomenally irresponsible he has been.

[knitter4democracy]

126. I guess I'm just a bleeding heart liberal.

I actually worry about people in this kind of situation and think there's a damn good reason they're without car insurance. Instead of blaming them, I blame the companies that make it too expensive to drive for people who need it the most and government bureaucracies that make it a full-time job to know all the steps and paperwork and make people take days off of work just to get set, only to lose the job that was paying for it all.

I take it you're not a bleeding heart liberal.

[seriousstan]

131. I do not make lame ass excuses for others illegal activity. I see you do.

Insurance can be gotten over the phone. If you don't have insurance, the community have passed laws that make it illegal to drive. The reasons are obvious.

I am sure as a bleeding heart liberal, you will feel equally sympathetic toward the victim of the uninsured driver. I am sure that will help them put their shattered lives back together.I hope they thank you for your useless concern.

[knitter4democracy]

134. Dude, you really are clueless about life, aren't you?

Insurance can be gotten over the phone if you have a permanent address, pass the credit check, and have a credit card. Many, many people don't have any of those.

As for the victims, of course I feel bad for anyone who gets hurt or deals with chronic pain. I've had chronic pain and know the hell that it is. I don't think every accident is caused by an uninsured driver, and I know that, in Michigan, it really doesn't matter (no-fault state). If an uninsured driver hit me, my insurance would pay for it no matter what. They'd go after the other driver if he's at fault and it goes beyond a certain level (I forget what) in cost, but if it gets them nothing, there's nothing they can do.

So, in your state, do insured drivers cause accidents or only uninsured drivers?

[Wiley50]

129. I can speak to this myself

I was only without insurance for less than 3 weeks
and was unfortunate to get in an accident during that time.

So why was I driving during this time?

I'm disabled and for over two years have only gone out for doctor's visits, drug store or groceries.
There is no available public transportation in my area and have no friends or family near to drive me.

This particular night I was out of medicine that I MUST take or become deathly sick.
I did not want to go out that night and was not joy-riding.

I was going to the drug store to get my meds.

I don't see why you are such a hard ass about this. I always carry insurance.
If you will re-read my op in this subthread you will see why I did not for those 2 or 3 weeks.

but i also have a problem with a state legislature hedging an insurance company's bets with these laws.
All insured motorists are sold uninsured motorist insurance as part of their policies.
Any other type of insurance (health, life, homeowners, fire) insurance companies play the odds.
That's how the insurance business is traditionally structured, they spread their risk over the odds of their pool.
In this one case, a state legislature is playing the enforcer for the insurance company
by strongarming the uninsured motorist to pay up, making there be no loss to the insurance company.
The insured motorist would never be out any money either way. This is just a sweet deal for the insurance company.
They get to charge for uninsured motorist insurance, but never (or rarely) have to assume any loss.

As most of us here see it, our government gives too many sweet deals to corporations as it is.

[seriousstan]

130. Excuses don't put shattered lives back together. Only a fool drives without insurance.

But then I guess it is all about you. You couldn't plan in advance? You had three weeks that you knew you were without insurance.

Also, as per your OP, you lost your license in Nov. of 2006. That is over a year ago. When you are popped for no insurance, your license is automatically revoked. You are old enough to know this, fucking letter from the DMV or not.

You cannot try to scam the system and then get sympathy for them catching you. Have a fine time in the courts.

[Wiley50]

132. Shattered lives? Uninsured motorist pays just as much for any injuries

Every insurance policy carries an uninsured motorist rider. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, your insurance company pays the damages. When there is a Financial Responsibility law, it simply empowers the state to control the insurance company's losses by holding revocation over the head of the uninsured motorist.

This doesn't keep an injured party from getting damages. They are paid by the insurance company either way. It only helps the insurance company.

and BTW, I had insurance at my court date for not having insurance and the charge was dropped and my license wasn't revoked then.

It was only revoked when the insurance company couldn't get their money out of me which took over a year to process. My license
wasn't revoked until two months ago and no I didn't get the letter.

But you don't want to respond to that part because you evidently have hard ass right wing views on this particular subject, probably for personal reasons. Maybe you love insurance company's profits or something. (how about their profits on medical coverage?)

