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Episode 392 (098) “We are here to help you.”
The day before Mother’s Day; five-thirty in the afternoon and our doorbell rang. It was our mail carrier, Eddie. He had a package in his hands. “I thought you might want this before tomorrow,” he said. “I got done with my route and was all the way downtown and then I found this in one of the bins - hiding. I thought, ‘Brenda’s going to be so disappointed tomorrow if she doesn’t get this. I had better go back." His route was done. His day was done. His week was done. He turned around and brought her the expected Mother’s Day gift. He’s a government worker. And, he helps us.
This is Retirement Talk. I’m Del Lowery.
Most of us retired people know that the government helps us every day. We get our social security checks monthly and we carry a Medicare card everywhere we go. I’m trying to think of what life would be like without either one. I envision a life that doesn’t look nearly as good as the one we have. We retired folks are not children. We know that none of us are so independent we don’t need help now and then. We can admit to this. In days gone by we could depend on our children who lived all around us. But in this day and age, they’re living from coast to coast. Education and jobs demand mobility. The extended family has fragmented and we take long plane rides to see our grandchildren.
The reason this is on my mind is because of an often-heard assumption concerning the government and its relationship to each and every one of us. There is a common assumption about government and it's relationship to we citizens to and it is all negative. Remember Ronald Reagan’s famous words:
The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'
Many people accepted it as true. And we have been paying the price ever since. Of course it is false but it possesses the key to truth in that it is simple,easy to remember and it is cute.
My father-in-law died a few years ago at age 86. He considered himself a “Roosevelt Democrat”. He had lived through the depression on a farm in Iowa. He always believed that the government had indeed helped him and every working man in America. He believed that the government had come to the rescue of the common man with public works programs and social security. He always said that he didn’t know what corporations had ever done for him. Their goal was always the same – profits. If they ever helped the common man it was spinoff as they searched for ways to maximize profits.
My experience has been similar. In the past as a teacher and government employee, I tried to help students. Other teachers I knew did the same. The budgets were always tight. Money was not wasted and the tax payer always got more than what they were paying for. I’m sure some teachers worked harder than others. I’m sure some were better at their profession than others. But, these government workers did come to work and they did try to help.
Just two nights ago I attended a county council meeting that was filled to overflowing with citizens. It looked like a long meeting. The parks director was there because of three issues on the agenda. I took one look at the crowd and decided I would go home and enjoy the evening. The following day I called the parks director’s office at 9 in the morning. He was at his desk. He had gotten home from the previous nights meeting at 11:45. That’s a long day. He had no complaints about the long meeting. I have been on several community committees involved in parks and recreation at the city and county level and worked with many government workers. I have never seen money wasted. I have never seen people who did not try to help. I'm always amazed at the level of care, effort and good intentions that individuals have extended.
I’m sure there are examples of when the government came and didn’t help; Katrina is a case in point. Invading Iraq or torturing prisoners might be two others. I can think of many things our government is doing right now that I don’t believe help me. But for every single example of places where I think government goes wrong I can think of many where government does indeed help. Just pause and imagine us without a government. Brute strength would decide all issues. Brute strength controlled by corporations whose only true goal is profit. I’m not sure I’m strong enough to enjoy that. Not at my age.
We need government alright. It is just a matter of what kind of government. It can help. Reagan’s words turn the truth on its head. In fact the most terrifying words we could hear would be: “There is no government. You’re on your own.”
Just close your eyes and try to imagine that for a minute. It won't be a pretty picture.
This is Retirement Talk with something to think about.
A resource from a listener: Best Free Online Degrees for Seniors guide is designed to assist seniors who aspire to enhance their intellect or consider starting a new career path. It features an overview of the top online degrees for seniors, emphasizing their numerous advantages, and a broad range of subjects to choose from. A friend's website: Terra Firma Designs: Fine Furniture, Stained Glass and woodworking workshops. Copyright 2010 RetirementTalk.org |
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