Granddad Walks 35 Miles To Work To Support Sick Wife And Grandson

To support his ailing wife and earn a paycheck, a 61-year-old Iowa man sometimes walks 35 miles to his job as an overnight janitor. Steve Simoff told the Des Moines Register that he leaves his basement apartment in a small town by the Missouri border by 3:30 p.m. to get to the Lakeside Hotel and Casino in Osceola where he works for $9.07 per hour; his shift starts at 11 p.m. His wife suffered a stroke nine years ago and some days there just isn't enough money to put gas in the couple's 2002 minivan. Moving closer to his job would likely mean paying more than he now does in monthly rent -- $400 -- he told The Register.
Family and having a job are "the two most important things I can think of," Simoff said, explaining why he walks to his job. "That's my idea of a responsible person," he said, adding, "I'm not saying everybody should try it." He and his wife, Renee, adopted their now-22-year-old grandson, who also lives with them. Grandson Steven, 22, who has been unemployed since January, calls his grandfather his hero. When Steven worked an overnight warehouse job for several months, the extra money meant the two of them could put gas in the minivan and carpool.

Simoff doesn't hitchhike, although some regulars along the route do stop to offer him a lift. He gets a lift home from a co-worker, who drops him off about 8 miles from home. But Simoff doesn't seem to mind, according to The Register's story. He describes the walking route as "picturesque" and sounds like he enjoys passing the cows and fields along the way. He's done the walk in all kinds of weather, including snow. It is a little dangerous, he said, because trucks frequent Interstate Highway 35, whizzing past him at 70 miles per hour.
The Decatur County Sheriff's office confirmed that deputies also give Simoff rides when they can. A spokeswoman told The Huffington Post that she believed the Simoffs no longer have a phone. The number she provided was disconnected. The Huffington Post left messages for Mrs. Simoff and the couple's grandson on Facebook.
If Simoff's story has a familiar ring to it, it's because last month there were stories written about a Detroit man who for years has been walking 21 miles round trip through city streets to and from his factory job. The media attention got James Robertson, 56, $350,000 from a GoFundMe campaign and a new Ford Taurus. The publicity, though, also led to Robertson moving from his home to avoid being targeted by scammers and beggars. He also reported receiving death threats.
We wonder what the Internet holds for Simoff.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/02/man-walks-35-miles-work-steve-simoff_n_6783726.html?utm_hp_ref=good-news&ir=Good%20News

Have the highest praise for him.

yeah of coure you do

and when he drops dead at the side of the road you will say "what a good chap"

or when he in 5 or 10 years time cant walk because he is crippled with arthritis

you can say look at the bloody scrounger....

or tough luck ...

or some such....


typical tories


THIS sot of thing was considered the norm in medieval times

It may have escaped your notice that this is the 21st century


YOU DO REALISE ...dont you, that the guy is actually being paid $4.60 per hour

thats about £3:00 per hour....

dunno what if any taxes he pays on that??? quill??????

since in reality he starts at 3:30pm and works to 7am.

Tell you what didge ...YOU wouldnt do it

YOU wouldnt manage a 35 mile walk in good weather.........It would cripple you

just to make you feel better NOWADAYS it would cripple me

BUT...I'm 61..with osteo in right hip
and traces of inflamatory arthritis in all other joints large and small....
and diabetic....


BUT 30 years ago.......I DID do this sort of thing...regularly...and with a 40lb pack......

let me tell you...it would hammer a city boy like you into the ground....

especially at the extreme ends of the weather HE is likely to see....

You see this story Victor.
Pride and respect, he places his family and work first over the need of wanting help from others.
He even chooses to walk is at peace with the world.
Someone as simple as you could learn a great lesson here but you choose to ignore and why he is a million times more a better person than you are.
For one he is not selfish like yourself and places the needs of his family first above himself.
Two he takes pride in the fact it is his responsibility to do so. You then come out with lame points on pay when to him he is earning the money he needs and does not look for anything off others.
You should hold your head in shame to even moan about this because does he ask for anything off anyone?
No, he believes in putting others before himself, where you yourself looks to only yourself first.
You have no argument or ethical view on this, yours is born from selfishness
You have no self respect but he has mountains of it.

Brasidas wrote:You see this story Victor.
Pride and respect, he places his family and work first over the need of wanting help from others.
He even chooses to walk is at peace with the world.

