WOULD WE?
To:
Date: Friday, October 31, 2008, 9:54 AM
Once upon a time, there was a charismatic and eloquent young leader who decided his nation needed a change, and he was the one to implement it. The people were receptive and ready for a change.
He spoke passionately when denouncing the existing system, and the press loved him.
Nobody questioned what he believed in or who his friends were. He would help the poor and bring free medical care and education to all. He would bring justice and equality. He said, 'I am for hope and change, and will bring you both.'
Nobody bothered to ask about the change, so by the time the executioner' s guns went silent, all guns had been confiscated.
When everyone was finally equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and miserable. Their free education was worthless.
When the change was fully implemented, the country had been reduced to Third World status. More than a million people fled in small boats and rafts.
The charismatic young leader was Fidel Castro; the nation, Cuba. The citizens of the United States would never fall for a charismatic, eloquent young leader who promises hope and change without asking, 'What change, and how much will it cost us?'
Or would we?