Detroiter walks 21 miles in work commute

[Tom Joad]

The American Dream for the working class, Republican style.

http://www.freep.com/story/news/loca...nsit/22660785/

Leaving home in Detroit at 8 a.m., James Robertson doesn't look like an endurance athlete.

Pudgy of form, shod in heavy work boots, Robertson trudges almost haltingly as he starts another workday.

But as he steps out into the cold, Robertson, 56, is steeled for an Olympic-sized commute. Getting to and from his factory job 23 miles away in Rochester Hills, he'll take a bus partway there and partway home. And he'll also walk an astounding 21 miles.

Five days a week. Monday through Friday.

It's the life Robertson has led for the last decade, ever since his 1988 Honda Accord quit on him.

The sheer time and effort of getting to work has ruled Robertson's life for more than a decade, ever since his car broke down. He didn't replace it because, he says, "I haven't had a chance to save for it." His job pays $10.55 an hour, well above Michigan's minimum wage of $8.15 an hour but not enough for him to buy, maintain and insure a car in Detroit.

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by Tom Joad

The American Dream for the working class, Republican style.

http://www.freep.com/story/news/loca...nsit/22660785/

As "W" would say, "Uniquely American!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIjo-dWE1Jg

Anyone else getting to the point where they hate this place?

John

[VanishingPoi]

Originally Posted by Boreas

As "W" would say, "Uniquely American!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIjo-dWE1Jg

Anyone else getting to the point where they hate this place?

John

I have been there for a long time.

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by Boreas

As "W" would say, "Uniquely American!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIjo-dWE1Jg

Anyone else getting to the point where they hate this place?

John

Nope.

After hearing this story, a Wayne State junior started a web-based collection to buy this car a car and pay his insurance. The goal was $25K. He collected $250K for Mr. Robertson.

[merrylander]

Originally Posted by finnbow

Nope.

After hearing this story, a Wayne State junior started a web-based collection to buy this car a car and pay his insurance. The goal was $25K. He collected $250K for Mr. Robertson.

Admirable but do you think good hearted people should have to subsidize businesses?

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by merrylander

Admirable but do you think good hearted people should have to subsidize businesses?

How exactly is his chosen domicile and job the fault of his employer?

[Tom Joad]

Originally Posted by finnbow

Nope.

After hearing this story, a Wayne State junior started a web-based collection to buy this car a car and pay his insurance. The goal was $25K. He collected $250K for Mr. Robertson.

Well Praise Jaysus!

De workin poor don't need no gummint programs!

Dey don't need no livin wage!

Dey don't need no medicaid!

All deys needs to do is bes good niggas like mista James here, and keeps deys heads down and deys noses to dat grindstone and mebbe sumday sumbodies will have pity on dem and pass de hat!

[BlueStreak]

We have people who walk to work, but they live a whole lot closer than this Robertson guy. We also have some, mostly the temps, that ride bicycles, some that bum rides with others and one that rides a motorcycle every day, regardless of the weather, because he can't afford the gas to drive his car in......he lives 40 miles away.

Robertson could move closer, but there are costs associated with that, too. Or, he could seek work closer to home but.....it is Detroit after all and maybe that is tough? I don't know all of the aspects of his conundrum, but to dismiss it as "Well, it's his own fault......." is making a few assumptions. The guy works, apparently for little money and he does whatever he has to, to make it in to work everyday, rather than draw public assistance. No one should have to take up a collection to subsidize him or his employer. Work should be rewarded. Without reward, there is no incentive. When work no longer enables people to lift out of poverty, something is wrong.

Dave

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by merrylander

Admirable but do you think good hearted people should have to subsidize businesses?

Originally Posted by finnbow

How exactly is his chosen domicile and job the fault of his employer?

It's not, Pat. But, as I said above, I don't believe all is being considered and the basic question Rob posed is a valid one. Although I would amend it to read ".....him or his employer.". And, my answer is that no one should have to do either.

Dave

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by Tom Joad

Well Praise Jaysus!

De workin poor don't need no gummint programs!

Dey don't need no livin wage!

Dey don't need no medicaid!

All deys needs to do is bes good niggas like mista James here, and keeps deys heads down and deys noses to dat grindstone and mebbe sumday sumbodies will have pity on dem and pass de hat!

Good grief, Tom. I understand what you're getting at, but it's the way you put it..........

Dave