Republican Therapy
Before I get back to my regular blogging (upcoming topic for discussion: Sarah Palin—the political Paris Hilton?), I need to let go of some political and personal angst.
The day after the election, my boss insulted me. As the election approached, it was hard for me to hide the fact that I have blue blood. I didn’t insult McCain or Palin in the office; I didn’t even criticize their policies. But Wednesday morning, following a committee meeting and in front of the chairman of the board, I was taken down a peg for no reason other than my political leanings. It went something like this:
Chairman: “I shouldn’t have watched the election coverage; it made me unhappy.”
Bossman: “I think Lindsay’s happy. But what does she know? It’s not like she pays taxes.”
I admit, I was caught off guard. I bumbled some reply about how I do pay taxes, but because I make much less than $250,000 (hell, I make less than $20,000 at this job), I would hopefully be paying less in taxes under President Obama.
I’ve had a bitter taste in my mouth since then. What should have been a joy-filled Wednesday was overshadowed by a seething hatred for Bossman. I sent off a CAPSLOCK email to my Mom and a text to my friend. I ranted via the ‘net to a few more friends and even told my Dad when he called. It was a mixed response. Some were equally outraged, some told me to take deep breaths and others claimed that Bossman was just too douchetastic and stupid for his own good.
But obviously it’s been almost a week and I’m still none too thrilled.
All of my anger has raised many unanswerable questions for me surrounding my job. Without giving too much away, I’ll say I work at a small 501(c) nonprofit that focuses on promoting economic growth in our community. We’re a red county in Pennsylvania that once based its economy on steel but now looks to manufacturing and healthcare for the majority of our employment. I’m a lowly administrative assistant because I have no background in healthcare and because I’m too fragile for manufacturing. However-and yes the emphasis is necessary-we do not seemingly operate like a nonprofit. And this is where my argument comes in.
Bossman wanted to claim that I don’t pay taxes because I’m some kind of pinko Democrat. First of all, this doesn’t make sense because taxes are taken out of every meager paycheck this place gives me. Secondly, as a Democrat, I don’t really mind funding necessary programs for those who need assistance. Welfare (when used properly and fairly) does not make me angry, nor does subsidizing healthcare for children and people who can’t afford it. I’m pretty low in the lower middle class, but I know that I have it good. Bossman doesn’t think his tax dollars should go to this, but Bossman doesn’t care that his (much larger than your average nonprofit) salary is paid, at least partially, by grants from the state. He doesn’t mind that an entire $5 million emergency access road that is gated and likely will never be used (the grand opening of which was last week’s event) was paid for with state loans and grants. He only cares that his tax dollars go to “lazy” people. Like me. The chick with a fancy BA making less than $20,000 because she can’t afford to move out of the small town she grew up in to find better employment.
Republicans have a huge fear of Obama’s tax increases. They think he will increase spending too much. They think his healthcare plan is socialism. Obama’s election is, quite frankly, a symbol of The End of Days.
Why?
Because your paycheck, which is five times as large for the same amount of hours and likely less work than I put in, might get docked a little more so that mine can get docked a little less?
I am afraid that I will never be able to understand the other side. To me, it seems like Republicans want a small government and few taxes, but they also want pristine infrastructure and access to good educations. They want tax breaks for their large houses and their SUVs, but they don’t want to pay the extra cost of energy. And when someone comes along who seems like he will attempt to find a compromise (note that the word is compromise not communism), they feel threatened.
One of your many campaign slogans was Country First. So don’t you think it’s time to quit your whining and put your country before all else? Support Obama as he attempts to make this country United once more. Don’t insult that lower middle class worker bee who writes for a political blog. She cast a vote that was completely equal to yours. She is not a part of a conspiracy, and she wants what is best for the country, which is a value you—as a fellow American—should share. So, my dear Republican Bossman, note your double standards and kindly keep your mouth shut in the future. Unite behind the next leader, because the majority has spoken, and it’s all you can do.
Much love,
Lindsay the Worker Bee
