Following rules sure doesn't pay
Seriously, what in God's name is wrong with this world? If everyone would just use a little common sense, maybe we could get back on track and start living life the way God intended us to.
I read the Daily Herald and watch the news, and I can't help but think where is the justice in all of it? Here are just a few stories that really ticked me off ...
First, on March. 18, there is an article that says the Salvation Army sets a record with $130 million in donations for 2008; now look at page 5 the same day and read how the Salvation Army in Elgin is almost out of food. Common sense: is any of the $130 million going to be given to the ailing food pantries, or are they hoping the taxpayers will do their part and give, give, give?
Second, the preacher from Elgin - Daryl Bujak, who used spankings with the parents' approval on a little girl who was being abused. Bujak gets one year supervision and the parents are not punished at all. Turn the page and read about Mr. Alvarez who could face up to six years in prison for illegal gambling.
Really, why does Bujak, who in my opinion along with the parents should be put away for six years or longer get a lighter sentence than Mr. Alvarez? Shouldn't a person who hurts a child/any human being be given a longer jail sentence than a man who set up an illegal gambling shop?
Look at AIG - the yahoos who run that company really need a lesson in common sense and need to grow a brain that actually contains the moral value thinking section. Yet our government doesn't know if they can get the money back! Just take it, go right into the executives' banks and withdraw the funds, put liens on their houses, cars, yachts, villas, private jets - whatever it takes.
Or just be Gov. Quinn - who fell into office because of Blagojevich and wants to raise taxes yet again and have the taxpayers give, give, give some more.
Why is it we, the taxpayers, can be charged anytime the government sees fit, yet the AIG's of the world they handle with kid gloves?
I was brought up to believe that you follow the rules and obey the laws. Who knew that 40 some years later I now see that following the rules and obeying the law means you get screwed out of everything while the law breakers continue to live the easy life.
Helen Clark
Algonquin