Month: October 2011

It seems like lately there are a lot of groups wanting to speak for the majority of America. I say speak for yourself and don’t try to speak for “99%” or anyone else.

The President keeps saying “The American People want….” and other groups saying “the 99% want…” It’s ridiculous. Speak for yourself, don’t speak for me.

These may be hard times, but this is not the great depression. People are lined up this morning around the country for the latest and greatest iPhone, most families (even those in poverty) have more than one TV, we live beyond our means.

Let’s stop pretending like all of our problems are someone else’s fault. I can’t control the fact that my house as lost a lot of value, but I agreed to pay for it what I paid for it, no one made me sign that paperwork.

I still believe that we live in the greatest country this planet has ever seen. Where freedom and liberty still reign (for now) and where opportunity is greater than anywhere else. We can sit around and complain about everyone else, about Washington, about Wall Street, about our situation, about whatever, but it’s not going to change anything. Marching in the streets wining about the past with no clear purpose is not going to create change (at least not positive change).

Let’s go make something happen. Let’s go create, invent, design, develop, and engineer with the best in the world. Let’s stop pretending that the government education system is the only way someone can be successful and let’s remember to take a break each day and thank the mighty God of heaven for the may blessings we do have.

People always say “that’s easy for you to say Jay, you’re different.” My dad drove a UPS truck and my mom stayed at home and taught five children, of which I am the oldest. We ate lots of oatmeal and casseroles, we wore hammy downs and donations, we didn’t go out to eat, and family vacations meant a trip to grandmas in the mini-van with no ac in the back (much less TV). We were not poor, but we were middle class at best.

My parents worked hard to provide for us and I learned from that. They didn’t buy their first home until they were 40 and it was a big deal.

They divorced when I was a junior in high school and I moved in with friends to finish school. I got good grades and was paid by UCF to attend (for a year anyway). I started a business with a friend in high school and worked late nights and weekends to learn while many stayed out partying. There was a time when I waited tables, ran my business (which wasn’t making any money), and went to school. Times when I didn’t know how I would pay for my car payment or rent on my apartment. These struggles were BLESSINGS not a curse.

I learned from my Uncle, from friends, and from those around me. I looked to people I wanted to be more like and emulated their behaviour. I am not that special. There are thousands of other people just like me. People who have a desire to be an individual and to speak for themselves.

There are plenty of opportunities, but an opportunity doesn’t always mean someone is just going to reach out and hand you a pay check. It may be a struggle, a challenge, or downright depressing for a time (even years), but work hard, learn more, stay focused, be determined and pray for peace through the darkness.

Mr. President, Occupy Wall Street, Tea Party, and anyone else… don’t speak for me! Myself, and many other Americans, can do just fine speaking for ourselves.