Two interesting things came my way this morning. I want to share them with you...especially the thoughts of Dr. Adrian Rogers.
1) The News said Mr. Obama plans to dress up in a stove pipe hat and morning coat, taking his presidential vows with his hand on President Abe Lincoln's Bible. He needs to rethink the idea of the costume. I love the idea of using Lincoln's Bible, however.
And my friend and financial wizard, Ken Lanyon, sent this (and the last sentence...the one that's italicized...is everything you need to know about this piece):
2) "You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation.
You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."
~~~~~ The late Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931 - 2005 ~~~~~
Hi Bill!
I have always wanted to yell at the people who suggest that the solution to any economical problem is to tax the "rich". I would like to ask the person who grosses $30,000 a year how they would feel if their net was around $19,000. I would be willing to bet that it wouldn't sit very well. I also would like to know (and as learned as you are, you may know) what the demographics is for donors to various charities. I would think that most of the supporters of our charities are the very people who are also taxed at a high rate. I am a big believer in teaching a person to fish rather than giving them a fish.
Merry Christmas, Miss Paula!
I've been poor, rich, the middle-income several times. You're right. And I absolutely know from experience.
With respect to donors to charities, etc., the high income give more frequently and more money. That is as expected. Interestingly, though, as a group Jews give FAR more money and endow FAR more hospitals, charities, etc., than anyone else. Totally betrays that very nasty stereotypical reputation that has followed them for centuries.
My sister told me years ago a statement that I have found has never been untrue... "A poor man has NEVER signed my paycheck". She was, is, and forever will be right. I fear our country is in for some bumpy rides the next few years, the housing mess and wall street mess will pale in comparison of what happens when the middle class begin to be taxed to death. A real wakeup call is ahead for many.
Gail, I think your sister was surely right, and you are as well.
I worked for two weeks for a "poor" man once. I was a senior in high school. When I got my first paycheck it bounced. My daddy somewhat in the vain of your sister, said to me, "Now you know why I have told you for years that the Cherrys have never worked for poor people, and I didn't want you to either."
Thanks for your insightful addition.
Bill
Bill,
Well said. I read about the use of the Lincoln bible, but had not heard of the costume. Maybe a powdered wig would work better then the stove pipe hat.
How dramatic a ceremony. I plan to watch reruns that day of "I Love Lucy!"