Am I Really Ready to Trade my Dignity for a Government Sponsored Handout?

[kimbaustin]

Am I Really Ready to Trade my Dignity for a Government Sponsored Handout?

I promise this is only a mildly political blog!  But as I watched President Obama's address to the nation last night, I couldn't help think that one of our vocabulary words in home school today, "dignity" might be the only saving grace we have left as a country.  My 9 year old son asked me what dignity means and I told him it meant doing something simply because of "pride", "honor" or because it is the right thing to do.  While I said this, I withheld my thoughts that we are quickly becoming a nation of individuals without it. 

Here's what really made me realize the severity of the crisis we are in.  I spent several hours the other night searching the internet looking for a "government sponsored handout".  I REALLY DID THIS!!!!   I even paid $3.95 to have a disc of government grants "rushed" to my doorstep!   It was horrifying to acknowledge to myself that I am considering "leaving my dignity at the doorstep" so I can get my fair share of that $847 billion.  For the first time in my life, I want my handout.  I really do!

I have been a self-employed entrepreneur for 20+ years and I have always perceived and believed that there was an incentive for me as an employer providing good jobs and stimulating the economy and creating something secure for myself.  Afterall, that's the American dream isn't it?  There was no doubt in my mind that the rewards were greater than the risks. But in the last few years, my experiences revealed that the risk/reward ratio was no longer advantageous and I wound down my business before the economy went into a tailspin.  I can only imagine what small business owners are feeling now.  Are they being pushed into their own late night searches for "government sponsored freebies?"  Where is our dignity?  This goes against everything we stand for as a nation.  We are self sufficient, industrious and entrepreneurial people.  Will we remain that way?  

In the last week I have had to explain to my children why my husband and I will never see a dime of Social Security, why Octo-Mom and others like her are a drag on our economy and a disgrace to our country, and why some schools are trying to allow students to opt out of the Pledge of Allegiance and/or trying to remove the word God from our most sacred patriotic traditions. As adults, we can process this, but what must the children be thinking?   I fear we have left them confused and I am un-amused!   The burden of our mistakes will fall squarely on our children's shoulders. 

As I have watched the economists and politicians "duke it out" over the last few months, it has become clear to me that this global economic crisis is beyond the expertise or comprehension of anyone involved.  We are all just guessing!  Maybe Obama got elected because we needed that "deep comforting radio voice" to sooth our fears and uncertainties as we watch our country slip into socialism. 

And yet, I remain optimistic! 

For the last two months, my kids and I have been intensely focused on studying the Founding Fathers and events that have shaped our great country. Their government of the people, by the people and for the people has guided us for generations and allowed us to become the greatest nation in history!  In our country's times of distress and hardship, the responsibility has fallen upon the people to turn things around.  Now we have reached another turning point.  These basic founding principles are being obliterated and the people of America need to step up. 

Like it or not, through the $800+ billion "stimulus package", handouts will be part of our future for some time.  Whether it will save us from ourselves is yet to be determined.  But this I know for certain.  It will be up to the people of this country, not the Politian's to regain the spirit of our Founding Fathers and transition us to something better. 

Ultimately, we must challenge ourselves to make the tough choices and sacrifices now for the sake of our children's futures.   In the process, I see a great opportunity.  Instead of teaching them to look for a hand out, let's teach them about dignity, accountability, honor and patriotism. 

[NannerJanner]

Feb. 26, 2009 at 2:42 AM

Where do you think the money is coming from? Obama's piggy bank? No. We the people that work hard and see 30% of our wages going to the government. We the people that live paycheck to paycheck and sometimes have our electricity or phone shut off because there just isn't enough. We the people that have to tell our children Christmas isn't going to be tons of presents, but handmade gifts and tons of love. We the people that are so freakin tired all the time. We get a little back that we put in, and we go buy our kids something we have been wanting to but couldn't. We see our kids happy for even a moment and our dignity , pride, and honor as a parent is restored. Even if for only a moment, it feels good to make our kids happy. I will take the "government handout" gladly and spoil my kids with it and feel no regrets whatsoever.

[jbradsh0]

Feb. 27, 2009 at 9:13 AM

I understand where you are coming from.  I really do.  I hate telling my kids no.  However, this is an opportunity to teach kids about fiscal responsibility.  The government doesn't have the money, therefore they shouldn't be spending it.  Just like we as responsible citizens shouldn't spend what we don't have.

[kimbaustin]

Feb. 27, 2009 at 1:57 PM

I agree about the fiscal responsibility and not spending money you don't have.  I live in California and at least three times an hour now when we are listening to the radio, there is a acommercial advertising "debt forgiveness" and walking away from your obligations with no consequences.  Just out of curiousity, is this unique to California, or are you all hearing these adds in your states?

 

(Original Poster)

[jbradsh0]

Feb. 27, 2009 at 5:31 PM

No, it's everywhere.  I live in KY and there are debt forgiveness things going on here too.

My DH and I are filing bankruptcy, and some would say that makes me a hypocrite.  We aren't doing it because we are so irresponsible.  We are doing it because we WERE, and can't afford all of our back bills.  We learned from our mistakes, and we are paying consequences, even with the bankruptcy.  The difference is that we will NEVER be in this boat again.  We learned our lesson.  I am doing this with a heavy heart, and with a prayer that my kids will learn from our responsibility NOW, and not look at our past.

[kimbaustin]

Feb. 27, 2009 at 7:40 PM

God Bless You jbradso,

I can't tell you how many people I know from all classes and socioeconomic backgrounds who are in your shoes.  The bottom just fell out of this economy before anyone could see it coming. 

Our finances haven't been the same either and we've had to tap deep into rainy day accounts we thought we would never use. 

I have gone through a complete loss before (home in a fire) and the most important lesson I carry with me is that none of the material stuff matters.  We're not taking it with us, so we can't get too attached.  I do think God is sending the planet a really big "wake-up call" of some kind.    Keep family and friends close.  I really do wish you the best through this!

Kim

(Original Poster)

[jbradsh0]

Feb. 28, 2009 at 9:44 AM

You are too sweet.  I look forward to getting to know you better!!

Jennifer

[goldenraysofsun]

Mar. 2, 2009 at 5:42 PM

In this life you have to pay your dues as you go along. Never owe this life anything or else it will everything you have plus interest.

The American people have created a society based on debt and like with anything, there WILL be a day your debt gets called in (whether you were ready for it or not). Always be prepared for raining days (months and years)!

[kimbaustin]

Mar. 7, 2009 at 2:02 AM

Golden Rays.  I loved your comments.  It really made me think and it is so true what you said.  In fact, my husband said to me tonight that he was shifting into a frame of mind where he no longer wants to sign on notes.  Being in investment management, he always has to participate proportionally in investments.  I think many people are beginning to shift their thinking in this area.

Thanks for reading and posting!

Kim

(Original Poster)