He DOESNT "choose" to walk...does he...what a lie...yhe walks becasue the job he has doesnt even allow enough to fill the gas tank of his vehicle... even at the ridiculously cheap price the yanks pay

Someone as simple as you could learn a great l;esson here but you choose to ignore why he is a million times more a better person than you are.
For one he is not selfish like yourself and places the needs of his family first above himself.

good for him....untill it kills him....

Two he takes pride in the fact it is his responsibility to do so. You then come out with lame points on pay when to him he is earning the mopney he needs and does not look for anything off others.

he is NOT earning what he need though ...is he...otherwise he would be able to afford to fuel his vehicle...in order to get to work.....

typical tory.... what about other things like time with his family....I bet HE doesnt get to go fiishing with his grandson
oh i forgot that doesnt matter to the medieval baron mentality does it....just so long as we can squeeze every last iota of profit out of him

what sort of sick society allows this extreme, and yet allows the idle rich to get fatter by the day for bugger all...either in productivity OR in social contribution????


You should hold your head in shame to even moan about this because does he ask for anything off anyone?
No, he believes in putting others before himself, where your selfish looks to only yourself first.
You have no argument or ethical view on this, yours is born from selfishness
You have no self respect but he has mountains of it.

no didge...mine view is born from social justice....

if the great fat tax dodgers were made to pay their DUE, properly and in full......
society would be a hell of alot better for far more people......

1) He does choose to walk and proves your view wrong that someone cannot do this he does at his age. That point on fuel was when his grandson was working, so you need to read the article and if you read he says this:

He describes the walking route as "picturesque" and sounds like he enjoys passing the cows and fields along the way. He's done the walk in all kinds of weather, including snow.

That is being happy even in his predicament, or do you not see that, he sees that he owes nobody anything and it is him providing for his family.

2) I bet it is making him as fit as a fiddle if you ask me and again far happier than most people and free with the world, i wish mnore had his positive attitude..

3) I am sure he can earn more money which seems again the only point to you a selfish need of wanting more, which he does what he can and is needed to. He seems to care or want for nothing more than to help his family. 

4) Who says he even likes fishing? Absurd assumptions as to what he does like which is clear he loves his walks and his grandson thinks he is a hero. Not everything is about playtime Victor, sometimnes needs come before your own pelasures, something you clearly do not undersatand.

5) Sick society? How so, does he seem unhappy to you? I for one think there should be buses, but I bet you he would still walk a major part of the way. Again you miss so many lessons here, where again he does not ask for anything, as again he does not even try to hitchhike which shows you even more how happy he is, even though he does at times accept lifts.

You look at all the negatives here and not the positives. Sure I think there should be more help and transport, but I bet you he would still like to walk.

Brasidas wrote:1) He does choose to walk and porves your view that someone cannot do this he does at his age. That point on fuel was when his grandson was working,

nope it doesnt...you are reading into it justification for your ridiculous stance...

so you need to read the article and if you read he says this:

He describes the walking route as "picturesque" and sounds like he enjoys passing the cows and fields along the way. He's done the walk in all kinds of weather, including snow.

That is being happy even in his predicament, or do you not see that, he sees that he owes nobody anything and it is him providing for his family.

2) I bet it is making him as fit as a fiddle if you ask me and again far happier than most people.

3) I am sure he can earn money which seems again the onlyu poingt to you a selfish need of wanting more, which he does what he can and is needed to. He seems to care or want for nothing more than to help his family. 

4) Who says he even likes fishing? Absurd assumptions as to what he does like which is clear he loves his walks and his grandson thinks he is a hero. Not everything is about playtime Victor, sometimnes needs come before your own pelasures, something you clearly do not undersatand.

5) Sick society? How so, does he seem unhappy to you? I for one think there should be buses, but I bet you he would still walk a major part of the way. Again you miss so many lessons here, where again he does not ask for anything, as again he does not even try to hitchhike which shows you even more how happy he is, even though he does at times accept lifts.

You look at all the negatives here and not the positives. Sure I think there should be more help and transport, but I bet you he would still like to walk.

yep but of course you feel you can now apply his (if what you say is true ...which i dispute) singular enthusiasm for walking,
to every sick dying and crippled person on benefit?

Just like the tories do......

This is one unusual, unusually fit, quite possibly walk-a-holic (and I mean no disrespect in that) guy....

funny though how the singular and isolated examples are the "norm" that everyone should conform to (unless of course you are a rich tax dodger)when it suits
and how the same formula is applied when destroying the welfare state...

they find one or two extreme examples and hold these up a "typical" examples...

pffffft...


