WEALTH

When did it become illegal or immoral to amass wealth? Was it 1957 or 1992 or 2015?  I never heard much, except envy or jealousy, about anyone working hard and becoming rich until recently.  Suddenly it has become fashionable to believe the 1% should be stripped of their assets and then distribute those assets to others.  What a crock.

Since this country was formed there have been success stories. We have had land barons that accumulated wealth in land and cattle.  We have had fortunes made in mining, railroads, oil exploration and production to name just a few.  We would not have railroads without enterprising individuals that became rich, neither would we have automobiles.  These creators of wealth deserve to be in the position they are, more than once they risked everything to get there.

I am not a wealthy man. I do work every day and support my family so we may live a comfortable life.  I started at the bottom and managed to work my way up.  I earned what level of success I have.  I live as I do in spite of the money that our government takes from every pay check I receive.  I am more than willing to pay my share to keep our country strong and safe.  The big injustice I wrestle with constantly is the money taken from me and distributed back to individuals that lack the initiative to attempt to better their station in life.

In today’s political climate and campaign cycle I find myself frightened by the promises of one career politician. Our younger populace is in awe of the grab bag of free benefits this man proudly promises.  Free college for every young person is not reality nor is free medical care for everyone.  This country does not have and cannot tax people enough to pay for the promises that Mr. Sanders proudly professes as his goal.  The people that have earned and been able to keep larger amounts of money want, in no way, to have a government agency that has the power and authority to take their life savings from them.

This same candidate advocates for more stringent gun control laws and limited ability to have and use them. It is no secret that when we reach the point the government increases the taking of assets and redistributing them, gun possession will be eliminated.  We have the God given right to posses to have and bear arms.  There are too many persons in positions of authority today that are waving the banner of more control of the individual and limiting all of our rights.

The only way to combat the forces that are at work trying to completely change the very nature of our country is to become involved. There are more avenues available for us to research the stance of every incumbent as well as each candidate and become aware of their intentions.  Only by becoming educated and informed will we be able to make good choices on the people we send to Washington to represent us.

The thoughts and ideas expressed above are exclusively those of Jack Straley. We may agree, and that’s fine, or we may disagree, that’s okay too.  My sole purpose is to encourage others to think, study, and become involved. Exercise your freedom and above all else please vote.