You know, I'm not a cop-hater, but today....

[Tree-Hugger]

Last edited Thu Nov 28, 2013, 04:30 PM - Edit history (2)

....I just want to kick some law enforcement balls.

I tend to pass over some of the DU posts that seem anti-cop because a lot of the experiences are different than my own and I know good cops. I try to keep an even mind. But today I'm pissed.

I've written here about my own poverty situation (http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023842668) and OneGrassRoots just set me up on the Wishadoo site so my family can receive help. Being poor sucks. It's like you're ties down and powerless while being constantly assaulted by one thing or another on a daily basis.

One of our daily woes with poverty is out car situation. We have two cars, which I think we're supposed to sell because poor people aren't supposed to have cars. I believe the RWers expect us to drag one another to work via rickshaws that we construct out of cardboard boxes and the filth of our poor poverty tears. I digress. One car failed safety inspection, but passed emissions, in July. We have not been able to afford the needed repairs (wheel cylinders and breaks). The other car is good on inspection until December, but is also due for breaks now and has just begun making a terrifying noise while being driven (I can only describe it as sounding like there is a wookie under the hood) so we have completely stopped using it. We're in a bad place with our cars. Still, my husband needs to get to his three jobs and my son needs to get to and from school, doctor's appointments, etc. And we need to drive to the grocery store (because God forbid they install sidewalks that actually lead to somewhere...) in order to spend our SNAP money and get judged in line for buying red meat or a bag of pretzels for my son's school snacks.

I was stopped by a cop today. He noticed my expired sticker as I drove by. He asked why it was expired and I explained my whole situation, saying we were struggling financially and were "food pantry type of poor." He seemed sympathetic and asked for my license and papers, which I gave him. He said he was going to send me back out in a quick minute. They run your license and registration and insurance routinely, whether or not they intend to give you a ticket so that didn't bother me. As he was doing that, another cop pulls up. That cop got out and talked to him and then came to me. He said he understands I have some money issues and asked what was wrong with my car and how much the repairs would be. He then sympathized and said it's $20.00 parts, but $300.00 for labor. He asked if I had gotten estimates anywhere else. The way he initially spoke to me sounded sympathetic and I thought for a moment he was going to tell me of some way to get help for my car (maybe there was a program that offered car repairs to the po'). But then he started going on and on about how I'm a liability on the road and can harm myself, my kids, and others. And I agreed. I said I totally understand and I have never been one to ever skimp on car repairs or routine maintenance until now, that hopefully this is a temporary bind, and that I don't know what to do because we need to drive to get to work to make money and try to save for all of our repairs. He was all, "I know, I know. I get that." He went back to the other officer and they chatted, while I sat there. He came back and said I would probably get a ticket today and it wasn't because they don't sympathize and that they don't care, but that I should, "think of it as an incentive to do the right thing and get the car repaired." What the actual fuck? It's not like I'm out here not giving a shit about my car. It's not like I'm blowing money on frivolous things and not taking car of what's needed. I'm in a bind. I need help. The other officer came back with a ticket and said to please fix my car within ten days. Otherwise, my license will be suspended.

So, I guess I'll be driving around on a suspended license.

It just pisses me off because this is the overall attitude towards the poor in society. People act like we chose this. We're being stubborn. We're lazy and just don't want to work so we can live off of handouts all day. They act like a simple solution is just a pray and wish and a day's worth of hard work away...as if we can just snap our poor little fingers and a the answer will fall from the sky. I was just looking at this offer telling me that a ticket and license suspension will essentially incentive enough to cure my poverty and fix my car like he had three heads. It must be so easy to say that when you get to work a job with okay pay and benefits, don't have to worry about car repairs, and get to go home to your own home where you have a full pantry and fridge. It's so easy to tell poor people that things will get better if you just work hard enough...if you just want it bad enough. Just stop being poor. It's as easy as that!

Sorry if this doesn't belong in GD. I was looking for a place to rant. Most people in my personal life aren't aware of how bad things are for my family because a)it's embarrassing and b)I don't want my parents to worry anymore than they already do. So, I rant online. If you are reading this and you have a quick moment to send out a prayer, or a good thought to the universe, or some positive vibes, it would be greatly appreciated.

I'm going to sheepishly post my Wishadoo link here, as suggested by OneGrassRoot. Some folks have helped out and it's making a world of difference for us.

http://www.wishadoo.org/fundraising/6/help-with-rent-bills-car/

****UPDATE November 28, 2013****

Just wanted to give an update to this situation. I was able to get my cylinders fixed. I had initially thought I may be able to do it on my own, but I ended up needing to rush the process. My grandmother was placed on Hospice and I was hoping to be able to make the trip out of state to visit her, so I decided to go with an auto repair place instead. Most places quoted me in the $250 to $350 dollar range, except one, who charged half that and got it done quickly. My car also had another inspection and passed, so I am totally legal. Unfortunately, my grandmother passed away less than 24 hours after my inspection was complete, so I was unable to visit her.

I just wanted to thank all of you who read this and gave me advice, support, and encouragement. And thank you so much to those who have contributed to my Wishadoo campaign. I am at 50% of my goal and the support has been tremendously helpful - I can't even begin to explain how grateful we are. I am in the process of sending individual emails out over the next couple of days.

Thank you EVERYONE!!!

[Fumesucker]

1. K&R

[Tree-Hugger]

9. Thank you :) nt

[monmouth3]

2. Prayers and good vibes going out to you. I hope it will work out for you. n/t

[Tree-Hugger]

10. Much appreciated :) nt

[MADem]

3. Could you trade in the two cars for one that works?

If you didn't have the bad car anymore, that would be as good as fixing it, yes?

I hope things get better for you, but in the meantime, if your parents have the means, I should think they would WANT to help you. Swallow your pride and reach out and ask for some help. You NEED your license. You NEED a safe, working car. If you can prevent the hole from getting deeper, you should, even if you have to be indebted to family. One day, the tide will turn for you, your parents will need help, and you'll be there for them. It may not be "money" help, it may be help with housework or meals or trips to the doc so they can stay independent, home repairs, whatever.

I'm not rich by any means, but I'm kinda frugal. If any member of my family needs anything, I step up. It's just money, and why not use it to help those you love? I think your parents would be pained to know you were suffering so--I know I would if you were one of mine...

