Mood:  don't ask

The Saga Continues...

SLASHED!
Part I

The razor sharp thorns from the petrified Bush are cutting social programs and help agencies throughout the U.S. of A. Texas and Florida no longer bear the fruits of such social and help programs that are a harvest for the poor and needy during their hardships and trials during poverty. The worst of Bush to come arrived during election week for those whose livelihood comes from government social programs. And how do I know? I was one of them! The direct deposit of my disability check wasn't made to my checking account by Social Security. I hadn't received anything in the mail from the Social Security Administration informing me otherwise about my benefits so, of course, I called and, of course, after selecting options in the voice menu I was forced to hold with bad music and helpful hints to listen to. One of the hints was to go online and conduct your business on the Internet. What they don't tell you is that you need a log on code and password to access your new account that takes 10 business days to activate. Cute huh? That's the government for you. Mindless blunderers! You're prompted to call the Social Security office in your area since you have no access to online service. After giving to the next available agent my name, Social Security number and the drama of my personal Social Security horror story, a sudden quiet came from my end of the line after being told that my benefits were suspended as of now. I broke the silence by asking, Why? I was told that the answer lay in the letter that was supposedly mailed to me. I told the agent that I hadn't received the letter, then pushed the issue for further explanations of this nonsense. I was then told that I AM NO LONGER DISABLED. Now had I heard this news at my doctors office or in church I'd be ecstatic beyond belief. But since I was hearing it from a clerk employed by the Society Security Administration, I asked what this finding was based on. I was told again that it was in the letter that I didn't have and only existed in the minds of the dimwit that thought up this nonsense. Of course, I asked for another copy of this letter to be mailed to me. The agent complied by asking me for my address which was already up on her screen. Hey, I worked as a Customer Service and Help Desk Rep so I know how it's done, okay? I complied by telling it to the dear person who had shot nerves at this point in the conversation. The letter would take five to 10 business days to arrive at my mailing address. I asked the agent how I was going to pay my rent, pay the co-pay for my meds and survive for the rest of the month. I needed a check right here and right now. There was nothing that could done by the agent to whom I was talking. When I asked to talk to her immediate supervisor, I was told to go to my local office once I received the letter in the mail. The mystery letter had suddenly become a letter of permission needed to address my issues. The agent hung up and I was hung out to die by the government program that I had paid into with the understanding that it would be available upon retirement or other circumstances. It wasnt happening. I was suddenly SLASHED without my knowing it until now. So, did I go into a tizzy complete with conniption fits? No, I prayed and meditated on this situation like I always do with the crises and dilemmas that occur in my life. I relaxed, released and turned it over to God who already had this disruption resolved. Meanwhile, I had to be patient and let God be God while I remained calm, cool, and collective while surrounded with the love and comfort of God. This too shall pass! As far as your creditors are concerned, if you dont have an income there's no way that you can make payments. Your credibility is now slashed with your account going to the collections department. Your landlord is understanding to the situation, but you still need to pay the rent in order to stay on the premises. I have no problem with bill collectors calling me non-stop on the phone. I tell the bozos that I can't give them what I don't have and to keep the scripted B.S. to themselves then hang up on them. If they call back, I say all of the un-Christian things that I'm not supposed to say then slam the phone down on them. This gives me a sin to ask forgiveness for in my morning and evening prayers. Works absolution for me! On days when I don't feel like being bothered by anybody or anything, I blow a whistle into the phone receiver then hang up on the aggravation from hell.

Due to slashes from the  Thorn Bush I wasn't able to get the assistance that I needed during my time in dire straights. Rental assistance has been slashed to a mere $300, so if your rent is more than this you're out of luck! You're referred to other agencies where you either get a busy signal or no answer. Temporary emergency housing is no more with a two-year waiting list for Section Eight. I applied for the EPI (Emergency Intervention Program) to get my co-pays paid for my medications. They dont cover everything, but hey, I'm needy not greedy. The Lord is my Shepherd - I lack for nothing. For some, this would be good gossip. For me, it's a Saga! Both the editors of the Seattle Gay News and Gaypride.com heard my hardships as an upcoming Saga that they've grown accustomed to printing. Divine Intervention happens at the opportune time of God exactly when you're not expecting it to happen. Mine happened while volunteering at the Chicken Soup Brigade (Lifelong AIDS Alliance). When for some unknown reason, I was compelled to make mention of the perils in my life to a gentleman by the name of Robert picking up food for the person to whom he's a caregiver - get this gang - he told me that he is a lawyer and my situation was the kind of case that he takes on. He volunteers his time legal help agencies. He had already taken on numerous cases of people who were being denied benefits after waiting for five years or longer. Yes, God does move in mysteries ways, doesn't he? Praise Him, Praise Him!
The Saga Continues.....next week!