How’s that “Change” thing working out for you?  Those of us that have been around for a half a century or so can tell you, “Be careful what you wish for.” The good news is, even Mr. Obama is saying that the level of spending that our government has been doing is “unsustainable”. Another old saying is “If you find yourself in a hole, quit digging!”  The bad news is, most American’s can not even begin to comprehend how far in debt our great country is, but we are the one’s that have to take the shovels away from Congress.  I received an e-mail which helps illustrate what is happening to many people across this great country. It is called “Choices” and it went like this…

John is 63 years old and owns his own business. John is a life-long Republican and sees his dream of retiring next year is all but gone. With the stock market crashing and all the new taxes coming his way, John knows he will be working for a good number more years.  John has a granddaughter named Ashley. Ashley is a recent college graduate; she drives a late model car and wears all the latest fashions. Ashley likes going out, a lot. Ashley campaigned hard for Obama and after he won the election she made sure her grandfather (and all other Republican family members) received more than an ear full on how the world is going to be a much better place now that Obama won the Election. Ashley is short of cash and cannot pay her bills again. As she has done many other times, she e-mailed her grandfather asking for some financial help. Here is his reply...

Sweetheart, I am replying to your request for more money. Ashley I love you dearly and I am also sympathetic to your financial plight, but times have changed. With the election of President Obama, your father and mother and I have set forth a bold new 'Ashley Economic' plan of our own. Let me explain.  Your grandmother and I are highly productive, wage earning tax payers. As you know we have lived a comfortable life and in return have forgone many things like fancy vacations, luxury cars, etc. We have worked hard and were looking forward to retiring soon, but this plan has changed. Your president is significantly raising our personal and business taxes. He says it is so he can give our hard earned money to other people. Do you know what this means, Ashley?  It means less income. Less income means we must cut back on many business and personal expenditures. One example is we were forced to let go of our receptionist today. You know her. She always gave you candy when you visited. Did you know she worked for us for the past 18 years? I can't afford her anymore. That is a taste of the business side. Some personal economic effects of Obama's new taxation policies include none other than you. In review you know very well over the years your grandmother and I have given you thousands of dollars in cash, tuition assistance, food, housing clothing, gifts, etc.  By your vote, you have chosen another family over ours for help. Judging from your e-mail requesting more money, I recommend you call 202-456-1111.  That is the direct telephone number for the White House. You yourself repeatedly told me I was foolish to vote Republican. You said Mr. Obama is going to be the people's president and is going to help every American live a better life. Based upon everything you have told me and things we heard from him as he campaigned, I am sure Mr. Obama will be happy to send a check or transfer money into your checking account. Have him call me for the transaction and account numbers. By now, I know them by heart. It's like this. Those who vote for the president should consider what the impact of an election will be on the nation as a whole and not just be concerned with what they can get for themselves (welfare, etc.). Guess what honey? Because of our business your Grandmother and I are now considered the richest of the rich. On paper we might look rich, but in the real world we are really far from it. But as you said while campaigning for Obama, some people will have to carry more of the burden so all of America can prosper. You understand what that means, right? It means raising taxes on productive people which means they will have less money, less money for everything including granddaughters. Congratulations on your choice. For future reference, you might attempt to add up all value of the gifts and money you've received from us over the years and compare it to what you expect to get over the next four years from Mr. Obama. We love you dearly but from now on, please call the number listed above when you need help!  Love, Grandpa

It’s time for America to wake up and pay attention to what is happening in Washington and around the world. We need to be watching a little more News and a little less “Survivor”.

May God bless…

Ron Phillips