Do you have any good feelings about poor people at all. What if they're poor due to being disabled after 25 years of manual labor?

Have a nice day.

[MindPilot]

44. I'm a member of the National Motorists Association.

That organization exists to fight shit like this. Sure a ticket is probably warranted for driving on an expired out-of-state license, (not to mention rolling the stop) but taking your car is bullshit. Where in Cali are you? I'll try to hook you up with a good traffic lawyer; you don't deserve this. PM me.

[debbierlus]

47. We are all tightrope walking without a net

One slip-up and boom! I am really sorry. Go with the DU help idea. There is no reason to drown & if we pool resources, it may be enough to pay to get your car out of the state custody and the fines.

Really sorry to hear that...the 'justice' system in this country is a joke. I have gone to court for a bounced check once (no biggy, just paid, & that was the end of it). But, I watched the proceedings before they called me up.

Poor person after poor person after poor person...in trouble because they were driving without insurance which they couldn't afford, lost their license, then lost their job...People who couldn't pay heating bills. People who were basically screwed from the get go. All looking rough, tired, weathered....impoverished.

You have to go through it to know how stacked the system is against the poor. I have been there and I hope I don't ever have to go through it again.

You don't deserve this to happen to you. It is an unfair system. Your penalization for basically not transferring your license on time, it is completely out of whack with what you did.

I hope it all works out. That really sucks.

:hug:

[King Coal]

69. Hi Deb! I remember you from your Kacinich clapping.

:yourock: :toast:

[bobbolink]

114. Thank you for a great line... "We're all tightrope walking without a net"

Perfect!

What you're saying is so very true, and reminds me of that great quote by Bobby Kennedy... "Where there is plenty, poverty is evil."

:yourock:

[dano81818]

50. holy crap!

man thats a kick in the teeth... good luck man, sorry about that!

[flashl]

52. Hope it all works out. Hold on tight to your dreams, lovely wife and daughter. nt

:grouphug:

[LWolf]

56. I hear you.

How about this:

My youngest son has a child. He was never married to the mother, but supported her through the pregnancy and after the birth. He gave up college to do so.

When the child was 3 months old, my son moved out and left the boy with his mom. He was tired of her "visiting" the drug dealer across the hall all day while he was gone at work. She proudly presented the drug dealer with another son 10 months after the birth of my grandson.

My son always paid his child support. They never had a custody agreement. We got to see the child whenever she wanted time off for serious partying. By the time the drug dealer's child was a few months old, she'd moved in with someone else, and presented him with another child a year later.

My son worried about his son. He saw him as often as possible, paid his child support, and often called social services to report suspected neglect and abuse. To no avail. Meanwhile, he was renting a room from someone, and working a low-paying job, having dropped out of college to support the child.

When the woman was arrested for publicly beating the living daylights out of the boy, my son took his chance. He picked up the boy while she was in jail, moved out of state, got a lawyer, and got full custody. He quit It took a year to get through the custody proceedings. Meanwhile, California sent him bills every month for child support payments, even when the child was living with him. He called. He faxed. He called and faxed some more. They weren't listening. Of course, at the same time, the new state, in conjunction with the nice, shiny new custody agreement, started billing HER for child support. Not that my son expected to ever see any.

My son did the same thing you did. He didn't get a new license in the new state. He wanted to use his CA license until it expired. He never got the chance. When he didn't pay the child support payments CA billed him for, they yanked his CA license, and he isn't eligible for a license in this state until the matter is cleared. He has continued to call, write, and fax. He has no money left for a lawyer. He tried legal aid, but they don't cross state lines.

Six weeks ago, they told him, finally, that they would look into "adjusting" his child support debt. :eyes:

Who knows if he will ever get his driver's license back.

All because he didn't pay child support to someone else for a child he already had custody of.

[Canuckistanian]

57. Your car was impounded for a misdemeanor?

That's harsh.

Is there any legal argument for denying you a chance to find employment because of it?

[The Straight Story]

58. it is the law here - I can accept that

Like I said, I was in the wrong - even if I think it is stupid/harsh/wrong.

My point was, how come people like me get nailed for such things while bush is walking about free and he has done way worse?

