The Working Poor in America

Can you imagine having a job but still being broke?

Having a job but still being hungry?

Having a job but still being evicted?

Having a job but still not able to save?

Having a job but waking up everyday not knowing if you still have a job?

These are situations I've encountered from conversing with everyday hard working people. Its a harsh reality that no one should have to endure.

At my current place of employment, I meet people who ask me for food due to not having any money to buy a lunch. I meet working people who ask if I have anything extra in my fridge that I don't want, so they can feed their kids that night. 

I met a young lady who was due to give birth in two weeks, and didn't have anything for her new baby coming -- not one thing because she couldn't afford it. I meet people who live in motels, because they can't afford an apartment or furnishings.

These stories break my heart, and pisses me off at the same time. When there are drastic situations such as these, that's when the employer should take a stand and do something. 

There should be food drives at places of employment for those in need. How degrading is it to come to work everyday for eight hours, and not be able to feed yourself?! How does an employer expect anybody to work on an empty stomach?

I plan to either start a union or write a very detailed letter to the president of the company about this matter, just in case the CEO is out of touch with what many of his workers are currently going through. 

It's time to shine some light on the dark areas of certain establishments.

The Things That Make You Go Hmmmm...

2010 LA 

Update: This facility I previously spoke of has been shut down, due to a class action law suit. As I said before, the light will eventually shine in the dark areas.

BIG Hearts Can Make A BIG Difference!

While on a personal mission to save the world in my head, I use to think I had to be rich in order to help people. 

My problem was I wanted to help so many people at one time, which often kept me stressing over not having enough money to do it. I began to realize that my heart was just really big, and not having enough money shouldn't stop me from doing the little things that can make a difference.

Even if you're not financially well off, giving what you can is better than nothing. It can be as little as donating canned goods to a local shelter, or ten dollars for gas to somebody that needs it, a ride home from work, a compliment, a smile, acknowledging some one's hard work, or buying a homeless person a hot meal.

I know first hand about these things because between my spouse and I, we've done all these things and more but it always felt like it wasn't enough. So we'd play the lottery a few times, in hopes of hitting to have enough money to help needy people all over the world. 

Big dreams I suppose, but it never stops us from wishfully thinking about it. So until that magical day we'll be happy giving what we can, until we can really give what we want. You should do the same.

The Things That Make You Go Hmmmm...

2009 LA