THE CZECH IS IN THE MAIL
Songwriter Randy Newman is a genius.
Not only has he provided music for great films such as “The Natural” and “The Three Amigos,” he also wrote a masterpiece in 1974 that still holds true to this day.
That song is titled, “Mr. President, Have Pity on The Working Man.”
Lyrics include, “We’ve taken all you’ve given/ But it’s getting hard to make a living/Mr. President, have pity on the working man.”
Sad but true, these words still ring a bell for many working-class folks. No matter how much history repeats itself, it seems like the “haves” either don’t get it or worse, don’t want to get it.
While I am in favor of the United States and Israel eliminating oppressive leadership in Iran, I am not in favor of the rise in gas prices. Surely, we can fight this war without the rich folks taking it out on the working folks.
There needs to be a way to handle inflation responsibly. If prices go up, let’s make sure wages go up so working folks can afford to live.
If wages are not going to rise, then prices need to stay put. The working man deserves to live comfortably, too. Don’t gaslight the laborer by saying, “The world doesn’t owe you a living.” They’re weary of hearing that tired narrative.
Working people know good and well the world doesn’t owe them a living. They wouldn’t be working in the first place if they thought they were owed a living.
With that being said, working folks at least deserve to be able to afford to live. They shouldn’t have to make decisions that revolve around paying the electric bill or buying enough groceries for the week – they deserve to be able to do both and have money to spare for emergencies.
The rich folks can ponder where they’re going on vacation this summer. In return, the working folks shouldn’t have to decide whether they’re going to eat or have lights.
Let them both eat and have lights. They’re working people, they deserve to live comfortably, too.
Chlapek is the area editor of the Elgin Courier and Taylor Press. He can be reached at jason.chlapek@ granitemediapartners. com.
