On the Other Hand

By Nancy Spencer, The Delphos Herald
Published:  Monday, May 4, 2009 (10 months, 2 weeks ago)
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Again I have been reading random e-mails that pop into my account. Here is one that caught my eye and I thought I would share it with you. You may disagree and feel the need to tell me about it. I hope you do. Likewise, if you agree, let me hear ya.
I have decided to become a write-in candidate.
Here is my platform:
(1) ‘Press 1 for English’ is immediately banned. English is the official language; speak it.
(2) We will immediately go into a two-year isolationist posture to straighten out the country’s attitude. NO imports, no exports. We will use the “Walmart” policy, ‘If we ain’t got it, you don’t need it.’
(3) When imports are allowed, there will be a 100% import tax on it.
(4) All retired military personnel will be required to man one of our many observation towers on the southern border (six month tour). They will be under strict orders not to fire on SOUTHBOUND aliens.
(5) Social security will immediately return to its original state. If you didn’t put nuttin’ in, you ain’t gettin’ nuttin’ out. The president nor any other politician will be able to touch it.
(6) Welfare — Checks will be handed out on Fridays at the end of the 40 hour school week and the successful completion of urinalysis and a passing grade.
(7) Professional Athletes — Steroids. The FIRST time you check positive you’re banned for life.
(8) Crime — We will adopt the Turkish method, the first time you steal, you lose your right hand. There is no more life sentences. If convicted of murder, you will be put to death by the same method you chose for your victim; gun, knife, strangulation, etc.
(9) One export will be allowed — wheat. The world needs to eat. A bushel of wheat will be the exact price of a barrel of oil.
(10) All foreign aid using American taxpayer money will immediately cease and the saved money will pay off the national debt and ultimately lower taxes. When disasters occur around the world, we’ll ask the American people if they want to donate to a disaster fund and each citizen can make the decision whether it’s a worthy cause..
(11) The Pledge of Allegiance will be said every day at school and every day in Congress.
(12) The National Anthem will be played at all appropriate ceremonies, sporting events, outings, etc.
Sorry if I stepped on anyone’s toes.
GOD BLESS AMERICA .
— Bill Cosby

Some of you may not agree with a few of these or any. They seem harsh and unbending and well, mean. But if you look at them and think about how all of these issues divide our nation, in theory, they might work.
Take No. 2. We pay far more in export taxes than we charge for imports. Why? Don’t we have pride in our workmanship. Don’t we stand behind our products?
No. 5 affects all of us at some point. Where has all the money gone? I have paid SS tax since I started working at the Marathon station and there is no guarantee there will be any left when it comes time for me to collect.
No. 6 goes without saying. We need to stop the generational legacy of welfare. It has its place and when someone NEEDS it, they should have it. They should not, however, make it a career.
I won’t touch the steroids issue. Seems to me that if you are getting paid that much money for your talent, it should be God-given.
No. 10 has been something I have had many discussion with friends about. Why do we feel the need to give so much to others when we have so much need right here? Many times our assistance reaches its destination only to be turned away because it comes from, gasp, Americans!
As an American, if you have a problem saying the Pledge of Allegiance or singing the National Anthem, perhaps you should move to Canada. They have a catchy tune, NOT!
It has been far too long that few stand up and say what we want. The squeaky wheel gets the grease and it’s about time we started squeaking loud enough for our congressmen and others who make OUR decisions that affect OUR lives hear us.
SQUEAK!

2 Reader Responses to “On the Other Hand”

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  1. #1 — Added 10 months, 2 weeks ago

    Nancy

    Your article is excellent. Many have forgotten what really did make this county the greatest in the world and why so many people continue to come here to live and work. They need to remember that they are only a small part of the pie and that everyone needs to adjust to be a part of something better. It is too bad that so many congressmen (and women) forget that American ingenuity, hard work and ability to meld with others is why our country has prospered; not laziness, waiting for others to work the ideas or inability to work with others. We all have a role that we must play. Keep up the good work.

    Posted on May 6, 2009 at 2:54 am by Mike Pothast

  2. #2 — Added 9 months, 4 weeks ago

    Wow. I don’t know where to begin. I teach a cultural diversity class at UNOH and this mentality seems to echo that of most of my students. I feel as if this would make for a good class discussion, at the least.

    Posted on May 21, 2009 at 7:27 am by Sara Berelsman