[Kenyar]

I was alarmed to find that we are at an all time high in unemployment here in the US. 6.7% as of November. I am frightened to see what it will be as of December but of course this won't be published until January. This is the highest since the 70's. The even funnier part? people who have exhausted their unemployment claims are not part of this figure so the rate is actually much higher.

I didnt think this was "political" so to speak so i thought it would be interesting to get everyone's take on the situation. how many of us know people or are people who are unemployed at this point? is there any hope at all??? I too am afraid. I guess this does tie into my "after" wls situation. I am really stressed. I dont sleep anymore at all really. I find it hard to stick to the rules. I haven't gained though so I guess I am ok? I havent had "steady" employment in months. We still have a roof over our heads and food, but who knows...it's a tough situation that many of us are in. I guess it's all in how we handle it.I'm sure there are people out there who have it worse so I shouldnt complain.

On a lighter note, jack daniels and southern comfort posted high Q2 earnings! LOL. are we drinking ourselves to death due to the recession?? LOL!

[w8down]

I think you summed it up, these are scary times. I work for a company that was bailed out by the government and nobody's position is safe at this point. This is where our faith kicks in. Although my job has not yet been affected I’m constantly networking and doing side stuff to be ready for the big day L .

[Kenyar]

i just feel bad for people with no place to go. i have family in another state where i can run if god forbid i lose everything. but i have a friend who was cut loose and has yet to receive her first unemployment payment...no family. no savings. and she is a single parent. she applied for govt assistance and was told that because she was "approved" for unemployment she makes too much for food stamps or other subsidy eventhough she hasnt received anything yet. its sad to think we pay taxes into these programs and cannot lean on them when we need it. for every story that i hear of someone turned away i get more and more disgusted.

[thumper1]

Seriously!!!!! I didnt want to "dump" on all of you on our site. I have a few PM people I told. Anyway, My DH works for the steel plant and ford and GM, no duh< cancelled there orders for the rest of 2008. He has not worked in over a mon th with no going back until 2009. WE lost our furnace AND hot water tank within 10 days of each other and in Buffalo you cant go without heated stuff BBRRRRRRR! I know I am not the only family like this and others do have iy worse. And yes Faith is a huge part of hanging on...... WLS was a blessing to me and these tough times test the food as comfort thing to the fullest. Kenya, Tks for posting this and letting me get it off my chest to you all. As for the politics of this all . The DAMN politicians is where the cuts and layoffs should be. Again, TKS for letting me vent and God Bless us all...... Kathy

[w8down]

One more thing I believe that this administration will make some serious changes. I'm in the Dallas area and this is one of the only places where there are some jobs out there. My family has been touched by this nightmare - my husband was laid off and it took three months to get a job only to be laid off again within 30 days for about two more months. He's been on his job for six months less money but we are thankful that he is working and we are still robbin Peter to pay Paul to back on track. It sucks but at least I'm getting thin heeheehee....

[Kenyar]

oh im sorry you carried that on your shoulders for so long. i hope you get some relief
soon.

as for the wls surgery being a blessing: the grocery bill is a heck of a lot less this year eh??

i will add you to my prayer list. i say a general prayer but if i come across a specific person or people in need i mention a name.

we were actually invited to church this weekend. i volunteer at my daughters school to keep from losing my mind, and come to find out her teachers husband is a pastor at the local church. who knew??!! i take that as a sign so we're going. prayers all around!!

[thumper1]

I just didnt want to complain and dump on everyone although you all are the best...... Others do have it worse and I am working its just we are beyond broke, mortgage and a half behind etc.... no unemployment for him either. I havent given in to eating with this stress so I am glad the tool works, I am lacking in the sleep dept. though. Its scary thats all. Holidays on top of it, see when I get going......sorry. Tks again for listening. Kathy

[SarJen01]

LOL! Yes, at least the grocery bill will be less! That's one for our side during these tough times!

[Kenyar]

heres another thing i dont get...this bailout for the auto industry does what? let me explain my question. it is designed to keep the employees in the auto indutry empoyed right? but employed doing what?? they cant be making cars because no one is buying cars right now...am i missing something here? i pose the same question for the banks. if we cant get loans both because we are unemployed and banks just arent lending, what good is a bank?? why bail out a bank?? LOL. exactly how is all this going to trickle down?? im lost...

[thumper1]

Exactly!!!! Why help out the "big" people when the little guys like us cant utalize these services because we are all hurting. I thought the car industry should sell cars Buy-one-get-one-free!!! Think about it, they would sell alot even if they were losing one everytime. the sales would have to go up??????? I am praying that this mortgage reconstruction thingy is gonna happen in Jan. Actually, if they took this 7 billion or whatever it is and divided it up among americans we would all have like 250,000 and we could re-jump start the economy. I know I would. BUT NO.... we want to bail out the big guys.WHY?????