Safety Net: The Path to Slavery
Sep 28th, 2009 | By Anthony De Maio | Category: Featured, Morning Whiskey
For those that grew up in a “typical” family, it was always comforting to know that “daddy” was always there to protect and support you, and “mommy” was always there to comfort you and heal you. It was a pleasant feeling to know that someone was always there to take care of you—to love and protect you regardless of what you did. No matter what happened, you could always “go home” for solace and healing. It’s a tough thing to give up.
As a child, the situation is necessary. However, as a child, it never occurred to us that we were paying a price for this state of affairs. It was a necessary price, but a price nonetheless. The price was obedience and loss of freedom (actually, not a “loss”, since we never had it). You cannot have someone feed you without expecting them to determine what food you eat. You cannot have someone heal you without expecting them to determine the medication (or doctor/method) used. You cannot have someone provide you with a bed, without expecting them to determine the type, size, and place of that bed (home). The clothes they buy you are the clothes THEY buy you—THEY have the final say. If “they” are paying the bills, YOU must pay “the piper”.
As we grow older, we take on more responsibility. We get a job and support ourselves, giving up the security of the home for the independence and freedom of adulthood. We buy our own food and cook it. Some of us get food stamps—and that limits what we can buy for food. We pay for our medical attention. Some of us seek government aid—and we are limited to what doctors we can patronize. We get our own housing and pay our own rent. Some of us seek government assistance—and we are limited to the types of housing we can obtain and the amount of rent we can pay.
It is said that the “government must provide a ‘safety net’ for the citizens”. To my way of thinking, the purpose of a safety net is to protect someone from harm that is doing something they shouldn’t be attempting; and allows the attempt of just all kinds of stupid deeds and inappropriate, unsuitable behavior. One must wonder if the citizens would save for their own retirement if Social Security were not available. One must wonder if the citizens would save for periods of unemployment if unemployment insurance were not available. Does the availability of “Small Business Loans” (which do not have to be repaid if the business goes bankrupt) allow people to go into business rather cavalierly without raising their own money and thus almost guarantee failure? With no penalty for failure, do they not limit the effort put forth? Does the student in high school not worry about saving for college because of the availability of student loans? Does our present illegitimacy rate stem from the “safety net” of welfare?
I wonder if the wish for a government “safety net” is just a longing for the childhood security we remember so fondly. Is it a desire for “mommy” and “daddy” to comfort us and protect us from the consequences of our own behavior and “make things better” as only parents can do. Is it to take the place of our parents and take care of and support us so we don’t have to suffer the responsibilities of adulthood and the consequences of our actions? Is the present trend toward “children” staying at home until the mid or late twenties indicative of something other than economics?
I hope not, because one must remember the OTHER aspects of childhood. Being told when and what to eat; where and when to go; when to come home; who you can and cannot see; what chores you must do and when you must do them; what to wear; what you must NOT do; where you must not go. Remember hoping someone will GIVE you what you want—perhaps for Christmas or a birthday? That was also a part of childhood. I fear the present desire (perhaps craving) in our population for security and the demands that our government “provide” for the population—everything from bread to disaster relief; from medical care to housing; from “A” to “Z”. The government that will “provide” for us and make us “secure” will also enslave us.
Ben Franklin said, “Those that would give up liberty for security will have neither.” Ben Franklin was correct. Just how “secure” are you if someone ELSE has control over your food, shelter, medical attention, and safety? Do you dare to challenge that “person”?
The left has said that “the people” believe in God as a replacement for their father. It is comforting to believe that there is “someone” who knows everything and looks out for you. They say that there appears to be an innate need for humans to believe this, but it simply isn’t a true belief. There is no God. I cannot dispute the left. I do not know if they are correct or not. On the other hand, it is transparently obvious to ME that the left has simply substituted “government” for “God”.
AFTERWORD
I am haunted by the specter of the people on that overpass during hurricane Katrina. They stood there and waited for help. It never occurred to them to help themselves by walking north. When no help was forthcoming, they began to chant, “We want help. We want help. We want help.” It was very clear to ME that they perceived that the way to get help was to “demonstrate” and demand it—to create a disturbance until someone took notice of them and helped them so they would be silent. It was so similar to a child throwing a tantrum that no imagination was needed to draw the parallel. It was clear that they were going to stand there and scream until “daddy” (government) came along and solved their problem. It never dawned upon them that no one was withholding help, there was simply no help to give. What have the “safety nets” done TO our population, not FOR our population? May God help us. We are clearly incapable of helping ourselves—like a papoose that has been carried to long, we cannot walk.
