The Truth Be Known Nothing is "Free"

Sales taxes will go up. Personally, everyone uses toilet paper, I think. When the prospect for raising taxes was first talked about, I knew that this is the best resolution to the problem as it would represent all residents or visitors who are consuming product in this state. Many people in the cities do not own vehicles especially the elderly and majority of citizens who travel by transit available in their areas. In this area we do not have the same options. Many in our families drive to their places of employment. That is where the gas tax would fall, on us. Gas prices have already eaten the budget dry, not to mention that in New England we also must consume fuel for the winter, and at least half of the year. We all must learn to conserve and that means government as well. Time for them to stop frivolous behaviours. Time for us to tell them why. The personal agendas on our dime have got to stop.

Here are some of the comments I've read or heard this week and my views on them. Who doesn't want something as long as it is "free." The "heated" subject was extended by our School Committee due to comments made at the meeting held last week. The "No" vote was in question that was previously made by the Committee who unanimously voted to setup a special meeting for further discussion on ELT (extended learning time). May 1 was the date stated for a grant-writing deadline.
Experts always say spend the money, as well as the parents who feel that world owes their kids the best of everything. One mother who boldly stood in favor of this over and above approach to education said that she would be in their face until they reinstated the program. It has been my experience that if a child has the desire to learn, who can hold them back? Stick to the basics, which they are having trouble acquiring for some odd reason, having nothing to do with curriculum. Our experts have told you that there is no money. Nothing is "free" someone is paying for all this excess, and that is us. If your child is bored doing all that homework and needs more activity, give them some chores to do. Apparently, your the problem, having not understood what the word "NO" means. As far as the experts, maybe we should get rid of a few of them too. Perhaps, they are in it for a "job."

On Thursday, May 14, in the our local Southbridge Evening News, the headline read " 'It's not good news.' " People who are not working to pay taxes are very opinionated when it comes to their wants. Let's take a look at need, first. Cut out the programs that we cannot afford, (period). These extra programs also require busing. Who is going to pay? That is the first question. We didn't have all the excesses. Were okay. No, were better than okay, we had to learn to do for ourselves. It made us stronger in the end. What the problem is clearly, is that we have NO leaders. A few loud mouths get the action, (who by the way are not the majority). The action leads to the transaction, in the end getting the satisfaction.

Who is the government but us? Who pays the bills? Us. We have elected leaders and we need to be their necks in order to turn their heads to a commonplace, our pockets. Numbers of disenchanted people are rising, and when people are hurting enough, it will be enough! I have told my children over and over as they were growing up that the more taxes you pay the "less free you are." Maybe there are people who wish to work all week and have all their money taken away in the end. And, I venture a guess that it is not a majority. When you have little or no money to spend, how great is your decision-making ability? Your choices? You are still free within your limitations. I understand now why our forefathers fought so hard again the tyranny of taxation. You are your own worse enemy if you do nothing to stop other's from steeling from your coffers. When it comes to your budget, you are the expert. Do not let other's shame you into saying "NO." I cannot afford it.

We are responsible for caring for each other. If you think about it, few people help other's like they did years ago. The reason it worked years ago was in one word "territory." You helped your neighbor. The person who was in contact with you directly. Programs are good, but people who cannot get to places are not able to be helped. Our systems have failed us. They are broken, but we are not if we still know how to love one another.

It was announced that a "free meal" will be available at our local church on Thursday. Very nice of the 970AM Radio Station to air public announcements of this type. It is not the limited governments duty to feed everyone, look after the elderly or lonely or suffering flock, it is "ours." The downside of having a meal once a month is that we wonder who else is helping with the other 92 meals that will be required in May. We all need to do our share, not only two of the smallest churches in town. Yes, the radio station raised a substantial amount of money for food share. We are grateful for their leadership and annual work in caring for the needy. Nothing is better in my estimation, than the one on one. The one in your family who is often not your concern, but ought to be.

I read with interest a post recently who talked about the decision in Texas to have their "needy" remove money from the collection basket in church. Now here is a genuine idea. But, who are the needy? It would be strange somehow for someone to lift money out of the basket from someone who had less and put it in to be given to someone who thought themselves "needy" but had more.

I knew a man who used to stand in line three times or more to get "free" hot dogs, and he was not "needy" but greedy. He appeared poor by the way he dressed. Another person, who lived in a vehicle at a scrap place, considered the town drunk, was thought poor, however it was revealed had a sizable bank account when he passed away. Other's who dress the part, have large, clean cars and big houses, (have no money) but play the look at me game.

How do we define needy. Need is different for many. It is like a disease, when you have it, it is usually your best kept secret. Instead, focus on the word "ME." If you cannot get past that word, then that is the problem. It is the RESOLUTION to the problem at hand.

True freedom will come when the "Me's" become the plural "We's," once again. We the people want the same thing, the pursuit of happiness, for all. If you don't think that we the people are willing to fight for it as in days past, just ask us." We know freedom comes with a price. So, we must ask, just how "free" are we? And, where do we go from here?