Charity Begins at Home

I was raised and taught to be compassionate and charitable. When I was younger and still in school, I gave to UNICEF, United Way, patronized the Scouts, volunteered to answer telephones and canvas door-to-door. But I also learned that there are those in need that live in my own neighborhood, and for reasons of pride, would not ask for help. But they certainly needed it.

I continued to be in service to others throughout my adult life, working the concession stands for the local baseball or football leagues, and although it was a paid position, went to get state certification to be home care provider for a friend that suffered a massive stroke. And I took care of my dying wife at home rather than allow her to die alone in a hospice.

I am now faced with the prospect of needing support myself and because of who I am and what I stand for, I will not receive any support from any state or federal entitlement programs. And that is as it should be, I need to find my own path, regardless of how challenging that may be.

I decided long ago to always be up front with others, and regardless of how devious some may be, not to be like that in my life. So I am now asking for your support, not just to get the talk show up, but right now I honestly need it to live on. I am not offering to push the agenda of anyone else. I will remain as I am in my principles and compassion toward all life, and grateful for what I do have as there are those that have less.

I will continue to do for others regardless of what is happening in my personal life. In fact I find it supportive of my own well being in doing for others and I always encourage others to "pay it forward" and not wait for someone to do something for you first.

The more we do for each other, the less dependent we are on government, which always has strings attached.