Oh and i notice you fail to aknowlege the utterly overarching and all encomapssing blame that should be laid at the tax dodgers feet in all of this....
you fail to aknowledge the fact that if THEY paid their DUE then the whole benefits debate would be utterly irrelevant ...as if it isnt already....

darknessss wrote:

Brasidas wrote:1) He does choose to walk and porves your view that someone cannot do this he does at his age. That point on fuel was when his grandson was working,

nope it doesnt...you are reading into it justification for your ridiculous stance...

so you need to read the article and if you read he says this:

He describes the walking route as "picturesque" and sounds like he enjoys passing the cows and fields along the way. He's done the walk in all kinds of weather, including snow.

That is being happy even in his predicament, or do you not see that, he sees that he owes nobody anything and it is him providing for his family.

2) I bet it is making him as fit as a fiddle if you ask me and again far happier than most people.

3) I am sure he can earn money which seems again the onlyu poingt to you a selfish need of wanting more, which he does what he can and is needed to. He seems to care or want for nothing more than to help his family. 

4) Who says he even likes fishing? Absurd assumptions as to what he does like which is clear he loves his walks and his grandson thinks he is a hero. Not everything is about playtime Victor, sometimnes needs come before your own pelasures, something you clearly do not undersatand.

5) Sick society? How so, does he seem unhappy to you? I for one think there should be buses, but I bet you he would still walk a major part of the way. Again you miss so many lessons here, where again he does not ask for anything, as again he does not even try to hitchhike which shows you even more how happy he is, even though he does at times accept lifts.

You look at all the negatives here and not the positives. Sure I think there should be more help and transport, but I bet you he would still like to walk.

yep but of course you feel you can now apply his (if what you say is true ...which i dispute) singular enthusiasm for walking,
to every sick dying and crippled person on benefit?
Just like the tories do......
This is one unusual, unusually fit, quite possibly walk-a-holic (and I mean no disrespect in that) guy....
funny though how the singular and isolated examples are the "norm" that everyone should conform to (unless of course you are a rich tax dodger)when it suits
and how the same formula is applied when destroying the welfare state...
they find one or two extreme examples and hold these up a "typical" examples...
pffffft...
Oh and i notice you fail to aknowlege the utterly overarching and all encomapssing blame that should be laid at the tax dodgers feet in all of this....
you fail to aknowledge the fact that if THEY paid their DUE then the whole benefits debate would be utterly irrelevant ...as if it isnt already....

Stop talking nonsense Victor, what you do not like is the fact this person places his families needs above himself and is happy to do so in every aspect to the point he actively enjoys his work. I remember when I worked at Hammersmith (contract mamager) and would get the train to Victoria and would love the walk from there to Hammersmith and back in the evening to Victoria (its a long walk). It was a wonderful part of my day where you are free and at one with the world and even more so after work able to wind down. Surely you must feel this with your work you do now in the countryside? So please spare me any nonsense on walking. If he is unusal then again it backs my point that many people have the wrong work ethos as stated earlier, because they think everything should be given to them on a plate. Some people will walk miles as seen here just so they can work because they believe in earning their own money.

Again benefits is not a way of life and never should be, it should be a temp measure to help people get back into work. Only those who cannot work should it be a means of supporting them in life. Having a family for example is a choice again that people take, it is not and should not be a means to think you should be benefited from having children, but from wanting to care for your children yourself. Granted not all plans work out and people then sometimes needs help but it is not something that should be demanded but to be grateful for.

Again I am not saying we should not have welfare systems, I agree we should have them, but people who take the view to live off them when they can work and do not actievly look for work should and so need a kick up the backside. You are allowing them to stay in a perpetual spiral of unhappiness as they have little to look forward to. If this means stopping their pay for a week, then good, they need something to snap them out of their selfishness and get them back on their feet looking for work. I do not agree when money is stopped for the wrong reasons, I aslo accept sometimes mistakes happen, but you seem to want a system that would allow people to remian inactive. A way that brings little meaning or positive attitudes to their lives, where they are stagnant and think the world owes them a favour.

That is wrong on any level and they will always wrongly look to others for help, when they should be looking to help themselves.

Okay firstly I respect him too.

Secondly, he probably does it to get a break from his wife - sorry but it probably helps them both.
The walk is therapeutic and is keeping his heart and body healthier than sitting on his arse.

