The human impact of D.C. gridlock

(CBS News) 

LOS ANGELES - Bonnie Ornitz has been out of work for six months.

"All those senses of accomplishment I had from doing my job - they just seem like ancient history now," she told CBS News correspondent Ben Tracy.

Ornitz was laid off by IBM in June, after 30 years in the information technology field.

Ornitz says being out of work is "exponentially more difficult," than she thought it'd be. "Not working is not an option. I come from a family where people worked until they were retired or dead."

Ornitz has applied for 30 jobs near Los Angeles and has had just two interviews. She's collected 24 unemployment checks - $450 each week. She calls the unemployment checks "a godsend."

"It is a lifeline for me and to take that away is going to be devastating," says Ornitz.

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If Congress does not extend the unemployment benefits program, Ornitz's checks will stop coming Jan. 7.

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Ornitz is frustrated by what she sees in Washington.

"They don't face the things we face. They all want my vote -- but I don't exist to them. They don't want to see it. We're not important to them."

She added: "I don't think they care one bit - on either party."

According to the National Employment Law Project, 1.8 million Americans will lose their federal unemployment benefits in January. As many as six million will lose them during 2012. California would be hardest hit - 714,000 people would be cut off.

"I'm not someone who is looking to take advantage of the system," says Ornitz. "I want to get on with my life and I want to work."

She's now planning to use her life's savings to pay her bills. She may have to sell her house if she can't find work.

[bbglow]

Has it ever been more clear ... political Washington is completely clueless. If the politicians were listening to the pulse of the American people, like it should be, they would know how to respond. The only pulse they feel is that of the highest bidder. It won't change until they put an end to lobbyist payola and partisan political deception. We all know what corruption looks and feels like and we'll know when it ends. Listen-up politicians ... you are "not" fooling anyone.

[chaserider]

Dear Ms. Bornitz, I saw your story on the news last night and truly wish you all the best. It's so easy for others to judge. You obviously are a very intelligent, resourceful and ethical individual. I hope you are able to find a good job very soon - any company would be fortunate to have you as an employee. As a fellow GSD owner, I commend you for continuing to provide a good home for your companion. My heart hurts for you - any one of us could be in the same situation. Good luck to you.

[BCSaugerties]

It is a sign of the times . People in their mid fifties being let go after a long time career. If you need a villain it is the fact companies find it most economical to send IT jobs to India. If an American worker is close to being able to collect a pension they are a target , the guilt is assuaged by the fact they can "retire" Those thirty years of hard work , good efficiency rating and raises have made this American worker too expensive to keep. It wouldn't be half as bad if another young American trainee or new hire was groomed to keep the position and allow the company to still realize a cost savings. IT professionals are just hired help to American companies. Those that do not have sick days, require social security contributions,paid vacations, defined benefit pension plans, unions and work for 15K a year( and love it) will henceforth be in demand by US companies. It is just how things work today. There is nothing anyone anywhere can do about it. Besides there are a BILLION new potential customers in India . Growing a middle class over there means profits for the companies over here . Too bad it depletes our economy. That person in the story is no longer paying income tax of FICA on that nice salary they no longer receive. You are watching the de-leveraging of the American middle class.

[chevyhotrod]

"Ornitz was laid off by IBM in June, after 30 years in the information technology field"

I would think after working for 30 years most people would have a substantial savings put aside or some type of rainy day funds.

If she cannot find work in the LA area, maybe it is time to look elsewhere?

[credibility2]

...you're absolutely correct, on all of your points...other examples of how some of the unemployed don't do anything for themselves, except relying on their taxpayer-funded unemployment checks...she also looks old enough to possibly qualify for reduced Social Security...

[mari1963]

I would think so too. Can't you retire and draw your pension after working 30 years?

[credibility2]

I've been in this situation a few times in my working lifetime. The one thing that remains constant is that many long term unemployed do absolutely nothing to modify their lifestyle and reduce unnecessary lifestyle cost-based choices. I noticed in the airing that this person has a rather large dog. A large dog that requires a lot of food. Perhaps this person should begin by getting rid of the dog and bring it to a non-kill agency. I'll bet she has bells and whistles on her cell phone and probably also has cable. The airing mentioned she's sent out about thirty resumes in the time she's been out of work, which is nothing. If this person is only now thinking about the prospect of selling her home, now that the possibility of the unemployment checks might end in early January, again, she's not that concerned with her situation and has come to totally rely on the government, specifically taxpayers, to keep floating her without her taking any responsibility. I also have a close friend who has also done nothing about their unemployment situation and hasn't made any lifestyle changes. They continue living a lie thinking the checks will continue so long as they're out of work. That's not how it works. Today's long term unemployed don't know how to make personal sacrifices by cutting things to the bone until there's nothing left to cut. I don't feel sorry for these types. They're contributing to their own demise by sitting on the sidelines and expecting others to do for them. They deserve what they get.

