In the video “Everybody’s Gonna Have to Give,” President Obama announces a plan to cut $100 million from government spending. On paper, that sounds like a lot — until you do the math. In a federal budget that runs in the trillions, $100 million isn’t even a rounding error. It’s like a family with a $100,000 income deciding to skip one cup of coffee a year and calling it fiscal responsibility.
The message of the video was meant to be one of shared sacrifice — that everyone, from everyday citizens to government agencies, needed to tighten their belts. But it’s hard to take that seriously when Washington’s idea of “cutting back” wouldn’t even buy a week’s worth of printer ink for half its offices. The problem isn’t that the gesture was wrong — it’s that it was symbolic when what we needed was substance.
I’ll give credit where it’s due: at least someone was saying the right words. “Everybody’s gonna have to give” is a truth that doesn’t expire. Whether you’re running a farm, a household, or a country, you can’t spend more than you earn and expect it to end well. But for most of us, “giving” has always meant real sacrifice — turning down the thermostat, fixing instead of replacing, going without.
Maybe that’s the real point of reflection this video offers. The government can talk about cutting millions, but regular Americans live those cuts every day. We’re the ones who already give — time, money, patience, and trust. Maybe someday, those in charge will match the example of the people they serve.
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©2009 Sandy Davis | American Way Farm
1 comment:
Laugh isn't the word I'd use. You are much to generous. I'd say Hurl, try not to HURL! In my neck of the woods, a blue state and I am surrounded by them, they just love the new and great plans of this administration.
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