Good for him, and if a job comes up that is nearer to his house - he'll get it due to his good track record and dedication.

again you are missing the point

there are MANY who are NEVER going to be fit for work

but hey ho the cardiac cases can carry on dying in hospital beds, clutching their sanction notice
the terminal cancer sufferers can carry on crawling in agony down stairs to collect their samction notice from the post box

the kidney disease sufferer can have his/her dialysis room taken away by the "bedroom tax"

the diabetics can continue to starve to death (after all he was ~"only" a squaddie)


and the list of injustices can continue to grow


all in the name of "saving a few bob"...so the tax dodgers can get even fatter.....

eddie wrote:Okay firstly I respect him too.

Secondly, he probably does it to get a break from his wife - sorry but it probably helps them both.
The walk is therapeutic and is keeping his heart and body healthier than sitting on his arse.

Good for him, and if a job comes up that is nearer to his house - he'll get it due to his good track record and dedication.

yeay right so lets make everyone on DLA walk 35 miles to work.....

hell them thats on JSA are fit by most standards so they can walk 50

in fact...lets take vehicles off everyone earning under 500,000 a year
they dont NEED em......

darknessss wrote:in fact...lets take vehicles off everyone earning under 500,000 a year
they dont NEED em......

Now you're being pedantic.
No one is saying its a perfect situation - but he's doing it and food for him.

I'd do it if I had to for a loved one.

I guess we are all different vic.
Is it better to sit around on your arse moaning about your lot or do something in the event that something else may come along?

darknessss wrote:again you are missing the point

there are MANY who are NEVER going to be fit for work

but hey ho the cardiac cases can carry on dying in hospital beds, clutching their sanction notice
the terminal cancer sufferers can carry on crawling in agony down stairs to collect their samction notice from the post box

the kidney disease sufferer can have his/her dialysis room taken away by the "bedroom tax"

the diabetics can continue to starve to death (after all he was ~"only" a squaddie)


and the list of injustices can continue to grow


all in the name of "saving a few bob"...so the tax dodgers can get even fatter.....

Did you miss the point about people being restricted with not being able to work?
I have already stated this and that they should recieve help, this is more about people who can work which many people can and think they should not have to or have lost the positive attitude to find and do work
This has not been discounted, which again you miss the point, but again many people can manage their diabities very well if they keep tot heir deit and medication.
All you are doing Victor is missing all the points and looking for exceptions to make your views fit when even then they do not.

Brasidas wrote:

darknessss wrote:again you are missing the point

there are MANY who are NEVER going to be fit for work

but hey ho the cardiac cases can carry on dying in hospital beds, clutching their sanction notice
the terminal cancer sufferers can carry on crawling in agony down stairs to collect their samction notice from the post box

the kidney disease sufferer can have his/her dialysis room taken away by the "bedroom tax"

the diabetics can continue to starve to death (after all he was ~"only" a squaddie)


and the list of injustices can continue to grow


all in the name of "saving a few bob"...so the tax dodgers can get even fatter.....

Did you miss the point about people being restricted with not being able to work?

so why do the bastards keep sanctioning those very people......well we KNOW WHY....they are easy targets with no voice....and those dishonourable scum in the Jobcenters know this and have targets to meet...the result is a given isnt it.....Same with ATOS...whos "assesments" are a joke...every doctor involved and every "healthcare professional" involved should be immediately struck off and sent to north Korea where they will find their attitude well in demand

I have already stated this and that they should recieve help, this is more about people who can work which many people can and think they should not have to or have lost the positive attitude to find and do work
This has not been discounted, which again you miss the point, but again many people can manage their diabities very well if they keep tot heir deit and medication.

but of course the fact that that guy couldnt ...because he'd been sanctioned and was penniless, doesnt compute does it????

case in point...which kinda makes the point BOTH ways....

As said I am diabetic

today I had an overly skimpy breakfast....

and being busy skipped lunch

by 4:30 I felt well perculiar

now I have just had my meds changed and the new one CAN (apparantly) make me go low....


oooooo...its not nice......

2 mars bars and a cuppa later and I was up and away.....and Mrs V decided she had better cook tea.....

now the point is....what if I was homeless and penniless......what then......

sanctions are an outrage against human rights



All you are doing Victor is missing all the points and looking for exceptions to make your views fit when even then they do not.

