But not where you think!

Photo: CBS News

As reported by CBS Evening News Anchor Jeff Glor.

John Siciliano, a federal corrections officer in New Jersey, hasn’t received a paycheck since December 29, 2018 “and is about to miss a mortgage payment. The bank told him and his wife if they miss a second one, it will start foreclosure proceedings.”

As reported in Wednesday night’s Evening News, Siciliano’s “making a stream of non-stop phone calls to try to hold the banks at bay. He hasn’t gotten a paycheck since December 29th and doesn’t expect to get one any day soon.

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

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

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

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

“ ‘This is ridiculous and this is going to go on for months,’ Siciliano said.

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

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

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

After their story aired, Glor said, “nearly a dozen strangers have offered to help, with one pledged thousands of dollars.

“Others hearts are opening up as well. At an apartment complex in Oklahoma City, as many as 100 federal workers won’t have to worry about rent or utilities for the length of the shutdown, because their building’s management is waiving the cost.

“Java Joe’s Cafe, on Michigan’s upper peninsula is serving free breakfast for Coast Guard workers.

“In the shadow of the nation’s Capitol, one restaurant is flipping free burgers for anyone on the government payroll, including elected officials. Owner Peter Tabibian is hoping free food might help end a costly stalemate.

“ ‘They can sit over a nice juicy burger and hammer this thing out and get these good people back to work,’ he said.”

One thing is clear, some people don’t need to wait for a political resolution to step in and do the right thing. It’s a shame some political leaders can’t do the same.