I love XM Radio. I especially like POTUS XM130. I've been hearing the buzz about job loss. I'm finally sitting up to really listen; almost 600,000 jobs in January '09 alone. I just got done listening to Obama's speech about the state of the economy and was moved by the reality of how many families are without jobs.
I've been thinking about this quite a bit. I'm blessedly sheltered from the realities of our economy because I'm securely employed by the US Air Force. I have a steady paycheck. I have disposable income (disposable as defined as a couple dinners out, a movie and some Starbucks). I'm also a great believer of the Golden Rule....do unto others as you'd have them do to you. A Great Believer!
So, I wonder to myself, What Can I Do? I'd be glad to forego a coffee if it means beans and rice for a family. I'd gladly help pay an utility bill if it means keeping the house warm and clothes clean.
But would I be expected to help the same family if their standard of eating is, say, a Sirloin, Napa Valley Wine and Hand-Whipped Butter? Is it my responsibility to pay for an electric bill so the kids can charge their cell phones and MP3 players? Would I be remiss to refuse an auto payment on a second vehicle (for a family out of work) and -oh, by the way- it's an Acura or Lexus?
I guess I'm wondering if families, who are legitimately experiencing the "CRUNCH" of economic hardships, would be unreasonable to not expect the handout which would keep them in their current or even past standard of living...?
Further, would I be out of line to wonder if these same families, legitimately out of work and searching for more work, would -dare I say- maybe sell one of those extra 42" televisions, or cut the cell phone plan to minimum, or even turn off the cable? I mean, $500 for a used TV can buy groceries - sensible, modest, nutritious groceries for a few weeks. Is it unreasonable to think that taxpayers shouldn't have to shoulder an entire household budget for a family that is inflated or extravagent. Yes, I know -I know....extravagent is defined as...? But seriously. What really does a family need to just survive through lean times?
I would help make a car payment. I really would. If that's the only car they own and it's the family vehicle, or it's the car that's needed to drive to job interviews or take the kids to school (where there is no bus service, legitimately so) or other real necessity.
But pay the cell phone bill? I don't think so. Keep the kids in Sketchers? Um, no. That vacation to Taos? ya-right.
Is anyone else asking these questions? Anyone have an MP3 player to sell? I'm buyin'...
