What Assistance Means

A group of organizations from the Toledo area got together to offer assistance to the local population for issues dealing with the current economic slow down or as those who believe in calling them like we see them, the recession. The groups ranged from utility companies to children's services, to other forms of counseling for issues related to money matters. The exhibitors got together at a down town Toledo location and the event was heavily attended. So it was heralded as a major success? By the tone of those who were interviewed exiting the event, it was nothing more than a bait and switch exhibit where instead of getting their bills paid, they were given fliers and pamphlets. All that waiting in line and not a single dollar was disbursed to pay their bills.

The attendees seemed to think that assistance is synonymous with having someone come in and make their payments for them. I wonder where they got that idea? Could it be from our current governing administration? During his campaign, Obama promised everything but a chicken in every pot. We all heard that he was going to put gas in our cars and make our house payments. So much for raising expectations. Now that times are tough, there is that segment of the population that seems to think that they are owed something just because they exist. When you enter into a contract to accept a service such as electricity or natural gas, the expectation is that you will pay for it. If you cannot, it is turned off.

When you go to the store to buy something, if you walk out without paying is it called theft. If you do not pay for electricity or gas, it is still theft. You say, but I need those to live. Take a closer look and come to reality. You need air to breathe. That is free so far. However, with carbon dioxide being declared a greenhouse gas, get ready for a change in that area. You need to be able to eat. I know that several organizations in the Toledo area provide food or food assistance daily. There is the someplace to sleep and if you are receiving utility company services, you are covered in that department. Everything else is pretty much an extra. Cell phones, television, gasoline, tattoos, piercings, cigarettes, beer, dining out, movies... are all extras. When you have reached the point where you have cut that far and not accepted that you must seek assistance, shame on you. Help is out there and it does not come from the government which means those paying taxes. Others are also struggling and giving up the extras to make ends meet. Assistance is providing for those in need so they can get the help they need. It is not handing things over and becoming an enabler. Although very cliched lately, the line, "Give a man a fish and he has a meal, teach a man to fish and he eats for life." reflects how you will respond to any crisis.

Icool

Cobb