I am unsure if we have had the pleasure of an in-person exchange. I too travel in political circles. However, I do not recall. Perhaps we met in the past. I trust I have done business with you and your firm, Bain Capital. Bravo on your successes.
Please allow me to introduce myself by way of this letter. This morning, I caught a glimpse of your Today Showinterview with Matt Lauer. I heard you speak of the exaggerated envy now heard on the campaign trail. Oh, my friend Mitt, how I relate. If I might; well stated my man. People do want what they do not have. First Bain, then the White House. Indeed, one Chief Executive position ensured that you were a world power. The other is but a natural transition. Instead of having a seat at the table of global influence, as President of the United States, you, old man, will own the table.
Recent reports reveal a reality that invites further questions. If money can't buy me love, can it buy me happiness? "When has having more money made you less happy?" asks The Take Away, America's Conversation News Program. I share my answers.
From birth to the ripe old age of near nine, I was very well-off, and yet, not very happy. Later, after having been extremely poor and ecstatic, I became well off again. The two experiences of being with and without wealth were as dissimilar as can be. Bliss, I learned, is not a by-product of affluence. I share the story.
I was born into a wealthy family. My natural father and Mom made much of their lives. Together they started a business. The firm, with my natural father at the head, grew. The person who was never emotionally, 'Dear Old Dad' to me, was skilled at what he knew. He knew how to calculate the numbers and create great wealth; however, not necessarily ethically. As much as this troubled my Mom, who had stopped working with him almost from the first, for twenty years and ten days, she stood by his side. For her, the last eight and a half were a struggle. The reason; I was born.
She is an eloquent speaker, an expressive author. Elizabeth Edwards is effervescent, effusive, and has an excellent mind. She understands profound policy issues as easily as she prepares a sandwich. Her memoir appeared on The New York Times bestseller list. Few think of Elizabeth Edwards as every woman. Other daughters of Eve might say Edwards is exceptional; surely, she is not as I am. Yet, life experiences might have taught Elizabeth Edwards otherwise. Just as other ladies, she is brilliant, beautiful, and not nearly equal to a man.
Another year has come and gone. Everywhere she goes she hears people speak of New Years resolutions. They all say this time will be different. I will decide to do as I had not done previously or at least had not done well. Countless commit to a life of calorie counting. Others merely muse that they will exercise more. Drugs, drinking, there are also discussions of these concerns. People are confident. This year I will deliver myself from what I think evil. A few philosophize as to their personal career path. Change is the objective. A greater goal is thought to be golden. As Author Mary Anne Radmacher reflected and now millions whisper as their mantra, "Live with intention . . . Choose with no regret. . . . Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is." Therein lies the problem.
Well over a week ago, I was elated when I first heard broadcasters on National Public Radio's Morning Edition state they would host a Democratic Debate. I thought; finally, Presidential hopeful, and an authentic Progressive, Dennis Kucinich would actually have a chance to speak. People would hear the words of the most mainstream candidate for more than a minute. Congressman Kucinich could truly discuss the issues in some depth and possibly detail. Perhaps, a publicly supported media service would at least grant Dennis Kucinich equal time.
I am obsessed with weight, as are we all. My physical bulk or yours do not concern me. Money tips the scale. In America, financial wherewithal is the food of choice. Much of what we crave and consume is flavored with dough. We savor what dollars deliver.
During the dinner hours last evening, three supposedly unrelated bits of information filled my plate. I was flooded with much food for thought. First the appetizer appeared, The Real Price of a Big Mac. Then the main course came, Kucinich Calls Out Clinton's Nuclear Blunder. Finally, after a full meal, dessert was served. Stuffed, I could not fully digest this delicious delicacy until the morning. Romney Wins Iowa Straw Poll by a Sizable Margin. The taste of money melted in my mouth. I was satiated with an overwhelming feeling, nausea.
When discussing private, individual retirement accounts, President Bush, and his buds tell us that we merely need to invest wisely. They say that this option will afford us the opportunity. Bush is often heard to say, "It is just that simple!" He tells us . . .
"I think people like the idea of being able to take some of their own money -- in other words, government says, you can decide, as opposed to, we'll decide for you, you get to decide if this is in your interest. And you get to decide whether you want to set some of your money aside in an account that will earn a better rate of return than that which will be earned in the Social Security system. That's an important part of making sure the system works for the individual.
I repeat; personal accounts do not permanently fix the solution. They make the solution more attractive for the individual worker. And that's important for people for understand."
Please tell me that it is not so! Is it, as I heard twice today. Is all the anger that we are hearing of in the news, reading of in the newspapers, and seeing at the stores, not really a rail against the retailers for saying "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas?" Is it, as a devout Christian told me today; Christians truly believe and are upset because "They, "the Jews," are making money from the Christian holiday of Christmas?" Please tell me, is this the true cause for all this commotion? Do Christians believe that all merchants, manufacturers, and marketers are Jewish? Are only "they," the Jews, profiting from and commercializing the birth of Christ? Are all those that express "Happy Holidays" condescending, criminal, or coddling the Christians; or is it only Jews that do these dastardly deeds?
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