[King Coal]

72. TSS, my advice is not to worry about Bush. At this point it will just frustrate you.

Get up every morning and hit it. If you need some emergency money, that you can pay back when you get on your feet, send ol' King a message, and I'll help you. You'll be all right, and thanks for sharing your story. Shit happens, and it happens a lot, so don't feel like the Loan Ranger, let that be my job. Now is the time to worry about yourself; Bush will get his. You're not that old, and you can do it!

[bdamomma]

77. Straight Story, true there is a double standard.

but remember we are like a community here, and we come together when a fellow DU'er needs help, at this moment in time it is important for all of us to unite, and help others. This help being offered is not of pity, but we all know what is happening to alot of people out there, shows me there is still alot of a compassion and support out there, even in the bleakest of times. You take care.

[truedelphi]

59. Normally a misdemeanor won't mean yr car is impounded.

But the cops can reason that if your licesnse ahs expired, you are not really insured (insurance relies on your being licensed)

And so they can't let you drive. If Straight Story had had a friend with him,they'd have let the friend drive him home, but the way it is, with him the only driver, the letter of the law states the car has to go to the impound people.

It really sucks. Andd the people that get hurt by this stuff are the ones like SS who are so distracted by the world of overwhleming obligations taht they forget all the details.

[The Straight Story]

61. I had insurance, and was 2 doors down from my house

it sucks, but yes - the cops had to do their job and the law is the law.

As I said in my OP - I was wrong. That is not what I am pissed about :) Although I am upset about it....

[Canuckistanian]

67. The punishment doesn't fit the "crime"

That's all I'm saying.

But then, that's the main point of your post, no?

[lonestarnot]

79. Can't you public transportation it to the DMV tomorrow, get your license renewed or a new one then

public transportation it over the the Court and demonstrate proof and get the car released? You didn't have an accident. They keep it for a month?

[The Straight Story]

82. Yeah, they do

I will have my license by Tuesday (had to order my Birth certificate online and it will be here Tuesday).

But yes - they keep it for 30 days. Was a shock to me as well. Makes no damned sense. But that is the law here.

[lonestarnot]

83. So you have to pay impound for a fucking month? Fucking racket!

You can't plead for mercy?

[dysfunctional press]

101. why do they keep it 30 days?

that makes absolutely no sense- there is absolutely no way to get your car released short of 30 days?

where is it that this is the law, and what does it take to get a car impounded in the first place? :shrug:

[The Straight Story]

103. Basically

They impound because I was considered as not being a licensed driver, and keep it 30 days so I can't drive it.

[dysfunctional press]

104. and there's absolutely no way under any circumstance that they release it early?

seems like a very strange law.

what happens after 30 days if the owner is still un-licensed?

[The Straight Story]

105. well

I am not the owner of the car, it is in my father-in-laws name. We were planning on transferring the title to me when the insurance ran out on it (he had already paid it).

It is a strange and stupid law, I was 2 doors away from my house and they would not let me park it there.

I used to be a cop, and have known many who cut people some slack - this guy was young and acting like a jerk. You can enforce the law while being nice, it is a shame when people don't.

[dysfunctional press]

106. and even your father-in-law couldn't get the car released?

this law seems stranger and stranger...
where is it that this law is on the books? and how large are their impound lots?

what happens after 30 days?

[The Straight Story]

108. Hell if I know

Not like I go through this everyday :)

[truedelphi]

112. Ya know SS almost the exact same thing happened to me

With it being an out of whack back light rather than A California stop that got me pulled over.

I was in a moderate sized town at that time, I won't mention the town because I don't wanna get the police officer who helped me in trouble.

When he told me that my license had expired, I burst into tears. It was raining and cold, I was forty miles from my home, my husband had gone totally blind overnight just three weeks earlier.
The overwhelming problems I was dealing with had a lot to do with my license expiring.

The cop said, "Okay we will work out a deal here. I will "pretend" that a group of your friends are in a car a half mile behind us. They are going to see you sitting at the side of the road, and one of these friends will drive you home. To make this work, do NOT get into traffic for at least ten minutes after I leave. And don't mention I did this for you."

Every time I drive through that town, I say a huge prayer of thanks for this man. What I would have done if he had simply had my car impounded, I don't know. And I had no idea until reading your post that I could have faced having my car impounded for a full month.

