Sharing doesn’t always make the grade

Let’s look at the latest American attitude, where those who work hard, put in lots of hours and make very good money are supposed to share their sweat equity with those who would rather sit in a bar or in front of the television playing video games and complain how rough their lives are.

Suppose those of you who believe in this philosophy along with your best friend go to college together. You stay in and study, you stay up late in your dorm on weekends doing research for your classes. Because of your hard work and sacrifice, you are now carrying a 4.0 in every one of your classes. On the other hand, your friend does just the opposite, studying just enough to get by and never missing a drinking or weekend party. Your friend is at a grade average of 2.8, but find out a 3.2 is required to graduate. So, imagine the school lets better students share some of their grade points. Would you give your friend 0.6 of your grade point, so you both can graduate as equals with a 3.4?. Will you do this for your friend or do you feel that you put in the work and you should get the rewards?

If you don’t think this is fair, then do something productive instead of complaining. Remember, when those who supply the labor that supplies the money for food stamps, rent subsidies and free hospital visits for those who sit and do nothing decide that their labors are not worth the effort and stop working, who will supply your handouts? Who will create the jobs also putting money back into the economy? You? This I doubt very much; you will be too busy complaining to make the effort.

Richard Straka

Gurnee