The Obama American Dream: Socialism

Tired of romper-room politics, I performed my civic duty and voted. I
chose the only candidate that represented change; change I could believe
in. Obama, untainted by Washington politics, was a breath of fresh air.
Young, energetic and full of fresh ideas, he was the only choice.

Everything was looking up. America was again a shining star on the
world stage; ready to acknowledge its shortcomings, renewing it’s
commitment to our allies and punishing those determine to destroy us.
Domestically, a number of plans were implemented to help those in need;
multiple stimulus shots, automobile benefits to help the environment and
a push to insure everyone. That’s the change I’ve been waiting for!

That was until I lost my job last week.

I found myself unable to pay the bills, afford health insurance and feed
my family. Having lived from pay-check to pay-check for the last 8
years (ironic huh?), I had very little savings. “It’s all good”, I told
myself. After all, the President has established a robust support
structure that’s committed to helping people just like me!

The first call I made was to my bank; informing them that my house
payment would be late. Not wanting to loose my home as others had, I
inquired about the Government sponsored program allowing me to keep my
home until I could resume regular payments. I was promptly informed
that this program was only for those that were in foreclosure or had
been unable to make payments for 90 Days. I hung up.

Still frustrated, I began canceling all the extra luxuries I’ve come to
love: Cable TV, Fitness Memberships, Internet Service and my Cell Phone.
I minimized my bills until I got down to my truck payment. Several
years old and not fancy by any means - if I could ditch it for an
affordable, fuel-efficient car, I could make ends meet for a while
longer. So I was off to the car lot…

When I arrived, the salesman was very interested in my trade-in.
Knowing I could get several thousands towards a small car with the
Cash-for-Clunkers program, I had high hopes that I would break even with
my trade-in. I was actually excited about the prospect as I found an
efficient new car for around $10K. The dealer explained that his manager
was forced to suspend the program because the Government still owed
thousands to their dealership. I left.

That afternoon, I decided to interview for a computer operator job in an
adjacent county monitoring logging schedules, equipment maintenance and
overall production flow. The job was only temporary as the interviewer
stated that the logging jobs were being eliminated due to “green”
pressure from both government and private groups. They could no longer
afford the necessary environmental equipment, controls and lawsuits that
seemed to multiply each month. Health benefits were being eliminated for
the “The free Government-Plan”. I immediately declined the position,
thanked the interviewer and walked out.

On my way home, I was pulled over by a local black & white. I was not
surprised at this point. Mistaking my vehicle as one used in a
convenience store robbery earlier that afternoon, the officers
acknowledge their mistake, but ticketed me for driving with an expired
license. I explained my situation and stated that I did not currently
have the money to renew it and probably would not be able to pay the
ticket on time. They suggested filing for an exception on-line with the
city clerk.

I kindly explained that I was forced to disconnect my internet service
at home. The officers pointed me towards the public library down the
street and suggested using their public internet access. So down the
street I drove… mad as hell.

As I stepped in, the librarian politely asked me for my library card.
“All accesses to Government-funded computer systems must be tracked with
a library card.” Not having been in a library since I was a child, I
stated that I did not have a card. She kindly asked for my drivers
license and began putting me in the system and making me a card. In the
middle of this process, she promptly handed me back my license stating
that a “current license was required”. I explained my situation to no
avail.

Walking out, I began to consider suicide. Could life really be this
bad? The silent whisper in the back of my throbbing head answered in the
affirmative.

The next day, I called began calling various public assistance programs.
DHR (Department of Human Resources) said I made too much during the year
to collect food stamps, but positively identified me as owing back child
support to three women. WHAT? The local JOBS office was closed due to a
shortfall in fiscal year funding. The State Jobs Line would not even
consider me because I had all my limbs and was not a minority. I even
called a National Guard recruiter but was told that their ranks were full
due to overwhelming unemployment - UGH!

I was intent on committing suicide.

So on the third day, I took everything I could carry and went to the
Pawn Shop. I handed the salesman all my valuables, my driver’s license
and asked for an AK-47. He said the Government had banned that
particular weapon. Apparently, one had been used by a fellow who lost
his job and expected the Government to help him out. He ended up
robbing convenience stores to survive.

As the salesman leaned over the counter, he whispered; “Hey pal, did you
know you’re driver’s license has expired?”

Brock Grisham
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“The problem with socialism is you eventually run out of other people’s
money” - Margaret Thatcher

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This article was exclusively provided to www.libnot.com

The author, Brock Grisham, a pseudonym, is a long time, trusted friend of libNOTSr.

Brock is a Senior IT Security Manager. He served as a US Army Ranger under the Special Operations Command in the 90’s. He enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter, collecting firearms and computers.

All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2008, www.libnot.com. Contact admin@libnot.com for reprint permission.

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