Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain and Robin Hood

Robin Hood took from the rich and gave to the poor. I would be rich, but the system has conspired against me and despite my best efforts I remain financially challenged. Those evil rich don't share. Of course I could take a risk and try to produce something the rich might purchase and secure some wealth, but I don't want to take the gamble. So here I sit, lost in the middle class. Barack Obama says I should embrace hope. Hillary Clinton says she will give me stuff and John McCain says get a job. I've probably oversimplified a bit, but when you boil it all down, that's the way I see it.

While browsing the net, I saw these words. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy. Are there any elements of truth there?

Congress takes taxpayer dollars and while much of it is spent for essentials, there is an increasing amount that is captured by our representatives and passed out to their respective constituents. Hillary Clinton managed to siphon off about $342,000,000 for her special causes (they are called ear marks). Barack Obama is just learning the Senatorial ways and has only been able to garner $92,000,000. John McCain has ear marked $0.

What does this little glimpse of the ways of these Presidential contenders mean to voters? Hillary Clinton will take from one group and give to another. I guess if I am in the receiving group that is good, but the disadvantage is that if I should ever secure any wealth, she will take it and give it to someone else. If I vote for her, I guess I ought to quit working and wait for my benefits - I just hope everyone doesn't adopt that attitude. Barack Obama says change is the answer and hope is somewhere in the mix. I'm hoping for more money - sure hope he can deliver. John McCain's get a job attitude is real, but c'mon John. I know you are honest and will not deliberately take from one group and give to another, but your approach means I will have to work harder and I don't want to do that.

I want free health care, a 25 hour work week and free education. I want the government to get me a better mortgage rate and I want to keep my home even if it is larger than I can afford. Those are my rights - doesn't the Constitution say that?

The choice is mine. Do I want to get free stuff? Do I want to embrace hope or should I bear down and secure a bit more wealth by working harder?

I think I'll vote for . . .