Free Home
I was in my neighborhood restaurant this morning and was seated behind a
group of jubilant individuals celebrating the successful passing of the recent
health care bill. I could not finish my breakfast. This is what ensued:
They were a diverse group of several races and both sexes. I heard the
young man exclaim, “Isn’t Obama like Jesus Christ? I mean, after all, he is
healing the sick.” The young woman enthusiastically proclaimed, “Yeah,
and he does it for free. I cannot believe anyone would think that a free
market would work for health care. They are all crooks and thieves and don’t
deserve all of that money.” Another said, ‘The stupid Republicans want us all
to starve to death so they can inherit all of the power. Obama should be
made a Saint for what he did for those of us less fortunate.” At this, I
had had enough.
I arose from my seat, mustering all the restraint I could find, and
approached their table. “Please excuse me; may I impose upon you for one
moment?” They smiled and welcomed me to the conversation. I stood at the end of
their table, smiled as best I could and began an experiment.
“I would like to give one of you my house. It will cost you no money and
I will pay all of the expenses and taxes for as long as you live there. Anyone
interested?” They looked at each other in astonishment. “Why would you do
something like that?” asked a young man, “There isn’t anything for free in this
world.” They began to laugh at me, as they did not realize this man had just
made my point. “I am serious, I will give you my house for free, no money what
so ever. Anyone interested?” In unison, a resounding “Hell Yeah” fills the
room.
“Since there are too many of you, I will have to make a choice as to who
receives this money free bargain.” I noticed an elderly couple was paying
attention to the spectacle unfolding before their eyes, the old man shaking his
head in apparent disgust. “I tell you what; I will give it to the one of you
most willing to obey my rules.” Again, they looked at one another, an
expression of bewilderment on their faces. The perky young woman asked, “What
are the rules?” I smiled and said, “I don’t know. I have not yet defined them.
However, it is a free home that I offer you.” They giggled amongst themselves,
the youngest of which said, “What an old coot. He must be crazy to give away
his home. Go take your meds, old man.” I smiled and leaned into the table a bit
further. “I am serious, this is a legitimate offer.” They gaped at me for a
moment.
“I’ll take it you old fool. Where are the keys?” boasted the youngest
among them. “Then I presume you accept ALL of my terms then?” I asked. The
elderly couple seemed amused and entertained as they watched from the privacy
of their table. “Oh hell yeah! Where do I sign up?” I
took a napkin and wrote, “I give this man my home, without the burden of
financial obligation, so long as he accepts and abides by the terms that I
shall set forth upon consummation of this transaction.” I signed it and handed
it to the young man who eagerly scratched out his signature. “Where are the
keys to my new house?” he asked in a mocking tone of voice. All eyes were upon
us as I stepped back from the table, pulling the keys from pocket and dangling
them before the excited new homeowner.
“Now
that we have entered into this binding contract, witnessed by all of your
friends, I have decided upon the conditions you are obligated to adhere from
this point forward. You may only live in the house for one hour a day. You will not
use anything inside of the home. You will obey me without question or resistance. I
expect complete loyalty and admiration for this gift I bestow upon you. You
will accept my commands and wishes with enthusiasm, no matter the nature. Your
morals and principles shall be as mine. You will vote as I do, think as I do
and do it with blind faith. These are my terms. Here are your keys.” I
reached the keys forward and the young man looked at me dumb founded.
“Are you out of your mind? Who would ever agree to those ridiculous
terms?”
the young man appeared irritated. “You did when you signed this contract before
reading it, understanding it and with the full knowledge that I would provide
my conditions only after you committed to the agreement.” Was all I said.
The elderly man chuckled as his wife tried to restrain him. I was looking at a
now silenced and bewildered group of people. “You can shove that stupid deal up
your a**, old man, I want no part of it” exclaimed the now infuriated young
man. “You have committed to the contract, as witnessed by all of your friends;
you cannot get out of the deal unless I agree to it. I do not intend to let you
free now that I have you ensnared. I am the power you agreed to. I am the one
you blindly and without thought chose to enslave yourself to. In short, I am
your Master.” At this, the table of celebrating individuals became a unified
group against the unfairness of the deal.
After a few moments of unrepeatable comments and slurs, I revealed my
true intent. “What I did to you is what this administration and congress did to
you with the health care legislation. I easily suckered you in and then
revealed the real cost of the bargain. Your folly was in the belief that you
can have something you did not earn; that you are entitled to that which you
did not earn; that you willingly allowed someone else to think for you. Your
failure to research, study and inform yourself permitted reason to escape you.
You have entered into a trap from which you cannot flee. Your only chance of
freedom is if your new Master gives it to you. A
freedom that is given can also be taken away; therefore, it is not freedom.” With that, I tore up the
napkin and placed it before the astonished young man.
“This is the nature of your new health care legislation.”
I turned away to leave these few in thought and contemplation and was
surprised by applause. The elderly gentleman, who was clearly entertained,
shook my hand enthusiastically and said, “Thank you Sir, these kids don’t
understand
Use reason,
Clifford A Wright