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Food for Thought...

A thriving, safe and working America is an appetizing decision.

You live in a teeny town and there is only one restaurant. You can't cook well so you eat at that restaurant a LOT.

One day there's a change of ownership and you notice that the quality of the food has gone down...but the prices have gone up. There's also less staff working and portion sizes are smaller. You sadly note your favorite meals on the menu are now gone and replaced with new items that the patrons agree are not their favorite. Security in the parking lot is lax at best and incidents of crime are up.

At your next visit you realize that the new owner has divided the dining room in two and is offering free meals to people on the opposite side of the room. When you get your bill, there is a surcharge added to it. Despite the additional charges, the quality of the food, service and security continue to diminish.

The next day you read in the paper that there's a new restaurant opening in town. It promises great food, better prices, and efficient service. You've heard about this restaurant from friends in other towns who have eaten there and they seemed to like it. You read reviews online by foodies and the reactions are also positive.

Curious, you attend a soft opening for the new business and observe that your bill arrives surcharge free, the dining room is not divided and there are no comped meals offered at the tables next to yours. The new business also offers attentive security so there is a much lower risk of crime.

So....when the new restaurant opens.....would you boycott it and go back to the old one?

No. No you would not. Why? Because you're not a chump.

So with that in mind...and....after the past four years of higher taxes, witnessing the nation's welfare state skyrocket, enduring policy changes that are not at the will of the people, unending unemployment, threatened national security, and the drastic division of our country....would you vote for a second term of Barack Obama? 

You wouldn't. Because you're not a chump.

Don't be a chump on Election Day. Vote with your head, not your heart. The nation is depending on it.

