I love analogies. One of my favorites is viewing our country as a household. First off, the family/house you’re born into is completely by chance. We (Americans) were born into a wealthy family. Or adopted into it. We have running water, food, a place to sleep, and amenities. While other households (countries) may be lacking some or all of those things. Secondly, we all disagree with our other family members at some point. But having the “house rules” (Constitution) makes sure that everyone is heard, and no one is taken advantage of or treated unjustly.
I’m not going to go into our relationship with our neighbors. Or exactly how our family started out here, since we know there was bloodshed. I want to talk all but what’s going on right inside our house right now. Because I feel like people are so busy looking out the window that they’re not noticing what is happening to our family.
I want to know. If your child told you they were being poisoned by the water in their bathroom, would you call a plumber and pay to fix it? If your child lost their job and couldn’t buy their own food, would you feed them? If your child couldn’t get to school, would you make sure they got there? If your child had strep throat, but couldn’t afford an antibiotic, would you pay the bill? Of course you would. They are your family. You know investing in your child is going to help set them up for success. Plus, it helps the rest of the family to have a child that can read, isn’t ill, and is thriving.
Obviously, I’m saying that every American has a right to have their basic needs met. And don’t start this “you’re not entitled” bullshit. Yes we are. Being born (or adopted) into this family means we don’t have to (or shouldn’t have to) worry about basic human rights.
Now what about the extras. If your child wants to play baseball, do you let them? Piano lessons? The Internet? Remember, this isn’t about money in your household. Your house is rich. This is about whether you think a child should have to pay for the extra stuff, or if it should come out if the budget. One parent may say, “Yes! We’re able to give this kid experiences and privileges that others can’t have. I say we go for it.” While the other parent may say, “Absolutely not. I didn’t have those things when I grew up and I turned out fine. They will grow up spoiled if we don’t make them work for it.” So what’s the solution? We find a compromise. A budget.
Now what if you have a kid that stealing food out of the pantry. They’re taking more than they need. They’re wasting. They’re selling the food to other kids in the house. Should you disallow all the he kids who can’t buy their own food from eating? No. Because you know who will be hurt? The ones that can’t work. The ones too young. The ones with disabilities. The ones who are struggling.
Now, one of your neighbors is blowing something up. Threatening to blow up your house and your kids. And you notice that a few of your kids look a lot like this neighbor. You know they are your kids. They work, contribute, and are ready part of your family. But….they do look are really lot like those bad people. Do you kick them out? Do you tell them they are unwelcome? Or do you protect your child, because they are part if YOUR FAMILY.
Our family. Our household. America. We need to stop acting like we are in competition with each other. There is no reason every American shouldn’t have every basic need met. Why does Flint still not have clean drinking water? Why is higher education considered a luxury? Why the hell can’t I drive down my road without fear of messing up my car because of the pot holes? Why are there people that have ongoing medical issues that are untreated because they can’t afford the bill?
I am not saying every American needs a new ipad or should be issued a new car. I’m saying we need to stop sending our family to the neighbors house to fight with them and maybe fix our effing roof, make sure everyone’s getting food and water. Maybe we need to ask the ones that are making these decisions for our house why they are eating lobster and sitting in a warm room while there are people downstairs that are thirsty and cold.
I will never understand why there is SO much fear involved in helping people. Always scared someone is going ro get something you’re not getting. They hold on to these stories of someone abusing the system, and clump EVERYONE who needs assistance under it. I have needed food, medical, childcare, and even cash assistance at one point or another in my adulthood. And I don’t feel bad about it. Because America is my family, and I had needs my children and I needed met. And I will be damned if someone is going to tell me that I am a leech off the system or make me feel guilty about it.
thatbethy 