Fox News fans will recognized this clip of Peggy Joseph (nicknamed Peggy the Moocher by Michelle Malkin): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6ikOxi9yYk
Most of the nation will also recognize Joe Wurzelbacher (Joe the Plumber), who asked Obama about his tax plan and received the now famous "Spread the Wealth" answer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUvwKVvp3-o
Joe the Plumber represents the American Dream. He's a plumber, buying a small business, hoping to join the ranks of the upper middle class in America while providing jobs to other plumbers (less willing to take on the inherent risks of entrepreneurship) and a valuable service to consumers. Despite all the dirt dug up on Joe during the campaign, the fact remains that he is trying to live out the American Dream. He didn't ask President-elect Obama for a thing, except to keep his taxes low enough that his business can thrive. That thriving business is good for Joe's community, good for the state of Ohio, and good for America. The ability to employ others (giving a hand up) and provide a crucial service to consumers while building wealth is what makes America the Land of Opportunity. The government will get its share: Joe will pay taxes, his business will pay taxes and his employees will pay taxes. However, lower taxes will allow Joe's business to grow and thrive and that is good for everyone!
Contrast Joe the Plumber with Peggy the Moocher. Peggy is overjoyed that because she helped President-elect Obama with his campaign (by what, attending a rally?), he's going to help her! Free gas! Free mortgage! Peggy has her hand out waiting for whatever entitlement the government will throw her way. She doesn't care about creating wealth, providing services, or helping other people. Peggy has her hand out shrieking, "ME! ME! ME"
Many Conservatives teased former Presidential candidate John Edwards mercilessly for his claim of "two Americas." I submit to you that there are, indeed, two Americas today. Unlike John Edwards, I do not believe those two Americas are divided by income, I believe our two Americas are divided by those who do (Joe the Plumber) and those who don't (Peggy the Moocher). The one who does doesn't expect the government to support him. Joe the Plumber wants to support himself. He wants to give others the opportunity to support themselves, too. Peggy the Moocher just wants to know what the government is going to give her. She doesn't seem to care where the government is going to get the capital for her free gas or free mortgage, she's just got her hand out and she wants her free stuff now! It's all about Peggy to Peggy.
It is my sincere hope that as a nation, we continue to strive for the American Dream, as symbolized by Joe the Plumber this election year. I fear that dream is disintegrating into an American Nightmare with Peggy the Moocher leading the charge.
No comments:
Post a Comment