It is an interesting observation that in shielding our citizens from the consequences of their own actions, we have provided “mercy”—and cheated justice.
Regards,
Anthony De Maio
September 28, 2009
Tony,
One word describes the observations you have rendered into stark black and white: FANTASTIC. The United States is rapidly being turned into one gigantic house with the majority of its citizens functioning as children and our elected leaders as the parents.
I wonder what Benjamin Franklin would think if he knew his statement that “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety” is, instead, morphing into “Those who prefer safety in perilous times understand that liberty and freedom are of little importance.” It won’t be long before there will be generations growing up that consider safety and having their every need provided by the State to be a perfectly normal condition. Liberty and freedom? That will be as distant and meaningless to them as WW-1 is to most people today. Something that used to exist but is not longer valid.
The times, they are a-changin’.
Thank you. I’ve thought this for years, and am glad to see it published. My only regret is that you have a limited audience.
Tony…depressing, isn’t it? I’m on the opposite side from our beloved Editor, for once, that being another part of the same problem. I do not WANT oblivion, any more than I want to be a child. It isn’t coincidental that those of us who take responsibility for our own lives and choices–as best we can in these days of the drive towards “Everything that is not mandatory is forbidden”–take far fewer lumps. We don’t NEED safety nets; we have our brains, our characters, and our own efforts. What we need is to stop being forced to support drones. It is long past time to kick the overgrown, overaged “baby” birds and the progeny they produce so recklessly out of the public nest. Anyone stupid enough to have stood on an overpass demanding–DEMANDING–to be rescued deserved his or her fate and probably worse. I would have crawled away from the storm if I had to, and I would have started in plenty of time. Yeah, I’m heartless, arrogant, selfish, and all that sort of stuff. Another terrific piece, Tony. Thanks
Applause.
Too many sheeple have gotten used to the nanny state covering for every mistake they make. The black community has been destroyed by welfare and “victim ” status. Other races are not far behind.
(www,freerepublic,com is the biggest and best conservative forum on the ‘net. IMHO)
Dear Tony: Another great article, thanks. Hurrah from those of us who want to be competent, achieving, autonomous adults. LBT
You’re walking down a deserted street with your wife and daughter.
Suddenly, a jihadist terrorist with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, praises Allah, raises the knife, and charges at you. You are carrying a Glock .40 caliber, and you are an expert shot. You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family.
What do you do?
Liberal’s answer:
Well, that’s not enough information to answer the question!
Does the man look poor or oppressed?
Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack?
Could we run away?
What does my wife think?
What about my daughter?
Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand?
What does the law say about this situation?
Does the Glock have appropriate safety built into it?
Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to society and to my wife & daughter?
Is it possible he’d be happy with just killing me? Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me?
If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was stabbing me?
Should I call 9-1-1?
Why is this street so deserted?
We need to raise taxes, have a “ smoke some weed day” and make this a happier, healthier street that wil discourage such behavior.
This is all so confusing! I need to debate this with some friends for a few days and try to come to a consensus.
Conservative’s answer:
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
Daughter: “Beautiful pattern, daddy!!! Were those the Silver Tips, Black Talons, or the new Hollow Points? That was fun! Let’s find another terrorist!”
First off the people of New Orleans could not walk any where if they tried to cross the bridge to Gretna the sheriff set up road blocks to keep them from coming over http://blog.nola.com/times-pic.....trina.html And the other Highways were under water. Maybe you should do a little bit of research before making assumptions in your nice functioning house .
Hello! I hope you get punched in the face. I lived through Katrina, and subsequently Ike. My home was destroyed in both. I hope that if you ever have to go through a natural disaster, or as you lot like to call them “God’s will,” you lose your entire livelihood. All you’ve got are the (wet, mildewy, disgusting) clothes on your back, two very hungry and confused children, and maybe a few hundred dollars in the bank. Your homeowner’s insurance denies every claim you make, so you’re pretty much on your own. You depend on the kindness of strangers – and yes, the government – to help you get back on your feet. That is why we HAVE a government, to protect the citizens.
