Is the Experiment Finished?

Is the Experiment Finished?

When the results of the election were obvious, I remarked to my 14 year-old son that he was witnessing history. Yes, the first black man had been elected President of the United States, but I had gotten past the color of his skin sometime prior. The history we were witnessing was that a large portion of the American people had figured out how to vote themselves largess at the expense of their fellow countrymen.

During the campaign, Obama was not devious about his plans for our country. For those who were not mesmerized by his rhetoric and Messianic complex, for those who actually listened to his words; he was very straight-forward in regards to his values and core beliefs. Social and economic justice, the greater and collective good were still heard ringing through the halls of academia from professors who still wistfully remember Woodstock as if it was yesterday. For those of us who truly heard, we saw the Constitution in flames, and the great American Experiment, the Representative Republic, dying a slow death.

Leaving the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked what type of government they had given us. He responded, “A Republic, if you can keep it.” Well, people, we are not keeping it and have almost lost sight of it.

Obama won with 53% of the vote, but I don’t believe all of that 53% were people looking for largess. But even if it is half, that amount of Americans is truly sad. Too many believe they don’t have because others do. Too many believe they are victims of something or someone, and are entitled to what others have.

Those special traits which make Americans unique; self-reliance, individualism, idealism, a spirit of daring and adventure, personal responsibility, and pulling oneself up by our bootstraps are fading. We now have Americans looking to the government not just to help pull yourself up by your bootstraps, but to put those boots on your feet for you.

We now have a father in the White House; one who will give if only you ask.

You took out a mortgage you couldn’t afford and you didn’t read any of that pesky paperwork. Especially those parts about your adjustable rate. That’s OK; according to Barney Frank and Chris Dodd, you were entitled to that house. And now that you aren’t paying the mortgage, we know it’s because you are a victim of those greedy lenders. So, Obama is riding in to help you.
Never mind the government does not have any of its own money. The government does not contribute to our economy. It neither produces a good or a service. So where does this money come from? From those who worked hard and saved a down payment, and bought a home within their means. And even if the value of their home is below what they owe, they are still paying their mortgage. In other words, Obama will take from the responsible people, those who had achieved what used to be called the American dream, to give to those who were “entitled” to a house they could not afford and are now victims of some greedy mortgage company. In another America, we would call these people irresponsible and the transfer of wealth would be considered theft.

As home values soared, others used their equity to purchase numerous new toys. And the credit card bills were a bit much, so more equity went to help pay them. A little overextended, are we? Never fear--Obama’s here!

Working part-time 4 years at McDonalds and still no benefits? Why, just go to our father’s town hall meeting and ask. With a wave and a smile, all will be well. And that extra $13 per week in tax relief will buy you a couple lunches at McDonalds.

My God, what have we become?

We punish the responsible, the achievers and reward the irresponsible bad behavior, the failures? There was a time when failure was OK--you learned from it. If failure is rewarded, the bad decisions and bad judgment will continue. How many times must you touch that hot stove before you figure out it burns? Never, as long as our father tells you those blisters come from somewhere else. It’s someone else’s fault. Not yours. He’ll apply some salve and make them all better. And remember, it’s someone else’s salve, because you’re entitled to it.

Written by
Patriot 2