Mainstream Media Fails

The Media Won’t Stop Showing Us Whiny Morons Pretending The Government Shutdown Is The Reason They Can’t Pay Their Bills

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I’m getting pretty tired of hearing from these federal employees the media keeps spotlighting, who act like they’re dying form this government shutdown.

As the partial government shutdown drags on, 800,000 federal workers are forced to live off savings and what’s left from their last paychecks, including New Jersey resident and federal corrections officer John Siciliano. He’s making a stream of non-stop phone calls to try to hold the banks at bay. He hasn’t gotten a paycheck since December 29th and doesn’t expect to get one any day soon.

“We’re still working. I’m going to work every day and I’m not getting paid. I have to work extra hours and not get paid,” he said.

Siciliano has been guarding prisoners at Philadelphia’s Federal Detention Center for nearly 19 years, and lived through several shutdowns. But this one has gone on so long, he’s about to miss a mortgage payment. The bank told him and his wife if they miss a second one, it’ll start foreclosure proceedings. He said he’s both scared and angry.

“A little bit of … scared because we never miss any payments and I’m angry at the bank because there is just no give,” Siciliano said.

His wife Vicky’s preschool teaching job can’t cover their expenses. They had hoped Tuesday night’s speeches would bring some answers, but were left disappointed. Vicky blames President Trump, while her husband blames both Democrats and Republicans.

“This is ridiuclous and this is going to go on for months,” Siciliano said.

Both want to know, if they can be disciplined with their finances, why can’t the government?

“It’s almost like children, Republicans and Democrats, two children fighting against each other tit for tat,” Siciliano said. “You got a million people out of work and you know, it’s like pawns, pawns in a game.”

Between their house and car payments, the couple said they owe about $3,000 dollars. The amount of money right now in their bank account is $2,100.

You know we don’t like to get political here at Turtleboy Sports, so I won’t make this political or offer any opinions about whose fault the government shut down is. What I will do though is point out how ridiculous and fake all these stories are. CBS This Morning had a bunch of mothers with babies on today crying their eyes out about their bills and blah, blah, blah. You got paid less than 2 weeks ago. There is a 0.0% chance you’re anywhere close to foreclosure because of this. Many of us go two weeks without being paid. We figure it out. Banks do not foreclose on you in 3 weeks. That’s not how any of this works. Plus, he says he’s about to miss a second mortgage payment, because apparently he has to pay multiple mortgage payments every month.

Oh, and if you have a 2 income family and you only have $2,100 in your bank account, then you have no idea how to manage money and you’re probably living way, way outside of your means. It’s not like these people are making minimum wage. His wife is a teacher and he’s a CO. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck and not saving anything then that’s your fault for being a crappy parent.

Oh, and I’m sure that they’ll all get backpay when this is resolved, so spare me the “we’re working for free” bullshit. If you actually thought you wouldn’t be compensated for the work you’re doing, and you kept going to work anyway, then you deserve to be poor. But of course you know damn well you will get paid for your work.

And can we talk about this?

What year is this? They keep hand written ledgers of their finances? Do you not have online bank accounts? Ever heard of Excel? And why is his wife holding a pen like my 4 year old? Newsflash – no one actually believes this is how you keep track of your finances. You’re not that responsible. If you did keep track like this, and you were that responsible, then you’d have a lot more than $2,100 in savings.

This is just the media lying again. They really are fake news.

70 Comment(s)
  • Independent Thinker
    January 15, 2019 at 9:05 am

    I have a friend who works as a contractor for a large company in the metro-west area. He is being told that all contractors are being furloughed for two weeks. Will he be able to eat for free in certain restaurants like the furloughed government workers, who will end up being paid for the time off once they return to work?

  • Richyrich
    January 12, 2019 at 8:33 am

    TBS I think you’re wrong on this one. As someone who lived years sweating it from paycheck to paycheck, where one unexpected bill would f me up for months, I know that missing just one paycheck can bring on a shitshow. It’s a great idea ro have 6 months of savings set aside, but then life and kids can get in the way of a good plan like that. And no, I am not a federal govt employee, I work in the private sector, so all you Howie Carr wannabes can go suck an egg.

  • Captain Trips
    Captain Trips
    January 11, 2019 at 7:18 pm

    Perhaps sell the house with the stainless appliances and granite countertops for starters.

  • Independent Thinker
    January 11, 2019 at 9:03 am

    The T&G had a story about a government worker complaining that she can’t go out to eat anymore and that when she buys gas, she can’t get drinks at the gas station.