Just like the boot licking tories do in fact.....

no edds...I'm NOT being pedantic

what you dont grasp is that society is sick...almost terminally sick if it considers this situation as the "right" way

what century is this???

dont you think that we should be going forwards instead of backwards.....

darknessss wrote:no edds...I'm NOT being pedantic

what you dont grasp is that society is sick...almost terminally sick if it considers this situation as the "right" way

what century is this???

dont you think that we should be going forwards instead of backwards.....

l

What should he do then? Not work?

no. but suggesting that this guy, for all his good attitude may imply, is the role model for everyone is nonsense

and another fine example of the cons finding a grain of dust and promoting it into a gold mountain

something they are very fond of

darknessss wrote:no. but suggesting that this guy, for all his good attitude may imply, is the role model for everyone is nonsense

and another fine example of the cons finding a grain of dust and promoting it into a gold mountain

something they are very fond of

I don't think I said he was a role model?
It's not an ideal situation but he's doing it and good for him.

He leaves at 3.30pm and gets there at 11pm - thats bloody 7 1/2 HOURS!!!!  Then I presume he does an 8 hour shift that would take him until 7 in the morning,  then if it takes him 7 1/2 yrs to walk back again that takes him until 2.30.  And he is 61!  Hopefully he gets some sleep during his overnight, because he bloody doesn't get any during the day does he, and idiots are bloody congratulating him instead of screaming bloody murder about a system that lets him do it.  He'll be very lucky if he sees 70.   What the hell is the matter with you people!

well sass...look at it this way.....it will save having to pay him a pension...so its a win win aint it.....

Quite! Them in charge just love it when fools fall for the 'oh isn't he wonderful killing himself so he can work' line, does their job for them.

quite frankly it is disgusting that his nation makes him do such a thing

This is not good this is symptoms of self centred greedy society, this families suffering for a pittance that barely covers essential while kids born rich that will never work roll in gold.
http://richkidsofinstagram.tumblr.com/
this is not something to be proud of this is a reason to start a revolution

Couldn't agree with you more!

At least no cop has shot him......yet...

True, they are holding that in abeyance in case the walk doesn't kill him.

The world view of the left, nobody cares to think or ask what this man wants. In fact they want to force their views and what they think should be done for him not even again asking him if that is what he wants. How is it sick that a man clearly enjoys this walk everyday being at peace with the world and believes it is down to him to provide for his family? It shows others have no conception of meaning to their own lives and try to decide what is when they have none for themselves. They have no conception of the meaning of being able to provide for a person to provide for their own family He has respect for himself and wants to earn his way in life.

Should he need to walk this far?
No, but he does, because he places the needs of others above himself.
It shows the left have no respect and think everything should be put on a plate for people.
Quitye frankly I am amazed that some of the left even find the will power to get up in the morning because they think the whole world owes them everything and should do nothing to earn anything and expect others to pay the way for others a very unequal way of society which seeks to make everyone miserable.

Thank goodness there are people out there that do not seek or would want of anyone. Even worse they claim he is suffering and yet is nothing of the sort and has more meaning to his life than those who cclaim he is suffering. Again some of the left trying to impose themselves and how people should lead their lives not once asking him what he wants. The left do not want people to have purpose, incentives and goals in life but to be a drain on society. Thie views are in every aspect negative teaching a view of demaning everything to the point nobody should care to do any kind of work but become reliant on others, which makes many people feel of less self worth. They think people with disabilities all of whom many want to work should not work not even caring or bothering to ask them what it means for them to work and have meaning to their lives. The left want to have everyone do nothing in the world whilst others pay their way for them, they thus do not want an equal society but an unfair society, one that favours those who do the least possible.

That is what is really sick here, the left trying to tell others how to live their lives, not caring to ask them how they want to.

Sorry but giving someone affordable healthcare is not telling someone how to live their lives it is letting them live their lives.

This man would not be in this predicament in the UK or Australia since we do have universal health care. Additionally his son would not be a financial burden since he could be on the dole of some sort.

It is the US so it is their system
but I am happy to pay my taxes to make sure people don't find themselves in this situation

veya_victaous wrote:Sorry but giving someone affordable healthcare is not telling someone how to live their lives it is letting them live their lives.

This man would not be in this predicament in the UK or Australia since we do have universal health care. Additionally his son would not be a financial burden since he could be on the dole of some sort.

