BOB GREEN

Knocking on doors is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get.

Tonight I came across yet another Bloomington resident who thought it took an act of courage on the part of Democrats to raise our taxes because our bridges (yes, he said “bridges,” as in more than one) are falling down and our roads need repair. He is happy that we all are paying more because more money equals better bridges and roads. Right?

Wrong. Money does not keep our bridges from falling down. Money does not keep our roads in good condition. Good engineering, quality construction practices and materials, and prudent maintenance practices will keep bridges from falling down and roads maintained.

Money does not solve problems. People solve problems. Money may be a tool to get a job done. Money is not the first and only solution as many Democrats seem to believe. We should first try managing our State’s existing resources effectively before we blindly follow the Democrat’s cry and just throw money at a problem.

At the other end of the spectrum, tonight I met a husband and wife who were good enough to invite me into their air conditioned home for a few minutes and give a me cool drink. This was much welcome. It was 90 degrees and humid and they offered me some comfort. Their kindness was much appreciated. There really are a lot of nice people out there.

You never do what you are going to get.

Last night when I was out door knocking, I came across a homeowner who shared some of their story with me. This woman and her husband had been through quite a bit.

They are raising a family. They lost everything they owned in a storm and had moved back to Bloomington to rebuild their lives. By the grace of the Lord, they were able to buy a house.

She is working three jobs and her husband owns a small business and is working one other job besides. They don’t always make their monthly payments on time but they do make them. The home was very neat and well kept.

This lady, in spite of the struggles they were having, and in spite of having the ear of a politician-to-be (me), never so much as hinted that the government should help them out or give them aid in any way. They are making it on their own. And they will eventually succeed.

I have been through some of these kinds of struggles. I salute this couple and others like them. This is the kind of initiative that has built this country, not government programs, many of which foster entitlement mentalities.

Sadly, the taxes these Bloomington homeowners pay may go to bail out others who bought houses they couldn’t afford and now seem to think the government should bail them out. These Bloomington homeowners either have to get a job with an employer that will provide health insurance or buy it themselves. Or do with out it.

Yet the taxes these homeowners pay will go to provide free healthcare to illegal immigrants.

What is wrong with our system? Too many liberals wanting to buy votes with bailout programs? Too many Democrats handing out social programs to buy themselves a job?

The other night, when my team and I were out door-knocking, we met a gentleman who shared some of his life’s experiences with us. His little son has had (and continues to have) serious health challenges since birth.

This gentleman told us of some of the experiences he has had taking care of his son and dealing with medical expenses and health insurers. He showed us a photo album of his son. The album included family events and also chronicled the surgeries his son had gone through.

Through all of this, I never got the feeling that he was whining. What I saw was a man struggling to bring up his son in a loving manner and give his son every opportunity to have as normal a life as possible.

Later, this gentleman’s wife brought his son in their minivan to meet us. One of my team members called this little guy a champion. He truly is a champion for what he has overcome. Yet he probably only sees himself as struggling to have a normal life.

In September, he starts second grade. I could see the love this little guy’s mother had for him by how she talked to him and tickled him. Here are a man and wife struggling to bring up their child and give him all of the love and opportunities they possibly can.

It made me think. If I get this job, is there anything I can do to make things a little better for people going through something like this?

I am a conservative and a Christian. Those truly in need ought to be helped.

I was door-knocking last night when I met a retired couple and their granddaughter who was (I am guessing) about 10 years old. The granddaughter’s school class had recently toured the State Capitol and had been in the House Chamber. Her grand parents explained who I was and the position was running for.

A little later, after I had gone on to the next house, her grandmother brought her over to me and said she had some questions. She asked me if I sat at the desks with the buttons. I explained that I was trying to get a job sitting at one of those desks and that the desks each have a green button that says “Yea” to vote yes and a red button that says “Nay” to vote no and that the votes would then show on a big board so everybody can see them. I encouraged her participate in her government when she is old enough.

She then asked me where I would like to sit in all those seats. I explained that I would have to sit on the side they told me to sit, because of what party I am in; and that I would like to sit in front if I could.

She said she thought the seats in the back were the best. I think she’s right; the seats in the back would allow me to stretch my legs.

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