There comes a time when every man
Must take a stand and grab the hand
Of someone who truly needs him to
Live out his plan with dreams pursued.
Old and new alike, can be fulfilled
As long as your spirit and heart are deeply filled.
Empathy, sympathy for mass confusion.
For those are the ones needed to realize your conclusion.
Of a peaceful place where smiles are wanted
Not where happiness growth spurts have sadly been stunted.
By things and stuff, and always trying to act so tough.
Now fluff up that pillow and get back in touch.
Hopes and dreams, initially seem
Like a predisposition, where we color the scene.
Sometimes when you get there, you don't even know.
Cuz what 'once was' really isn't, now that you know.
There's a time when the mind
Climbs to the end of the vine.
There seeing the light,
Will open the eyes of those not seeing true sights.
Some will claim that they're just not that bright.
Ignoring the strength life's challenges just might
Have on them. Mostly likely you too,
Food has to be chewable in order to chew.
It can't be ignored, how many's been scorn
By life events beyond their control.
Since the day we were born
Life's happened to us, and on some it has taken its toll.
The point of it all is to just have a ball.
Individualism does have its place,
But as part of the whole. Don't limit your goals.
Truth and justice don't fold when the winter gets cold, but of course they also have their place.
It's been a while
Since I showed my style
And picked up a pen.
I think it's about time I start writing again.
Freestyle poetry,
Essays of propaganda,
True facts and mishaps,
Misunderstanding the need for slander.
He panders to he,
And he panders to me.
Manipulating our fears.
Telling stories of tears
Cried by those just like us.
In that the justice is for all
And that includes us.
So what's all the fuss about ME being the enemy that divides us all up.
Ninety-nine percent.
Even if we have to plant the seed in a tent,
Not thinking about regrets.
Carving the way for what we represent.
And another 98%
Ventin' and relentin' to fulfill their needs.
Waiting on the wanting to fulfill prophecies
Of rotating the universe 180 degrees.
Worth and value
Are two different things.
Worth is wealthier over entire life spans;
More precious than that 'price tag' that you hold in your hand.
Value is defined in the markets of man.
But non-human PEOPLE have taken the stance
To export our jobs to foreign lands.
Removing opportunity before even given a chance.
Money as food. Food as money. The choices we make Are simply not funny.
McDonald's. Burger King. Taco Bell. MSG behind the story they tell. Trick your mind to think it's good To nibble on food products where nutrition once stood.
Lettuce leaves that never wilt, Shiny red tomatoes after three weeks they're still Sitting beside lemons and limes. Not living food; only designed.
Diet is not what you take away. A way of life, if you may. You may not and you will see Prescription pills leaving your pockets empty.
A record number of people packed the Washington Mall last January 20th. If you include television and the internet, the inauguration of America's first Black president was among the most globally observed events in history. Many tears were shed by many people for many different reasons. Some were overcome by the mere fact that someone other than a white male lawyer was about to become the leader of the free world; others simply struggled against the wind that cut through the DC winter sky.
Change had come. Albeit, smaller change than what some had hoped. On that day, it seemed all the problems of the country, and to a large extent the world, were about to be solved. Hope, and its presence inspired one and all. Whether people were inspired positively or negatively didn't matter. Either way, the arrival of change had to be acknowledged. What we have seen since President Obama took the oath of office is a combination of some overly optimistic expectations and some fear that the status quo will no longer be accepted.
In 2009, Barrack Obama became the president based on his promises to change the way Washington works. He also promised to change the way Wall Street worked. It could be argued that changes have been made, but not to the extent that those who voted for the president had hoped.
In both pieces I discuss the need for US to define the change we want to see. Change is happening, but what are we doing to influence it?
2009 will also be remembered for the passing of a genius, Michael Jackson. There's no doubt the King of Pop was a musical genius, but his technological and humanitarian prowess is not to be overlooked or ignored. Since his death, I have collected all of MJ's music and have been listening to it more than I have listened to it in the last 10 years. Because of Michael's exclusive linguistic delivery, we sometimes fail to comprehend what he is saying. Partly because we can't understand it, but more importantly because we are FEELING it.
