Laura's Corner

These are the words that runneth from the mouths of middle class parents.  It was ingrained within our beings that we must follow the above directions in order to have a house, car, family vacations, and all of the other necessities in life.  Yet, where in the world do others obtain their lifelong directions?  You know, the ones who are told to collect free money from the government?  They know if they make $1.00 over maximum standards that they will not be eligible for a handout or three.

I took a long hard look at my paycheck the other day.  Of course I am aware they take “required” taxes, approximately 13% of my total income, for federal, state and Medicare.  Let’s say I make $100,000 per year.  This means that they will remove $13,000 from my total gross income to put towards taxes, none of which I have voted on in the first place.  I take home $87,000, the non-working freeloader takes the other $13,000.  If that doesn’t tick you off, what does?? 

As a middle class individual, I am screwed.  If I make minimum wage or less, I am able to obtain free rental assistance (in a good neighborhood, since they require all multi-unit landlords to rent out a percentage to those that receive government assistance).  I am able to obtain free child care, welfare, health care, food stamps and many other types of assistance as well.  The more children I have, the more the government will throw in to cover the costs which I cannot afford. 

Those of us in middle class are ticked off, but what for?  In lieu of instructing our children to graduate from school, get a job and obtain a college degree, why not just tell them how to get a free hand-out? 

As a middle class individual, forget about assistance for my children.  I make too much for both of my daughters to obtain financial aid or scholarships.  Instead, 13% of my income will go towards the free education for the children of non-working parents. 

Let’s ask ourselves the tough questions.  Why are we instructing our children to work when we know darned well a portion of their hard earned money will go to the next generation of freeloaders?  Why have we been programmed this way for so very long? 

What we have done is obviously not working thus far.  Most I know, including myself, have dedicated our lives to work.  We become baffled and cry when we hear those words, “Today is your last day.”  We realize we are as disposable as toilet paper.  Business owners laugh their way to the bank knowing they can replace us and pay someone less than half of what we made each year.  We now live in fear, taking whatever we can get to put food on the table. 

We have placed our faith in men and come out short.  We have been lead to believe that we will eventually retire and have been guaranteed some sort of social security and Medicare.  Yet each year, social security is increased if (and only if) you wait just one, two or three more years.  Within 10 years your yearly statement will reflect the following, “You can claim full benefits when you reach the ripe old age of 80.”

So, which direction do we point our children?   Sit home, collect free money and do absolutely nothing?  Or, go to school, drop $25,000 - $100,000 on a college education and pray?  Pray that you will have employment upon graduation?  Pray that you will be able to buy a house, car, provide food for your family and other necessities?    Pray that everything will eventually turn around? 

Your thoughts??