Americans Need to Sacrifice If They Want Change

You know, during the recent presidential election circus, the economy was in the early stages of recession but no one spoke of sacrifice except to mention how our men in uniform were sacrificing themselves for the good of our country while fighting the war on terror. Supporters of John McCain spoke of his own sacrifice while a POW in Vietnam.

The obamadent ran a successful campaign on change. We all talk about how things need to change, but we don't ever talk about how they're going to change.

My first suggestion has to do with our esteemed welfare program, Social Security. Each year, whines emanate from the Capitol dome in Washington warning whoever will listen that the funds to pay our retirees will run out. This program should be re-written and re-vamped to provide only for truly needy senior citizens. In the meantime, senior citizens who can afford to forego the monthly payment should do so.

The well-off retiree should make this sacrifice for the good of the country. I realize that they have paid into the system for at least forty quarters and that they are due the funds, but this is a sacrifice that needs to be made to help slow the coming failure of the S.S. program.

The second form of sacrifice has more to do with self-restraint and selflessness more than trying to change public policy. The worst problem we have in America is poverty. One might think that in the "richest nation in the world" (not true) there would be no poverty. But this class of people grows more each year, especially now with the slump we're in.

Instead of feeding at garbage troughs like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Hardees, KFC, and Taco Bell, we should pocket the money and go home to a nice home-made meal. Rather than buying the latest Blackberry, Blue Ray disc player or iPod accessory, take the money you saved and donate it to the local food bank or to a community organization or church that helps the poor.

The same can be done at Christmas, Hanukah or birthdays. Instead of buying useless knick-knacks, picture frames, candles, or another sweater, make a donation in the giftee's name to a reputable charity (although tempting, not the Human Fund of George Costanza).

Sacrifice is putting others needs before your own. Many people are doing that in their own families at this time. But still there are plenty who are looking out for number one. The duty hierarchy should go like this: God, family, country, then self if there's anything left of your time or money.

When it comes to sacrifice, I guess it comes down to the cliche of putting your money where your mouth is. Anything else is just blather.