Stop what you’re doing.
Look, I can say that and you need obey because you’re reading my blog and in this little corner of the universe, I make the rules. No seriously, stop right here for a minute, because there is something you need to see. Click the link, read the article, and watch the video, then come back, because I have something to say…
Lottery Winner Still Using Michigan Bridge Card
My head hurts.
How’s yours?
Seriously people, I don’t even know where to begin.
I’ve always considered myself a pretty laidback girl. I’ve never been the type who lets a whole lot bother me. If you’re one of the few people who has ever been able to truly get under my skin and actually make me angry, I daresay you probably deserve some sort of World’s Biggest Asshole Award.
I’m not quite sure I even want to know what that trophy would look like. But Amanda Clayton? She just jumped to the top of my list of nominees.
Maybe it’s the fact that I was raised by people who had to work hard for everything they had. Or maybe it’s because I always had to work hard too. Hell, maybe it’s just because I believe that everything in life–from money to respect–should be be earned. Whatever the reason, there’s nothing that gets me fired up faster than people who walk around with a big, fat sense of entitlement.
See, here’s the deal. Somehow, we get lucky enough to get a ride on this planet for a little while. It doesn’t matter if you believe it was God’s will or just a happy accident. However, it happens, it happens. Your heart beats, the synapses in your brain fire, and you breathe in and out. Those, my friends, are the only “freebies” you’re ever given, the only things in this life you should ever expect for nothing in return.
After that, your life is what you make of it. You want something? Stop whining about how you “should” have it. Stop expecting someone else to drop it in your lap and pick up the tab. Stop trying to take the easy road and cheat the system. You want it? Get off your lazy ass and earn it.
I understand that life is full of ups and downs. We all go through tough times at one point or another. But instead of expecting someone to bail you out, why don’t you find a way to change the situation?
Amanda, my dear, if times were so tough and you had bills to pay and no job or income, why the hell would you blow the $500,000 you won in the lottery to buy a 2nd house and new car? I mean, is one house not good enough? Maybe it would have been a smarter choice to use some of your winnings to buy…oh, I don’t know, maybe GROCERIES, instead of thinking that, somehow, the food you eat should be paid for by the hardworking taxpayers. You know, taxpayers? Those people who actually have jobs and work hard to earn money so they can pay for their homes and put food on their own tables.
I have no problem helping people in need. In fact, I believe we humans were put on this earth, not only to do the very best we can for ourselves, but to do what we can to help others achieve their full potential too. Sometimes, when the bottom drops out and you’ve got no other options, it’s nice to know there’s hope, a way to survive and feed your family until you can get back on your feet and pay your own way again. But knowingly, willingly, and intentionally cheating the system and stealing money out of other people’s pockets? Yeah, I have a problem with that.
I guess the difference between me and Amanda (well, at least one of the differences because Lord knows, there are many) is that I have a little bit of pride. I’m proud to work, to earn my keep, to feel that sense of accomplishment when I finish a project or complete a task and know that I did it the very best I could. I’m proud to contribute to something that is larger than myself. And I’m proud to pass down a strong work ethic to a new generation, just like my parents and grandparents did for me.
Who knows, maybe it will catch on.
As for you, Miss Clayton. All I can hope is that someone figures out a way to fix the broken system that is rewarding your laziness. Because Lord knows, if I was in charge, the first thing I would do is track down people like you and start sending you bills instead of foodstamps because, if you ask me, it’s high time you get to work and start paying back what you owe.
Lori Romano 