by K. Clinko, Hamilton
Waiting with several others in a small restaurant lobby in Hamilton last week, I noticed their “Help Wanted” sign asking for all positions: dishwashers, servers, cooks. I’d seen the same cry for help at other establishments around town, and said to my friend, “Where are all the people who used to work in the service industry?
A man to my left said, “They’re all Democrats at home on the dole, and we Republicans have to pay for them.”
I will respond to this comment as one Democrat.
Parentless at 15-years-old, I had to quit school and get a job bussing tables to support myself. When I could, I finished high school and went on to attend Community College, where I earned a nursing degree. Some years later, I increased my qualifications at University. Student loans paid for my education, and through a lifetime of hard work, I paid them all back. Self-reliance is the core of my value system. I have never been, “on the dole.”
Insulting me was misguided, and served only to potentiate a ridiculous lie.
Bridget Haley Dolan says
H. Sabin. You can thank the hard-working Democrats on each coast. They put in more than they take out. The poorest, lowest performing states are Republican. There’s a fact for you.
Helen Sabin says
Congrats to K Clinko for succeeding in life – good for you!
You were forced by LIFE to engage in survival and you did it – and that is great. But consider that the man may have had facts to back up his opinion and thus he may not be wrong nor trying to insult you. Perhaps the man was just issuing his frustration with inflation – due to Biden. You could have ignored him you know…..