It is the US so it is their system
but I am happy to pay my taxes to make sure people don't find themselves in this situation

Sorry but you are again telling people how to live their lives and to live them negatively.This many wants or needs nothing yet you decide he does without even asking him, I find that appaling because you are trying to decide his life for him.
Who says his grandson is a finnancial burden? Clearly the man does not think so yet again you decide that he is. This is what is wrong with the left in every aspect they wish to bring people down by making them seem helpless that they cannot help themselves. They wish everyone to not be able to stand on their own two feet.
Stop trying to decide the life of others, it is their choice what they decide not yours.

he can still walk if he wants to

His wife suffered a stroke nine years ago and some days there just isn't enough money to put gas in the couple's 2002 minivan.

After paying for her medical needs they cant even afford Gas for Christ sake And this man Works, a working man should be able to pay his wife's medical needs and Gas even in the lowest paying job.

And What about the wants of his son you think he like Being a finical burden(he has eat so yes if you don't have money and someone is paying you are a finical burden)?
you think he might not want to be able to pay his way?
he has no choice that is unfair.
it says he thinks his granddad is a hero so he probably shares his values, Family and job are the 2 most important things and he doesn't have one an a burden on the other.

This man can do what he is doing if he wants but Society has let his family down.
His Wife for the expensive stroke treatment than has put them in this position and the grandson for not giving him the minimum to survive since the economy can not offer him a job.

Is Your real complaint that You are being forced(by taxes) to be charitable and look after others in he community when a medical hardship strikes, to make sure that if the economy cannot give the youth jobs that they can at least feed and house themselves (even if it is board to parent).

Like I said this is the USA we would not put our own citizens in such a position for obvious reasons, it is just wrong.

Sometimes its hard to countenance that this is 2015.
Whilst I admire this man, it has to be acknowledged that this is a disgraceful situation. It what universe is this acceptable? People would be better putting their efforts into achieving social change that would consign this to the history books.

Another one deciding whether something is wrong for the individual whilst not even bothering to enquire off the person themselves.
This is what is wrong with the views of many people today they look for the negative in everything and do not see the fact this man does not see himself as a burden and wants to help his family. He does not see anything wrong in walking miles to work again something that is a principle of his life and of what brings purpose to his life. The fact he enjoys this walk and is of no concern it seems to those moaning here and I am sure they would even force him to not walk based on their own views and not his. In this day and age I keep hearing. Yes in this day and age we are continuing to make people think they should be as negative as possible, demand everything on a plate and that they should have no goals and incentive or to even enjoy work but that others should pay their way for them.
That is why the socialist ideal brings about misery for everyone, because they wish everyone to be equally unhappy.

risingsun wrote:He leaves at 3.30pm and gets there at 11pm - thats bloody 7 1/2 HOURS!!!!  Then I presume he does an 8 hour shift that would take him until 7 in the morning,  then if it takes him 7 1/2 yrs to walk back again that takes him until 2.30.  And he is 61!  Hopefully he gets some sleep during his overnight, because he bloody doesn't get any during the day does he, and idiots are bloody congratulating him instead of screaming bloody murder about a system that lets him do it.  He'll be very lucky if he sees 70.   What the hell is the matter with you people!

No it's not a good thing for him to be doing is it? But he also cannot change the world in one day - he hasn't got the time or inclination to go out there and protest - so yes, we all know the world isn't perfect, far from it, there is shit everywhere but I have looked at his story and tried to find the positive!
What is the alternative for him???

To go online and spout on and on about things not being fair?? He hasn't got the time or money to do that.

So that's  why he relies on people,like you, or like-minded individuals to change the world and the way it treats oeople like him.
So tell me, what are you doing? Becasue I see alot of your energy going into saving gaza yet people in the Western world - his country, YOUR country - are suffering!!

I see this. I see his situation and yes, he should be paid to live at home and not have to walk all those miles and work so hard - but he does. So rather than sit here saying how unfair it is and yet doing fuck all about it (becasue im not) then I'd rather see this situation in a positive light.

Perhaps, have you thought about this, he actually likes what he's doing because the alternative is more hideous?

And btw, his grandson could actually get up and do the job instead, couldn't he?

And btw sassy, my mentioning your interest in saving Gaza isn't a dig, but I believe charity begins at home tbh, especially if you feel as strongly as you do about the current situation in our country etc

I don't think that was the point Eddie. Nobody is asking HIM to protest, I don't suppose the poor man has the energy. The point was, people reading it should not be saying, isn't he wonderful, they should be saying, what a crap system that forces this man to do this, because anyone who thinks that he would be doing it if a) healthcare for his wife was free, or b) enemployment wasn't so bad that he couldn't get a job nearer homes, needs their heads examining.

risingsun wrote:I don't think that was the point Eddie.  Nobody is asking HIM to protest, I don't suppose the poor man has the energy.  The point was, people reading it should not be saying, isn't he wonderful, they should be saying, what a crap system that forces this man to do this, because anyone who thinks that he would be doing it if a) healthcare for his wife was free, or b) enemployment wasn't so bad that he couldn't get a job nearer homes, needs their heads examining.