Michael Jackson's music will be around forever because of the message within. The truth he sang is universal and can be felt by humans the world over, including those who do not even speak the language of English. This same truth could arguably be what caused him to be portrayed in the manner he was since was first labeled a child molester. Allegations that he was never found guilty of, for the record. Besides that fact, many millions of Americans disregard the decades of work and millions of people he's helped under this guise. As in the song above, Michael was also about change.
Like every one of us, Michael was not perfect and struggled with his personal weaknesses. But when he WORKED, he was focused and groundbreaking. He provided expressions that would at the time, and hopefully will in the future, inspire people to be more humane and love one another. He (moon)walked the walk.
That video was from a march on September 15, 2007. It's been over two years since the people had enough energy to march down Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to the Capitol building. The anti-war movement has been regrouping and re-energizing. The fight is not easy, and it can't be fought with a remote control from the comfort of you over-used sofa. And considering the first-level opponents in the struggle against eternal war are the US Department of Defense and it's conveniently adopted sister The Department of Homeland Security. These two agencies alone pack a punch of budgets worth $660 B and $55 B respectively.
That is a tremendously difficult task when the people who make up the anti-war movement are working people. To get to Washington, DC on a weekday is a world-altering event for some. The majority of those truly affected by the outrageous amount of money spent on war, are the same ones either fighting the war in the military or fighting in one of the many internal wars here in the "homeland."
I hope that the people of the anti-war movement can be reinvigorated by the growing movement for health care. The combination of the two can significantly help wach cause. Especially when you consider that everyone who lives in America could have free health care based on the same amount of taxes we currently pay. No need to raise them when they can be reallocated if we weren't spending TRILLIONS on two separate wars, with arguably no legitimate missions.
Regardless of strategy, change is going to have to start with the individual. We've all heard the saying "actions speak louder than words." They do. And that's how we need to define this "change" that we are hoping for. The change will be that we will no longer stand for "taxation without representation." We will hold officials accountable. It's obvious that from the beginning of this young country politicians would not regulate themselves. That's the point. The people within a democracy are supposed to be involved and that's what balances out the corruption.
Politics are not irrelevant just because you choose to ignore them. They continue the way the system was designed. If the people are involved, then their wants and needs will be addressed. If they are not, they won't. If our elected representatives were being held accountable by the people they would be talking to the people. Instead, no people are calling them, so they have no choice than to talk to other politicians (and lobbyists). Look where that's gotten us.
Michael Vick is an Eagle. And although I was working on writing something about his situation, this changed the situation. It's different when it's "your own backyard." I supported #7 through everything from the beginning. I have a different perspective of athletes and owners than most, and I've never owned a dog. Two very important factors. Him becoming an Eagle, as surprising as it was, did not change my view of him. It only added to what I previously thought.
I didn't think he needed to apologize to anyone. Especially in order to play in the NFL. People like to say that "it's just a game" or a "privilege." That's incorrect. It's a BUSINESS first, then a "sport." Not a game. Games are what we played as kids. The NFL is no game and no privilege. The majority of NFL players have overcome adversity that "Joe the Plumber's" of the world cannot comprehend.
An athlete like Vick does not come around very often. His skills and pure athleticism are unparalleled. Smooth, fast, and fluid. He's a natural. He was born with the gift and was put on a pedestal at a young age. And up until 2007, it was business as usual.
Dog owners across the world were outraged! Specifically dog owners. It's great to have a companion that shows unconditional love; I get that. But just because you do, doesn't mean that people who think dogs are animals do not exist. No moral questions should arise out of how you treat dogs. I don't see anyone knocking on the door of "the guy down the street" who ties his dog to the tree through the winter. Or the one who let's them lick out of their beers.
As we've said before, Nike is concerned by the serious and highly disturbing allegations made against Michael Vick and we consider any cruelty to animals inhumane and abhorrent.
Apparently, NIKE considers cruelty to HUMANS not only OK, but a business model. And somehow they hold the moral ground.
So the message I'm getting here is that it's OK to operate sweatshops and practice indentured servitude. Just don't kill dogs (you paid for on your property.)
This is what passes for "freedom and justice for all" these days. STOP WATCHING TV! F the court of public opinion.
Read. Please.
Or at least watch something that was not manufactured to get you to buy something. Or think something. Like "dogs >>> HUMANS."