    I rarely eat out, unless I’m traveling, and I never buy anything at a gas station because it is overpriced.

  • Beverly Graves
    Kim g
    January 11, 2019 at 8:52 am

    First off he got paid 12/29 so his check is not due until the 15th lying ass

  • deflateddoritodinks
    January 11, 2019 at 8:49 am

    I haven’t been paid in two weeks myself. WAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Also I don’t have the “Cadillac” federal heath insurance plan or a big fat pension waiting for me, and I don’t make $150K like most federal workers do.

    • You fecking dink
      January 11, 2019 at 11:24 pm

      Most don’t make anywhere near that kind of money, genius.
      Actually do a little research like some of the other people have already done on here and you’ll see how wrong you are.
      When someone throws bullshit like this out there, it usually means they are jealous haters that wouldn’t/couldn’t do the job or, in this case, they did time and hate CO’s.
      My guess is you’ve greeted the new day by standing for count a few times.

  • Independent Thinker
    January 11, 2019 at 7:35 am

    In previous shutdowns, the furloughed workers ended up getting paid even though they didn’t have to go to work. That amounts to a free vacation. Secondly, the media is turning this whole thing into a circus by spotlighting furloughed government workers. I don’t remember them doing this when the high tech companies such as Digital, Data General, and Prime Computer went down the drain in the early 90’s. Give Trump some money to start building the wall and the government will reopen, but Pelosi says, “never.” So much for compromise.

  • Me
    January 10, 2019 at 11:50 pm

    I will be the first to say I shop too much. Yes, I buy stuff on sale and sell it on eBay of wherever.. but we also paid off our mortgage.. I remember if we missed one or two payments we would not have lost our house. I know someone who lost their house after not paying the mortgage for 9 months and their lawyer told them not to because it was going to be impossible for them to get caught up. So this whole losing your home over 1 missed payment is a lie. And don’t fed employees get end of year bonuses?

  • Me
    January 10, 2019 at 11:46 pm

    I can’t save money for shit. I have a shopping problem. But my bills are paid and I could sell something.. I do need to quit shopping.

  • murdochpatsymcreynolds
    Media Matters?
    January 10, 2019 at 10:22 pm

    Stop watching the lame stream media. That is all.

  • Frank
    January 10, 2019 at 10:05 pm

    I have a 30 year old son that has 0 dollars saved. It’s a typical thing these days for that generation. They have spent every nickel on concerts, sportsball events, coffees at Starsucks, and every other wasteful thing that they can’t afford. Sadly they are a drain on society.

  • Linda
    January 10, 2019 at 9:52 pm

    Total crap. TWO car payments? Don’t buy a car you can’t afford, and if you only have 2100.00 in savings then you’re a chump for having two car payments which equals higher insurance and excise taxes. Buy a car you can afford, And you can afford plenty of tattoos? hould have saved that money too.

  • Frank Rizzo
    January 10, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    He coulda paid two mortgage payments if he skipped the tats on his arms.

  • Beef strokanoff.
    January 10, 2019 at 6:04 pm

    @ rockets red glare and other, obvious, certified financial planners on here. You are so smart! So, riddle us this….

    What do you call a bunch of bulls jerking off in a field?

    • Rockets Redglare
      January 10, 2019 at 6:49 pm

      Your family reunion…

      • The Vorlon
        January 11, 2019 at 7:23 am

        Rockets redglare’s mom is on Pornhub as “bukkake receptacle”. She’s very talented. You’ll never view a glazed donut the same way again. Giggitty giggitty goo!

    • Wade Garrett
      January 10, 2019 at 6:53 pm

      making dinner for your mother

      • Rockets Redglare
        January 10, 2019 at 8:04 pm

        Good one!

      • The Vorlon
        January 11, 2019 at 7:25 am

        Wade is what happens when cousins marry and procreate.

  • Grundle Butter
    January 10, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    19 years as a CO and he’s managed to save two grand? What a flaming douche nozzle! I was a state CO for 20 years and I retired at age 45 with no mortgage or credit card debt. Looks like it’s weflare for that loser.

    • On final approach
      January 11, 2019 at 3:59 am

      Same job description, still on till 55 then buh bye. No more “walking the toughest beat”.
      Currently have close to a year’s gross pay in the savings. I learned to do this from going with no pay for a time. It didn’t break me but it sucked, nonetheless.
      Vehicle is not shiny and new but no payments.
      Aggressively paid down the mortgage 2x a month and wiped out that debt.
      Sounds like this guy wasn’t exactly a financial genius where he has no real cushion and a foreclosure looming. Definitely more to their story.