[Tree-Hugger]

12. I have thought about that

The one car isn't worth much - it's 12 years old. I have gone over this option and it seems the better bet is to get repairs. I also have shitty ass credit and probably couldn't get a good car from someplace reliable.

My parents have helped out a little with buying food here and there, helping with car insurance, but they are also on hard times. My mom is on social security. There isn't much they can help with, but they do try and I am super grateful. If they had more they would definitely help out more.

[MADem]

25. I have a relative who sold his shitbox car to a junkyard for two hundred bucks.

He was getting a new car from a private owner so there was no trade-in opportunity. Perhaps you could call around and see if a junkyard will buy your non-working car? Then you could use the cash towards the repairs.

Another suggestion might be to contact your nearest vocational school, speak to someone in the automotive department, explain your situation fully (you're in a bind, not much cash available, need some help in a most urgent way) and see if they will fix your car for you. It's a win-win...you get the car fixed, the students learn how to fix a car of that vintage, make and model.

Also, if the cost of parts is through the roof, again, get the list of stuff you need, go to a junkyard, explain yourself fully (that way the junkyard owner might be more inclined to help you and maybe give you a break on the expenses) and have the junkyard pull the parts off their wrecks for you to give to the school to fix your car.

Another option--check to see if there is a Saint Vincent de Paul society in your area. They will sometimes give grants to people who are in exigent need for things like car repairs or prescription drugs. I don't think they demand any religious tests for giving help; I suppose it's nice if, once you get back on your feet, you return the favor by making a donation but I don't think they even expect that. Call them up and explain your circumstances and see if they can give you some help--can't hurt to try...you really need to be proactive; I would hate to see your license get suspended and see you in worse trouble down the line if you get caught operating while suspended.

[Tree-Hugger]

27. I will look into that

Thank you for the ideas. I hadn't thought about the junk yard. We had called a vocational school and they were overloaded on offers, but I may try again in case people didn't bring cars in or they have a spot open.

We used St. Vincent de Paul a few months ago for rent help. They are a wonderful organization. You are correct, there are no religious demands - no prayers or Bible acceptance or Mass attendance required. I'm not sure if you can use them more than once, but I will call them.

I hate being in this position and cannot wait to get back on my feet and back to a position where I can help others rather than ask.

[MADem]

40. I find it's best to be plain spoken; let that school know that you aren't asking just

to "save a few bucks," and that it's the difference between driving that 12 year old beater you own and driving those Keds you're wearing!

It can't hurt. Same deal with the V de P--the very worst thing they can say to you is NO. If they can't help you with money, don't go away defeated; ask if they know someone at the voke school, or elsewhere, who will do the repairs and take small payments over time for them.

I was poor as a churchmouse as a starving student--I used to show up at one of my rich friends' houses around suppertime, and clean the kitchen and then some after they'd invite me in to eat--and I wouldn't let them toss the leftovers, I'd take 'em home with me...ya gotta cope any way you can.

Ain't no shame in need, it is what it is.

[Tree-Hugger]

54. Very true

It's so hard to shake off that shame, but I need to accept that things are what they are and hopefully I will be back in a position where I can be the helper someday.

I always grab leftovers from my parent's house. If any friends offer anything, I take it.

I will check with St. Vinnie again.

[MADem]

61. You'll get past this.

Know, for whatever it's worth, that there are people out here rooting for ya!

And when the circle comes around, I have no doubt you'll be the first to step up and help someone else in need.

[Tree-Hugger]

71. Thank you

Just knowing I have people in my corner, rooting for me, is so helpful.

[MADem]

139. Hope you had a decent Thanksgiving, and that things look up for you soon. nt

[bluestate10]

46. Tough to do that without getting the cars fixed.

The car with the brakes problem is the easiest to fix, as long as the rotors haven't been blown. The car with bad brakes and bad cylinders is a big problem. All I can suggest on how to make the fixes less expensive is to maybe find a High School that has an auto repair class and explain the situation to the instructor - maybe a deal can be worked out to buy just the parts and allow students to fix the car as part of their training.

[MADem]

48. I have a relative who did that--I think it depends on how much the beater you want to

buy costs, and how much the beater(s) you're turning in are worth in terms of parts and scrap.

We covered the voke school possibility upthread--that had already been tried, once, but maybe a try at a second bite might work.

[Tree-Hugger]

55. True

Though some people will buy a crappy car to get parts if they are worthwhile.

I hope to hell my rotors aren't bad.

[panader0]

4. Don't drive on a suspended license.

If you get caught you will be digging a deeper and deeper hole. I can relate to being poor and having a vehicle that needs repairs.
But once you get in the legal system, it's a mess that grows.

[Tree-Hugger]

13. I probably won't

That was me just being cynical and hopeless.

[Sirveri]

98. I drove on a suspended license for three years.

If your tags are legal, and you don't speed, you should be fine. But your tags aren't legal, so you're fucked. At least you're not looking at a 300 dollar speeding ticket that was jacked up to 600 dollars because you didn't have the money to pay it. CA needs to get its head out of its ass on court fines.

Also if you're in CA near Hayward, Chabot community college has a brand new state of the art auto shop, they don't advertise but they will take your car and charge nothing for labor. But I don't think CA runs vehicle inspections other than smog, so this likely doesn't apply to you.

[Tree-Hugger]

99. I'm in PA

But we have a couple of vocational schools that do auto repair training. I had inquired before and it was a no-go, but I'll try again.

[GETPLANING]

32. Don't drive on a suspended license.

That cop will pull you over the next time he sees you, just to check if you are "driving suspended." If you are, he will impound your car and take you to jail. You will lose the car, and probably your job, and be hit with fines you will never be able to pay, so you will end up serving time instead.

That's what this kind of cop calls "doing his job."

[Tree-Hugger]

57. I won't

I entertained it...but y'all have convinced me.

[bluestate10]

47. I agree. It is better to explain the situation to friends or family and get help. nt

[Tree-Hugger]

58. Agreed nt

[warrant46]

5. When 80% of amerika lives like this

Maybe something will change

[Tree-Hugger]

14. I always say...

There, but for the Grace of God (or Flying Spaghetti Monster), go I....people don't get it. Even when it happens to them, they don't get it. I have a "friend" who was on Medicaid and WIC for her pregnancy and just stopped the WIC now that her husband has a better job and she rants on and on about the "takers."