Greg November 6, 2012 at 07:07 pm
Bren, Please list these empowerment programs, so we all are on the same page.
James R Hoffa November 6, 2012 at 07:13 pm
@Randy1949 -
It's the failing and non-preferred restaurant in Sara's hypothetical analogy that is divided into two dining rooms - the paying an non-paying sections. And because the paying section is subsidizing the costs of the non-paying section, the prices are more expensive in the paying section, thus it's completely conceivable that the guy busing the tables in that restaurant would not be able to afford to eat at that restaurant. In Sara's preferred successful restaurant, "the dining room is not divided and there are no comped meals offered at the tables next to yours." Everyone pays and prices are lower across the board because of this, thus that guy busing the tables at that restaurant is able to afford to eat at that restaurant. Are you saying that you prefer the unsuccessful lower quality divided dining room restaurant to Sara's preferred everyone pays, lower prices, and better quality restaurant? Hoffa thinks that you're not understanding the analogy correctly.
James R Hoffa November 6, 2012 at 07:20 pm
@Bren -
Please define "empowerment programs," giving concrete examples of such programs in our current system of federal government.
Randy1949 November 6, 2012 at 07:26 pm
I'm sure those who can will patronize the new restaurant and the prices will stay low until the older restaurant is driven out of business. Then the new one will stop running at a loss and the prices will go up. That's how it works in real life.
Steve ® November 6, 2012 at 07:29 pm
Randy, this is why you have to trademark your username. You have no legal recourse now. This concludes your free advise provided by Steve®
Bren November 6, 2012 at 07:45 pm
Greg, I consider school and college readiness programs empowerment. Job programs. Programs that help people who have lost their way and have no one to help them regain the path. Programs that keep food on the table for children and parents who are trying to succeed and the elderly and disabled and that keep people in good health are empowerment. I don't have time to make a laundry list but I think you get the gist.
But in all of these, as I wrote earlier, assessment is key. There has to be forward movement or understanding for the inertia and another plan made and implemented. There is potential for reclamation and success in every person.
Randy1949 November 6, 2012 at 08:01 pm
@Steve -- That is actually some useful advice, assuming I can get my character map to copy something unique into my profile username.
CowDung November 6, 2012 at 08:22 pm
I think that in order for one of those programs to be truly empowering, there must not only be an easy way to wean the person off of the program, there must also be an incentive for the person to want to get off the program.
The Anti-Alinsky November 6, 2012 at 08:26 pm
Randy1949 wrote: "...@Anti-Alinsky -- Didn't I say it's a symbiosis? Production needs ownership and vice versa. It's when the ownership feels entitled to the product and the profits while paying minimum wage and no benefits and then holds the workers in contempt for not making enough money to pay taxes (and expects them to do without medical care) that is becomes parasitism."
Yes, but then you went on to bash business, and Mitt Romney in particular. Do you want to do a little more backpedalling and tell your boss how great he is?
Bren November 6, 2012 at 08:46 pm
Greg, Mark 14:7 states, "For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always." Deuteronomy 15:11: "For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command you, saying, you shall open your hand wide unto your brother, to your poor, and to your needy, in your land." These, and numerous other references in the Old and New Testaments, teach that there will always be people who cannot function in well in society at a given time, and that it is the responsibility of those who can/do to be understanding and compassionate.
It wasn't so very long ago when a successful person was gauged by their ability to chase a critter with a spear or gather berries from the upper vines. ; )
Bren November 6, 2012 at 08:48 pm
Getting along, Craig!
James R Hoffa November 6, 2012 at 08:53 pm
@Bren -
Never realized how much religion supposedly governs your life - interesting!
James R Hoffa November 6, 2012 at 08:55 pm
@Randy1949 -
Are you saying that the government is in danger of being ousted by a competitive private sector that will only institute monopolistic controls once it has successful done away with government? Wow, the conspiracy theories are getting worse by the day!
CowDung November 6, 2012 at 08:56 pm
From what Bren stated, it sounds to me that entitlement programs are a clear violation of Church and State. We need to end them all...
Bren November 6, 2012 at 08:59 pm
Cow, I agree that an empowerment program guides people toward solutions, except in the most extreme cases of cognitive and/or physical disability. But that means supporting the problem-solving, and being serious about assessment, evaluation, and accountability. For the client and the agency. Program budget cuts simultaneously erode the number of people who could/should be served and the efficiency of program delivery and measurement. This lack of comprehensiveness leads in the worst cases to multi-generational dysfunction.
CowDung November 6, 2012 at 09:09 pm
...and that's exactly what the Left has given us over the years. Not sure if it is intentional or not, but through these types of programs, the government has created a 'dependent' class.
Greg November 6, 2012 at 09:10 pm
Bren, Since every program could fit your definition and there really is a limit to funding, should you not accept more easily that there are moochers and that they are the ones depriving the people that should be being empowered? Would professional assessment involve means testing and would you be willing to cut everyone from the program that met the means determination?
Bren November 6, 2012 at 09:32 pm
Mr. Hoffa, indeed it does. That's why I struggle with some of the views and attitudes presented as "Christian" in some areas of the political arena. They seem diametrically opposed to the tenets of faith that I was taught.
Cow, I believe it is entirely appropriate for a government created by and for the people to care for those in need. There are some aspects of care in which religion and state can work in harmony and this is one, I believe. Caring for servicemen and women, disaster relief, etc.
Greg November 6, 2012 at 09:43 pm
What did I do? Why am I being replied to in this thread?
Bren November 6, 2012 at 09:54 pm
Cow, I'm not sure the Left is entirely to blame. Evaluation identifies problems, but real work is needed to determine what is the best course and in turn, evaluate the results of the new direction. The Right contributes to the issue by cutting funding for programs, which hampers the less-lovely aspects of service, i.e. assessment and evaluation. Thus unsuccessful/inefficient activities continue without revision, and no one is well served. There will always be social ills that cannot be resolved through a government program, such as racism. This particular problem undermines social progress at so many levels, and yet no amount of money will provide a cure. It has to be self-inspired.
Greg, I agree with Randy--I believe there are far fewer "moochers." I do believe there are people in society who are just not geared for advanced technology for example; who would have been successful 50, even 15 years ago in a trade or service. Today, without a mindset for technology or academia, this person may find themselves in a position that doesn't pay well and/or is susceptible to outsourcing. Right to Work legislation undermines trade unions and leads to wage diminishment. Is a person such as this a "moocher?" I would most emphatically disagree with that assessment. But how to give that person a boost? There are so many shades of grey in this situation.
Luke November 6, 2012 at 09:55 pm
@Bren
Notice that "you" does not refer to government. It actually refers to YOU helping a non-abstract brother.
235301 November 6, 2012 at 09:59 pm
An independent book store paid for by the taxpayers and duped members. Now that's progressive! What's next? Buggy whip factory? Building typewriters? All progressive thoughts. It amazes me that the liberal mind promotes itself as progressives when it's exact opposite: trying to block progress by giving tax incentives to loser businesses and then taxing heavily the winning business by raising the corporate tax to the highest rates in the world. Progressive? Really?
I remember someone said to me years ago that "life's losers vote Democrat". At the time I wanted to disagree vehemently. The last few years have changed my mind. Just take a look at the major voting blocks for the Democratic party and tell me most of those groups don't fall into the category of life's losers.
Bren November 6, 2012 at 10:05 pm
Luke, I interpret "You" as being alive and on this planet!
Luke November 6, 2012 at 10:19 pm
@Bren
Sorry, but your interpretation is not possible. There is no abstract or literary "you" in Koine Greek. See Daniel Wallace's Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics. "You" refers to the person being addressed, and the "brother" is not abstract.
Lyle Ruble November 6, 2012 at 10:28 pm
@H.E. Pennypacker....I've paid taxes my whole working life and now that I'm retired I still pay taxes, including income taxes. The big difference is that I am paying on a smaller income and part of it is deferred because of my retirement. I don't know why you insist on painting such an inaccurate picture of things you have absolutely no knowledge of.
Craig November 6, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Bren: Whoosh- that went over my head.
Sunrocket November 6, 2012 at 11:26 pm
Randy1949 - you say you were always one of those people growing the food and serving it. I am assuming you did that job because you wanted to - not because you were forced to? You must have somewhere decided that that was good enough and you didn't need to take any steps such as higher education to advance yourself so perhaps you could eat in the good dining room and not do the serving? See, that's the problem with you libs - you just assume you are stuck in the same place forever, stuck with your lot in life and no one would let you become more successful. Or is being successful a sin? That's the attitude that makes taking liberals seriously impossible.
Randy1949 November 6, 2012 at 11:34 pm
@sunrocket -- First of all, the growing and serving of the food was metaphorical. Second, you couldn't be more wrong about the higher education. You should never assume.
The one thing I did wrong was to do something i was good at rather than go for an MBA.
Sunrocket November 6, 2012 at 11:38 pm
Randy - I know it was a metaphor - I too to something I love and am good at as opposed to something just for money. But by doing that I realize I will only eat in the good dining room as a special treat. For that I am willing to sacrifice a high paying job for personal happiness.
Scott November 7, 2012 at 07:50 am
I hope all the rednecks are eating crow today.