[AlCzervik]

107. if the car is still in your fil's name why can't it be released to him?

if it's not in your name i understand why they wouldn't release to it you.

[elizfeelinggreat]

63. please

don't give up.


I'm sorry this has happened to you.

[puebloknot]

64. It takes strong character to accept help from caring people. You'll get your chance...

...to pay it forward. Maybe you already have, so don't belittle yourself. Strong silent types sometimes morph into policemen who give tickets to stressed and worried citizens. It's good you were able to hold forth here, in the company of friends.

Judy

(Editied twice for typos. Geez!)

[bobbolink]

68. While you're taking your lumps, remember that CA has gotten really weird.

When I found out this summer that people aren't allowed to sleep in their car in CA, even if they are on a friend's private land with their permission, I thought... holy shit, that is one WEIRD state.

And now I see that weird state got YOU! I don't know whether to be really pissed first, or to hug you first.

:nuke:

:hug: :loveya: :hug:

You know you are special to me, and you know you will be in my thoughts... it's not much, but I care.

:pals: :pals: :pals: :pals: :pals: :pals: :pals: :pals: :pals: :pals:

NOW.. please do me a big favor, and don't be so hard on my friend! Graciously accept help, because you are a valued and important member of this community!

...

Pleeeeez?

[The Straight Story]

71. My dear friend

I do need help, but I cannot accept it as I do value being a member here - and I don't want people to help me at this point because, as noted, previous help has made me feel really bad about myself.

And I know there are people worse off than I am, like yourself.

I can't even begin to explain how bad it is and how bad I feel about myself. At this point, I literally hate myself. At one time in my life I didn't.

I am at wit's end - myself i don't care if I lived on the streets, I would be happy. But I have two people depending on me and I am letting them down. Not intentionally, and to be honest I thought things were getting better. And they were.

Today hit me out of the blue, and I am still in shock over it all. Just as I thought things we getting better, they got worse.

Someday, I will get a break - and some posts here have made me feel better tonight.

But overall I feel like crap right now - because I let my girls down.

And as I said earlier, I am pissed at myself to be sure - but I am more pissed that people like bush can do what they have done and they are skating free, while I am floundering - and all I did was run a stop sign and have an expired license.

Yeah, I broke the law and I will pay for it. But when will people like scooter libbby/bush/et al pay for what they have done?

[bobbolink]

74. "And I know there are people worse off than I am, like yourself."

Don't you DARE use that as an excuse for not letting people help you!

I can't, obviously, force you, but it hurts me and scares me to think you are doing without freely offered help because of... Pride? Fear? I dunno....

You are a very valued person, and I really am sad to see you hurting.

Just know you and your family are in my heart!

:loveya:

[BlackVelvet04]

85. Sweetie,

you don't have the luxury of hating yourself right now because it is completely counterproductive. I've been there and done that and it was a self-indulgence that almost destroyed me. Forgive yourself for the mistake and accept your human and thus subject to error but you are worthy of loving yourself. When you hate yourself you make a mockery of the love your wife, child, friends and family have for you......they can't all be wrong and they think you're worth loving.

I'm really sorry this happened to you. It sucks.

[bobbolink]

116. "We can't all be wrong, and we think you're worth loving"

Perfectly said.... please excuse my little rewording... :hi:

[BlackVelvet04]

118. I don't mind at all.

:hi:

[The Straight Story]

122. Honestly, I just can't

forgive myself that is.

My life is a wreck, and I hate myself for it right now. Maybe when things get better I can look back and laugh, right now I cannot even get sleep.

Not solely because of this, but because of this and so many other things.

[roody]

97. Please open your heart and hands.

They have to be open to either give or receive! I am sitting pretty in CA and ask you to allow me the joy of lending a hand in this.

[asdjrocky]

70. Dude, would you like no help in a money order or a check?

You know how much fun I have reading your stuff? Hell, we'd just be paying you for the enjoyment you bring. That is worth something. Half of the people on here pay to play, when they should be getting paid to play.

I don't have much, but I'd be happy to do what I can. By the way, where are you at in CA?

[bobbolink]

119. .

:rofl:

Good one!