[johnlucas]

23. When hypocrites start talking like that, call them out to their face right then & there

The only reason they spout ignorance like that is because they think it's socially accepted by their peers.
When one of the peers calls 'em out on their BS straight & plain, it will cause them to either hold their tongue or change their views.

If I were you Tree-Hugger & that was my friend speaking foolishness like that, I would say...
"YOU are the Taker!"
"Your butt was on Medicaid & WIC. YOU'RE a Taker!"

I would say it outloud & DIRECTLY face to face regardless of whoever is around.
As a matter of fact ESPECIALLY if others are around.

Most people don't like to make waves but sometimes you gotta call "bullshoot" out.
Sometimes you gotta embarrass them for their verbal diarrhea.

Do that the next time she starts up about the takers.
If she values your opinion, she'll rethink things.
If she fusses back & wants you to leave, that "friend" ain't worth having.
But don't let ignorance go unchallenged.
John Lucas

[Tree-Hugger]

24. I'm a big wave maker

I call people out on their bullshit quite often. I'm a bully.

This particular person was called out by both me and a mutual friend. We were since deleted.

[johnlucas]

53. Good!!

That's what I'm talking about!
Sweet!

John Lucas

[quinnox]

6. I'm afraid you being female may have been a factor

It sounds like the cops decided to "learn the little lady a lesson". If you had been a man, I would bet you would have got away with a warning. Some of these cops are alpha-male types, I have dealt with them myself.

[Tree-Hugger]

16. That's a likely scenario

And it's revolting. My friend's husband was stopped for a burnt out headlight. According to him, the cop and him talked about the Eagles, how to repair the light on his own, and then he was given 30 days to get it repaired. On his Lexus. I'm bitter.

[johnlucas]

26. Not me. I have a pair of $227 tickets to pay for brake lights & tag lights. I'm Black by the way.

"Race" matters in this society.
ESPECIALLY in The South.
A combination of Black & Not Rich is lethal in the United States of America.

They didn't talk to me about any signing group or give me a warning with a time limit to repair.
Just stuck me with TWO $227 tickets to pay or contest in court in two months.
Judges don't care about what you have to say. It's all part of the "revenue-gathering" machine they got going.

My work is not steady at the moment so this is EXTRA frightening.
I'm using my remaining money to try to pay bills until the end of the year...and then...hmmmm.

I'm a cop hater & I'm proud to say it.
Cops are not about protecting people.
They're nothing but enforcers of oppression.
No such thing as good cops. They all protect each other.
One might have been friendlier to you for whatever reason but don't conflate that friendly demeanor for being a good cop.

As bad as you have it you better be lucky you ain't Black or you'll REALLY hate cops.
They ain't never been nothing but oppressors for Black people in this country.
John Lucas

[Tree-Hugger]

29. Here, too

I am in a suburb of Philadelphia and the racism I have encountered (I'm white, but just hearing other people talk) is mind numbing and disgusting. It's like that even in Philadelphia. And, yes, there are most definitely racist cops out there. I used to be friends with a girl who was going through the police academy and the shit spewing from her mouth about black people bringing the city down....I never talked to her again.

[markmac]

130. Here in MT

Once, right out of high school(i'm 46 now) i sat in a pizza place with 5 of my buddies and listened to them spew a bunch of racist bullshit about the white man being the most discriminated people around, affirmative action, etc, etc, blah, blah, blah. I told them they were all full of shit and their paper routes were safe from the black man. Interestingly enough there were probably no more than a handful of African Americans living in our town at the time and it's still pretty white.
All of these boys learned that garbage at home, mostly from racist fathers. The good news is that I still have contact with 3 of the 5 and they are now good liberal men. I like to think our argument had something to do with it. :^)

[Tree-Hugger]

131. I bet you enlightened them! :)

I just simply was not raised that way. My mother was born in the 40's and HER mom was very strict about that - you just didn't discriminate against people. My mom grew up mostly in NYC, but she lived in Alabama after marrying her first husband, who was stationed down there. She remembers washing her clothes in the bathtub because when she went to the laundromat and was disgusted when she saw the "white's only" signs. She also caught flack for giving her seat up to an elderly black woman on the bus - it was what she was used to in NYC. My dad is a hippie and we were raised to dislike people for solid reasons - like the fact that they are assholes, etc - but never because they were a different race, culture, religion, or gay.

[Ranchemp.]

7. You say it needs wheel cylinders and brake pads?

Do you have any wrench turning friends who would do the repairs for you?
I'm pretty good at turning a wrench and replacing wheel cylinders and brake pads isn't terribly hard to do, cylinders can be rebuilt at minimal cost and pads are relatively cheap.
If I lived anywhere close, I'd pop on over and do the repairs for free.
You can also go online and go to ask.com and they'll give you step by step illustrated directions on how to do the repairs.

I sympathize with your situation and hope everything works out, whatever you do, don't drive on a suspended license, not only will you go to jail, they'll tow and impound your car which costs a lot of money to get the car released.

[Tree-Hugger]

17. Yes

Rear wheel cylinders and brakes. My friend's husband is a mechanic and had offered to do it for half the price, but that fell through and now they are going through some pretty bad family situations so I can't ask them. I'm not mechanically inclined enough to attempt it on my own.

I won't drive on a suspended license. Promise.

[TorchTheWitch]

124. could you work out a trade with someone?

Wheel cylinders and brakes are things that a lot of men know how to do. I'd get on the phone/computer to everyone I knew male or female and see if any of the men you know and the husbands/boyfriends/brothers/fathers/sons of all the women you know would be willing to do the work on a trade basis if you buy the parts. Maybe offer to do their lawn in trade or help with putting a fence up, clean gutters, anything you can think of just so you won't have to spend any cash for the labor.

Also, does your local high school have a shop class or automotive class where maybe you could finagle through the teacher some kind of extra credit points or something like that if one of the kids that knows how to do this did it for you or maybe the teacher could do it as a demonstration for the class?

What about any of your co-workers or the co-workers of your husband or anyone in their families that could do the work and be willing to either do it for free or on some kind of trade basis?