Individuals like Michael Vick are used by the media to distract us. The same way "Jackie Robinson, Jim Brown, Muhammad Ali, Tommie Smith, John Carlos, Mike “Iron Mike” Tyson, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, and Etan Thomas" were used before. They are EFFECTS; not the cause.
MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL would not want you to know that they pay NO TAXES and are exempt from all fair competition laws. They also wouldn't want you to realize that the salaries paid to players are NOTHING compared to what they make (or don't have to pay) in a year.
Mostly from tax subsidies and using the players and coaches to sell their image.
People have "their reasons" why they disregard politics. You have a "right" to do that, but don't forget the "responsibilities" that come along with your rights. It's easy to ignore the responsibilities in a democracy. And even easier to complain about the effects of the laws passed by those we ignore.
For many, politics seem so far away (in Washington or Harrisburg). But like anything, ignoring it doesn't make it disappear. We feel the effects whether we acknowledge it or not. And I had the pleasure of getting our voice heard by the highest level in our department. Even if disciplinary action doesn't happen, we've sent our message that we will not accept disrespect and sweatshop conditions. Or LYING!
That could not have been accomplished without the cooperation and inspiration of MANY. If a certain coworker would've named her baby Manhattan, instead of BROOKLYN!, things might not have turned out the same. =) The unity and awareness we've built must continue and be built upon.
I used to be in the frame of mind that "ALL politicians are greedy, corrupt liars." And because of this stance, disregarded politics. Then, I joined the military. This experience enlightened me to world of politics. In the end, it was a MAJOR factor when I decided to get out. Since about 1997, I've been following politics very closely. Our apathy has put us at a severe disadvantage. Hopefully, July 2009 has awaken the masses.
The people are the majority. Not the politicians. Proven by the struggle of PA state workers, politicians do not care about us. Moreover, they do not respect our numbers. This is based on our past and present attitude to accept what they do as "boys will be boys." And in particular in my workplace, "girls will be girls."
Even "office politics" should not be ignored or disregarded. My office is a smaller model of government. And right now we are being ruled by a tyrant. We must take the initiative to be informed to stop CURRENT operations and to prevent them in the future. Monday is going to be a new start for everyone. WE GET PAID THAT DAY TOO!
We will overcome this adversity. Many have before us. I would say the mistakes made by those before us was to forget it, instead of to remember it.
On the same day the Senate OK's another $61 BILLION for food stamps, caseworkers are fighting to get their own. It's SO unbelievable, I have to say it's UNBELIEVABLY UNBELIEVABLE!!!
We're being treated like children, and it's driving me insane. For your own boss to deprive you of not only your pay, but your federal assistance on top of that, is inhumane. I truly do not have the vernacular to describe the current situation. Everywhere we're told to go for help is a dead end. And even worse, working against you.
Being paid NEXT week is NOT good news! Live off 70% of your pay for a month. And like it. And now the icing on the cake: PA House Democrats Got Paid YESTERDAY!!! WTF!
If anyone feels like this might apply to their personal circumstances, let me know because I'm working on a grievance. This is Article 36, Section 7 (pg 91) of the contract.
"Employees should be treated in a respectful manner which does not embarrass them or demean their dignity. The appropriate forum for addressing incidents which are inconsistent with this principal shall be the Labor-Management meetings under this Agreement."
Our working conditions contribute to our health, and working conditions SUCK! If you file a grievance, you will be included in the meeting. If you feel like I do, and want your voice heard, this is the time.
It's amazing what passes for good news these days. Today, house democrats gave the governor our paychecks. Now he needs to SIGN it. He knows exactly what he needs to veto and it should be done already. And the "business days" is bull$hit too. Business? If there is no penalty, interest or any other of the many TAXES we have been programmed to pay, it's not business!
By not signing the budget TODAY, he's making 77 THOUSAND HUMANS wait one more day for what they NEED. What could the governor possibly be doing that's more important than giving the Commonwealth its legs? We're not even asking for the guts.
For those who shy away from politics, DON'T! You don't have to be a politician; just an educated voter. For most people, the month of July was the greatest amount of adversity they've EVER had to overcome. To balance the universe, that hardship must be matched positively. But it doesn't just happen. You gotta make it happen. It doesn't happen without politics(unfortunately.)
