Dakota Beacon

Why work? Good question. When fifty percent of the population pays no taxes and the other fifty percent support them, this begs the question: Why work? Why not live modestly and join the ranks of the supported? Such a choice certainly offers time for far more personal activities.

Resourceful individuals with moderate tastes and a keen awareness of the social and economic environment figured it out long ago. These folks left the work force fleeing the stress and hassle. Others will catch on eventually.

Why work? As a society we’ve finally arrived at the glory of a one party system -- the Government Party – replete with the Democrat wing and the Republican wing.

The decision whether or not to work is not a matter of ethics or conscience. It’s a matter of complying with the established norm, a culture built by generations of politicians.

Over the years our politicians created a wonderful “no work” environment of entitlements, grants, giveaways and assorted benefits. In exchange for their largess, voters retained their politicians in office for life. What a deal!

Why work? During this election season voters must beware they don’t kill the goose that laid the golden egg! It would be a shame to see our current crop of senators and congressmen ousted. Their replacements, especially if they are conservatives and libertarians, would only screw things up.

So, why work? The more a person earns the fewer benefits they are eligible for and the more cash must come out of their personal income to pay for the equivalent benefits. This is called “means testing.”

Even special interest groups like AARP work hand-in-glove with congress advocating on behalf of seniors. Anyone over 50 is a senior entitled to a whole host of benefits. But then, isn’t this form of pandering through benefits the goal of any interest group or union whether representing constituents in the public or government sectors?

Why work? Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle ignore any restraint on presidential budget requests. Year after year more dollars are borrowed to fund an ever expanding government. Why shouldn’t every American get a slice of the pie? During Obama’s tenure congress repeatedly chose not to adopt a budget -- period. If congress isn’t concerned about a budget, then why should anyone be concerned about a never ending stream of money? Why work?

Why work when everybody is guaranteed the American dream -- a home of their own -- regardless of the borrower’s ability to pay the mortgage? Banks are required to lend and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are required to make good on any default.

Why work? No one in America goes without food and shelter. In fact, we are told America has an obesity problem. “The Great Society” made that possible.

Why work? A well-educated generation of millennial graduates will surely solve America’s important economic challenges. Technology and a high standard of solid values will see to that. Their most challenging task will be finding sufficient tax credits when filing their tax returns.

Unemployment is high, but we’re assured by government bureaucrats and political hacks that our economy is headed for a jobless recovery. Why even try to find a job?

Big manufacturing, big insurance, big banks, big pharma and big agribusiness make big profits. They replace people with technology in the name of cost cutting and federal regulations. They ship jobs overseas preferring cheap Chinese and Mexican labor at the expense of American drive and ingenuity. So goes the hue and cry, “Punish the rich and spread the wealth.”

Why work? Those who paid into the system their entire working lives are merely looking for a return on their investment. Surely by taxing the rich there’s plenty of everything to go around.

The First Lady once remarked, “For the first time in my adult life, I’m really proud of my country,” a remark with which some may identify. Meanwhile, our government proceeds with redistributing America’s wealth.

We’re told that the real problem in the world is America. If America would stop stealing the world’s resources for her own opulent lifestyle and cease her racist, polluting, obnoxious ways, then she would not need a military presence in the world. Cut the Defense Department and spread the wealth around.

The words once uttered by that wise theologian ring clearer today than ever before, “America’s chickens are coming home to roost.”

Ah, yes, “A chicken in every pot.” And feathers all over the place.

Why work?

Dennis M. Patrick can be contacted at P. O. Box 337, Stanley, ND 58784 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).