  • William Lynch
    January 10, 2019 at 3:48 pm

    I think people are confusing savings in a 401k or IRA for retirement and actual cash on hand in a savings account that you can go access in 5 minutes. Two different things

  • randiguy2006
    Randall Guy
    January 10, 2019 at 3:29 pm

    Yes, these people are definitely the villains in his situation.

    Muckraking!

  • Dick Soranichi
    January 10, 2019 at 3:08 pm

    $2100 saved over 19 years working his federal job. He saved $110 per year.  This assclown should lose his house.  And he will get a kiss in the mail every month when he retires to the tune of 80% of his current pay.  So in retirement he will only be able to save $88 a year.  

  • Turtlehead
    Bankster
    January 10, 2019 at 1:45 pm

    They also don’t tell you that there are many resources to help. The bank I work for allows federal government employees overdraft their accounts and waive the penalties. they also waive late fees, interest charges, and other stuff. Yes the shutdown sucks, but, we are all prepared to help

    • itsjustme
      Mc
      January 10, 2019 at 2:31 pm

      Our bank sent out an email saying if you have direct deposit they will continue to deposit what you usually get for a month to be paid back at a later time interest free, and if it last longer than that they will go case by case.

      They also automatically gave a three month deferment to any government employee that has a credit card, auto loan or mortgage with them, and that was within the first three days.

      • Hacky McHackerstein
        January 11, 2019 at 10:27 am

        That’s great for you and a prime example of how the elite government class is treated differently. There’s something in it for the bank and it’s not just customer loyalty.

  • William Lynch
    January 10, 2019 at 1:33 pm

    Seriously who has 6 months of expenses saved? You are all full of shit if you say you do.

    • Rockets Redglare
      January 10, 2019 at 1:44 pm

      I do. I could last for more than a few years. No I’m not lying. Not everyone is a loser in life…

    • Meemster
      January 10, 2019 at 2:05 pm

      I do. I have no credit card debt, student loans are all paid off. My monthly expenses now come to just over $1,000 per month. I have tattooos, but they are old. I don’t need to keep buying myself things just to make myself feel worthy. I could go almost a year unemployed. 

      • Rockets Redglare
        January 10, 2019 at 2:16 pm

        Props to you sir, very impressive!

        • Meemster
          January 10, 2019 at 3:31 pm

          I’m a lady, but thanks! 😉

          • Rockets Redglare
            January 10, 2019 at 3:50 pm

            Oops my aplologies. Wasn’t my intention to suggest the fairer sex wasn’t successful.

      • William Lynch
        January 10, 2019 at 3:47 pm

        Your monthly expenses are 1000? Do u pay rent? Own a house? Go to the grocery store? Have a phone? Buy gas? Pay utilities? I wish I had your life.

        • Meemster
          January 10, 2019 at 4:42 pm

          $1,000 includes my share of the mortgage, plus half utilities, etc. I work from home, so I don’t need to buy gas but once a month. Lots of overtime and/or second jobs to get to this point. I’m 40 now and can relax a while. 

    • Y
      January 10, 2019 at 2:29 pm

      Grow up

    • z
      January 10, 2019 at 2:59 pm

      Me. Enough to last in the low 6 figures per year until I’m in my 80s, I’m in my early 60s.
      If the 401K tanks, high 5 figures per year
      The above includes social security.
      Could retire today. I’d miss the intellectual challenge of the job.

      That assumes I die the day I run out of money.

      I have very few wants. When I do want something I just buy it because my wants are few.
      Needs get paid immediately. Needs and wants are not the same thing.

      I found out that the instant gratification of buying something wears off very quickly. Your mileage may vary.

      • Rockets Redglare
        January 10, 2019 at 3:47 pm

        That my friend is success! And great coaching on needs vs. wants. Most people dig themselves in a financial hole because they can’t differentiate (sic) between the two. They focus on the appearance of wealth rather than having a plan and creating it. Nice to know there are successful and affluent Turtle’ers out here. Hey William Lynch, what do you say now?

        • William Lynch
          January 10, 2019 at 3:52 pm

          Talking about a guys retirement savings is very different. I contribute the max to my retirement plan plus extra past what my job matches on my own. But if I lost my job tomorrow, between paying the mortgage and having two kids I would not be able to last past 4 months on money in my savings account.