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Steve ® June 10, 2013 at 03:55 pm
So? What was used and what harm does it cause? Although ironic this may provide more good thanRead More harm. What is written on the application sign?
Cricket June 11, 2013 at 01:31 pm
The bluff and other areas need to be planted with things that will snuff out the weeds. They areRead More harmful to animals and possibly birds, of which there are many at atwater. Obviously not many animals but there are squirrels and rabbits and other native mammals. Not to mention the kids at the play area. Most adult humans can handle an occasional wiff of a pesticide but not children or animals. I have held several pesticide licenses in my day so I have had much course work on this. I am surprised the village has done this but I know restoration is about to begin - again - on the bluff and perhaps they are trying to rid the bluff of all the weeds. It is a shame that the 15+ kids they hire every year can't be up there weeding instead. I don't know what else they could be doing as the village has reduced the amount of annual flower beds that need to be maintained.
PaulRevere June 10, 2013 at 12:40 pm
The liberal minded Patch had it going their way for some time. Then, the contrary opinions became aRead More "voice to be heard". So, like all liberal media, just shut down the "free speech". Speech that educates the people is a NO-NO in the world of "public education". Have no fear, other avenues to educate the public is on the way.
CowDung June 10, 2013 at 12:53 pm
Given the amount of liberal propaganda that is posted around here, one does have to wonder if PatchRead More intended to make it more difficult to reply to comments (and set the record straight)...
Mike Stevens June 14, 2013 at 07:20 am
Wow, PaulRevere, AKA the hardest working person in America, who only takes 1 day per month off andRead More who believes all evil is related to public schooling, has time to not only comment on St. Louis area Patch sites, but on Milwaukee area sites as well? Paul, perhaps you should go back to school to check your grammar--other avenues to educate the public ARE on the way, not IS on the way. Oh, you must be too busy working 20 hours a day (but finding tons of time to comment on several Patch sites) to check grammar
Walker celebrates after defeating the liberal unionista blue fisters
Steve ® June 6, 2013 at 12:10 pm
Sure Keith. I am sure every time you use the term Tea Bagger it is not vulgar. The symbol for yourRead More failed recall movement was a Blue Fist. No one wants to be ruled by a fist and I don't see how that is vulgar when your own logo was a blue fist. Try again.
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Are you assuming we're stupid Steve? Don't. BTW -- you called yourselves Tea Baggers. We're onlyRead More using the term you selected. What a great PR roll-up for this group of Neanderthals. You're problem with that any fister reference is usually the speaker feels it is where his head should be.
Greg June 6, 2013 at 01:10 pm
OHHHHHHHHHHHHH, that is why their fists are blue, OUCH!
Bob McBride June 6, 2013 at 09:04 am
I think if you look at most of the sites still running the older version, you'll see the sameRead More messages of impending doom we got just before the change...
Bob McBride June 6, 2013 at 09:15 am
I got the name wrong, it was "Bellmore", not Belmont. It was part of rollout of what atRead More the time was being referred to as "Patch 2.0" in the press. It was rolled out to five towns in the Long Island, NY area in September of last year. I'm going to attempt to post a link to an article:: http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/mediawire/189296/aols-redesigned-patch-websites-make-a-play-for-neighborhood-groups/
CowDung June 6, 2013 at 09:30 am
"I think if you look at most of the sites still running the older version, you'll see the sameRead More messages of impending doom we got just before the change... " | I think that's true, Bob. I poked around at a number of Patch sites around the country and the 'Welcome to the New Patch' articles were full of the same complaints we are seeing here. | This Patch redesign seems to be the 'New Coke' of websites...
Greg June 4, 2013 at 03:38 pm
Starting at ONLY $70,000.00 Time to cash in your aluminum cans.