THE PANHANDLER SOCIETY

For one famous aphorism credited to him it was as with a number of aspects of John F. Kennedy; viz., only later did the truth become known. “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country,” was not of his devising, but it was very apt and, today more than ever, should be branded on each of our foreheads.

This became clear to me several days prior to November’s disastrous election. I happened to see on television one of John McCain’s town hall meetings somewhere in the Northeast. About 90% of the audience’s questions took the form, “Well, Senator, I’m a _________. If you become President, what will you do for ___________s?” Fill in the blanks with whatever occupation or special interest you like.

When and how did we become a nation of beggars? Was it by watching decades of unbelievable welfare programs, under which money was squandered in every direction without any sort of accountability requirements? With the economic sad tidings the panhandlers are crawling out of the woodwork; there are more open palms than one finds in Hawaii. Everyone, many that brought about their own misfortunes, is feigning helplessness and whining for gratuities.

Historically this country was noted for initiative, perseverance, ingenuity, and brutally hard work. Where have they gone? When did they sublimate? I once asked a man that was relating his difficulties during the Great Depression if there had not been welfare then. “Sure,” he said, “but most people were too proud to take it.” Nowadays whole groups of people are exhorted to be proud of attributes over which they have NO control. We should begin a national program of instilling pride, again, in qualities we DO control.

The other side of President Kennedy’s borrowed wisdom is that people should do things for their country – it should be required. With the abolition of the draft there is no requirement to contribute our time and talents for the benefit of the country. Many citizens do this, but most do not. We should be required to do something to preserve and improve these United States of America. Take a moment to think about other nations where you might be living and then consider whether or not this one is worth your effort.