Trying to think of what I would do in such a situation since I'm in financial hell at the moment as well. I think your best bet is to reach out to a huge network of everyone you can think of as well as their family members that would know how to do the work and be willing to either do it for free (a lot of people are just nice like that especially those that like to tinker with cars anyway) or work out some kind of trade for the labor. I have four brothers, and two of them know how to do more simple repairs like this, so I'd likely go to them first.

[Tree-Hugger]

125. That's what I am trying to do

I've put out a call on Facebook and then word of mouth. My husband is going to ask around at his jobs.

No word back from the vocational school. Initially they had said no as they had spots filled, but I am trying again.

I have gotten a lot of help from fellow DU'ers as well.

[TorchTheWitch]

133. that's great

All I can recommend really is to just keep at it till something pops up. There just has to be someone that is willing to do this for you if not in trade than even for free. And there's still Wishadoo, so don't despair.

[hfojvt]

56. I was gonna say the same thing

At least a couple of co-workers told me that it is pretty easy to put brake pads on.

I still have not tried it though.

Not sure about wheel cylinders either.

[Tree-Hugger]

59. I have heard the same about the pads

I *think* the cylinders are the more complicated part. I also wouldn't know how to clean them or check if the rotors are bad. Someone else mentioned that bad cylinders will eventually ruin the rotors.

[Ranchemp.]

73. Bad cylinders can ruin rotors/drums, but it's rare,

what usually happens is that the brake pads/shoes get so worn that they go metal on metal which ruins the rotors/drums.
If I may ask, what year is your car? This will determine whether you have rear disc brakes or drum brakes.

Brake calipers or brake cylinders are very easy to rebuild and the kits are very cheap to buy, I could easily walk someone, who has no experience, through a rebuild.

[Tree-Hugger]

76. Okay...that makes me feel better

I would hear grinding at that point, right?

It's a 2009.

[Ranchemp.]

82. Yes, you would definitely hear grinding and feel it through your brake pedal,

it would be a pulsating feeling when you step on the brake pedal.

BTW, I'm a Federal LEO and I think that that cop was an idiot for giving you a citation considering the situation you are in.

[Tree-Hugger]

84. Uh oh...

I don't hear any grinding or any other noise. Now and then, it feel like it vibrates a little when I begin to brake...but it feel like it's more in the front than the back.

And thank you. I know for sure that I was breaking the law and I know I'm not being safe. I just felt it could have been handled with more compassion...maybe 30 days to get it done...and without that comment about "incentive."

[Ranchemp.]

87. The vibrating may be due to uneven brake pad wear due to a bad caliper,

but if you don't hear grinding, then your not metal on metal yet and the rotor will still be ok.

Regardless if your breaking the law or not, compassion goes along ways and I think that the officer could have shown a little more of it.

Unfortunately, my district is the western half of the U.S., otherwise, I would love to come over and repair your car at no cost to you, it would take me all of an hour or two to complete the repairs.

[Tree-Hugger]

89. Whew

I really appreciate your advice and your kindness.

[Ranchemp.]

90. No problem,

if I can be of help, don't hesitate to ask for anything.

[Ranchemp.]

67. It's really simple to rebuild cylinders and calipers,

depending what year the vehicle is, brake pads are easier to replace than brake shoes but either is pretty simple.
Ask.com gives a pretty good illustrative way to do it.

I was lucky in that my father was an ace mechanic who taught us young'uns how to fix our vehicles without paying the exorbitant price of a mechanic.

[Tree-Hugger]

72. I'm going to ask around

to be sure that I'm not missing any friend's or friends of friends who are good with car. My car is a 2009.

[Ranchemp.]

79. That's good that it's a 2009,

that means that you have rear disc brakes, which are much simpler to replace than the old drum brake system, and the calipers are very easy to rebuild, at the fraction of the cost compared to the old cylinder system.

If you need help on rebuilding calipers, I can walk anyone through it easily enough.

Good luck and keep us informed on how it goes.

[Tree-Hugger]

83. Thank you!!

If I end up trying to work on it myself, I will definitely ask you to walk me through. Much appreciated!

[hfojvt]

88. my dad knew how to fix some things

but unfortunately I did not want to learn them as a kid. I had this idea that I would be some bigshot white collar worker who could hire people to do the crap I did not want to do.

Not sure if my little brother learned the stuff that I did not. Neither of us seemed to have learned gardening either, but the sister in between us did. Or maybe she just married a farm boy. She gardens though, and we do not.

Farm boy is pretty handy with tools too. I bet he could put brake pads on.

[Ranchemp.]

91. I was raised on a ranch, hence my user name.

I can almost guarantee that your little brother knows how to replace brake pads.
Us kids were expected to repair the equipment on the ranch ourselves, so I expect that the same goes for your brother.

[Tree-Hugger]

102. My dad could fix a few car things

He never did brakes, though. I learned a ton of science from him, though.

I learned gardening from my mom. I can't grow food here, though. Just flowers.

[hfojvt]

109. mom may have been the gardener of the family

she was a farm girl, after all and dad a city boy. I do pretty good with trees and my lilacs are doing well, but my potatoes are not making it. For one thing, they get decimated by rabbits (apparently) and for another thing, they seem to dry up, in spite of all the shade here, during the hot dry season.

[Tree-Hugger]

110. We're all city folk

My mom grows a lot of flowers, plus lilacs and roses. She also grows some veggies, which are mostly planted by my son. Our peppers, tomatoes, and blueberries did awesome this year. Our snap peas and string beans didn't produce much. I have a garden area at our apartment and they technically forbid growing food. I grow a bunch of herbs, though. And flowers...lots and lots of flowers. I have a few stragglers still hanging on despite the cold.

[CanonRay]

8. How can I find your Wishadoo listing?

[Tree-Hugger]

19. It's here

http://www.wishadoo.org/fundraising/6/help-with-rent-bills-car/

[nashville_brook]

11. k and r - please post the wishadoo link!

been there. done that. drove on the suspie. didn't have a choice. i don't recommend it, just saying that's what the situation entailed.

good vibes of course. but please link to your wishadoo.

[OneGrassRoot]

15. Here ya go... (Hey, Tree-Hugger...you may wan to edit your OP to include this link)

http://www.wishadoo.org/fundraising/6/help-with-rent-bills-car/

[Tree-Hugger]

21. Thank you!!

I admit, I feel so sheepish including links and asking for help. I know that's dumb, but I can't help feeling that way.

