I had an opportunity to talk about this earlier today on Eight Twenty Penn with host, and my good friend, Kristopher Lee. On the show I made the point that if I am having trouble paying my bills, I can't simply borrow the money by promising the lender that I will force my neighbors to repay my debt. Instead, I am compelled to cut back on my spending or, if all else fails, declare bankruptcy. Any attempt by myself to acquire funds via violence would be considered a crime. But that is exactly what the city of Marion intends to do. Indeed, this is standard operating procedure for all governments. They assume that if they need money, you have to pay. They help themselves to the fruits of your labor and greedily devour it. They say that they are offering you services, and they must be paid for providing these services. But you'll notice that when you hire the services of a roofer, he doesn't return after the job has been completed and paid for to demand more money because he can't afford his insurance.
Why doesn't the city consider asking the residents for the money? I'm not talking about asking for a tax increase. I mean they should take to the streets and personally beg for the money they "need" to make payroll. Perhaps they can have a bake sale, or make and sell some crafts, or maybe host a walkathon, or any other activity that churches and other not-for-profits use to raise funds. They can stand at intersections and pester drivers for their loose change. I can almost hear the council members scoffing at such an idea. They think those options are beneath them. They feel they have a right to your money and you should just be happy with what they let you keep. They are spending this money on your behalf and it is you who should be thanking them. They take for granted that they can tap into your resources, the money you earned in exchange for your time, effort, and productivity, and use it however they see fit.
Never forget that it is your money and that they are supposed to be working for you. Not the other way around. If we didn't go to work and earn the money, they would have nothing to tax. They are totally dependent on private productivity. If they would like more money, they should have to go out and earn it just like everyone else. I have more respect for the homeless people on the streets of Chicago who harass every passerby than I do for the thieving and arrogant local politicians who constantly squander the people's money. In fact, I have more respect for the muggers than I do these "public servants". At least the mugger doesn't expect you to be grateful for being robbed.
No doubt, the city government of Marion will eventually get its loan. They will not feel remorse. They will more likely feel relief. They will pat themselves on the back for saving the city from their own ruinous policies. It will be business as usual. They will waste the money they do get, and they will always come back for more. They will not be the least bit embarrassed by their contemptible behavior. You will put up with it. You will continue to go to work so that you can pay for their debts. You will continue to try and use what limited resources you have to improve life for your family and yourself. They will continue to increase your burdens and make it more difficult for you to succeed in that endeavor. You will continue to pay their bills before you can even pay your own.
Lord, haste the day when the Proles rise up and shake themselves like a horse shaking off flies.
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