On Saturday we got so infuriated at comments made by Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey about unemployment, in which he said $285 was so easy to live on for a week it was becoming "a lifestyle," that we challenged Ramsey to try doing it himself and offered to pony up $300 for one week, although it's not not like he actually needs the money, as his per diem in the legislature is about half that.
Our story made the rounds on the blogs, and our own state Sen. Stacey Campfield said he'd live on that little money for a month. But he set out a number of terms and conditions for us, most of which don't pertain to a real situation that a real unemployed person would find themselves in, which Sean Braisted brought up over on his blog. Like, how do you pay for heath insurance? Are there really places to rent for $225?
In a comment thread over at that blog, Campfield explains what he'd do if he lost his job (boldface ours):
Children are a bad life choice? Sorry, but most of this country -- hell, most of your legislative colleagues feel pretty differently. And if children are a bad life CHOICE, why are you so pro-life, Stacey?Since you asked I will give you some info were I to hit the skids.Making money in America is relatively easy. It all comes down to how hard you want to work and what you are willing to personally sacrifice.In my own situation if I did not have a job and couldn't find one quick multiple things would happen quick. I live in a large house 5br 4 bath. I would rent out all rooms. Positive income probably $500 to $600 per month after all mortgage taxes and expenses and I would live rent free. That is one way I saved/made money to get where I am now. I could sublease and do it on other property multiple times a year if I wanted.I am absolutely sure I could at least find a "Joe job" and make good money if I had to. Working 80 to 90 hours a week would be a norm if I wanted or needed money. Even at going "Joe job" rate ($8-10 an hour) that's good money if you are willing to work hard.If I had no education, no great job, wanted out of poverty, had a family I would do it. No questions asked.Yes, I buy the states insurance but if I lost my job I might drop it. In the past I paid my own healthcare expenses. I also took and take care of myself as well as my wallet. No drugs, alcohol, smoking and I try to stay somewhat fit.I could probably afford to pay for it if I wanted out of the $500 I could make a month from rents and still have a few hundred left over.Sorry, its not that I don't like animals but they are a luxury. If I had one it would get put up for adoption if I lost my job.Same with a newer car. Sold. I have never bought a new car nor a car I could not pay cash for. Before my most recent car (with a salvage title) I have never paid over $1000.00 for a car. Ever.I also worked and paid my own way through college. If you took out loans you knew the costs for not working your way through school up front.Same with kids. You may want to deny it but when ever you drop your zipper you are taking a chance. You should be ready and prepared to pay for your choices when you take chances.Your bad life choices or luxury item expenses are not necessarily my (or the states) responsibility.
We're sorry, but we're going to pass on keeping tabs on you for a whole month. Our original challenge was -- and remains -- to Ramsey. But as a runner up, we'll send you a copy of Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickled and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, in which she actually does attempt to live for several months on minimum wage. We doubt you'll read it, but it will be yours to keep.
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