[Tree-Hugger]

20. I thought about it

...but probably won't. I might have done it if I was in the city, but I live in a smaller suburb town and my car is unique, so they'd know it was me.

I see OneGrassRoot replied with my Wishadoo link. http://www.wishadoo.org/fundraising/6/help-with-rent-bills-car/

[notadmblnd]

18. If you're in SE Michigan, my son is certified in brakes

I'm sure he would be generous enough to do them for you. In fact I'm going to have him do mine this weekend. New pads and at least one new rotor on the front. A wheel cylinder is about 15.00 and pads run about 20.00 so for about 35.00 he can have you back on the road. Know any backyard mechanics that you could maybe clean house for in exchange for labor? Craigslist is a good place to post for services too.

One tip for you when you do get the money for the repairs. Buy brake pads with the lifetime guarantee. All of the auto part stores carry them, they're around 20 bucks. Keep the old ones and then the next time you need your brakes done, you take the old ones back to the store and you get new ones free.

None of the parts you need are very expensive, but yes, they do get you on labor.

[Tree-Hugger]

22. I am in PA

But thank you for the offer!!

Thank you for the tip. Can you get the parts at an auto store and then bring them to a mechanic to install them? Dumb question, but I wondered about that.

[notadmblnd]

28. Yes, I would think so because that's where they get them.

But make sure you get the right parts. My son worked for a garage for a couple of years before he decided he didn't want to be a mechanic anymore. They had a parts runner. That is the person that goes to an auto parts store. Garages tend to like to jack up the price of repairs. That's what my son hated about his job he was constantly pressured to upsell services.

So if you do take it to a garage, don't let them tell you that you need brakes all the way around. you probably don't need rear brakes because rear don't go bad as often as front. They may tell you that you need new rotors too, but pads can be replaced while keeping a bad rotor. The wheel cylinder is important though, if it is leaking and needs replaced you will eventually have no brakes at all. How do you know that you need a wheel cylinder? Are you constantly adding brake fluid to the master cylinder?

[Tree-Hugger]

30. I found a bunch of sites

Listing the parts that are specific to my car. I will double check with the mechanic to be sure. One of my son's classmates is a mechanic and I'm going to see if I can track him down and talk to him at the garage where he works...hopefully he'll be honest.

It failed inspection because of the cylinder. They told me the same thing as you - that it could leak and ruin the brakes. It the rear cylinders. When I declined the repair after inspection, he said he was going to clean them as best he could, no charge. I haven't needed to replace any brake fluid.

The brakes needed are in the front. So, front brakes and rear wheel cylinders, possibly rear brakes now.

[notadmblnd]

31. Yeah, the kid might be willing to do it on the side out of his garage.

The other thing I wanted to tell you, is that where I live, the Secretary of State (aka DMV) will sell you a temporary tag good for 15 or 30 days (I don't remember which) that is maybe 25 dollars. It will keep you legal til you can scrape enough money up for the annual one. You could check to see if yours does too?

[Tree-Hugger]

60. I believe they do. :) nt

[840high]

33. You'll be in my prayers.

[Tree-Hugger]

62. Thank you so much. :) nt

[Conium]

34. It could have been worse.

If you were in Oklahoma, your car would have been towed away on the spot. As for the junker car, have you checked scrap metal prices?

[Tree-Hugger]

63. This is true

I haven't checked prices yet. I will look into it, though, if need be.

[Katashi_itto]

35. K&R

[Tree-Hugger]

64. thanks!! nt

[ms liberty]

36. I am so sorry you're going thru this...

I understand somewhat; my sister has been in a very similar situation for a while now, and I've seen how hard it has been for her. Sending vibes your way.

[Tree-Hugger]

65. Thanks for the vibes!

I hope things work out for your sister!

[thefool_wa]

37. Fuck that cop. nt

I hope you are starting to understand that your experiences with good cops are the exceptions.

[Tree-Hugger]

66. I see it. :( nt

[toby jo]

38. Been there. Was taking a load of wood to market, in Feb., like maybe 15 degrees out,

hauling it in a trailer, up a hill to the stop sign, nobody around, pulled out into an empty street, and this little prick gets me for going through a stop sign. (It was a stop sign trap, just love those.) Way out in bumfuck, no less. Now, exactly how much money do you think I have when I'm cutting wood for money, for christ's sake? Back breaking work, gas, oil, chain, haul, about $5/hour.

God they piss ya off! And he was young and insisted that it was all on tape and he was recorded and couldn't change anything or he'd be in trouble....

Hey, try the junkyards. I'm always getting parts there. Call every one that's local, give em the make/model/yr, and you can get a cylinder. If you know someone with a few mechanical skills, you can go to a 'pull a part' type yard, cheaper yet. That's where you go and pull the part out of the other car yourself. They'll probably know someone who does work on the side, or most likely, several someones. The pads are cheap, buy new.

Another thought - one time I had to go to the Lions Club when I lived in New Orleans and was flat broke for rent money. I know it sucks, never forgot how those men looked at me, but it got me through a jam. The Masons might, don't know.

You can probably do some yard clean-up, like leaves this time of year for pick up money. Another thing I did is threw papers for a few years - a shitty job, but it paid the bills. They're always hiring. Just that one step up, I know. Sorry you ran into the jerk. Good luck.

[Tree-Hugger]

68. They set up stop sign traps here, too

And they sit in a spot where they can't actually see if you're stopping at the stop sign because it's obstructed by a big bush...but they'll assume you rolled through and will stop you anyway.

[stage left]

39. The more I hear about what cops are up to lately

The less I like them. Like having more things to worry about is going to help anything. So sorry you're in this situation. Been there. We once had a car we bought for $300. It went pretty good for awhile but then it started just stopping dead whenever and wherever it felt like it. My husband could fix some things on cars, but he couldn't fix this problem. We had to drive it anyway until we could find a mechanic who would fix it cheap and until we had the money to spend. Scary. I'll definitely send out some good vibes to you and a little bit to wishadoo. It won't be much, but put it together with others, it will help maybe.

[Tree-Hugger]

69. Thank you so, so much

[stage left]

103. you're so welcome.

Most of us need help sometimes.

[DirkGently]

41. "Incentive." Patronizing bullshit.

RW ers always pull that card. As though people having money issues just aren't trying, and need a swift kick so they'll stop being ... what? Deliberately poor?