[teacher gal]

73. Dear Straight Story

I am so sorry times are tough and that this happened to you. You made a simple mistake and I must say I don't think the punishment fits the "crime". You hardly know me as I'm pretty new to the DU community but I want you to know that when I turn off the lights and hit the sack tonight you and your precious family will be in my prayers. Fervently.

You have some anger at Bush, understandably. Yet you are rich compared to him in the things that really matter. Please don't think I'm trying to diminish the dire straits you are currently in. I am not walking in your shoes and I can only imagine how overwhelmed you must feel.

Years ago I was near suicide but I found there is indeed light beyond the darkness. Hang in there, don't give up.

I wonder, there must be people near you willing to help?? Actually, there are probably people near you who need you just as much as you need them. Perhaps reach out in that way, as a new beginning? Who knows what might happen....

Anyway, I'm so sorry if this is "preachy". Just know I care and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

[bobbolink]

75. thank you for your sweet words to my friend, and welcome to DU!

:toast: :bounce: :toast:

I don't hear you as preachy... I hear your heart.

And your heart is kind and sweet.

:pals:

[teacher gal]

76. thank you bobbolink

Hey, I think you posted on my thread on poverty (or maybe it was the NCLB thread). Anyway, I appreciate you!

Straight Story, are you there? Wanting to know you are ok.....

[The Straight Story]

78. Check your PM (nt)

[bobbolink]

117. Hey!

You didn't PM me...

~~searching frantically for the pouting emoticon~~

:hug:

[The Straight Story]

123. oops

:) sorry my friend, been trying to answer a lot of PM's from folks and got side tracked.

Will hit ya up in a bit ok? Again, I am sorry - just been a crazy 2 days.

[bobbolink]

128. I'm so glad you're getting lots of mail.... You gotta know we love ya!

Mostly I was kidding ya... just thought you needed someone to be a thorn in your side.

:evilgrin:

You're on my mind, and I'll hear from you when you are able....

:loveya:

[El Pinko]

80. Yeah, CA is strict about out of state licenses

I forgot exactly, but you have like 60 or 90 days from moving to the state to change it to a CA license.

If you were pulled over, and the date on the license was still in effect, but you've been in the state for morre than a couple months, it's best to LIE and say you're staying with a friend for a couple weeks, then get your license changed to a CA license right away. They're also strict about changing the plates on your car.

But at least it's cheaper now. The first time I moved a car to CA in like 1990, it was $400 to change the plates to CA plates. Now it's something like $150. Back in 1990 that was a huge hit for me.


I can't express how much I love the state of California. There is no place more beautiful in the world. I love San Francisco and the coastal towns, all the natural beauty and the climate.


But financially, if you're not well-off, it can suck the lifeblood out of you. The cost of living is exorbitantly high. I never got one, but I've heard that if you get a ticket from one of those cameras on the stoplights, the fine is like $375.

I once got an expired parking-meter ticket in SF that was over $50. I missed feeding the meter by 5 minutes.

Financially, I'm glad to be out of California. It's not for the little people anymore.

[Hekate]

84. TSS my friend...what can I say except I'm damned sorry, and this day will pass...

You have so many friends here.
:grouphug: :pals:

Hekate

[graywarrior]

86. Oh man, I hear you.

I'm right there with ya.

[Bluestar]

87. TSS, I believe you are the poster who really touched my heart

one night about a year ago. You wrote a beautiful piece about caring for your wife, who I believe suffers from a chronic illness. I choked back tears reading about your love and caring for her, because I, too, have a chronic illness and must depend on my wonderful, beautiful husband to help me make my way in this world. You are, like my husband, deserving of everything that this world has to offer. You are both giants among men, and I hope that you remember this, when you observe those who are NOT men, the George W. Bush's of this world. I personally want to thank you for your post as you made me appreciate my husband more than I already did.

Now, for practicalities. There are all kinds of help, and that help doesn't necessarily have to be in sending you money. I see that you live in California, but I don't know where. I understand your wanting to remain anonymous, but in this instance it might be more practical to name your location. I believe there are lots of DU'ers here who might know about jobs or other resources that could help you. What are your skills? You could post it here and start the process of getting a good job and other types of support.

