CHANGE or REFORM. Is it one in the same or are we just saving the middle class.

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CHANGE or REFORM. Is this one and the same thing or are we just saving the middle class?

Wondering which way to vote? Not to worry. Just about everyone who is uncertain which way to vote has now become an ‘Independent’. Forgive me for saying this but if all the Independents had views that bordered between the two parties, why not start the 50/50 ballot system and split the votes. Because in all fairness, why must the in-between voter or for that matter, the ‘I like neither party’ voter be swayed to choose between someone who advocates ‘CHANGE’ and another who advocates ‘REFORM’. Truly both words nearly mean the same thing, so are we just dealing with ‘nuances’ or ‘semantics’ in the language used? But in this political climate, ‘CHANGE’ applies only to the middle class.

I was buying breakfast at a local fast food joint last week and had friendly conversation with the Hispanic floor manager. I asked him how business was going and he said… “Slow.. very slow. No one can afford even fast food these days!”

I asked him, what he hopes will happen on November 4th. He said “I don’t know what is good… all I know is that I want ‘CHANGE’ and I will vote for the person who tells me that he can ‘CHANGE’ my current situation.”

I felt compelled to ask him this next question, so I said to him “I understand your frustration, but what does ‘CHANGE’ mean to you?”

He responded, not indicating the party but using the current buzz word, “Well, if I vote for ‘CHANGE’, that means I will get a tax break immediately. My daughter is not working, not married and she has a baby. I told her she can go on welfare to help her baby. I want a President who is thinking about me….. So why do you ask me this question?”

I decided to explain myself. “CHANGE’ has two meanings - one, change for the better - because we know for sure, it will present a better outcome. Two, change can open up an arena for problems because the plan for change has not been well thought through. This means we are just glossing over the current problem and introducing something new, with the hope that it give Americans what they want.”

The manager was obviously still not clear, as he said to me “Well that’s what I want, ‘CHANGE’.”

I asked him again, ” And what is that exactly?”

He said “I don’t want to have to keep working so hard. If there is ‘CHANGE’ I can get a tax break and medical benefits. Maybe I can save the tax break to start my own business.”

“Ahh.. I see.” I replied. “I’m glad you are excited for change. Both parties have valid points that can either make or break the progress of the United States. However, I hope you will think about this too. As a business owner and a parent, who do you want controlling your money. Also do you think you have been living beyond your means? Are you willing to cut back on your expenses and help others who have less than you?”

He responded quickly “No.. I live paycheck to paycheck. I want my children to have a better life. What do you mean I have to help others? I have very little right now. I just lost my house and now I am renting. I need the tax break to pay for food.”

The manager kept quiet for a long time and then said to me “Why are you saying that I live beyond my means?”

I replied “I never said that. The party who advocates change wants everyone to share the problems 50/50 because that is fair. Not only will we share the problems, we will split the costs, split the difference, which ever way you call it, this party says they can fix America. Are you prepared to do this?”

He replied “Why are you making me choose? I just want ‘CHANGE’… any ‘CHANGE!”

Dear voters, do not rest until every stone has been turned. Until every ‘i’ has been dotted and ‘t’ crossed. Until every voice is heard. Every person who considers himself American, black, white, rich, poor or middle class, think for a moment what America means to you and then go out and vote.

We have not fought for freedom and rights just to benefit one group of Americans.

Choose wisely and vote. Vote for the rights of America and all Americans.

Written by Holly Leano - REALTOR and Sr Mortgage Consultant

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