For Pete’s sake, I am a Republican but people like you make me want to cry.
Doug,
Yes, it is unfortunate those folks had absolutely no warning that Katrina was coming and were caught by surprise.
After all, they HAD to stay. You couldn’t really expect those folks to evacuate on busses. They were waiting for the luxury trains Nagel DEMANDED of the federal government to take “his” people out of New Orleans.
Also, since they knew the government would help, there was no need to fill some bottles with water or lay in a supply of canned goods. Of course, once they got those credit cards, it was “spend it fast”, the government will provide more. So, lap dances and booze became quite fashionable. It makes sense, they had to do SOMETHING to mitigate their despair. I’m already becoming more understanding.
Whether the comparison is justified or not in view of all the facts is probably open to question. The image of those folks chanting and the consistency with my perception of reality is simply too stark to be ignored.
tony
Hi Christina,
Heck, I’ve been punched in the face so many times, it don’t even hurt no more. It ain’t no fun growing up as a conservative in Silicon Gulch/San Francisco.
I’m sorry you lost your home with Katrina and Ike. Please believe me when I say I take no pleasure in that. However, let me ask you some questions which I’ve asked in many similar situations and have yet to receive satisfactory answers.
1. Why did you not have appropriate insurance for your first home?
2. Why did you build your home in a location subject to such damage?
3.. After having your home destroyed the first time, why did you rebuild in the same location a second time? Was it because the government bailed you out the FIRST TIME?
4. After having lost your first home, why did you not have insurance on your SECOND HOME?
Was it because you saw no need for it since the government would bail you out AGAIN?
5. The MAJOR question is: While I am sorry for your loss, it is clear that YOU bear some responsibility for your loss. Personally, I would have moved after the first storm. The major question is: On what basis do you expect, nay, DEMAND that I pay for your loss? I did not build there; I did not live in the home; I did not cause the storm. On what basis do you stick a gun in my face (through the government) and your hand in my pocket and forcibly take MY money to pay for YOUR behavior/actions/mistakes?
In essence, why is YOUR need a claim on MY life?
As I sed in the paper:
It is said that the “government must provide a ‘safety net’ for the citizens”. To my way of thinking, the purpose of a safety net is to protect someone from harm that is doing something they shouldn’t be attempting; and allows the attempt of just all kinds of stupid deeds and inappropriate, unsuitable behavior.
You had the “safety new” and you engaged in unsuitable behavior. I’m not sure I can blame YOU.
always,
tony
Oooh, BRAVO, Tony! No more unmerited guilt, and here’s to a time when those waiting on the levee are few because the rest of them have gotten the news that the Nanny State is bankrupt and can no longer care for puling infants. Perhaps a few will even have developed common sense.
Doug, you check YOUR facts. The trucks that couldn’t get in to succor the “helpless” were stopped due to warfare between FEMA and the governor of Louisiana. FEMA would not let private relief enter until the Gov geeked to the Fed’s demands. Christina, the purpose of government is to protect citizens from foreign invasion and from ALL of those who would stick their hands in our pockets. Charity is the purview of individuals and churches, not of taxes. I don’t feel generous to those who favor assaulting me. You have robbed me and insulted me, and I have no interest in “helping” you. When we lost power lines and roofs during Ike WE fixed the problems. Linda Brady Traynham
Dear Hostile: That’s one of our better “conservative” jokes. Can your daughter shoot?! LBT
1. Why did you not have appropriate insurance for your first home? Do you have the appropriate earthquake insurance? And what if they go broke and refuse to pay?
2. Why did you build your home in a location subject to such damage? Like Most people in Cali.
3.. After having your home destroyed the first time, why did you rebuild in the same location a second time? Was it because the government bailed you out the FIRST TIME? Like most people in Cali.
Should you area be hit with a 9.0 like has been predicted I will be watching closely for self righteous attitude. Even if you stockpile does not mean it can not be destroyed and you left with virtually nothing.
