Dear reader, in this column, (the first section fresh off the internet, author unknown), a certain word is used that I refrain from installing in your family newspaper, when you see the word “donkey”, please use your imagination and substitute the other word, thanks for your co-operation.

Over five thousand years ago, Moses said to the children of Israel, “pick up your shovels, mount your “donkeys” and camels, and I will lead you to the Promised Land”.

Nearly seventy-five years ago, (when welfare was introduced) Roosevelt said, “lay down your shovels, sit on your “donkeys”, and light up a camel, this is the Promised Land”.

Today, congress has stolen your shovel, taxed your “donkeys”, raised the price of camels, and mortgaged the Promised Land.

I was so depressed last night thinking about health care plans, the economy, the wars, lost jobs, savings, social security, retirement funds, etc. I called a suicide hotline. I had to press 1 for English. I was connected to a call center in Pakistan. I told them I was suicidal. They got excited and asked if I could drive a truck……. Folks, we’re screwed!

Excited, (I wrote this part)

Sitting on the front porch and hearing the birds chirping, watching neighbors push baby carriages, hearing the ice cream truck slowly making its songful way through the winding streets. At dusk going inside to a warm supper and watching a little baseball until bedtime where my wife and I snuggle down in our safe beds and dream of exciting far off locales we hope to visit someday.

The smell of bacon frying and a hearty breakfast to start the day, the lawn mower starts with the first pull, I get the trash out without one bag busting, an afternoon nap to rid myself of the cobwebs.

The bills are currently paid; there is food in the ‘fridge, gas in the car, and a dollar or two in my pocket. I light up a camel and begin to get a little excited because even with all the trouble in the world today, my “donkey” and I have made it through another day.

I am excited also because of the opportunity coming up shortly to turn this nation around and get us back on a course towards a “donkey” saving nation, or lose what little of our “donkey” we have left.

And yes, I built this “donkey” right by myself!

I’ll be right back.