I was in my neighborhood restaurant this morning and was seated behind a
group of jubilant individuals celebrating the coming implementation of the
health care bill. I could not finish my breakfast. This is what ensued:
They were a diverse group of several races and both sexes. I heard a young
man exclaim, "Isn't Obama like Jesus Christ? I mean, after all, he is
healing the sick."
A young woman enthusiastically proclaimed, "Yeah, and he does it for free.
I cannot believe anyone would think that a free market wouldn't work for
health care."
Another said, "The stupid Republicans want us all to starve to death so they
can inherit all of the power. Obama should be made a Saint for what he did
for those of us less fortunate."
At this, I had more than enough. I arose from my seat, mustering all the
restraint I could find, and approached their table. "Please excuse me; may I
impose upon you for one moment?"
They smiled and welcomed me to the conversation. I stood at the end of
their table, smiled as best I could and began an experiment.
"I would like to give one of you my house. It will cost you no money and I
will pay all of the expenses and taxes for as long as you live there.
Anyone interested?"
They looked at each other in astonishment. "Why would you do something like
that?" asked a young man, "There isn't anything for free in this world."
They began to laugh at me, as they did not realize this man had just made my
point.
"I am serious, I will give you my house for free, no money whatsoever.
Anyone interested?"
In unison, a resounding "Yeah" fills the room.
"Since there are too many of you, I will have to make a choice as to who
receives this money-free bargain."
I noticed an elderly couple was paying attention to the spectacle unfolding
before their eyes, the old man shaking his head in apparent disgust.
"I tell you what; I will give it to the one of you most willing to obey my
rules."
Again, they looked at one another, an expression of bewilderment on their
faces.
The perky young woman asked, "What are the rules?"
I smiled and said, "I don't know. I have not yet defined them. However, it
is a free home that I offer you."
They giggled amongst themselves, the youngest of which said, "What an old
coot. He must be crazy to give away his home. Go take your meds, old man."
I smiled and leaned into the table a bit further. "I am serious, this is a
legitimate offer."
They gaped at me for a moment.
"I'll take it you old fool. Where are the keys?" boasted the youngest among
them.
"Then I presume you accept ALL of my terms then?" I asked.
The elderly couple seemed amused and entertained as they watched from the
privacy of their table. "Oh yeah! Where do I sign up?"
I took a napkin and wrote, "I give this man my home, without the burden of
financial obligation, so long as he accepts and abides by the terms that I
shall set forth upon consummation of this transaction."
I signed it and handed it to the young man who eagerly scratched out his
signature.
"Where are the keys to my new house?" he asked in a mocking tone of voice.
All eyes were upon us as I stepped back from the table, pulling the keys
from pocket and dangling them before the excited new homeowner.
"Now that we have entered into this binding contract, witnessed by all of
your friends, I have decided upon the conditions you are obligated to adhere
to from this point forward. You may only live in the house for one hour a
day. You will not use anything inside of the home. You will obey me
without question or resistance. I expect complete loyalty and admiration
for this gift I bestow upon you. You will accept my commands and wishes
with enthusiasm, no matter the nature. Your morals and principles shall be
as mine. You will vote as I do, think as I do and do it with blind faith.
These are my terms. Here are your keys."
I reached the keys forward and the young man looked at me dumbfounded.
"Are you out of your mind? Who would ever agree to those ridiculous terms?"
the young man appeared irritated.
"You did when you signed this contract before reading it, understanding it
and with the full knowledge that I would provide my conditions only after
you committed to the agreement."
The elderly man chuckled as his wife tried to restrain him. I was looking
at a now silenced and bewildered group of people.
"You can shove that stupid deal up your a** old man. I want no part of it!"
exclaimed the now infuriated young man.
'You have committed to the contract, as witnessed by all of your friends.
You cannot get out of the deal unless I agree to it. I do not intend to let
you free now that I have you ensnared. I am the power you agreed to.
I am the one you blindly and without thought chose to enslave yourself to.
In short, I am your Master."
At this, the table of celebrating individuals became a unified group against
the unfairness of the deal. After a few moments of unrepeatable comments and
slurs, I revealed my true intent.
"What I did to you is what this administration and congress did to you with
the health care legislation. I easily suckered you in and then revealed the
real cost of the bargain. Your folly was in the belief that you can have
something you did not earn, and for that which you did not earn, you
willingly allowed someone else to think for you. Your failure to research,
study and inform yourself permitted reason to escape you. You have entered
into a trap from which you cannot flee. Your only chance of freedom is if
your new Master gives it to you. A freedom that is given can also be taken
away. Therefore, it is not freedom at all."
With that, I tore up the napkin and placed it before the astonished young
man. "This is the nature of your new health care legislation."
I turned away to leave these few in thought and contemplation -- and was
surprised by applause.
The elderly gentleman, who was clearly entertained, shook my hand
enthusiastically and said, "Thank you, Sir. These kids don't understand
Liberty."
He refused to allow me to pay my bill as he said, "You earned this one. It
is an honor to pick up the tab."
I shook his hand in thanks, leaving the restaurant somewhat humbled and
sensing a glimmer of hope for my beloved country.
Remember... Four boxes keep us free: the soap box, the ballot box, the jury
box, and the cartridge box.
*"Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the American
Government take care of him had better take a closer look at the American
Indian." *~ ~ Henry Ford
