The 'Fortunate' Listener
Posted February, 2002

Dear G-man,

Nothing makes me happier than knowing that I'm a good and charitable person by seeing the $675+ paycheck taken by the Federal, State, and local governments to help the "less fortunate" recorded on my pay stub. You know, those people who are not as "fortunate" as I am to have, find and keep a job to feed my family. "Fortunate" enough to have to work a second job to make ends meet. Folks who are not as "fortunate" as I am to make sacrifices to raise my children properly at my own expense.

Why, I'm so "fortunate" that I could go on, and on, about all the "luck" and "fortune" that has come to define my entire life! Yet the other day I was "fortunate" enough to witness the benefits of my charity! A sight that made my chest swell with American pride! A woman was buying her groceries in the checkout line in front of me. She had food and supplies (that I can usually afford for a week)sitting on the counter. She paid for it all with food stamps. She then took two $20 bills from her purse and bought a carton of cigarettes that cost $32.00. I am so glad I have been able to help this "less fortunate" woman!! I was so proud that she had the self-esteem to not even show a hint of conscience, or shame after she saw the look on my face!

I am a proud and caring American. I should be glad to give up that amount of money that adds up to over 1/4 of my paycheck. I hope my children will know how charitable I am being by not being able to buy them new clothes and shoes when they need them. I am so fortunate that I live in America, where we have politicians who know better than I do that I don't need to buy groceries without worrying about paying the rent also! God Bless America! And God bless you lady-who-can-afford-to-buy-luxuries-while-I-must-go-without-because-of-people-like-you!

Just to clarify: to those who will classify me as "rich" and "fortunate". My "take-home" pay would qualify to let me get on the government dole as well! But I have a conscience about stealing from others for my benefit!

T. Meadows