Dear Bernie Sanders:
I recently donated $10.00 to your campaign and wanted to let you know how much I am behind you. I wonder if you have heard what the corporations are doing to us now---I ran out of money in 2014 (because my mother fell at BOA and then died and a statute of limitations)…and had to default on my credit cards. I went on food stamps and heat assistance and finally when my house was in foreclosure---I realized if I paid 30 percent in taxes I could get my 401K. So, I broke my only recourse for my old age and saved my house.
Now, as I am doing my taxes (I’ve been working for my cousin taking care of my 99 year old aunt) and claim $11,002 dollars for independent consultant work—it goes into self-employment which you know is higher taxes---And, I have to add what I defaulted on as “Income”—so now my tax bill to the IRS is almost 2,000. I made $11,000 and have to pay two thousand dollars. Now that is criminal!
Bernie, I’m amazed at how much life has bit me in the ass in the past two years ---Oh, I’m 56, with a Master’s degree from Wesleyan University and a writer for a local online independent paper. Oh, and I wrote a book called Survival in the Unemployment Line, when I hadn’t been F**KED by Big Business and Big Government.
And, don’t even get me started on my student loan.
I also don’t know where I F**KED UP---because I must have done something. Yes, I didn’t hire a lawyer to sue BOA---My mother who was 85 when she fell at BOA received a letter saying they would pay for all out of pocket expenses. I had no idea they would offer less than 5% percent of the total outlay of cash to pay for her Medical expenses (beyond Medicare).
I did everything right (except according to my mother—get married and have children). I went to good schools, volunteered for my community and was (am) a good neighbor. I gave when I could, and sometimes when I couldn’t.
But boy am I sick of not having a full time job with great benefits. I had one in 2008 and due to the financial crisis, I was laid off.
In a way I am lucky---since when I had breast cancer (remission now) I was able to go to my treatment without feeling guilty about leaving my job.
Since I work part time, my food stamps have been cutand I have to pay over $2,000 to the IRS this year. Because of the income tax laws on small businesses. But it’s so good to work and live in US…one day I hope to find out again.
You can read more about me on my blog at lesliefjacobs.com. When you come to CT, I’d love to tell you my story in person.
Sincerely, Leslie Jacobs