I do agree with you sassy, it isn't right. He shouldn't have to do it but my initial reaction was two-fold: what a wonderful man and what an inspiration.
The system is crap. The world is crap and corrupt, I agree.
I'm having my own fight atm with a corrupt council system - and I'm fighting a fat rich bastard in an office lol so got no chance!

Im still wondering though, why his grandson doesn't get up and take his place??

Again why are people deciding if something is good or bad based on the fact they have not even asked whether this person feels the same?
This is what is wrong where people make subjective views onto what they view as wrong never knowing how the person feells even though it is quite clear he clearly enjoys these longs works and then for some to make medical claims to if whether this is good and bad and clearly talking nonsense not again knowing the fitness level of people of what humans are capable of. I have no doubt this keeps him in far better shape than the majority of people his own age. I wish people would stop deciding what is right or wrong for people based on their own negativity. If more people had his positivity and belief in the right ethos in work many more people would be happy. Sadly the socialists in the world wish to bring down people to their belief  to think they are useless and in need of help all the time, which does not bring any worth to people but makes them feel worthless. This is the wrong mental attitude to have towards people because people are basing off a bench mark they have decided.
Should he have to walk this far to work?
No, but he decides and wants to do so again out of choice which none of you can deny him or decide for him.

Some fucking choice.

risingsun wrote:Some fucking choice.  

Who are you to decide whether is it?
Again does he seem unhappy to you?
This is what is wrong with socialism on every level, it makes people envious and jealous of others and brings upon misery to all by bad negative conceptions.

And who are you to decide he is happy doing it?
Who are you to decide that he doesn't worry himself sick about his wife not having care and, if all this makes him ill, what will happen to her with no-one to pay for the care?
Never mind about me asking him, you ask him whether doing something that takes up every hour of his day and only allows him a few short minutes with his sick wife makes him happy?

risingsun wrote:And who are you to decide he is happy doing it?
Who are you to decide that he doesn't worry himself sick about his wife not having care and, if all this makes him ill, she will have no-one to pay for the care?
Never mind about me asking him, you ask him whether doing something that takes up every hour of his day and only allows him a few short minutes with his sick wife makes him happy?

The people reporting this shows and prove he is very happy.
Try reading the article as that may help you for a start.
The rest of your views are nothing more that negative speculation.
If he was truely that worried he would find work nearer to homw to spend more time with his wife, but you cannot see past your own two feet.
Again the left look at everything negatively and fail to see how this brings him joy everyday.

Family and having a job are "the two most important things I can think of," Simoff said, explaining why he walks to his job. "That's my idea of a responsible person," he said, adding, "I'm not saying everybody should try it."
Simoff doesn't hitchhike, although some regulars along the route do stop to offer him a lift. He gets a lift home from a co-worker, who drops him off about 8 miles from home. But Simoff doesn't seem to mind, according to The Register's story. He describes the walking route as "picturesque" and sounds like he enjoys passing the cows and fields along the way. He's done the walk in all kinds of weather, including snow.


For those having difficulty reading

I'm still wondering though, why the grandson doesn't, at the very least, job share with him?

eddie wrote:I'm still wondering though, why the grandson doesn't, at the very least, job share with him?

Maybe the job does not allow for a Job share Eddie.

He may be admirable but regardless the main thing to be taken from it is how badly the US looks from this story. It is a disgrace anyone is having to walk that long and far.

Eilzel wrote:He may be admirable but regardless the main thing to be taken from it is how badly the US looks from this story. It is a disgrace anyone is having to walk that long and far.

Again why is it a disgrace, when the person walking does not believe it is?
Again you decide something is bad when the person who does this takes enjoyment out of this?
Another reason why socialism does not work it seeks to deny people things they enjoy based on what you think and not what he thinks.

Brasidas wrote:

Eilzel wrote:He may be admirable but regardless the main thing to be taken from it is how badly the US looks from this story. It is a disgrace anyone is having to walk that long and far.

