10% Unemployment the Rest of the Story

I have been blessed with e-mail friends that send me bits of wisdom daily. Today I received an old story that's been around for generations. It has so much application today that I thought I'd share it with you. The author is unknown but I know my grandfather told me the story as a child. Perhaps this will give you some insight into the rest of the 10% unemployment story.

Paul was a nearly blind hot dog vendor. Paul sold the old fashion casing hot dogs. Paul couldn't see the TV so he didn't watch the news or read the papers. Paul just sold good hot dogs and was kind to his customers. Paul's reputation grew and his business prospered. Each week he bought more Hot Dogs, more Buns, extra Mustard, and Ketchup. Mama made extra homemade relish. Each week he sold them all.

Selling hot dogs in an honorable occupation. Paul wanted more for his son. Paul's son finally graduated from Harvard Business School. Paul's son couldn't find work since the economy was in a recession. Paul's son told his Dad. There is 10% unemployment better cut back. Paul knew his son was Harvard educated so he cut back on his orders and sure enough the hot dog business slowly faded away into nothing.

Paul was about to give up. He thought his educated son had told him what was happening in this country and he believed him, Sitting at the kitchen table he spoke to his bride of 50 years. "Mama, I think perhaps our son's Harvard education has saved us from losing everything." (The Hot Dog was about to hit the fan!)

"Old Man! You are blind in your eyes but I never thought you would become blind in the heart. I love our son but he was Harvard educated by the same doomsday predictors that are on the TV, radio, and in the newspapers. Old Man! Do you recognise that if 10% of the folks are out of work that means 90% of are working.. Even out of work folks eat hot dogs while they are looking for work."

The next day Paul bought more hot dogs, buns, ketchup and mustard. Mama made more homemade relish...Paul's son also put on an apron and sold hot dogs... It was Mama's order! Soon there were Paul and Son hot dog carts on several corners of Wall Street. Every day they buy more hot dogs, more buns, extra ketchup and mustard and Mama makes more homemade relish. They have sold their TV and Radio and only listen to Mama!

The story is generations old and yet fresh in thinking... My Grandpa told me what goes around comes around.... I believe if we all thumb our noses at CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX News and get to work we can get most of the 10% employed. We need to listen to Mama not the negativity of the Media! Mizpah ;-}}>