[newmark3]

You are telling her to kill her dog would you kill your child? you sound like a psycho.

[bornitz1]

I wasn't planning to respond to all of the jabs, but yours makes so many ill conceived assumptions that I'll spend a few minutes addressing your supposed expert knowledge of my situation and my life. While it's true that I only applied for 30 or 40 positions, I go through at least 100 job listings every day on various job boards as well as email alerts. I have approximately 15 of those which run automatically. Because of the specifics of my particular skill set, there are very few positions available. There are many other positions I'd like to apply for and know that I could pick it up rather quickly, but without years of experience (even though my overall IT experience is quite robust) in those disciplines, I won't even be considered. I've already tried that on numerous occasions and couldn't even get a phone interview. As far as my lifestyle goes, you do not know the first thing about me. I live far more modestly than most people I know, including those who earned half of what I earned. My only debt is the house and what I owe is slightly more than 1/3 of it's value. I use my AMEX because of the Costco rewards and because I don't like to carry cash. The monthly bill is paid automatically and in full. I paid cash for my Honda Accord. I buy them because they are reliable, reasonably priced and hold their value. While working I maxed out my 401k contribution as well as my IRA, added extra principle to my mortgage payment each month as well as additional monthly savings sent directly to my savings account.

I live quite modestly. I look for sales at the grocery store and use coupons. I don't drink alcohol, smoke, do drugs or waste money on other silliness. Even before I lost my job, on any given week I could tell you where every dime went. As you can see in the video, I maintain a spreadsheet of all expenses, have them broken down by house/health/misc.

You will not meet a more financially responsible individual. I am just having a tough time finding a job in a tough economy.

I spend almost every waking minute thinking about my financial situation and if need be, I will sell this house, buy a house elsewhere for cash and use the remaining profit to build a new life and start over. But I would like to stay here if possible.

My dog is not the problem. The economy is.

Even my Republican friends (one in the tea party) have been so supportive of me. I guess it's because they know me, my values and my work ethic.

[unclebernies]

The right wingers led by Eric Cantor could care less about the 99 percent of the population and only want to satify their money masters. We should keep calling Eric Cantors office in D.C. and tell him top playing games with Americans lives.

[ruffiannd]

Why do the republicans hate America?

[newmark3]

Dont worry they are the going to see fire and brimstone in do season, Saint do not faint not because God is not mocked he allowed this country to be built on CHRISTIANITY and these people that have hatred in there heart will pay for this and I know because the bible says so, but you are right they have did they number on this country. I am blessed because thruout it all I did not loose myhouse I still have my job and health insurance and my kids are in college. YOU NO WHY? Because I ahve a God who sits high and look low, he is my provider not the republicans. Good statement you made

[MacDerb]

I don't feel sympathy for this person - I've been in school for the last 5 years and no one wanted to listen when I told them what was going on - they ignored me. If you do not address the most pressing issues before they arrive - you failed. You've got to address these issues once they arise. When they are after the fact, it's too late.

So now there is only one option remaining and it's not what this nation wants to hear. But, if members of Congress take no reasonable steps to move this nation back into a secure condition, then the Pentagon will be forced to take action.

We cannot sit back and wait for our nation to fall when we have the means to remove those from power who seek to harm American citizens.

We have options that do not require a civil war.

And it's time. These in Washington must leave. They've caused irreparable damage to our lives.

[myopinionpal]

Republicans keep saying that they are christian but their acts show otherwise.

They forgot or have never read what the Bible says in Psalm 41:1

Blessed is he who considers the poor;The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. (NKJV)

[TellitTrue]

What part of the Bible says the government must confiscate money from those who have it and give it to whomever they think deserves it more? You don't know jack about the Bible or Christianity.

[myopinionpal]

sbbm-2009 the Dems didn't sign a pledge not to raise taxes on the rich, guess who did the GOP, which stands for Greedy One Percent. The problem is you keep defending the very people that could care less about you except when they need your vote to keep rippimg you off.

[mttrailboss01]

I have lost all respect for the Republican Party, to the point of total dislike. Sad.., what the Republican Party and the Tea Party movement is now, ruining this country, the middle-class, which is now the poor or almost homeless in America. I am at the point of not to vote in next years election, because of my dislike for the Republican Party. They don't care, they just want President Barack Obama out and the middle-class, poor and homeless will and or paying for it. I hope they enjoy their next meal, because I and my family, may not.., let alone Christmas. Mike in Montana

[vielmann]

I'm with you. When Bush became president, I didn't have the awful feelings about the GOP like I do now. Now if the ground opened up and swallowed them all, I would applaud.

[newmark3]

Dont worry God sees what they are doing and they are going to regret aeverything they did to his people.