          • Rockets Redglare
            January 10, 2019 at 4:23 pm

            Well William as I learned from the Meemster, assuming someone who has accumulated wealth is a guy can be wrong. Smart chicks out here too! Your point is kinda correct. My sense is your in your 30’s. I remember the challenges. But if your 59 1/2 you can dip into your IRA/401K anytime. Even if your not there are ways to tap into it. Heed Z’s advice, know the difference between needs and wants. I’ll give you an easy money saving tip. Don’t spend 5 $ bills, save them. In 2018 I saved 875 $ using this aproach. Hang out with successful people and learn from them….

          • William Lynch
            January 10, 2019 at 5:01 pm

            Rockets….all I am saying is everyone’s situation is different and by no means am I defending the people in the article, and yes I am 34. Daycare basically means I have 2 mortgages and as I save money something always comes up. Hot water heater goes, plumbing leak etc. Trust me I could cut back on certain things that I don’t. But at some point you have to enjoy your life.

          • z
            January 10, 2019 at 5:38 pm

            Everyones circumstances are different. Obviously with kids, their needs to be taken care of. But if you doing the best to fill those needs and holding back on the frivolous wants then you are doing the best job possible. More power to you. I sincerely mean it.

            My generation is basically the last generation to have it “easy”. I got into computers in high school in the early 70s. It clicked for me like nothing ever did. Still does. I’m not sure I’d recommend programming to anyone these days. I can be autistic doing that crap. It’s art and not a science. God knows what I would have worked at my whole life it I hadn’t connected with this. Maybe I’d be that close to broke doing something else. I consider myself lucky. I can be a real dick and I’ve remained gainfully employed for decades.

        • HJY
          January 11, 2019 at 8:03 pm

          I like the idea of not spending five dollars bills. I’m gonna start doing this! Good looking out on the advice

          • $5 horder
            January 13, 2019 at 11:32 pm

            Do it. You’d be shocked how fast it adds up and how much you don’t miss them. I make no money and just started barely making ends meet. I still managed to save $5. Even if it was only 1 day/week.
            The other good thing about that is you have to pay for things with cash. Otherwise you don’t get $5 change. When you use cash instead of debit you actually see your money going away. That visual makes you think before buying.

          • Rockets Redglare
            January 15, 2019 at 1:04 pm

            HJ I’m tellin yeah you’ll be amazed how fast it adds up.

          • Rockets Redglare
            January 15, 2019 at 1:09 pm

            5$
            The don’t spend a five thing was so successful this year I included 1 dollar bills. So far in 2019 43 $ saved. 65$ in fives. It gives me something to do….Good advice on using cash vs> credit cards. Your absolutely right!

      • Reality chick
        January 10, 2019 at 7:29 pm

        Love that you used “Needs and wants”, I’m with you! I work for a public housing authority and tell the tenants that everyday. I have tenants, who were homeless, come in and tell me “I want a bigger apartment” or ” I wanted to buy a new tv.” I tell them “Me too!, you were homeless and a roof over your head should be your priority. Pay your rent first.” I have a good job and no debt. Needs and wants are two different things! I live within my means. Today a single girl told me “Welfare doesn’t pay enough”. I told her, “That’s why people have jobs.”…xoxo

    • Hellboy
      January 10, 2019 at 5:10 pm

      I retired early with enough money saved to outlast my lifetime.
      No debt. no mortgages.
      Paid for 3 kids through college.
      Two houses.
      Life can be great if you plan ahead and don’t waste money on tattoos and Rolexes.
      Headed to Florida in a couple of weeks. I hope the TSA lines don’t ruin my day.

      • Rockets Redglare
        January 10, 2019 at 8:00 pm

        Great American success story!

    • Mike
      January 10, 2019 at 6:27 pm

      I certainly do. That was my singular objective once I paid off my debt. The only excuse for not having at least 6 months worth of expenses saved is that you’re still in your 20s and building your career.  If you turn thirty and don’t have a nest egg, you’re losing at life.

  • Badabing
    January 10, 2019 at 1:05 pm

    If Tony Soprano has entered the witness protection program this is what it would look like.

  • z
    January 10, 2019 at 12:51 pm

    the web site glassdoor says the average federal prison guard makes a base of 48,531 with additional pay 25,781.

    I didn’t want to sell my life away to the web site, but someone with 15+ years of experience makes a base $56,506. It would take more “tell us about yourself” to see if there’s additional pay.

    So, you don’t get paid like a rocket scientist. But you do better than a lot of people. If he’s just average and not mentally challenged $75K minimum.

