A thought on empathy...

So it has been discussed that some are resistant to Obama's tax plan because they see it as a "slippery slope" (as Joe the plumber says). I'm guessing this means that they may benefit now but what happens when they win the lottery? What happens when they get that quarter of a million dollar job they are planning on getting one day? Well, then they sure would regret voting for Obama because their taxes would be 3% higher. So, they are putting themselves in the shoes of the poor millionaires that will be unfairly taxed at a higher rate under Obama.

It makes sense. It's great to feel empathy towards the rich by thinking about your dream of one day becoming rich. But can I ask a favor?

Can you try to direct that empathy towards those with no access to health care? Or to the Iraqi and American troops and families that are dying due to a senseless war? Or to your children's future energy needs? Or to your retirement savings? Or to the unemployed worker that can't afford groceries? Can you try to direct that empathy towards the other 95% of American society (you know, the group you are a part of) instead of the bank account you one day hope to have?

I'm not saying you should give up the hope of one day being in that top 5%, in fact I hope you get there. But the conversation right now should not be about those that are not hurting or the future version of what you hope to someday be. The conversation should be about you, today, right now. And everyone else, today, right now that needs a little help because whatever your hopes are for the future, they are nothing if we don't fix the problems of today. Whatever your political leanings, we have to come together to get ourselves on the right track in regards to energy, finance, security and health care. Then, once we get on track again we can split up if necessary...or maybe we can move forward in conversation instead of wars (class wars, culture wars, political wars, religious wars). Doubtful but heck! I'm still young, I can hope.