This piece is currently floating around the internet and I found it interesting, so I've decided to share it.
I did not write it.
A Father Daughter Talk
One day she was challenging her father on his beliefs and his opposition to higher taxes on the rich & the addition of more government welfare programs. Based on the lectures that she had participated in and the occasional chat with a professor she felt that for years her father had obviously harbored an evil, even selfish desire to keep what he thought should be his. The self-professed objectivity proclaimed by her professors had to be the truth and she indicated so to her father.
He stopped her and asked her point blank, how she was doing in school. She answered rather haughtily that she had a 4.0 GPA, and let him know that it was tough to maintain. That she studied all the time, never had time to go out and party like other people she knew. She didn't even have time for a boyfriend and didn't really have many college friends because of spending all her time studying. That she was taking a more difficult curriculum.
Her father listened and then asked, "How is your good friend Mary doing?" She replied, "Mary is barely getting by." She continued, "She barely has a 2.0 GPA," adding, "and all she takes are easy classes and she never studies. But Mary is so very popular on campus, college for her is a blast, she goes to all the parties all the time and very often doesn't even show up for classes because she is too hung over."
Her father then asked his daughter, "Why don't you go to the Dean's office and ask him to deduct a 1.0 off your 4.0 GPA and give it to your friend who only has a 2.0." He continued, "That way you will both have a 3.0 GPA and certainly that would be a fair and equal distribution of GPA."
The daughter visibly shocked by her father's suggestion angrily fired back, "That wouldn't be fair! I worked really hard for mine, I did without and Mary has done little or nothing, she played while I worked real hard!"
The father slowly smiled, winked and said, "Welcome to the Republican Party!"
I feel like that story demonstrates an extremely simplistic view of what the differences are between left and right wing parties, and shows absolutely no understanding of the economic realities that many working class families face. I actually find stories like this really hard to stomach, as it suggests that people who are part of the upper class are all honest hard working individuals, while those of the lower to middle class are slackers who take advantage of the state. Painting either "class" with this kind of broad stereotyping is unfairly simplistic, blatantly untrue, and frankly a bit small minded.
ReplyDeleteThis story should definitely generates some interesting discussion!
At face value, it seems right on. But then you need to introduce a girl named Jane into the picture. Jane is physically handicapped and cannot use her hands to work. She's honest, comes from an honest family, her parents both work honest jobs and have supported their family on their own. But, because of their daughter's handicap, they've struggled to pay their medical bills because of her increasing health needs. See where I am going with this....
ReplyDeleteLOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT! I had the same conversation basically with my idealistic democratic 22 yr old cousin who is finally understanding what working hard means and having to give it to others who don't! As for the handicapped people, I have a sister who has had MS for the past 21 years. Republicans have disabilities too!
ReplyDeleteNothing in this world can be explained in a simple metaphor. I think that although there is a message to take away from this story, it can in no way explain what is going on in our country or how to solve it. People who work hard for their money deserve every penny of it. Unfortunately, not everyone who works hard gets the money they deserve. There is no simple solution. Its really sad when people argue with such a black and white perspective. The best we can all do is work hard, give charitably and pray for those less fortunate. That might sound simple-minded but I think the biggest problem a lot of Americans have is greed.
ReplyDeleteboy oh boy could this lead to some crazy discussions :)
ReplyDeletePeople who work hard for their money, should not HAVE to give it away to those who make less. Yes they may be more fortunate and 'lucky' to have gotten where they are...but why should they give it away. There is no way to pick and choose who to give it to, so why should they give it to anyone. I dont want my money going to those who sit on their ass all day long. I work hard for my money, I dont make much...but I dont think I should be given it.
I know what it is like to have a handicapped person in the family...yes it is a major financial struggle, but the state does help. We got social security and medicare for my brother. My parents worked hard, but there was assistance.
Its those people who are collecting welfare that want things handed to them. Get go a job!! I went from making 52,000 a year to working at Starbucks. Let me tell you what a slap in the face that was...but it made me realize anyone can get a job. You cant be picky if you want an income. Just get yourself out there and be happy you have a job. I would rather make min wage, than sit on my ass and collect welfare, which is others people's money who are actually working hard for it.
Just like the new Dream Act in California...seriously. OH MY WORD!!! I didnt get any free money going to school. I had to pay every single cent back...why should they get free money?!?!?! Give it to those who are actual citizens. Oh I could go on and on about that.
Oh, girl I could go on. I just got so heated...LOL I may have not actually made any sense. :)
Great topic though!! :)
haha love this story!
ReplyDeleteHaha are you sure you want to open this can of worms?? I agree with the principle of this story...and me/my entire family are conservative, however, the financial issues our country is facing- especially this Occupy Wall Street Movement, are not so easily solved.
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ReplyDeleteMy dad shared this with me the same exact story early on as he's a financial planner and investment advisor. That's all I have to say (sending comment now to stay vanilla!!!!)
ReplyDeleteI personally love this! As for those above who have commented & stated that they disagree(I personally feel they are entitled to disagree with me & my opinions because we're American's, that is our right & we all deserve to be heard)because of the disabled child, ect. I have a question for you - have you considered the fact that MANY of these wealthy men & women donate, privately & anonymously, thousands if not millions of their hard earned income to those less fortunate than themselves? Without receiving anything in return? Just food for thought.
ReplyDeletehahahaha I LOVE THIS!!!!!!! I had this on my myspace page like AGES ago, and it's freakin' fantastic.
ReplyDeleteand OH SO TRUE.
and now I seriously want to go to those people's blogs above who disagree and bitch them out.
I know I am seeing this a little late, but in basic form I think this is perfect for the avg college student who has never really faced the world yet, but sits on a high horse telling everyone how it should be. Does it suck that some will work hard their whole lives and it only equal a small amount while some will do nothing and have everything, Yes. but the mass general sterotype is there because most not all but most people who work hard and put forth the effort will succeed and it is not fair to punish or take away any of that to give to someone who did nothing but stick their hand out. Do people need help sometimes yes, but if you constantly take from one to give to the other what is the lesson you send. Evently no one will want to work hard cause it will mean nothing but supporting those who do not.
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