[Tree-Hugger]

75. Yes

As if we chose this because it's so easy to not know if you'll have a place to live next month or be able to feed your kids. They are so stuck in that "I got mine" mentality.

[spanone]

42. k&R...

[Tree-Hugger]

77. thanks for the kick!! nt

[Trailrider1951]

43. Wow, I'm sorry for your plight

Please let me add to your rant: I FUCKING HATE THE WAY POOR PEOPLE HAVE BEEN CRIMINALIZED THESE PAST 30 YEARS!! OK, now that that's out of the way, let me make a suggestion based upon my past similar experience.

Several years ago, I moved from Houston to Austin, and ended up working for Target for $7.50 an hour part time. It paid the bills until I could find a job in my chosen field. My old toyota was up for inspection and needed brakes. I could not afford the $200 per axle quoted to me by the Brake Check, Just Brakes, NTW, and other Big Box car repair places, and the dealer's price was laughable. I asked around at work, and one of my managers, Mario, did "easy" car repair/maintenance on the side for cash. I bought the brake shoes at the parts store for $25 per axle, $50 total. I paid Mario $60 per axle to do the labor, including having the rotors (or drums) turned by a machine shop. He supplemented his Target income this way, and I got an honest guy to help me with my repairs. Total cost to me was $170 for all 4 wheels, instead of $400. Perhaps you could ask around at work or your friends if anyone knows an honest, competent mechanic who does this sort of repair. Good Luck!!

[Tree-Hugger]

70. I'm going to check around

Make sure I'm not missing anyone who is good with simple car stuff.

And, yes, we have definitely been criminalized. It's disgusting...especially when they claim we are a "Christian" nation.

[K.O. Stradivarius]

44. I know this won't come off right, but count your blessings.

If the cop wanted to be a real dick, he could have had your car towed right then and there (I know of at least two people this has happened to).

By not doing so, he put his ass on the line, because if you did find yourself in an accident due to the faulty brakes, and yourself, your passengers or others were injured or killed, the cop and community he works for could be held liable.

Best wishes in improving and persevering in your current situation.

[Tree-Hugger]

78. You're right

It came off fine, no worries. I am definitely grateful that it wasn't worse.

[Th1onein]

45. Can't make heads or tails of Wishadoo.

Check your inbox.

[Tree-Hugger]

80. I think the site had some glitches

It's been worked on a bit in the past few days. I will check my inbox - it doesn't always load for some reason.

[Liberal_in_LA]

49. kick

[Cal Carpenter]

50. It's a crime to be poor in America

I'm happy people are helping you out. I hope to see, in my lifetime, systemic changes that stop this fucked up cycle.

[Tree-Hugger]

81. It needs to happen

The way I was raised...you just take care of each other. You don't shit on the poor for being poor. You help. That's what will keep the world turning. It sucks to be a grown up and see how greedy people can be.

[gopiscrap]

51. Prayers for you and fuck the cops

the only time they are around is when they want to fuck with you!

[Tree-Hugger]

74. Thank you for the prayers :) nt

[gopiscrap]

126. are you from the Northwest?

[Tree-Hugger]

128. Mid Atlantic. :) nt

[gopiscrap]

129. ok, by your name, I though you might be.

[johnlucas]

52. I'm a cop hater & proud to say it!

Cops are enforcers of oppression.
They're not here to help the citizens.
I don't believe in the fantasy of "good cops". Ain't no such thing.

They're just another street gang backed with the prestige of the local government.
The Crips, The Bloods, & the Boys In Blue.
John Lucas

[gopiscrap]

127. I fully agree with you!!!

[hfojvt]

85. sorry gotta side with the cops here

you should not be driving without proper tags, and especially should not be driving on bad brakes.

I have never really lived in a place where I could not walk or bicycle to the grocery store.

I lived in a trailer in the country for a year, actually 13 months. From July 1987 to August 1988. Very quickly in that year, certainly by November, my tags expired on my car (I kinda let them because the car was not working that well either). After that, I quit driving it. It was 7 miles to the nearest grocery store, and I made several walking trips.

Did I mention that it was also uphill both ways?

Actually it kinda was, in spots, because with a valley, you always go down one side and up the other. And it is the same in reverse.

But driving on bad brakes makes you a hazard to other people. If your brakes fail and you run over a pedestrian or bicyclist and kill them, then "but I could not afford repairs" rings kinda hollow as an excuse. Driving an unsafe car seems like an accident waiting to happen, and that would likely not be victimless.

You do, however, have the option (I think, that may vary from jurisdictions) of fighting the ticket in court, and there is usually no risk. If you lose, that is, you just end up paying the ticket. Or the judge may have the discretion to lower the fine.

[Tree-Hugger]

92. I don't deny that

I take full responsibility for being illegal with the stickers and for having an unsafe car. I will not disagree with you on that. My main issue is the manner in which I was spoken to by the one cop. It just felt cold. I understand they have a job, but there could have been more compassion.

I lived in Philadelphia for 25 years and was absolutely spoiled by the walkability and the public transportation (the availability, not the price - ha!) there. I could walk anywhere. Now that I'm in the 'burbs, it's different. We have limited public transportation. I can walk to the car mechanic, a drug store, and a crappy supermarket that's a very long walk away when you have two kids in tow. What's frustrating is that there is another supermarket super close to me, but it's a very risky walk because the sidewalk ends. Here, there is a lot of sidewalk that just loops around developments and doesn't actually lead anywhere. My son could potentially walk to school, but there is the issue of one very unsafe stretch where the sidewalk stops. Kids here are picked up on the bus about 100 yards away from the school. Nuts. My husband walks to his jobs in order to save gas, but only one job is reachable by sidewalk. The other two require him to enact a game of frogger. I actually prefer walking and dream of more sidewalks.

Thanks to the generosity of fellow DU'ers, it looks like I'll be getting needed repairs! I won't be fighting it. He said to plead not guilty and then all I would have to do is bring in the inspection report from the mechanic and everything would be waived.

[Lurker Deluxe]

107. Cold condescension

I received two tickets one afternoon a couple of years ago. One for rolling a stop sign, which I did, the other for no insurance which I had but did not have proof of. I was scheduled to leave town when the court date was set so I just stopped in a local court house to show my proof of insurance and pay the stop sign violation.