It's a shame and an inspiration at the same time: the (late)power of the people. But many have become more aware. Proof is with the ongoing USDOL investigation. Not even half of the people who have valid complaints filed one. And the DOL no longer wants to handle the complaints. We have a RIGHT to file our complaints and we SHOULD.
Today was a quiet day in the office. I noticed many empty cubicles. The spirit is gone. There might as well be a rain cloud hovering over the building. It's truly a depressing state. It hurts to smile; and it takes so much energy to do so. Maybe somber is a better way to describe the "workplace."
To make it even worse, our office is DARK. There are about 15 lights out in my section alone. Maybe we cannot order the lights because of the missing budget? Regardless the reason, it makes for a dreary climate.
This ideology of "the way things always have been" seems to trump common sense, simple human nature, and science. There is countless evidence that can be found on the State's OWN websites(including SEAP and Live and Work Well) that prove that our working conditions cause health problems.
Even when brought to the management FACE TO FACE, our concerns are ignored.
So tomorrow, in a best-case scenario, the Governor will sign some sort of budget to "allow" us to be paid. All the information I've read says that we'd receive WHAT WE'VE EARNED in 5 (business) days. That would mean next Tuesday, the 11th, we'd receive OUR money. And then receive our regularly scheduled pay check on the 14th.
I repeat, BEST-CASE SCENARIO.
That is still a long way off for most. This B-CS could still be the longest week of one's life. Be sure to file your complaint with the USDOL to ensure you get the "damages" the government feels you deserve. Even though we all know you cannot put a price on the damage.
BE STRONG!
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." ~ Plato
These days we are struggling through will not be forgotten. As unstable and emotionally distressed as people are, we must try to understand our circumstances. When the budget impasse finally comes to an end, we will feel relieved. What must be recognized and not forgotten is the effects of the impasse. It will take some months and others years to recover from the stress that has been caused.
A speedy recovery will be dependent on people's awareness. Many have already realized that this situation affects all those around them. Unfortunately, during challenging times, those the closest to us suffer the most. The best way to reduce the breadth of our hardship is to talk with those closest to us. DO NOT try to deal with it yourself.
"It's really important for people to get educated on the effects because these things can really sneak up on you," he says. "Your economic situation is bad, you're having these problems in your marriage, and a lot of people don't realize these things are related to one another. If people can come to understand what can happen as a result of these problems, they'll be better equipped to cope with them."
So once we recognize our personal situations and deal as best we can with that, we must also remember how we got to this point. We all know that changes must be made, but are not quite sure WHAT needs changed. We must stay calm and level-headed. Emotions are dangerous. Many of the regrets we have in our lives came when we made emotionally-based decisions.
Firstly, WE must make a change. Ignoring politics has gotten us to the point where multi-BILLION dollar bailouts can be approved for banks in minutes. While the people, who are now involuntarily committed to paying for these bailouts, are told there is NO HELP. And it has now moved from 'no help' to withholding what the people have earned. We are paid for OUR TIME; not for the product produced. That is another change we must make. Let's put ourselves FIRST!
It takes a very "special" person to run for elected office. Like many of us, politicians gravitate towards a profession that brings out the best in them. Unfortunately for us, our current political climate rewards lying, corruption, greed, and "scratching backs." We have the power to stop this. Like anything, we must continue to pay attention and exercise our rights as taxpayers and citizens.
For example, we should take away from this budget crisis that ALL of Pennsylvania's elected officials disregarded state workers. NO ONE took a big enough stance to get workers paid and avoid violating federal law.
I'm also very interested in how the US Dept of Labor is going to handle the situation. The most recent information I've heard is that they've requested pay stubs up thru 7/3(7/17 paycheck). Glass half-full: they got enough evidence from these pay stubs to file suit. Glass half-empty: they're waiting to see WHEN a budget is signed (in a very "brush under the rug" sort of way.)
According to papers, 1500 complaints prompted the USDOL to stop accepting additional complaints and add a specific message to Commonwealth employees on their phone system. I hope that does not work against us. 1500 complaints out of 77,000 employees does not look good for our cause. We should continue to contact the USDOL to have our formal complaints filed.