Doug, dear…still not my problem. Anyone who lives in a whacko place like California, on top of known, active fault lines, deserves what he gets. I have a very wealthy relative who does; gracious, one quake emptied her swimming pool. HER idea of disaster preparedness is a platinum card and a case of perrier! No, I did NOT make that up. She told me once that her idea of roughing it is attempting to check into the Empress, in Victoria, without a reservation. Horrors! Whatever our means, we can take responsibility for our own behavior. Multiple fault lines have opened up in social, financial, political, and economic areas and anyone not at least eyeing hills to run to is going to suffer the consequences. Cordially, Linda
I believe I was talking to Tony, Rancherlady and his response to Christina and why don’t you give me an actual link with your the Fema trucks could not get in response, and make it an actual news site. And god knows that a place like Texas is free of tornadoes , wild fires. droughts , hurricanes and floods . My point there is no place anywhere that is not subject to some force of nature .
From Wikipedia your roof blowing off story does not compare to being surrounded by water with no way out.,
The Federal Emergency Management Agency was heavily criticized in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, primarily for its slow response and inability to coordinate its efforts with other federal agencies relief organizations. Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, said of the slow Federal response, “I was shocked. We are ready to provide considerably more help than they have requested. We are just waiting for the call. I don’t want to sit here and all of a sudden we are all going to be political. Just get it done.”[26]
FEMA was accused of deliberately slowing things down, in an effort to ensure that all assistance and relief workers were coordinated properly. For example, Michael D. Brown, the head of FEMA, on August 29, urged all fire and emergency services departments not to respond to counties and states affected by Hurricane Katrina without being requested and lawfully dispatched by state and local authorities under mutual aid agreements and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.[27]
FEMA also interfered in the Astor Hotel’s’ plans to hire 10 buses to carry approximately 500 guests to higher ground. Federal officials commandeered the buses, and told the guests to join thousands of other evacuees at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.[28] In other instances of FEMA asserting its authority to only ultimately make things worse, FEMA officials turned away three Wal-Mart trailer trucks loaded with water, prevented the Coast Guard from delivering 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel, and on Saturday they cut the Jefferson Parish emergency communications line, leading the sheriff to restore it and post armed guards to protect it from FEMA.[29] The Wal-Mart delivery had actually been turned away a week earlier, on Sunday, August 28, before the hurricane struck. A caravan of 13 Wal-Mart tractor trailers was reported in New Orleans by September 1.[30] Additionally, more than 50 civilian aircraft responding to separate requests for evacuations from hospitals and other agencies swarmed to the area a day after Katrina hit, but FEMA blocked their efforts. Aircraft operators complained that FEMA waved off a number of evacuation attempts, saying the rescuers were not authorized. “Many planes and helicopters simply sat idle,” said Thomas Judge, president of the Assn. of Air Medical Services.[31]
Senator Mary Landrieu (D-Louisiana), was particularly critical of FEMA’s efforts in a statement: “[T]he U.S. Forest Service had water-tanker aircraft available to help douse the fires raging on our riverfront, but FEMA has yet to accept the aid. When Amtrak offered trains to evacuate significant numbers of victims—far more efficiently than buses—FEMA again dragged its feet. Offers of medicine, communications equipment and other desperately needed items continue to flow in, only to be ignored by the agency. But perhaps the greatest disappointment stands at the breached 17th Street levee. Touring this critical site yesterday with the President, I saw what I believed to be a real and significant effort to get a handle on a major cause of this catastrophe. Flying over this critical spot again this morning, less than 24 hours later, it became apparent that yesterday we witnessed a hastily prepared stage set for a Presidential photo opportunity; and the desperately needed resources we saw were this morning reduced to a single, lonely piece of equipment. The good and decent people of southeast Louisiana and the Gulf Coast—black and white, rich and poor, young and old—deserve far better from their national government.”[32] However, Landrieu’s overflight was of the end of the single-lane roadway being built toward the breach. The “single, lonely piece of equipment” was one power shovel, a bulldozer, and two dump trucks. Video did not show the work area a few hundred feet away at the start of the roadway. USACE photos show a variety of equipment at that site the following day.[citation needed]
The New York Times reported that 91,000 tons of ice ordered by FEMA at a cost of over $100 million and intended for hospitals and food storage for relief efforts never made it to the disaster area. Federally contracted truck drivers instead received orders from FEMA to deliver the ice to government rented storage facilities around the country, as far north as Maine. In testimony to a House panel, FEMA director Michael D. Brown stated that “I don’t think that’s a federal government responsibility to provide ice to keep my hamburger meat in my freezer or refrigerator fresh.”[33]
In a September 15, 2005 New York Times opinion column about the privately owned Methodist Hospital in New Orleans, Bob Herbert wrote, “Incredibly, when the out-of-state corporate owners of the hospital responded to the flooding by sending emergency relief supplies, they were confiscated at the airport by FEMA.”[34]
Doug,
1. Not that it is relevant, but I do not live in California. I had sense enough to move. I can foresee the disaster that will hit (or perhaps is hitting) that state as they continue to use tax money for social purposes/programs. How in heck a state that is “broke” can spend billions for stem cell research and a high speed train is beyond me. I guess they do it by borrowing.
