Vivian E. Jackson – 6/21/07

This page was last updated on July 1, 2007.

School aides treated shabbily; Vivian E. Jackson; Beaver County Times; June 21, 2007.

This is at least the second letter from Ms. Jackson asserting she doesn’t get what she should from taxpayers.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“I am employed by various local schools as a substitute aide. I am called upon as needed, so I don’t work five days a week.

“Calling to collect unemployment is nearly a two-week wait because the government has to contact the school to see if there were classes where I could have been employed.

“When applying at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter or any school break, aides are told they are not allowed to collect. I was also informed that should you be employed as a full-time aide, you may not collect in the summer.

“I asked why, and I was told by the unemployment office. In 1940, the teachers brought this action into being - for what reason it was not relayed - but teachers get a year-round pay, vacation and holiday pay plus medical benefits.

“It does not seem fair that just because I am not being called every day means I cannot collect. Aides are paid near minimum wage. Can anyone explain why the aides are treated so harshly? Why doesn’t the government/politicians step in and help rectify the situation?

“I am sure many readers are saying, ‘Why not get a full time job.’ You tell me. I have been told I am over-experienced, by their looks I can see it is an age factor and I have been trying for 30 years to get a job in the courthouse - I’m a Republican.”

[RWC] Is the “courthouse” the only place Ms. Jackson can apply for a job?

I’m sure Ms. Jackson is a nice person and a hard worker. That said, this letter leads me to believe Ms. Jackson exhibits an entitlement mentality fostered by 70+ years of centrist/liberal/progressive/socialist programs. Though perhaps not an intended goal (There’s debate on this.), these programs have the effect of encouraging dependency on government and a sense of entitlement.

Ms. Jackson made career and other life choices throughout her life. Why should her neighbors and other taxpayers have portions of their paychecks, pension checks, etc. confiscated via taxes to pay for Ms. Jackson’s choices?

Though Ms. Jackson asserts she is a Republican, I believe this and some other letters written by Ms. Jackson indicate she is what used to be referred to as a Rockefeller Republican. Rockefeller Republicans tend to take liberal positions on domestic issues and differ little from JFK-era Democrats.