By John Fedele

If you do not believe in God, but still want to read this, just substitute a word or person in place of the word God.

God? I do not believe I am important enough to have my faith tested, therefore, I guess what is happening to me is happening to everyone who have been around for 3 quarters of a century. Today I walked through the grocery store before all departments were opened, and before the shoppers arrived. I noticed two things. First, the prices were outrageous. Has the country become so successful over the years, that prices have risen so much, or is it that all involved in making products have become so greedy that the cost of production has gotten out of control?

Or have the government regulations involving, farming, manufacturing and processing become so strict and numerous, that the production cost has resulted in higher prices?

Perhaps it’s the unions who have forced the rise in wages and benefits which are then passed on to the grocer, and hence, the buyer.

Second, I looked at the empty coolers, shelves, and freezers, and I realized this could become a normal thing if conditions in the country do not change, rather than the fact those who stock the shelves,freezers, and coolers had not started work.

Then, as I was leaving, I saw the first shoppers arriving. I noticed a young man and woman walking towards the entrance. I held the door open for them and noticed they had matching T shirts and shorts. I thought that was just neat. Then I noticed they also had matching arm and leg tattoos. I hope they stay married, if they are. Is this a test?

Back home I tried to find some good news in the paper.

The Royals lost again. Oh well, there’s always next year. Is this a test? The entire National Championship University of Kentucky’s starting 5 basketball team is opting for the NBA instead of any type of MBA or just a BA. Is this a test? The GOP is accused of planning to take away the poor’s food stamps. I must be honest, I think too many people have been classified as poor who really are not.

When I was a kid, we just had enough money to get by from payday to payday. We seemed to move every time the rent was due because we didn’t have it. There were no food stamps. There were ration stamps for food and gas, but it still took money to buy what little the government allowed. Many of today’s poor were made so because of the government. It has become more beneficial not to work since unemployment pays more than available jobs. The problem is, unemployment puts you in the poverty range, as social security does for those who depend on that program. Is this a test?

I am too old to flee to another country. Even if I did, I would be running to another land that has the same problems. There is no place for a three quarter century old person. The massive changes in government and society is becoming more than I can handle. This may not be a test. It might be a question….can you continue to live like this?

 

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