Incidently, I do not approve of federal aid to those nuts who built houses on a cliff.
2. I seem to recall an event in history called the San Francisco earthquake. The problem was solved without the federal government.
3. You can play “what if” games all day. What if I break my leg, should YOU pay for it? You ignore the fundamental question of, “Why is my misfortune a claim on my neighbor?” and who is to judge which claims our neighbors will be liable for?
4. When Ike hit, our mayor sent $5,000 to help. I protested. You see, Doug, while the “intent” and “purpose” were noble, IT WASN’T HER MONEY TO SPEND. That money was to run the city. I don’t know what YOU call it when you take money for one purpose and use it for another, but where I come from we call it FRAUD. I called a talk show and publicly made her the following proposition. Let us compare the amount each of us PERSONALLY sent for relief, and the one who contributed least will make up the difference to the other. Of course, she didn’t take me up on it.
What’s the old joke?? A liberal is a person who feels a great responsibility to his fellow man which he wishes to discharge with YOUR money.
5. Can show me where benevolence is addressed in the Constitution. (Please don’t state “promote the general welfare” unless you look up what is meant by that historically.)
6. Sho ’nuff, you can be left with nothing even if you do take precautions and (e.g.) stockpile. Welcome to life. Does that mean that you should NOT take precautions? NOT buy insurance? NOT save for unexpected circumstances? Of course it does, because if you DO, you do not qualify for federal help. Ain’t it strange they are talking about “means testing” Social Security.
Psychology has been around about 300 years. During that time, it appears to have come up with two laws:
a. Rewarded behavior is repeated behavior
b. Non rewarded and punished behavior is not repeated
Doug, what behavior are we rewarding in this country?
7. Finally, I thought this was a discussion board. I see no reason to curtail debate from anyone. As far as I’m concerned, anyone can jump in, even Linda. Why is it liberals want to silence opposition? (I’ve written on that subject also.)
always,
tony
Here’s how a debate goes you make statement people should of walked out . I point out that was impossible . I mistakenly believe you live in California from you post and try and reference that ,Linda jumps in . I did not try and quell any debate and your assumption that I am a liberal is just that . I believe in real conservatism not the pseudo Bush apologist , Rush Limbaugh ,Fox News loving kind . I never said that govt was the answer . The massive deficits that started under Reagan are every bit as bad as the ones under Obama. I believe that the govt has no business in telling you what you can smoke,sleep with, marry or do as long as its consensual . Like Ron Paul I believe that Military Fascism of Bush is wrong and created nothing and will bankrupt this country.
I seemed to be locked out so maybe this site is not as open to debate as advertised so I using a different email.Here’s how a debate goes you make statement people should of walked out . I point out that was impossible . I mistakenly believe you live in California from you post and try and reference that ,Linda jumps in . I did not try and quell any debate and your assumption that I am a liberal is just that . I believe in real conservatism not the pseudo Bush apologist , Rush Limbaugh ,Fox News loving kind . I never said that govt was the answer . The massive deficits that started under Reagan are every bit as bad as the ones under Obama. I believe that the govt has no business in telling you what you can smoke,sleep with, marry or do as long as its consensual . Like Ron Paul I believe that Military follies of Bush were wrong and created nothing and will bankrupt this country.
