America…how Do We Make It Better?

Shifting gears…I am a fan of free enterprise so I guess my next rant will be directed more towards individuals, because we can not have the government put a cap on earnings or tax the wealthy at higher, unfair rates simply because they’re successful.  With that being said, how much money will ever be enough for some? 

I recently heard a radio report that one out of every seven people in this country suffer from hunger and only has the means to provide for themselves one meal per day.  That’s amazing to me that it’s here in the United States.  There a millionaires and billionaires in this country, both corporate and personal, that could make that go away tomorrow if they were generous and wanted to, but greed prevents it.  I’d like to see more generosity and giving in this country to people less fortunate.

This next topic, we the people could have control over but I fear will do nothing because of what we think it provides us.  I’m speaking of professional sports and the escapeit provides.  I like to watch a football, baseball, hockey or basketball game as much as the next guy, but I see a problem when men, and I guess some women, arrive at and sit in a stadium parking lot nine hours before the game is to begin.  Many years ago I decided I wasn’t going to pay the outrageous prices for tickets to these events and make rich people richer.  I’m already paying over $100 per month to have television reception to watch the games.  In some cases I’m already paying the owners of the teams for their products or services because many of the team owners already own oil companies, cell phone companies, computer companies, etc.  FYI, the minimum annual salary for an NFL player is $285,000.  The minimum annual salaries for players in the NHL, MLB and NBA range from $400,000 to $500,000.  The average salary for an E5 US Army Sergeant is approximately $26,082.  The average annual salaries for teachers, firefighters and police officers are all approximately less than $50,000.

I realize an owner can pay a player anything he wants, that’s his right, but paying someone $16 million dollars per year to play a game is wrong.  With all due respect, it’s outta whack.

I guess after writing this I’m sorry to say I don’t know how to fix things and make this country better…or at least somewhat like it used to be.  I’ve often thought about getting into politics but I don’t have the money to fund a campaign. 

Image via Wikipedia