Last week was payday and such a relief I really needed to go to the Commissary so I could fill my fridge and pantry. I was picking up some plastic cups to take food out to Occupy and almost picked up dixie cups. Right before I put them into my cart I remembered that the Koch brothers have money in this product so needless to say I put them back on the shelf. I found another brand of cups and saw the label you don't see enough of now days "made in the U.S.A." I used this time to explain to two of my children what I was doing and the stocker looked up and said "thank you".
I stood there a minute thinking to myself "now I know I am not alone on this base. There is a lot of us who are the 99% and know it." I continued on with my shopping thinking to myself trying to hold back the tears.
November 18 is the deadline to come to an agreement on the federal budget, shutdown, or yet another extension. My family is lucky because I have this crazy need to have up-to-date information about current events in this country so we have prepared as much as we can living paycheck to paycheck. I have a closet full of canned good and a bathroom full of soaps and cleaning supplies. I know if the government shuts down we can get by for a while.
My friend and the stress her family is under right now. Her husband came home and told her he would not be able to re-enlist. His MOS has become victim of a defense contract. Yes he is losing his job to a private contract that will cost the government way more money then he could ever dream about being a soldier. She now works second shifts delivering pizza to try to save a little money to brace for the move to the civilian lack thereof job market.
I worry about my husband's MOS. Right now it is over strength and rumor has it this MOS is on the chopping block for private contracts as well. Will he be able to re-class and if not what about the job market for us, what about my kids education, how will I cloth them, how will I feed them, will we have a home, and what about their healthcare?
While I am in the long line waiting to ring up I take a deep breath and know I am doing the right thing being a part of Occupy for my family and so many other families like ours. I need to stay strong and not give up. I will hold my head high and say it with pride I am part of the 99% and I am going to be part of restoring America. "By the people for the people." These words I shall live by. These words I shall teach my children.