BLACK LISTING IS LEGAL IN AMERICA My story is one of deep frustration but is a known fact, it is legal to blacklist people in America. I am 43 years old and have been unable to find a job for one year. Over 200 job applications and 25 interviews later and 4 rescinded job offers after being told I was hired. The work experience which I have includes 25 years in sales, and customer service. The problem began when a former employer reported that I suffered from depression. Unfortunately, after taking Prozac the wonder drug, I became suicidal. The FDA was aware of the overwhelming side effects after conducting extensive studies but failed to inform the general public. This is another story which I will not enlighten you with today, but will do so at a later date. The focus is the subject of legalized blacklisting. I am quite aware of how background checks are done, this is where all the information is being given. Of course, the social security number is the method that employers use to do references checks. Unfortunately, in my case it is for blacklisting purposes. The depression surfaced after the unexpected death of my eldest sister. As a result of continued unemployment, I was forced to file for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy in 2002. However, believing that KNOWLEDGE is POWER, I pursued my education and received a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management in July 2006. Nonetheless, In my opinion, I have now discovered that my valuable time has been wasted. Furthermore, to add insult to injury, I now owe a whopping $90,000 in student Loans. I am very disappointed in the educational system for giving me an “empty promise.” Due to a disability, employers have now “defamed my name and personal character by labeling me as a “risk.” So, there goes another myth, the Americans with Disabilities Act which was created to protect people with disabilities. However, that is another story as well. How is it being done you may be asking? When it comes to the employee background verification process. That's right, the consumer report section of the Credit Report. Our federal government originally issued the social security number for purposes of “record keeping by the Department of the Treasury.” What the average consumer doesn't know is that your social security number can be used to destroy you, in a literal sense. I am thankful to God that I do not have any criminal records. Regardless, in a way I feel that I am being treated as one because I cannot get a job to pay my bills. Therefore, the conclusion that I have drawn is that it is okay for employers to use the social security number to blacklist a person. As this story is being written, my car will soon be repossessed for defaulting on the payment. The social security number has impeded my ability to get credit, a job, and another place to live.