Again why is it a disgrace, when the person walking does not believe it is?
Again you decide something is bad when the person who does this takes enjoyment out of this?
Another reason why socialism does not work it seeks to deny people things they enjoy based on what you think and not what he thinks.

Yeah he 'doesn't seem to mind' and 'sounds like' he enjoys his walk. Nothing conclusive there- more likely he just deals with it and doesn't let it bring him down, called making the best of a bad situation. And I'm sure he is happy providing for his loved ones. But We both know if a job nearby came up he would take it.

And I never said he should be denied anything- that is just you jumping to conclusions. Good for him. But you are making a lot of what he's doing regardless of the effect this will have on his social life and health while completely ignoring what this indicates about the gradual failing of the exploitative capitalist system the western world clings to.

Eilzel wrote:

Brasidas wrote:

Again why is it a disgrace, when the person walking does not believe it is?
Again you decide something is bad when the person who does this takes enjoyment out of this?
Another reason why socialism does not work it seeks to deny people things they enjoy based on what you think and not what he thinks.

Yeah he 'doesn't seem to mind' and 'sounds like' he enjoys his walk. Nothing conclusive there- more likely he just deals with it and doesn't let it bring him down, called making the best of a bad situation. And I'm sure he is happy providing for his loved ones. But We both know if a job nearby came up he would take it.

And I never said he should be denied anything- that is just you jumping to conclusions. Good for him. But you are making a lot of what he's doing regardless of the effect this will have on his social life and health while completely ignoring what this indicates about the gradual failing of the exploitative capitalist system the western world clings to.

Again you are making very bold assumptions, not even knowing this individual basing this off your own views. You are saying by claiming it is wrong for him to wlak this distance that he should not and by doing so if you had the power you would no doubt take the freedom away of his choice to do so.
Who are you again to decide how this affects his life, if anything by the views he seems far more happier than many people and his wife is very ill. Most people having to cope here suffer badly in such situations, yet again the evidence points to the opposite here.

Brasidas wrote:

Eilzel wrote:

Yeah he 'doesn't seem to mind' and 'sounds like' he enjoys his walk. Nothing conclusive there- more likely he just deals with it and doesn't let it bring him down, called making the best of a bad situation. And I'm sure he is happy providing for his loved ones. But We both know if a job nearby came up he would take it.

And I never said he should be denied anything- that is just you jumping to conclusions. Good for him. But you are making a lot of what he's doing regardless of the effect this will have on his social life and health while completely ignoring what this indicates about the gradual failing of the exploitative capitalist system the western world clings to.

Again you are making very bold assumptions, not even knowing this individual basing this off your own views. You are saying by claiming it is wrong for him to wlak this distance that he should not and by doing so if you had the power you would no doubt take the freedom away of his choice to do so.
Who are you again to decide how this affects his life, if anything by the views he seems far more happier than many people and his wife is very ill. Most people having to cope here suffer badly in such situations, yet again the evidence points to the opposite here.

Show we EXACTLY where I see that.

Oh that's right I didn't say that- of course I wouldn't take away his freedom fgs

However if I were running the country I would be making sure he had a job to go to close to home (if he chose to)- so he wouldn't HAVE to make such a decision.

Of course you'd rather businesses could do what they like a expect the earth from people- good old exploitative capitalist you are eh didge

Eilzel wrote:

Brasidas wrote:

Again you are making very bold assumptions, not even knowing this individual basing this off your own views. You are saying by claiming it is wrong for him to wlak this distance that he should not and by doing so if you had the power you would no doubt take the freedom away of his choice to do so.
Who are you again to decide how this affects his life, if anything by the views he seems far more happier than many people and his wife is very ill. Most people having to cope here suffer badly in such situations, yet again the evidence points to the opposite here.

Show we EXACTLY where I see that.

Oh that's right I didn't say that- of course I wouldn't take away his freedom fgs

However if I were running the country I would be making sure he had a job to go to close to home (if he chose to)- so he wouldn't HAVE to make such a decision.

Of course you'd rather businesses could do what they like a expect the earth from people- good old exploitative capitalist you are eh didge

Of course you would if you had the means of power Eilzel, this is what left wing views do, they seek to impose their views onto others as they have always done.
You just proved my point afterwards, in your next sentence.
You would make sure he worked closer to home, again gtaking away his choice.
You see this is why socialism is enforcement, it takes away his choice to decide.

Then your last sentence is just you getting upset, that I am showing your views to be wrong. lol Seriously calm down mate.