There Is No Magical “They”
By William Bailey (07/10/03)
For more years than I care to remember, I keep hearing constant reference made to “they” . . . whether in question form (Why don’t “they” do something about ?) or in statement form (I wish “they” would do something about . . . ). Ring any bells ?
**** Why don’t “they” do something about high taxes ?
**** Why don’t “they” do something about what’s happening in our public school system ?
**** Why don’t “they” do something about the crime rate in this country ?
**** Why don’t “they” do something about the ever-increasing power of the Federal government ?
**** Why don’t “they” (the politicians) devote the same level of intensity to honoring their oath of office than trying to see how much power they can achieve and maintain ?
Do any of these sound familiar ?
With this being an oft-asked question, one would think that finding the answer would be a simple exercise. Unfortunately, the answer is so obvious and so personal, we either overlook it . . . or choose not to deal with it.
It’s easier to ask the question (or make the statement) than it is to accept and deal with the obvious . . . a thing called personal responsibility. And then, we resort to taking the position, “Oh, but I’m only one person . . . what can I do ?”.
What we, quite frequently, fail to see is that there are a whole host of “one person(s)” out there who feel the same way. The key is to bring all of those “one person(s)” together. So, just how important is “one person” ? Using history as a reference, the answer is easily documented:
**** In 1645, one vote gave Oliver Cromwell control of England
**** In 1776, one vote gave America the English language instead of German
**** In 1868, one vote saved Andrew Johnson being removed from the office of President
**** In 1875, one vote changed France from a monarchy to a republic
**** In 1876, one vote in the Electoral College gave Rutherford B. Hayes
the Presidency of the United States
**** In 1923, one vote gave Adolf Hitler leadership of the Nazi Party
So, just how important is one person ? You make the decision !
For the better part of four decades now, we have allowed this mis-guided, mistaken philosophy of “they” and/or “them” to so infiltrate our way of life that it has become the rule rather than the exception. And, it is this philosophy and attitude that is fast eroding the very foundation of this nation.
This has nothing to do with what your political party preference might be. It has to do with what you want this nation to be. We might (and probably will) disagree on how to get to the final destination, but can we, at least, agree on what the destination is ?
As you consider this seriously important issue, heed the following:
The Man In The Glass
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day.
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
You may be like Jack Horner and chisel a plum
And think you're a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
He's the fellow to please - never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear to the end.
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you've cheated the man in the glass.
-Anonymous
There is no magical “they” . . . there is only “you and me”
If you took time to read this, I thank you !
God bless America !
(Printer friendly version) Email: William Bailey