I was signed in on the docket and was told that once the scheduled business was complete the judge would see my case. I sat there in the court and listened to all sorts of crazy shit about why people had tickets ... insane ramblings. By the time the docket was complete you could just see in the judge's eyes that she was tired.

I stepped up to the court and she asked me how I plead and I responded that I had my insurance .. she looked at it and dismissed that ticket. She then asked about the stop sign and I simply responded, "yea, I ran it", she asked me if I needed to set up payments or defer the costs and I told her I was prepared to pay the fine promptly.

She then OFFERED me deferred judgment, which I responded I did not know what that meant ... basically get no other ticket for 6 months and this will not go on your record. I accepted, and that was that.

I can only imagine the stories that officers get when they pull people over to issue citations, I am sure everyone has a reason they did not do what they were supposed to. But I would bet you have a decent chance of getting that fine lowered and dismissed if you correct the problem before the ticket date and take proof of that with you to the hearing and simply asked for leniency from the court, and if not to set up payment options to help defer the cost of the ticket.

You may have had a better result had you just replied, "I know it's out of date, I'm trying to get to it today", instead of telling him that your brakes were out and that your car was indeed a danger to be on the road.

[Tree-Hugger]

118. That's my plan

I'll get it fixed within the 10 days, thanks to help from fellow DUers, and bring my proof to the hearing. The cop said if I did that, everything would be waived.

[MADem]

94. Aren't you a ray of sunshine.

I have never really lived in a place where I could not walk or bicycle to the grocery store.


And because this has been YOUR circumstance, you insist it must be the case for everyone else, because, well, that's YOUR circumstance....yeah, that's the ticket.

In my state, if you want to fight a ticket, you pay twenty five bucks for the privilege--and you don't get that money back even if you beat the rap. I know this from personal experience.

How is a person hanging on by a thread supposed to come with a spare twenty five bucks when they're living hand-to-mouth? Or take time off to go to court, in a car they can't drive?

Your lack of compassion is as stunning as it is unsurprising.

[hfojvt]

97. I said jurisdictions may vary

so fighting the ticket might be a possibility, or it might not.

Lack of compassion? Am I supposed to have no compassion for the people who might be injured or killed because somebody is driving an unsafe car?

It MUST be true? No, but it seems to me the odds should be high. I have lived in perhaps 30 places (or more), and in 30 out of 30 of those places it has been possible for me to walk or bicycle to the grocery store.

But then, most people do not want to walk 14 miles, and probably many people can't do it. I am not even sure I could do it now, 26 years later.

Still, I would try it before I drove an unsafe, and illegal vehicle.

Maybe because I consider cars to be weapons of mass destruction even when they are properly maintained.

[MADem]

100. You decided you "knew" how far this DUer lived from a grocery store, and chided her about

cycling or walking to and fro without knowing a thing about her situation, her health, her physical condition--anything.

You can't know what someone is going through if you're not in their shoes. Rather than scolding, try a hint of understanding, maybe a few practical suggestions that might actually HELP, rather than giving forth with a lecture about how she needs to bike or walk on a road that has no sidewalks (a situation that recently resulted in the death of a relative of mine).

A little of that understanding goes a long way.

[Tree-Hugger]

105. Thank you!

Exactly.

I am sorry about your relative.

There have also been deaths here due to folks walking along the sides of roads.

[hfojvt]

111. actually no

I chided her for driving an unsafe car that could accidentally injure or kill somebody.

I mentioned that I have always been able to walk or bike to stores, even when it was seven miles, and when I might have had the option of driving an unlicensed (if safe) car.

You, though, have certainly been scolding me. Not providing much of an example for how to be more understanding, only an example of how to be more judgemental.

I replied elsewhere on this thread, sharing what I had heard about brake pads being a relatively easy fix. You know, a practical tip, that if you ask around you might be able to find a handy friend who can fix that for you.

Maybe you missed THAT post in your eagerness to excoriate me for this one.

[MADem]

134. Actually, yes.

You used your experience as a buttress for your assertions. You didn't read the part that said there were no sidewalks. If you can do it, then anyone can do it--that's what I read coming from you. You didn't even bother to take in what the poster was saying about her situation.

I'm not "eager" to excoriate you at all. I wish it weren't necessary to point out that you have very little empathy for the dire situation a fellow DUer finds herself in, and you seem rather pleased with yourself for having that attitude. The one with the corner on "excoriation" here isn't me--it's you, with your "Well *I* could walk or ride a bike" approach to tree hugger's plight.

[Tree-Hugger]

138. Again, thank you

I just saw this now. Thank you for your understanding and support.

[Tree-Hugger]

104. A lot of places around here

....are unwalkable. I mean, you could try it, but you definitely put your life at risk and the lives of motorists who have to swerve around you. So ... rock and a hard place - drive the car that may be unsafe or take the walk that may be unsafe. In some areas, walking on certain roads will get you fined.

I personally enjoy walking and wish areas around here were more designed to allow it. Still, I don't know that I would walk 14 miles with two small children.

Can't say much for biking. I do not own a bike. I love yo ride them, but they are super rough on my knees. I wouldn't get very far.

I fully admit I am in the wrong. Haven't denied that. But, yes, a little compassion goes a long way. That doesn't mean you cannot also have compassion for others.

Then again, it seems like I would always be in the wrong in your eyes since even a well-maintained car is a "weapon of mass destruction."

[roody]

86. Wishing you well.

[Tree-Hugger]

93. Thank you!! :) eom

[H. Cromwell]

95. Are you near me?

I live in Schuylkill county. I am not a big wrench turner but I might be able to get you help if I am close.

[Tree-Hugger]

96. Almost

I am closer to Philly...sorta the BuxMont area.

[Aelyria]

106. Fix it yourself.

1. It cost me $80 to have the wheel cylinders replaced on my Taurus 5 years ago, at a shop. FWIW, that quote is ridiculous.

2. They're drum brakes, discs dont have wheel cylinders.

3. They're your rear brakes, front drums only exist in busses anymore.

4. Front brakes do 85% of the work. Your car is not unsafe to drive if the rear drums are shot.

5. You can replace the front pads yourself. It's 1 bolt after you get the wheel off. I can tell you how if you're willing.

6. Busted cylinders means no pressure, the brakes just wont work. It wont kill your shoes. (Drums have cylinders & shoes, discs have pads and calipers)

When you're poor, you have to learn to take care of yourself. Luckily, nowadays, the intrrnet has all the info you need.

