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He may have said something similar
but I don't think the idea of everyone needing to work for the good of the country came through. Too many people still seem to be wondering "what are Obama and the government going to do for me?" - give me a job/healthcare/an affordable house/benefits if I am out of work, "bail me out", fix our image in the world, the list goes on. When people hear the word sacrifice, I am afraid too many of them think only of the rich having to sacrifice, as if anyone who is not poor got their wealth by cheating others. When in reality, the vast majority of non-poor are in their situations based on making good choices - i.e. staying in school, working hard, sacrificing at times, delayed gratification.
The idea of "asking not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country" involves everyone, at every stage of life and in all economic strata. From the young under 18 crowd doing their part by trying their hardest at school and obeying their parents/respecting their elders (including their teachers) to AARP focusing not just on the elderly, but what is best for the country and working towards Social Security reform. For those of us in between, maintaining economic self sufficiency. Obama focused on volunteerism, which is good. For years, once my income was no longer needed to pay the mortgage, I have been a mom/professional volunteer. Yet, despite my thousands of hours of volunteer work, when I think about it realistically, my husband earning a good salary (and paying a signficant amount of taxes) has probably done more good for the poor, by funding Medicaid and entitlement programs. Both are needed, but if someone can only do one, maintaining economic self sufficiency for themselves and family is more helpful in the long run.
If I thought Obama got this idea across, I would feel much better about the future of this country.
posted by
WhorledPeas
on January 25, 2009 at 5:57 PM
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Unquote
Obama didn't actually quote this line, but he did say something about everyone carrying part of the burden, and shared sacrifice. The spirit was there.
posted by
mousehop
on January 25, 2009 at 1:13 PM
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