01-30-2010, 10:16 PM
News Flash America, The last twenty years were a fairy tale, all wrapped up in an "easy money"bubble. Repeat that, s-l-o-w-l-y. My career has been as a carpenter, and member of The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, these last 32 years. A week ago, last friday, I was laid-off for the first time in 26 years, 22 of those with my last employer. I worked and saved from my first day on the job, as if it would be my last. Now at 56 years old, and unemployed, I can tell you, that I am precariously sound in my finances and, looking back on days past, content with my simple life, thus far. My last two years of employment consisted of one year contracts with my employer which held the line on wages and benefits including a reduction of $2.40 an hour from our hourly rate to shore up our pension and health insurance. Which brings me to the fiscal responsibility of our local governments... I'm just gettin' warmed up here! I sign my name to back up my words, Harold Beadling