The internet is home to many, many websites that report the goings on in congress and the oval office in our nation’s capital. A recent article I read had to do with our country’s huge and growing fiscal deficit. It was typical biased prose (can’t recall which way the wind was blowing that day) written by a well known columnist. This website allowed readers to write and post comments about the article. Very few of the comments have any substance to them however every once in a while someone has something to say that is worth reading.
Here is what the commenter said:
The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching
third grade this year….The presidential election was heating up and
some of the children showed an interest. I decided we would have
an election for a class president. We would choose our nominees.
They would make a campaign speech and the class would vote.To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by the other
class members. We discussed what kinds of characteristics these
students should have. We got many nominations and from those,
Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot.The class had done a great job in their selections.
Both candidates were good kids. I thought Jamie might have an
advantage because he got lots of parental support. I had never
seen Olivia’s mother.The day arrived when they were to make their speeches.
Jamie went first. He had specific ideas about how to make our
class a better place. He ended by promising to do his very best.Everyone applauded and he sat down.
Now is was Olivia’s turn to speak. Her speech was concise. She
said, “If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream.” She sat
down.The class went wild. “Yes! Yes! We want ice cream.” She surely
would say more. She did not have to.A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream?
She wasn’t sure.Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it.
She didn’t know.The class really didn’t care. All they were thinking about was ice
cream. Jamie was forgotten…Olivia won by a landslide.Every time Barack Obama opened his mouth he offered ice cream
and 52 percent of the people reacted like nine year olds. They want
ice cream.The other 48 percent know they’re going to have to feed the cow and
clean up the mess.”This is the ice cream Obama promised us!
Remember, the government cannot give anything to anyone —
that they have not first taken away from someone else. “”Did you vote for the ice cream?
I do not know if this is a true story or if it is fiction. What I am certain of is that Olivia has an excellent chance of becoming President of this country when she grows up—and it will make no difference which political party she aligns herself with!!!!
Speaking Out 