Youre looking at double digit $ fixes. Don't be afraid to do it, just get it done. 1 hour max for the front brake pads, 2 hours for the rear cylinders. Do it in the parking lot of an advance auto, they have free loaner wrenches.

[OneGrassRoot]

112. ^^ Good info ^^ So many resources for DIY stuff nowadays, which is great.

Welcome, Aelyria!

[Aelyria]

114. thanks!

Hi to you too!

Auto work is 90% knowledge and 10% finesse. The internet has made the knowledge part irrelevant, and the finesse is for the most part figuring out what to fix in the first place.

If you know what's broken and can read well enough to follow a recipe, you can fix a car.

[Packerowner740]

123. YouTube has great DIY for nearly everything

I take my laptop out to the garage when I don't know how to do stuff.

[Tree-Hugger]

119. $80 would be nice!

I'm going to look around online at all of the videos and links suggested to see if I can get a good grasp of how it could be done.

[rudolph the red]

108. A friend of mine was pulled over here in San Diego

for driving with an expired registration and they actually impounded his car. It cost him $350.00 to get his car out of impound and they wouldn't release it to him until he updated his registration (that had a healthy late payment fee attached).

[Tree-Hugger]

120. Definitely lucky that didn't happen to me. nt

[libodem]

113. Traffic Criminals

I wonder how many lifers are in solitary, driven insane by the state, for three felony driving convictions? Bet there might be some?

Driving on a suspended is almost like an inattentive or intoxicated offence. I despise unfairness.

[Decaffeinated]

115. Economic status doesn't excuse you from the requirement to drive a legal and safe vehicle...

[AceWheeler]

116. Irrelevant and gratuitous post

1. No one says it does
2. The poster had previously posted full acceptance of that reality.

[Tree-Hugger]

121. Exactly. :) nt

[questionseverything]

117. here but for the grace of God go I

my heart goes out to you

just some ideas that might help you,

stop being so proud and ask for help locally (we poor people are the best people,you are in a big ,wonderful club so embrace it)

call every church in your phone book,find out what programs they have available...most have food pantrys but some also have assistance for random needs like your car problems,now would also be the time to get your kids on their christmas list

organize a group of folks in similar situations to car pool to food pantrys ,in fact you need to car pool the kids to school,grocery shopping
anywhere you can

i know this part seems odd at first but try and find somewhr you can volunteer at,sometimes you can meet people that can help improve your situation in those surroundings,maybe by finding out about a heating assistance program or even getting a part time job

i volunteered last summer at community gardens and they surprised me with 50 bucks in gift cards at the end

[Tree-Hugger]

122. These are all excellent suggestions

Thank you!!

[TorchTheWitch]

132. what you describe isn't anti-cop

You're talking about specific officers that did something specific. The cop hating that goes on here is all those people that actually believe that all cops are bad people just because they're cops. Makes no sense at all, is bigoted as it gets, and trying to explain the opinion away with the excuse of having had even as little as one bad experience with a cop somehow makes it reasonable to hate them all. Yet they would never think to take that attitude were it anyone else but a cop... having a bad experience with a bank teller, postman, hairdresser, etc., etc. doesn't prompt them to hate all bank tellers, postmen, hairdressers, etc., etc. and even they would think that would be really stupid. It's only police officers that for no logical reason it's "different" and therefore appropriate to hate them all because of even just one that did something presumably wrong. If I took that attitude with all the people that I've had a bad experience with I'd be hating just about everyone in the world right now. Everyone runs ito someone while in the capacity of whatever their job is that says or does something inappropriate, or stupid or mean, but nobody with sense thinks it would then be reasonable to hate everyone with that same job. Yet we have that crazy crap when it comes to the police all over DU and it's a huge group.

That was a really stupid thing for that officer to say. Had he just said "sorry, but I have to give you a ticket" I doubt you'd be angry. I think the bigger problem in this situation was that there were two officers, and I think one of them wanted to ticket you while the other (had he been alone and not in an awkward position with the other officer) likely may have let you off with a warning. I also think he was trying to make you feel better about having gotten the ticket, but it was just a really horribly phrased comment under the circumstances. That was just a really bad foot-in-mouth moment. I'm not sure really how to explain it, but it's something I've done myself a few times where I was trying to say something positive but the way it came out was just ironically really the worst thing I could have said, and the few times I've done it myself it's just sooooo embarrassing.

I really feel for your predicament all the way around, not just this one thing with the ticket and the car. I've been in a really bad financial place lately as well, and it always seems when you're already in a bad spot that you get piled on with all manner of other issues that make the general problem unbelievably worse. It's crazy that it always seems to the be worst times in our lives when we get these pile ons of more problems and when life is smooth sailing nothing unfortunate ever seems to happen. Murphy's Law I think that is?

Anyway, I'm really glad that you got situated at Wishadoo and really hope that people that have a little to spare can help you out. I really just love the whole concept of Wishadoo, and there's no doubt that it's helped many people in a time of crisis. People that have never been in such a hopeless broke place just can't really understand how terrifying and incredibly stressful it is. I guess it's one of those things one needs to experience for themselves to really understand that it's sooooo much worse than most imagine. It takes an unbelievable toll on the whole psyche that people can get so depressed, anxious, unmotivated etc., that they get an almost paralysis in being capable of doing anything to help themselves... like, just simple things like taking a shower suddenly becomes a huge chore that you have to expend a mountain of energy to psyche yourself up for to just DO it. That's what's so scary about long time bad situations... the longer you're in the situation the more you lose the fortitude to get even simple every day things accomplished. I really feel for you. It's just the most awful place to be.

[Tree-Hugger]

136. Excellent insight

Thank you.

You are right....everything would have stung less if he had just said that. Yeah, the whole situation would still suck entirely, but it wouldn't have been punctuated by such a stupid and thoughtless remark.

Wishadoo is AMAZING. I am so grateful.

You are spot on about the toll that it takes on the psyche and the paralysis that comes with it. Part of you knows that you must soldier on and keep looking up, while another part is just....stuck, afraid to move for so many reasons. Simple things become mountains to move.

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[Liberal_in_LA]

135. kick

[Tree-Hugger]

137. Update included in the OP

Bumping this so the update can be seen.