I worked hard to get good grades in high school and earlier.  It wasn't always easy.  There were so many sacrifices along the way to achieve what I dreamed.  Yet, I mostly resisted the urges others fell prey too.  I didn't skip school with some of my friends who called out to me to join them when boredom and homelife difficulties made even me want too. I never touched drugs; I didn't stay out and party late into the night.  I didn't buy a car when I was 16 (I bought a personal computer with the money I had saved instead).  I was usually working while others were at the movies or dating most Friday nights.  Still it was worth it, I managed to get into a decent Engineering College.  

 

I was not rich, I worked for my family's business throughout high school and college to make ends meet, even working second or thirds jobs for much of that time. 

 

I completed my Electrical and Computer Engineering degree with again decent grades and even compiled some relevent work experience by the time I graduated in December 1991 (you might still remember that recession too).  I wanted to work in Computers.  Applied for jobs at Microsoft and IBM, as well as other companies affiliated  with areas related to NASA, Aerospace, Defense.  Those were my interests.

 

I don't recall very many folks getting jobs that December.  I had only one offer-- an auto company.  I never really wanted to work for one (my grand-dad did for some 38 years as both hourly and eventually salary), but while I like the companies well enough, I longed for something more 'exciting'.  Still, I needed to work.  I took the offer.  I didn't start off with any great pay.  Matter of fact it was below par that year, but not too embarrasingly so.

 

I've been here ever since.  Not because it was a great job.  My pay has kept pace with many of my non-engineering friends both in and out of the UAW, but has never outpaced them -- mainly it lags the moderately successful ones and falls way behind those that fell into good jobs that required no skills.

 

I may have changed positions several times, but life carries with it events that don't always allow one to 'risk it all'.  My job here while not safe was not exactly risky either.  I am not lazy, or lack in motivation.  I work hard every single day to make the best products and vehicles that I can.  Engineers do take pride in their products.  Most fret, struggle, and strive to keep up with our tasks amidst tougher and tougher tasks (lately with far less resources to support us).  Anyways, after the years went by 5, then 10, then 15, and now closer to 20 I remain as much because it has allowed me to at least afford some of the same joys my father struggled to obtain, such as a house (I now live in the very house I grew up -- it was the best I could afford), two cars, and even a boat (he left it with the house -- we bought it when I was 7 years old).  

 

I have also remained at my job as it is now what I know.  Even in engineering specialization is often learned on the job.  I also stay because I have nearly 20 years invested in a pension.   I hope  in 10 more to be able to settle down and and retire to watch my kids as they grow.  I am happy with what my parents and grandparents knew and found in life.  I expect no more.  Want no less.   

 

However, that pension I seek,  according to the TV, papers, and internet is at great risk.  For reasons that I have had far less to do with then some might dream up.  Yet, you all don't care if I lose it.  Why?

 

I struggle to understand it is a price I may soon pay, but why.  Why will always be a guesswork in hindsight and half-remembered challenges along the way.  I understand well enough, that what those like me face is rough, and very much unfair given our dedication to always trying to do the right things in life.  In personal restraints, family and community obligations, in self-improvement, and in work ethics.  I am no saint, but neither did I walk away from what was expected, what was needed.  I was a reliable citizen always.

 

I don't expect life to be fair, but it's a hard pill to swallow a world so uncaring as displayed now before us.