This site is a pathetic joke written by a bunch of Rush Limbaugh , Fox News , George Bush apologist. I tried to respond and have been locked out . I guess pseudo conservatives are afraid of dissent. Real conservatives do not believe in nanny states or govt deficits . Drug wars , same sex marriage laws and filling jails with people who commit consensual crimes. Ron Paul see the industrial military state as obscene yet most people who call them selves conservtaives are war mongers. Will this make it through Gibson’s cowardly censoring we will see as for me I am done with it and will continue to get my news from real conservatives not apologist.
My dear Bidwacker: I’ve been around here a lot longer than the fantastic Mr. De Maio, so I am in a position to assure you that there is NO censorship here other than as stated in the comment rules. “Doug” is allowed to be as rude to me as he pleases–which is very–and we attempt to engage in sensible discourse. People use language sweet little old ladies like me find offensive. Please tell me how you concluded that we deserve your strictures. Name names and cite instances. Please tell us where you get your news. I don’t listen to Mr. Limbaugh or watch Fox News; I read dozens of reports and articles a day. If you want to dissent, why are you here? If you don’t want our views, why are you here? If you want people who agree with your every word why don’t you just talk to them?
Doug,
You’re not “locked out”. Apparently the site is set up so that messages are not immediately posted.
Yes, I assume you are a liberal. I’m old enough to where I can pretty much spot them by the language they use. I suspect you are a liberal leaning somewhat toward libertarian–but not so much of a libertarian you don’t believe in federal aid, and probably more liberal than libertarian.
When you think about it, except for some closed systems like mathematics, ALL knowledge is “assumptions”–sometimes based upon evidence, sometimes not. Even in math, you START with assumptions.
When I hear folks throwing around words like “pseudo conservative”, “war monger”, “afraid of”, “cowardly”, and of course the ubiquitous”obcene”, I know I’m dealing with someone who deals in name calling instead of facts and logic–hence, a liberal.
As I sed in my last post,
“Whether the comparison is justified or not in view of all the facts is probably open to question. The image of those folks chanting and the consistency with my perception of reality is simply too stark to be ignored.”
You want other examples where folks chant and yell and demonstrate to obtain benefits instead of working for them or helping themselves, I’m sure MANY folks can provide MANY examples. Saw a few on Fox News the other night when ACORN “invaded” various commercial enterprises, picketed, trespassed into offices, etc. in order to “get help”.
I have been considering charming Christina, who wants to punch us in the face, and the ever courteous Doug. The primary difference between our Antipodes is that I just want others to leave me alone to run my life as I see fit, taking the consequences, and I think they are crazy, whereas those on the other side of the spectrum hate me and wish me evil. I find that very confusing. I’m such a nice, sweet lady, and I do so much good in my community…
Doug brushed aside the danger of having the weight of a couple of vehicles smashed across our roof unexpectedly during a brief, violent storm. The pictures are really quite daunting, and it took two days to cut away enough so that we could use two of the seven doors to the house. I think that is a real issue here: WE own our own home. WE solve problems as they arise. WE don’t go running to the government, we assemble with chainsaws, hoists, ladders, our bucket truck, and two trailers to haul off the debris. WE turn the logs into firewood and feed the leaves to cattle and goats. WE clamber around roofs, tarp over holes, and set pans in the kitchen during on-going rain for weeks while waiting for insurance settlements. WE get hot, tired, sweaty, and aching. OUR storm was totally unexpected, and that tree has stood since 1843. We trim our trees, but when the main trunk goes halfway up from the forces, that is how things are sometimes.
How DARE we think our behavior is “normal” and “competent” and “adult” and denigrate those who cannot make decisions for themselves, far less good ones? Quite easily. The laws of nature are inexorable. The laws of man are capricious and destructive. Katrina, Rita, and Ike were not subject to the will of man, and the US was very fortunate to escape a bad hurricane this season. Socialism has never worked, and “Mother Earth” laughs at it.
Those who choose to believe in the perfectability of man and the omniscience of totalitarian governments have nasty shocks every time there is a natural or “man made” disaster. With rising unemployment, reckless government expenditures, graft, and corruption, and falling tax revenues the Nanny State becomes “responsible” for more and more bits of incompetent humanity–the result of government intervention into education, family lives, and religion– with less and less abiility to care for its “children,” aka “voters.”
