Just a personal note.

[MinneapolisMatt]

So I had to get food stamps this month.

Not much else to say. We have a one income family, we are gay, and we struggle, we can only afford to rent. I'm 32, and this is not what I thought my life would be like growing up under the "American Dream".

We work damn hard...and yet, we just can't make it.

Does anyone else feel like the failure that I do?

Ugh. I usually keep my chin up, but it's been hard this week.

Without DU, I think I'd go nuts. At least we're in this together, and I'm campaigning like hell for Obama. I need hope.

[LaurenG]

1. Don't do this to yourself - I've been on food stamps

before and though it wasn't the best thing that could have happened to me it wasn't the worst either. It happens to a lot of people and the tough times eventually end.

Hang in there and do something to improve your skill sets for your "dream" job, and don't tell yourself the "wrong" things."

I am happy that at least you are going to eat as it is one of my pet projects, no one should have to go without food. :hug: :grouphug:

[MinneapolisMatt]

3. Thanks...

...I mean, I qualified, so it's not a big deal. It's just kind of shocking that I actually qualified with a full-time job! That just shows what a shitter our economy is in.

But I'm sure going to enjoy getting more food. It's been skimpy here for a while. :)

[a kennedy]

2. Things DO get better.

:hug:

[MinneapolisMatt]

4. Thank you!

I know, they always do. :) *hugs to you too*

[readmoreoften]

5. I'm pretty sure we need a lawyer here in TX to fight for food stamps.

Sigh...

[MinneapolisMatt]

6. Hang in there...

maybe we should start a DU food shelf. I'd contribute, even though I can't give much.

[Snotcicles]

7. You are no failure. nt

[tpsbmam]

8. You are NOT a failure.

Your country is failing all of its residents. Well, all but the rich.

My neighbors had to do the same thing about a month ago. Both work -- I guess between them they work about 80 hours a week. (They have little kids -- she can't work full-time due to child care costs -- he works 2 jobs.)

I've been through significant financial ups and downs - the downs suck but you get through them and eventually things get better or you adapt to a new normal. You're in a big boat with a lot of other people right now and more and more of us are going to be joining you in the coming future. We just need to plow through. One thing I've learned is that I've learned the most about myself & other people during the tough times and the things I learned actually ended up being worth the struggles.

[MinneapolisMatt]

9. What's super frustrating

is that my parents ARE the rich...but my "lifestyle choice" ahem, doesn't allow them to support me in anyway. GARGH!

Stupid fundies. At least they might vote for Obama...they vacillate. But I'm doing my best.

[tpsbmam]

10. Awwwwwww......

If you were my son (and sadly, you're young enough to be) I'd support you. That and a token will get you on the bus, but I'd support you. One shouldn't say this about someone else's parents, but your parents are pathetic.

[barbtries]

11. keep working

maybe your partner could get a job working for the campaign. the person who leads the section where i volunteer WAS a volunteer during the primaries, now he is in a paid position. why not?

don't give up hope. and don't allow yourself to feel lessened by using food stamps. millions of people use them, millions more should be using them, and they are there to make sure you eat well. in the richest country on earth it's a scandal that so many do need them. but you did not create this situation.

i've experienced great hardship in my life. http://www.geocities.com/bbalesgeo/3696.html
from my diary back in the day.

just keep on trucking, and writing, and working. things will improve, hopefully soon. :hug: