“Food for Thought”

This is Grandpa’s reply to a letter he received from his granddaughter.
NOTE: Responses to grandpa’s reply have been included in the letter.

Whether you are Republican, or Democrat, the children of our world are entitled to the truth.

It is noted that this Grandpa…John G. is 63 years old, owns a small business and “ He’s a life-long Republican.” He sees his dream of retiring next year as all but evaporated. With the stock market crashing and new taxes coming his way, John assumes now that he will work to his dying day. This American man has a granddaughter. She/He is a recent college grad. She/He drives a flashy hybrid car, wears all the latest fashions, and loves to go out to nightclubs and restaurants. She/He campaigned hard for Obama. “After the election she/he made sure her grandfather (and all other Republican family members) received a big I told-you-so earful on how the world is going to be a much better place now that her party is taking over.” Having lost both roommates, She/He recently ran short of cash and cannot pay the rent (again) on her 3 bedroom townhouse. Like she/he has done many times in the past, she/he emailed her grandfather asking for some financial help.”
This is a corrected version of Grandpa John’s reply:
Grandpa writes…”Sweetheart”

Response

: Future Children of the World

Grandpa writes…”I received your request for assistance. Ashley, you know I love you dearly and I’m sympathetic to your financial plight. Unfortunately, times have changed.” Grandpa says…”With the election of President Obama, your grandmother and I have had to set forth a bold new economic plan of our own…”

Response

: It is important that you understand that the problems we are facing today have a long history. It is imperative that you and other children of our world do the proper research and learn the facts that led up to our country’s present problems.

Grandpa continues…”The Ashley Economic Empowerment Plan. “…” Let me explain. Your grandmother and I are life-long, wage-earning taxpayers. We have lived a comfortable life, as you know, but we have never had the fancier things like European vacations, luxury cars, etc. We have worked hard and were looking forward to retiring soon. But the plan has changed. Your president is raising our personal and business taxes significantly. He says it is so he can give our hard earned money to other people. Do you know what this means, Ashley? It means less for us, and we must cut back on many business and personal expenses.”

Response

: Of course, this is stated through your Grandpa’s beliefs and point of view. If I were to do my historical research with an open-mind, and avoid any narrow-mindedness, on my part: I would expect nothing less of myself than to tell you the facts. President Obama won his election fair and square. The American people overwhelmingly voted for him. It seems the American people were totally fed up with our past Presidents, Senate members, and Congressmen. Then again, we must also consider all those influential and powerful people who have had unprincipled influence on ‘ALL’ those (elected and hired) employees within our government. Furthermore, I must avoid insulting yours’ and other Americans’ intelligence: President Obama did in fact “Inherit the Mess” we as Americans now find ourselves in. Doing your research will factually verify that all the man-made stupidity; whether Republican or Democrat, was, and still remains, over-flowing with flaws and corruption that has “preceded”, and continues to remain in our present government arena.

Grandpa continues… “You know the wonderful receptionist who worked in my office for more than 23 years? The one who always gave you candy when you came over to visit? I had to let her go last week. I can’t afford to pay her salary and all of the government mandated taxes that go with having employees. Your grandmother will now work 4 days a week to answer phones, take orders and handle the books. We will be closed on Fridays and will lose even more money.”

Response

: There I go again. You must forgive your grandpa for his personal, and somewhat narrow-mindedness. If I had to look at the past factual history, I would be reminded of what has come before. Prior to the election of Obama, I must, in all fairness to you, admit that our present situation is a combination of all the “past-pit-full” of studpidity, greed and corruption. The list is long and will require some research on your part. Keep in mind that there are people who would like to downplay the history that has lead us to what is happening today. It is their hope that the American people continue to develop a state of apathy, and become blind to what can be swept under the carpet.

Grandpa continues…”I’m also very sorry to report that your cousin Frank will no longer be working summers in the warehouse. I called him at school this morning. He already knows about it and he’s upset because he will have to give up skydiving and his yearly trip to Greenland to survey the polar bears. That’s just the business side of things. Some personal economic effects of Obama’s new taxation policies include none other than you. You know very well that over the years your grandmother and I have given you thousands of dollars in cash, tuition assistance, food, housing, clothing, gifts, etc., etc. But by your vote, you have chosen to help others — not at your expense — but at our expense.”

Response

: Again, forgive me for insulting your intelligence. I realize that you would find it difficult to feel any empathy for your cousin Frank who will no longer be able to go skydiving and to continue enjoying his yearly trips to Greenland. As far as my ignorance in demeaning your choice of vote, I do apologize. I reluctantly realize that Obama had nothing to do with the greed and corruption that led to the downfall of Wall Street, and all the other things combined that have led to the taxpayer’s “billions-of-dollar-payouts”.

Grandpa continues…”If you need money now sweetheart, I recommend you call 202-456-1111. That is the direct phone number for the White House. You yourself told me how foolish it is to vote Republican. You said Mr. Obama is going to be the People’s President, and is going to help every American live a better life. Based on everything you’ve told me, along with all the promises we heard during the campaign, I’m sure Mr. Obama will be happy to transfer some stimulus money into your bank account. Have him call me for the account number which I memorized years ago. Perhaps you can now understand what I’ve been saying all my life: those who vote for a president should consider the impact on the nation as a whole, and not be just concerned with what they can get for themselves. What Obama supporters don’t seem to realize is all of the money he is redistributing to illegal aliens and non-taxpaying Americans (the so-called “less fortunate”) comes from tax-paying families.”

Response

: Wow! As your grandpa, did I just say that “word-chain-full-of-nonsense?” If I had to be honest with myself, I would have to admit that we sure haven’t given President Obama much time. I also realize, my dear girl, that you are a person with intelligence and integrity and would never bother our busy president with such nonsensical trivia. I guess I did vote for Bush, therefore, maybe my thought process needs some sorting out. After all, if I want to shine in your eyes, I guess I should let go of the old school, do some research, and face some facts. Life is all about change, and living in the information and computer world of today, it only stands to reason that the truth of our country’s need is staring me in the face.

Grandpa continues…”Remember how you told me, “Only the richest of the rich will be affected”? Well guess what, honey? Because we own a business, your grandmother and I are now considered to be the richest of the rich. On paper, it might look that way, but in the real world, we are far from it.

Response

: All I can say here in regard to my statements above is that I am forgetting to count my blessings.
Grandpa continues…”As you said, while campaigning for Obama, some people will have to carry more of the burden so all of America can prosper. You understand what that means, right? It means that raising taxes on productive people results in them having less money; less money for everything, including granddaughters. I’m sorry, Ashley, but the well has run dry. The free lunches are over. I have no money to give you now. So, congratulations on your choice for “change.” For future reference, I encourage you to try and add up the total value of the gifts and cash you have received from us, just since you went off to college, and compare it to what you expect to get from Mr. Obama over the next 4 (or years. I have not kept track of it, Ashley. It has all truly been the gift of our hearts. Remember, we love you dearly…but from now on you’ll need to call the number mentioned above. Your “Savior” has the money we would have given to you. Just try and get it from him. Good luck, sweetheart.”
“Love, Grandpa”

Response

: As for my last three paragraphs, even I have to admit that I sound like an old, greedy, and possibly a misinformed fool who is set in his ways. It is not my intention to mislead you in any way. I may be entitled to my own opinions; but that goes without saying that you are entitled to your own search for the truth.