Hey I'll be the first to admit...I've indulged that fantasy...you know, the one where you're smiling ear to ear holding a cardboard check the size of Texas. The thing is though, in my fantasy I'm usually passing out checks the size of Pennsylvania to a long list of relatives, friends, and worthwhile charities. Call me crazy (you wouldn't be the first) but the older I get, the less I seem to need. Seriously, my 1300sq ft Cape Cod with the 1993 Toyota Camry in the drive satisfies me. Not that I begrudge people nice things, but I don't buy into the consumerism that is prevalent in this country. I used to think it was because I was raised by two very sensible, financially responsible parents who taught me the value of living within your means and saving for a rainy day. (BTW thanks Mom and Dad) But it's so much more than that.I'll give you fair warning...this post is political...so for all those squeamish souls who like their truth sugar coated avert your eyes now.
The "progressives" in our government are big on this "income redistribution" thing. They see the disparity between the rich and the poor as something that only the government can fix. You know the old saying "the road to hell is paved with good intentions"? Well hold on to your hats cause this elevator is plunging to the basement. We ARE our brothers keepers...that much is true...but our salvation is not won by having the government confiscate our money to "spread the wealth around" We wonder why the world is so cold and rude and intolerant...well it's because we have stopped having a personal connection to our fellow man. We have come to rely on a faceless bureaucracy instead of each other...instead of God.
What exactly does it mean to be poor anyway? The government would tell you that I am. On paper I would appear to be so. But the only poverty I feel is spiritual poverty. My tiny house, my almost 20 year old car, my modest meals are more than enough for my physical needs. Do I want more? I would be a liar if I said no...but I have all that I need. But do I do enough for my fellow man? If all I did was send my money to Washington then the answer is no! You can't legislate compassion...you can't buy love. Now I know some of you will say "that's all well and fine in LaLa land but those evil, greedy capitalists won't help out of the goodness of their hearts" And you would be right. But are they the only guilty ones? How about all those people who claim they are too busy to help...or don't have the money to help? You know who I mean...the ones who "need" the million dollar home, the 3 car garage to store all those SUV's, the designer clothes, the big screen TV? Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with those things if you can truly afford them. But are they worth putting yourself in debt?
Which leads me back to the progressives. Yes the government is responsible for the safety of it's citizens. But is it worth putting ourselves (and our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren) in debt providing something we should be providing for ourselves?
If I had a million dollars...green dresses and Kraft dinner on me!
