As an independent small business owner, I take umbrage with the Oval Office's notion that I "didn't make it happen," and the implication that somehow the government had a hand in my success, for which I owe some sort of debt. For the record, I have always worked in the private sector, with the exception of a three month stint as a temporary postal employee in the summer of 1967. As for my education I opted for that which I could afford on my own, Community College of Philadelphia, and never once sought a student loan. But even if I had, it wouldn't have been a gift. I'd have had to pay it back with interest. After three decades of working for others in my profession I was able to purchase a business of my own with a conventional mortgage, with no assistance from "Fanny" or "Freddy." The existing business (which, admittedly, I did not initially create) had fallen on hard times, both financially and in the court of public opinion. In due course I was able to turn the business around and be able to earn a living for my family these past fourteen years. Are we living large? No, but we want for nothing that really matters. I've even been able to create a few jobs, albeit part-time ones. Ironically, I am inundated with unsolicited faxes and "robo-calls" from people trying to get me to cash in on available federal stimulus money.
So, tell me, Mr. President, how did I "not make it happen?" The debt of gratitude I owe is to our founding fathers who set up this exceptional nation which allows ordinary people like me to rise above our beginnings, and to the heroes of all generations who fought and died to keep our nation free. Other than that, my already-paid tax dollars helped build the roads and infrastructure that bring patrons to my door, not the government's generosity. My already-paid taxes provide police and other emergency services. I'm not blowing my own horn, merely telling it like it is. As for others in the small business community who have stories similar to mine, their number is legion. Mr. President, please don't insult our intelligence.
Ken Robertson
Canton
Submitted by E-Mail
