Cyndi's Two Cents
Campaign promises come with a cost
Commentary.
My strawberries have been delectable this season! Several years ago, Jim built a small raised bed for me to grow just enough strawberries for us to enjoy fresh during the season. If I need enough to make jam, I purchase from another farmer. With strawberry shortcake on the menu this week-end, I stopped at the grocery store to pick up some ice cream and cream to whip. Standing in the freezer aisle at Hy-Vee, looking at all those brightly colored cartons of dairy delightfulness reminded me of a story I’ve shared in the past.
This story, told by a 7th grade teacher, is about an election for class president. Candidates were nominated by class members. The first candidate had specific ideas about how to make the class a better place and promised to do his very best. The second candidate had a more concise speech. She said, “If you vote for me, I will give you ice cream.” A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream? She wasn’t sure. Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it? She didn’t know. The class really didn’t care. They wanted ice cream. She won.
As primary elections continue across the country and the nation prepares for general elections on Tuesday, November 4, it is my hope that we all consider not only the benefit, but the cost of “free ice cream.”
Sadly, many Americans are like those students, choosing elected officials at the county, state and national level based upon campaign promises of ice cream for everyone.
The American Dream is a state of mind, not ownership of property. My yardstick for measuring success differs greatly from that of my friends who live and work in Chicago or Indianapolis or Springfield. You cannot mass produce or divide equally among the people something as awesome as an individual’s hope and dreams. Our forefathers laid out a plan to give us opportunity. It is through our own hard work and planning and hours of commitment that we are able to achieve the American dream.
In November, citizens of this country will have the opportunity to let their voices be heard. All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 33 of the 100 seats in the Senate will be contested. Nearly 40 state and territorial governorships, 46 state legislatures, and many state and local offices are also up for election in 2014.
It is my hope that Americans forget the “free” government ice cream because the cost is much more than you and me and generations to come can afford to pay. Give us the freedom to be prosperous in agriculture and we will grow the ingredients and make the ice cream ourselves.
We’ll enjoy some ice cream for ourselves and sell some and pay taxes on it and make a profit on it and invest that money in our rural communities and in our state and we’ll build schools and infrastructure and put more money in the collection plate at church on Sunday.
Unfortunately, some people simply want the free ice cream.
Tags: commentary, Cyndi Young
Cyndi,
You couldn’t have said it any better. Enjoy your strawberries this weekend!!