I've never really spent time in Seattle before, but as I visit, I can't help but think it is underutilized. As it was in Vegas, instead of people waiting on cabs, it's the opposite. And, towncar drivers are offering fixed price / negotiated rides to compete with cabs. How bad will it get before it gets better? My cab drivers told me that the great buildings, financed by Wamu, which once housed thousands of workers, now see twenty.
What have we signed up for? How can we make it better (or at least help)? The only words that come to mind are "don't panic"... But, our fear is probably warranted.
Many authors have foretold of conditions like we now have. Ayn Rand, in "Atlas Shrugged", wrote about a society of "second handers", willing to live off the fruits generated by those who can without any payment whatsoever. They had no appreciation for the men who had the ideas to create masterpieces like these buildings in Seattle, and only expected them to "share" their wealth, mind and effort for the "common good". Slavery is evil. It is no less evil to enslave a creator, because they "can" than to enslave a worker because they "will". And, some will say, as they always do, "...you don't have to look at it that way...we all have our civic duties..." They are wrong, and they will see the result.
I don't mean to be doom and gloom this morning, but I'm worried, concerned and alarmed at what we have just signed up for. I'm not as concerned about the man taking office, or the dismal state of congress, as I am for the "Joe's" who asked for it. How can a supposedly educated populace truly believe that the collectivization of "health care" will make their situation better? How can we believe that we can continue to consume more than we produce and survive? HOW could we possibly believe that we will get better results from physicians who are conscripted to serve us than from those who voluntarily choose to trade with us? And, if we truly believe these things, that the government is more able to provide for us than ourselves, then what right do we have to disagree with whatever they propose? Why not just give our entire lives over to them? "From each according to his ability; to each according to their need". Isn't that what we are proposing? Aren't we saying, as long as you don't make too much, you won't be punished (as much as those rich people), and if you are in more need than your brother (because you have more children, are obviously less capable, and are crying louder) then we'll just give you some money (which we just stole from that rich person).
That is what we just voted for. I'm not going to stand here and tell you that the alternative was a whole lot better, but I am going to tell you that RECORD NUMBERS showed up to confirm that the overwhelming majority of American voters prefer a free ride to the American Dream. I'm dissapointed, concerned and worried. Also, I have no intention of breaking that $250k mark for the next four years (as I'm sure you are aware, other businesses are making the same plans).
Seattle is beautiful. I'm enjoying my life today, likely at the expense of tomorrow. Thanks for the opportunity to rant.
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1 comment:
Of course I agree with your post today....the 2 things about the election that bothered me:
1- what you mentioned, that some many have decided the American Dream depends on the productivity of others.
2- That the press can decide who they want and not only do their best to persuade, but that we let them get away with it.
'A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have..' quote attributed to everyone from Gerald Ford to Thomas Jefferson...
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