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Pharyngula is one of my favourite places to go as P.Z Myers is always finding interesting bits of science and rationality to education, entertain and amuse me.

The thread on Pharyngula that I’m referring to is about how the gap between the rich and poor in the US is continuing to widen.  One of the commenters left a response that deserves a second viewing as someone who is having a tough time making it in a country saddled with supply-side economics and plutocratic values.   I quote “JustALurker” in her entirety.  (Please note that strong language is prevalent in the body of this quoted material)

“Ahm. As one of these lazy ass people in the absolutely poor demographic in the U.S I think I could help by throwing in my 2 cents here. Obviously, this is just from what I know and see so anecdotal and small study set at best. However, I think hearing from one of the people being discussed might help those that are privileged and ignorant to the actual situation and just like to spout ideological bullshit.

Firstly, yes I am a single mom and have been struggling on my own since I was 16. I did go to college for 2 years, received 2 associate degrees while doing my prereqs for Nursing. Due to this small and short education and 2 years experience I do get better paying customer service jobs than most people I know but it is still not enough to pay the bills. I worked two jobs, got out of the shelters and into my own place and was still receiving help for daycare since it would have taken up almost half of my income otherwise.

Everything was dandy until I lost both jobs (because I didn’t get hired on, was only temp and seasonal), couldn’t get a new one soon enough even though I applied online for over 100 jobs, and went through 4 temp agencies. Well, then the cascade began, phone got shut off, daycare help ceased since I wasn’t working, and now I have a 5 day notice to get out and the electricity will be shut off before then. I have been calling shelters for the past month but everything is booked including the nightly shelters and the shortest wait list I’m on is 4 to 6 weeks. Whoop dee do.

Now I’m screwed worst than before and can’t get any fucking help. Now I’m scared to death that I will not receive a miracle (haha) and have somewhere to go but will end up on the streets and have to give up my child to CPS since I cannot have her on the streets. Her welfare is more important than the fact that I love her and don’t want to lose her or the fact that I will most likely not get her back. What a lovely system we have here.

So fuck off sideways to everyone that says I’m stuck here because I’m lazy or that its my own fault. That is far from the truth. I will work fucking 3 jobs if that’s what it takes to take care of my baby. I didn’t end up here just because I was knocked up young. I got the crap shoot when it came to parents, one a crackhead and the other an abusive alcoholic. I’m so desperate I even tracked them down and asked for help. One can’t and one won’t. I had a bad start but I took control of my life and my actions. However, simply working hard and “excellence” will not get me out of this situation.

This is the fucked up system we have here. This is what the Republican pro-lifers want. This is there America, and I am only a lazy welfare queen stuck in it. If I am lucky enough to find a place, I will jump though several hoops, not only to get in but to stay. Most places only give you 2 weeks to find a job and have a mission statement that includes saving your soul (shudder). And that isn’t half of what your stuck with doing. I have lived with roaches and rats in shelters. I have heard fights, domestic violence and have been robbed. Yet right now I am hoping to find a spot in one of these places so I can work my way up to a better future for us. There are people that are stuck in this cycle, in this life but I am dedicated to not being one of them. I just need an opportunity.
So again to you privileged whinny ideological fuck heads go shove it up your ass sideways. Come live in my world, the real world for a bit and see how long you last. I bet you won’t be spouting your bullshit for long, if you were here. If you survive.”