Things Aren't Always as They Seem

I am wearing my little Republican underwear today, which might bring you to the conclusion that I am a Republican and was a supporter of John McCain and Sarah Palin. Then again, due to my on-and-off-again incontinence problem, maybe I am a supporter of Barack Obama and Joe Biden. My point is, not everything is as it seems to be. To really understand an issue, you must dig deeper and not just scratch the surface. On most issues, there is a no clear "blue or red" position and no side can claim the perfect solution to a problem. There really is no right or wrong way to achieve our most important of goals.





For the past two years, the media has fed us one-liners and a steady dose of simplistic statements about each party platform and the candidates running for the office of the President of the United States. In-depth discussions on the merits to the ideas each candidate had proposed were all but nonexistent and actually caused each candidate trouble when they tried to be comprehensive. I, for one, am thrilled the election process is over.





I do not pretend to be an expert in the political arena and therefore did not use my little blog platform to push my choice for President on anyone. Instead, I would like to share with you my thoughts about the Upper Class in America and what Mr. Obama may not understand about our lives.





I grew up in a family where my Father worked very hard. He left before the sun rose and returned after dark in the evening. He did well financially and invested well. My Mom worked relentlessly doing volunteer work at hospitals, Meals on Wheels, and programs for the deprived children from the inner city of Chicago, to name a few. I was brought up in believing we have the responsibility to help those less fortunate than ourselves.





I am married to the hardest working person I know. His college education was not paid for; instead he worked over 40 hours a week, missing out on most collegiate experiences. For the past 20 years, he has worked long hours, takes very little time off and has provided for his new family very well. Up until 4 years ago, I had also worked my way up the corporate ladder and made a decent salary, too. Then, I choose to take my Mother's route of devoting all my time and money to important charitable efforts, (Free Arts of AZ, Teach for America, Lost Boys of Sudan, safe, Graduation Nights for Seniors, Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers and Sisters, Juvenile Diabetes, local Police and Fire efforts, Rise Up International, I could go on, but you get the idea). In addition, to these efforts, I tried to help individuals get them out of their desperate situations by taking them to court for suspended licenses and drove them to WIC's for diapers and supplies. It has been a very rewarding and valuable experience for me.





We currently give 33% of what we make to the government in the form of taxes, so "they" can use it for whatever programs "they" see fit. That's 33 cents of every hard-earned dollar. Once Obama gets in office and gets his tax plan in place, 40 cents of every dollar we make will be used for whatever "they" see fit. Just where do you think that extra 7 cents per dollar is going to come from? Well, unfortunately, it's the money that currently goes to the non-profit organizations listed above. Bill and me no longer will get to choose what organizations can benefit from our hard work and money. That's sad but it's not the real important part of the story.





You see, by taking out the personal, in your face, touchy-feely aspect to volunteering/donating, I think over time, we stop really caring and understanding the in-depth problem or issue at hand. And when our hearts and thoughts aren't with the people in need, I fear we (the Upper Class) will ask ourselves why are we working so hard, again?! My guess, many salaries will be lowered to, say, $249,000 for the 2008-09 tax season. The old saying, "we gave at the office" will be heard because it will be true. And finally, most of the best solutions to this nations' problems come from volunteers and money supporters who are actually feeding the poor or providing the shelter for the abused woman.





I am worried for the organizations that rely heavily on the Upper Class to financially support their efforts. I am worried for what this kind of hands-off system does to the moral fiber of this country. And, I am tired of politicians who spew the words 'Upper Class' as if we are all some kind of vile, dishonest collection of people, because we are not. Most of us give and give and give some more. We are not asking for a thank you or a pat on the back, either. Mr. Obama, please try to understand that things aren't always as they seem. We are the hard-working individuals that CARRY this nation along and devote our lives for the betterment of others.