I keep my professional contacts fresh for exactly this reason.
I recently received another endorsement on my plumbing license which is typically commensurate w/ a decent raise - I've dealt with a lot of shit, literal and figurative, to get to where I am. I refuse to sell myself short. I turned in my two weeks after I was told they can't afford it.
Meanwhile failson is driving a brand new Ram 1 ton dually, after he wrapped his other brand new truck around a phone pole while out drinking a year ago. HE JUST GOT HIS LICENSE REINSTATED A WEEK AGO. It's got every conceivable option from the dealership, along with a lift, big mud tires, and a bulletproof transmission to handle it all. I'd estimate 120k give or take a few k.
Anyone who has the slightest inkling of the CIA's involvements in Latin America, or the general USG's involvement there should not be surprised in the slightest.
This is a great post, I'm glad we are finally discussing this.