Where is the safety net?

by Curtis Neff—Minnesota

I am a field manager in the Twin Cities. Yesterday I was taking out a potential new activist on their observation day. The woman we canvassed in the trailer park was very sad. Her lights were being shut off. She had just lost her job due to downsizing. We have AFl-CIO community Services cards we hand out to people falling between the cracks. Unfortunately in this economy we find more and more of these people. Our services lead people assistance with food, utilities, health care programs, workers rights, unemployment assistance, job training, English language programs, volunteer opportunities, and community activist training. I was taken aback by her appreciation for the opportunity to have some help where it seems like there is none to be found. I was choked up over this and had to take a minute to get to the next door. My observer was able to see the real compassion and empathy we have as Working America activists. Some folks are making it through life real swell while the majority of us are struggling or not making it at all.
Exxon Mobile just made 11 Billion dollars in the second quarter and we can’t afford to drive to an interview to keep the lights on. Where is the Safety NET!

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