Just understand that filing your formal complaint is the goal of the call. Be calm and rational. We now just want to show our numbers. The same way we did on July 28th.
"In politics people's beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second-hand, and without examination, from authorities who have not themselves examined the questions at issue but have taken them at second-hand from other non-examiners, whose opinions about them were not worth a brass farthing." ~ Mark Twain
Epiphanies should be rippling across Pennsylvania this morning. Although the State of Pennsylvania (thru SEAP) does not recognize the budget impasse as a "traumatic event," 33,000 HUMANS woke up to the truth. That very sad truth is a missing deposit parallel to the pay stubs issued by their employers.
To many, this will be the "straw that breaks the camel's back." Some will be paralyzed and not able to function, physically or mentally. They won't make it into work today, in hopes that they will be able to recover over the weekend. But also possessing the fear of disciplinary action, which only makes their condition worse. They are not FIT FOR DUTY.
This week, I've had many universal alignments. Tuesday, during an impromptu interview with PJ Reilly of Lancaster Newspapers, I was able to express the facts of the current working conditions. So much so, that it actually made it to print. I was pleased.
"I hope no one gets hurt before (lawmakers and the governor) decide it's urgent (to pass a budget), because it's human nature for people to go into a desperation mode right now," he said. "The amount of stress this is causing people is not being acknowledged, let alone being serviced."
Wednesday morning(DAY 29), this picture is on the FRONT PAGE. Needless to say, I got a lot of feedback throughout the work day. Mostly positive and some cautious and amazed. To take action is ME. But to many others, there is a fear that exists. I can only hope that my actions can break some of their fears. Because only then will we be free.
Also Wednesday, I received a letter from PA Department of Labor and Industry. It caused many different scenarios to blitz through my head before opening it. Most of these scenarios would not have been options a month ago. BEFORE the impasse.
I opened the letter and it was an Availability Survey for the job I applied for back in May. My light at the end of this CAO tunnel may have an end. My interview is scheduled for 8/7.
Wednesday also included the first "outbreak" in the office. I haven't spoken to either of the individuals involved, but this is what I've heard. I am quite familiar with the current situation of the employee, and the supervisor involved has quite the reputation.
The worker was filling out an application for Food Stamps. Imagine the psychological contradictions involved in filing an application for assistance in the very office you WORK. Then have a supervisor(not your own) who has a history of "bullying" workers tell you to complete the application on your break. He lost it. The completely verbal altercation (allegedly)ended in the POLICE being called.
If a 911 call wasn't placed, this is against DPW policy. As stated in the Workplace Violence Memo sent out the previous day.
If a 911 call WAS made, it reinforces the fact that management DOES NOT UNDERSTAND the size or scope of the problems.
To further reinforce either their misunderstanding, or blatant disregard, Thursday (DAY 30) another encounter. Our Virginia-Slim-smokin'-ED approaches me during lunch(MY TIME) to comment on something I did on MY TIME.
VSSED: "So now that you're famous, with your picture on the front of the paper, you're not going to avoid us now are you?"
I wanted to say you don't have to worry about me avoiding you! But instead I calmly replied "it doesn't seem to be enough."
She then says "I'm confident the budget will be signed and we'll get paid the week of the 10th."
I said "that's still 2 weeks away."
She then said something to make it seem like it was next week.
And I told her "No, it's 2 WEEKS." Walked away.
She inspired me SO much that I'm going to take my letter to all the local restaurants and see if they will donate or offer specials to state workers.
You know, the one that ends:
"While this correspondence creates no obligation on the part of you or your business, appreciate any flexibility you can provide to affected employees during the impasse."
And that's not MY grammatical error. WHO appreciates? Apparently not the person who signed this letter. It didn't mean enough to even proofread.
If there is any doubt to anyone that we are in a Depression, please admit it to yourself now. The GOVERNMENT is not paying its employees. And the money keeps going to the banks!
Today was hot! And standing in the heat at high noon, yelling at the top of my lungs didn't help. While thousands voiced their outrage in Harrisburg, a little over a dozen of us took to the square of Lancaster.
Work is beginning to tense up. We received a "Workplace Violence" EMAIL today. It contained the policy regarding it. Not a thing about how to prevent it, recognize it, or defend against it. Basically, "we don't tolerate it." Along the lines of "Stop whining!"
Also read today in the supervisor meeting notes that workers who are APPLYING for services in our office have TO TAKE LEAVE for their "interview." Good grief.
Does the State not realize that they are CAUSING the same conditions that they want to punish people for?
I got lucky with the Lancaster Newspapers today. Thanks to Farah for having the camera. And to LNP for putting a mic in front of my face.
A U.S. Department of Labor spokesperson tells CBS 21 that the purpose of the investigation is to protect state workers rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The department says now that an investigation is under way, there is no need for any more state workers to call and complain.
Sounds like the governor got a little talkin-to over the weekend. He's now THINKING. And more importantly, he thinks we need to "get the government running again."
Tomorrow I will be protesting in Penn Square, downtown Lancaster. Across from the brand new Convention Center, and right outside Central Market. Should be fun!
Some people took tomorrow off to head to Harrisburg too. The momentum's shifting.
In March 2003, I was still in the Air Force and stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio. I had a set of orders and plane tickets to Turkey, somewhere along the southern border. There I would be setting up a base "from scratch" in order for the war with Iraq to begin. Although, I was never sent to Turkey I was scheduled three different times to fly out. All three canceled by a call in the middle of the night.
Needless to say, this was a very stressful time in my life. As a result of this experience, I formed an ever-growing discontent with the government. Because of what it personally put me through, and what I've come to find out it puts millions of people through everyday.
July 2009 is now comparable to March 2003. And it has the potential to surpass 03 this week. I am very concerned about how coworkers will react this week. It gets no realer than knowing you will not be paid when your livelihood, as well as your family's, is dependent upon this pay. These conditions, caused by our employer, are going to make good people do bad things. And it will not be their choice; it will be human nature.
Desperation is defined by Merriam-Webster as "loss of hope and surrender to despair." People have definitely lost hope, and I'm confident as this week progresses it will become obvious that folks can't think of anything else other than how they are going to provide for their families. The patience the governor has asked for is wearing thin. If he and his chain-of-command keep ignoring the health issues involved, I'm afraid the patience is going to turn to patients.
I'm sure that I have acquired some sort of "condition" as a result of this impasse. I say that because I am obsessed. And I'm enraged that the lawmakers do not share my obsession. I cannot effectively do my job because I cannot quit thinking about how to make them do theirs. (NOTE: I am aware of my obsession and this is NOT a threat towards anyone.)
The lack of leadership and management is disturbing. I am not "classified" as a worker who should be recognizing warning signs and proactively trying to prevent "traumatic events." But lack of classification should not discount my concerns. Until now, they have been. In a formal meeting on June 17, we requested SEAP to provide us a service. They declined and offered individual assistance.
I've spent a lot of time on their site, along with our other state-provided resource liveandworkwell.com. EVERY article, regulation, powerpoint presentation specifically states: DO NOT IGNORE warning signs.
From an article they have posted on their site titled, "Depression Costs Billions,"
"And many people don't recognize depression as an illness. Symptoms of fatigue and indecisiveness are often seen as personality problems, laziness, or weakness."
From an article by the Mayo Clinic titled "Job Burnout: Understand Symptoms and Take Action"
What are job burnout symptoms?
Ask yourself these questions to see if you're experiencing job burnout signs or symptoms:
* Do you find yourself being more cynical, critical and sarcastic at work?
* Have you lost the ability to experience joy?
* Do you drag yourself into work and have trouble getting started once you arrive?
* Have you become more irritable and less patient with co-workers, customers or clients?
* Do you feel that you face insurmountable barriers at work?
* Do you feel that you lack the energy to be consistently productive?
* Do you no longer feel satisfaction from your achievements?
* Do you have a hard time laughing at yourself?
* Are you tired of your co-workers asking if you're OK?
* Do you feel disillusioned about your job?
* Are you self-medicating — using food, drugs or alcohol — to feel better or to simply not feel?
* Have your sleep habits or appetite changed?
* Are you troubled by unexplained headaches, neck pain or lower back pain?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing job burnout. But because some of these symptoms also can indicate certain health conditions, such as depression, be sure to consult with your health care provider about your symptoms.