Also, this is a long shot, but I heard about something on the news this a.m. Chevrolet has a fuel cell hybrid test program where they are loaning people new cars. One of the requirements is that you live near a fuel cell fueling station. There are a number of them in central/northern/southern California. Here is the link: www.chevrolet.com/fuelcell/ This might not help immediately, but having the loan of a car like this could save you some money over the next couple of years on gas and car payments.

I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you and your family.

[knitter4democracy]

93. Same here.

I'm the sick wife, too, and TSS always makes me hope for the future of our country, such a loving amazing hubby for his family.

Good idea on the loaner car.

[Bentcorner]

96. What does Bush have to do with this?

There are things that can be actually blamed on George Bush and his administration. This is not one of them. Most states require you to get a drivers license in that state as soon as you move there. Here in Maryland, you have 60 days. California only gives you 10 days.

[cornermouse]

99. Read it again.

He doesn't say this has anything to do with Bush other than the fact that he probably should have been impeached by now at the very least and he's understandably upset about his own mistake and yet sees Bush on the tv everyday getting away scot-free no matter what he does. Not unlike Cheney when he shot his friend.

[canadianbeaver]

102. Bush is a comparison in this....

One person drives without insurance...and one drives the country into the ground....One gets his car taken away and one gets off scott free for being a war criminal....Just comparisons....enough to make one completely sick seeing the bullsh*t double standard..

Straight Story...sometimes one must accept others gifts as it may be their time to be the giver and your time to be the taker....you may be stopping someones karmic payoff to you....I will always accept something someone is giving me and swallow my pride because there are times like this when I want to be able to give back for all those times I accepted what was given...

You remember the love I sent over the lines a couple days back...well I want to be able to send you something more...something that may help you out while you struggle now....something that may make a difference to your getting back on track....and guess what...down the line I know for damn sure that someone will be making this offer to me when I stumble...and knowing that this circle will continue is kind of wonderful...its what life is about right? helping one another..no judgements...no requirements...just helping because someone needs it..and I have it at this time to give.

Please allow those who want to help...to help.
Would you not do something for those here who you felt needed it at the time...and you were able to help? I am sure you would...damn sure!!!

[wtmusic]

100. That sucks.

Don't give up all hope. There are millions of stories like yours, and that's why we'll have a Dem president next year.

I hope things are looking up for you soon.

[Karenina]

109. Q: How strictly shall the rules be enforced?

A: Who's your Daddy?

[readmoreoften]

110. Count me in. I'll help.

Everyone makes bureaucratic mistakes--especially during stressful, difficult times. License renewal and so forth is a crock of shit as far as I'm concerned--especially if you have a clean driving record.

[Wizard777]

113. You should go to court and demand equal protection of law.

If George Bush is above the law. Then so are you! In fact everyone should demand this. Even in Murder cases. They can say, I only killed one person. Bush has killed 1.2 million. SCOTUS uses the President in consideration of individual rights. In a Maryland case involving a motorist who was arrested for giving a police officer the finger durring a trafic stop. SCOTUS determined that it would be within the motorists first amendment right to give the President the figer. So if the President is not afforded that protection. The police officer also is not entitled to that protection. So if Bush is above the law. So are you.

[Elidor]

120. Sorry to hear about your problems, man

That's pretty harsh, taking the car for a month. I'd see about getting a proper license pronto and see if someone in authority (the judge they assign to your case, pehaps) can waive the impound on grounds that you need the vehicle to get work to support your family and pay the fines. Some municipalities are more understanding than others, and will at least listen to an earnest appeal for leniency. It might take a few calls or an appearance at city hall, but it won't hurt to ask.

Good luck.

[The Straight Story]

121. I called an attorney today (a DU'er passed along the info)

and they might be able to help me out, I hope to see them next week.

I don't want a free ride, I just want to be able to get on with my life and pay for my mistakes.

I just want a break :)

I was in the wrong, and it was all my fault. I cannot deny that simple truth.

I can ask for mercy though, and I sure will.

[lonestarnot]

127. Wooot! So glad to hear this!

:toast: I've been secretly praying for you. Hate me if you must.

[AikidoSoul]

133. I'm here to help if I can

If it's some money, please pm me with mailing address.