When the Greater Depression, perhaps with a devalued dollar and/or cessation of sufficient oil imports and driving bans, comes into being…we shall see yet again which group fares best. The “children” can howl for help and demand succor, but it will not be forthcoming. I don’t see any of you arguing with James Howard Kunstler…
Great grief, didn’t your mothers tell you about the Three Little Pigs? Or the Little Red Hen? Did they even read Goldilocks and the Three Bears to you? Push is coming to shove, people, and the world will demonstrate again that life is “nasty, brutish, and short.”
It is time to stop being abusive grasshoppers and go to being ants. Nobody owes you a living, safety, “free” medical care/housing/food/utilities/education, or a rainbow coalition. It has always been dog eat dog, and the beasts are slavering. Why don’t you people go start Lemonade and Marshmallows, sing Kum Bah Yah, and agree amongst yourselves that we are dreadful people. We’re busy furthering our abilities to take care of those we love and ourselves.
Charity begins at home. In a society which can afford it, it spreads to churches. When bureaucrats take over, it’s time to emigrate. I would, too, if I knew a less socialistic cess pool I could get to easily.
Oh…grow up. One of these days soon Nanny is going to stop your allowance. The supposedly “untouchable” Social Security crowd was just told we will have NO COLA increases for the next three years AND a 20% increase in fees. Hey, we’ll change brands of cat food, that’s all….who needs cable TV or cell ‘phones…
Imagine the fun when the welfare crowd, now in its eighth generation, gets whacked. Those folks seem to express themselves rather violently. They think they are “entitled” to whatever they want, at least the illegal Hispanics think they are “entitled” to everything they want, and you may have heard of La Raza, “the Race,” which thinks they are entitled to California, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and anything else which strikes their fancy.
Our southern border is a joke, and every additional illegal that makes it to safety and produces a child adds many, many more mouths to feed…children to be “educated”…stresses on the emergency rooms they use as family doctors…and the dwindling revenues the 25% of us who pay taxes lose half or more of what we earn to provide against our will. How insane is it to pay for those who break our laws? Citizenship was never intended to be applied to lawbreakers and invaders. That provision was to cover current residents and their children who resided in the new Republic.
Good question, Christina and Doug. Do YOU pay taxes? INCOME taxes? Over half of all US citizens do NOT. That doesn’t count the illegals, who don’t, either. How long do you think that we, if you pay, can continue to fund lifestyles of idleness? Why should we, the rest of us? It would make more sense to stop enabling the mentality of dependence. And…I really have no interest in how you provide for yourselves. I am neither related to you nor acquainted with you, and neither of you has been so little as polite.
It isn’t any fun being Cassandra, Christina, Doug, and those who believe as they do. I do not proclaim Doom & Gloom for fun. I’m crying “Wolf!” for real while sticking my finger in the dike. BAD times are coming, and your precious governments and votes aren’t going to be able to do a thing about it except shoot people and confiscate private stores.
You haven’t gotten the real message: for all those you envy because we have “more” than you do, there are untold thousands who lust after what YOU have. WE are robbed by threat of fines and incarceration. Those below you on the socioeconomic scale may well take from you at the points of knives and guns, by their fists, by their mobs. We have “more” than you because we did without while others whooped it up in the credit bubble. We worked forty years and saved. We looked for bargains. Everything we have is invested in our ranch, our livelihood and security for the future–if no one wrests it from us by force. Many will want to.
If you have a vehicle, you could buy and sell something like seven average Chinese families on the proceeds. No, I don’t expect to be invaded by the Chinese. Not for…thirty years, maybe? COULD happen then. Probably won’t, because the USA will have become a third world country nobody wants. Instead of railing at me for being your usual insults (mean-spirited, selfish, prejudiced, heartless, the whole meaningless catch phrase assortment), I suggest, yet again, that you look to your hole cards. You have three choices coming up: you can be prepared and protect what you have…or you can die…or you can take by force what you have been stealing by force of numbers. If you wish to continue this discourse, move it over to http://www.thetexasring.com. If you want to go away and sulk and call me names, that’s fine, too. LBT