    • Hacky McHakerstein
      January 10, 2019 at 1:25 pm

      $185k/year if you add in pension contributions and benefits.

  • TaxPayer
    January 10, 2019 at 12:23 pm

    He is wearing a rose gold Rolex Daytona watch and have about $2100 worth of tattoos just that we can see. That is like a $39,000 watch.
    I’m calling bullshit.

    • z
      January 10, 2019 at 12:38 pm

      Watch could be fake but the tats aren’t. I guess a real man gets tats and a girly man saves for a rainy day.

      When the shutdown ends he will get paid the money. My guess he will spend that money on another tattoo.

    • Stunt Penis
      January 10, 2019 at 12:43 pm

      he could sell his harley to pay for the mortgage.

      • z
        January 10, 2019 at 1:12 pm

        Or the boat AND jet ski. Maybe the bracelet on his right wrist.
        Dumping the Ford F-350 super cab wouldn’t hurt.
        At the very least remove the truck balls hanging from the hitch.

        Possibly the only way a bank would play hardball this soon is if they already had a track record of missing payments – though he claims otherwise.

      • TittoMetoo
        January 10, 2019 at 8:42 pm

        Fake watch = pretend man+ Tattoos = double pretending to be a man.
        If you can’t afford it and fake it you are faking even more.

        • Y
          January 11, 2019 at 11:12 am

          Fake it till you make it

  • Tom Blackburn
    January 10, 2019 at 12:19 pm

    Not only will I be declining a tax return this year, I will voluntarily be paying an extra couple thousand dollars. I encourage everyone to do the same – we need to pay for this wall!!!!

    • MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN
      January 10, 2019 at 7:12 pm

      Awesome idea! It’s pretty clear that when the government reopens, the goals should be massive tax increases, huge spending increases, and expanding to a MUCH bigger government. That will all help pay for THE WALL!

  • John Galt
    January 10, 2019 at 12:17 pm

    The old adage “self pity makes poor box office” no longer applies these days. Cat ladies, trustafarians, and lactating soy boys eat this kind of story up with silver spoons, and enablers like the entire MA federal delegation are all too willing to serve it up to them via the media, social and legacy.

    The real story here is why a grown man with nearly 20 years in the workforce as a CO, and his wife, who also has a job, have only $2,100 in savings. It’s the “real story” because most Americans are in the same place as John: little to no savings whatsoever. Not only is this tragic because of situations like this – the prospect of no income for a period of time – but for retirement as well, as John and his fellow Americans will be relying on Social Security, not savings, to sustain them in retirement.

    From the cradle to the grave – keep them on the plantation.

    Thank you, Uncle Sugar!

  • Government Gimmes Suck
    January 10, 2019 at 11:58 am

    Stupid fuckers voted for 0bama and then the Hag and now they whine because the Dims won’t cough up what is needed to protect our border. Those who can do and the rest work for the government; maybe once they are homeless they will agree we need some law and order back in this country. Eat shit and die you leeches.

  • Let me up, I've had enough
    January 10, 2019 at 11:43 am

    Spot on SJW Hunter. I also love these fist fucking clowns that have posted to Twitter saying:
    “I work for the Gov’t and I DON’T WANT A WALL”.

    Fuck you. Stop blaming it all on Trump. If the bleeding heart democrats would concede even a little, you Gov’t employees would be getting paid.

  • Rockets Redglare
    January 10, 2019 at 11:40 am

    Article summed it up nicely, as did John’s comment above. This guy a a freakin moron. Any financial planner will tell you to have six months (at least) of emergency cash at hand to pay bills if needed. So in 12 days your 3K in the hole? Boo fuckin hoo….

  • J.M.P
    January 10, 2019 at 11:37 am

    They did not say they had two mortgages to pay that month. What they said was that if they missed another payment (if this goes on to the following month), then the bank will begin foreclosure proceedings.

    • PMJ
      January 10, 2019 at 1:58 pm

      Right. Which also means he’s probably already missed several payments. The bank won’t go after your missing one payment!

  • John
    January 10, 2019 at 11:33 am

    December 29 is his last paycheck so he has not missed a paycheck yet because feds get paid every two weeks.42 years working for the federal government so I am familiar with the system.

    • TDF
      January 10, 2019 at 11:43 am

      Yep, business as usual until tomorrow, tomorrow will be the first paycheck he misses. So as of now, nothing has changed. He will also get paid for the hours he has worked as soon as the shutdown ends.

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