Isn't it funny how fifth-grader mentalities resemble closely some well-known failed ideologies?

I agree.  Why didn't ACORN or CAIR step up and pay for our fireworks!!  ACORN got the billion that Obama set aside to quiz the nation for the 2010 census.  Surely they could spare $10000 for Elkhart.  After all, the President went there in person and promised "Change you can believe in".

Dissociate, as fine an example of the entitlement mentality as I have seen in print. Why don't "they pay for it"? 

Simply because an individual holds wealth does not make it their responsibility to pay for entertainment or services for all.

Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buffet, Ted Turner-these are cheap people? Do you give one third of your wealth to charity as they do? Also there are many, many people in show business who donate very large sums of money to good cause. Do some research and find out about Denzel Washington's donations to military families for example. Then quit your complaining

I totally agree with "Dissociate", but most (new) rich people are so because they are very careful with their money and how they spend it... they will splurge in things for themselves as in vintage cars, designer clothes, or lavish multi million dollar mansions but when it comes to charity, they turn the other way as for Jack.. yes, you may think that they pay for "everything" in their tax returns but also remember they are the ones with the higher brackets and best accountants that will find any available loop to pay less taxes, and them my friend, we, the regular people, have to pick up the slack. Regardless, we are lucky as you said, to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave!

... and for the record, I don't see a display of fireworks on the 4th of July as mere entertainment... whether in Elkhart where it is paid by the city government or the Macy's firework display in NYC (not paid by the city...hint) the firework display on our Independence Day is to conmemorate this day and pass on the tradition from fathers to sons and so on... so it is a holiday and people have BBQs but it is up to you to teach your child what is being celebrated on that day and why it is important... you have to look at the big picture past the colors in the sky display!

Indeed Yrodriguez, The rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air....you are right. Teach them why we celebrate July 4th with fireworks. Teach them the symbolism of the pretty displays. They need to learn from us as well as from history books why it is we celebrate 4th of July, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day.

I'm not a billionaire or a millionare but I don't believe it's their job to pay for fireworks in Elkhart or anywhere else. I it bothers you so much get a second job and you pay for the fireworks display. And what's this stuff about if you don't do what i say we will bomb you, enough already it reminds me of a bully which is what we seem to be anymore. Who fights more wars than the United States, we are always at war.

I agree it's not the rich citizen's job to pay for the fireworks as they already pay more than their share. I was just stating in reference to what the first person said. I also agree if someone is so upset about fireworks they should buy their own even if it requires them to get a second job. On the other note, I'm not implying that we should bomb N Korea all I'm stating is that we have been sending them millions and millions of dollars in aid sense before Clinton was in office and I think all that should stop because they don't deserve it. I think that, as they have the right to make a statement on our Nations birth -- we too should make a statement. We should act as a proud nation -- unapologetic to others for our actions in the name of freedom. As for us always being at war -- Someone has to stand up against those who would cause further instability in the world otherwise we will be pulled into an evolving conflict under less than desirable terms. We tried the approach you talk about with Hitler, but because there were counties like ours who would not act proactively the cost of that Great WWII was much higher. Would it have not been much better had we stood up against him before he started invading other counties and killing thousands and thousands of Jews. How many people perished all because we and other countries failed to act. Someone has to be willing to sacrifice for the greater good. I can say that because I've spent 7.5 years in the Army and have done my duty. I can also say that by acting early lives are surely saved. I'm not trying to sound like a bully, just someone who is overly concerned. Sitting back and letting things spin out of control does not solve any problems, the problems have to be faced one day or another.

If you think that any governmental statistics we read or any other bull about where the money goes in this country is correct, you have your head in the sand. And if you think our votes count, think again. I believe that we should vote on everything -- that's right everything person in this country should vote on major decisions and spending. I, for one, would have voted against these stupid bailouts. If the system was allowed to collapse, all the crooks' money wouldn't have been worth much and we'd all be in the same boat. It's not the government that pulls together when a calamity happens here or acts quickly and compassionately -- it is the people (as in Katrina). The country is too big to be governed by 1 leader....we should be divided into 3 or 4 parts and group concsious should prevail.

I wish the system would have been able to fall flat on it's face...that is what we needed to bring a new system about. These capitalist greedy pigs have run the system into the ground and we paid for it?! Ridiculous.

These beliefs are what keep you from any decision making position held in govt. No point arguing with a crazy person though, it's impossible to win.

I would be just fine if fireworks shows were scaled back some. I understand there is tradition, but sometimes the status quo forces us to make adjustments.

: If you truly believe that you should vote on everything especially that related to spending, please consult with some long-time California residents first and report back how they are handling that very system.

I can save you some time: It isn't working.

Yes, you are kinda correct, but alot of the banking laws have been passed or changed to benefit the richest people in America. Look at the deregulation of the markets, these laws were changed so the rich could get richer. They have freedom and intelligence to give to Senate PAC fund to get laws passed or changed to fleece America.

Exactly what I am talking about!

Dorinda, I echo your dad's sentiments.

For those that have such a difficult time accepting the way things are, there are two viable options. The first is to come up with a plan, and to start working the plan. The second is to get out. Move! See if you can find something that allows the freedoms you take for granted. You are part of the solution or part of the problem....pretty binary. You choose.

We the people ARE part of the solution. The government is part of the BIG problem. Our voices are not being heard!!! We are reduced to commenting on venues like this one. Who is listening? NOT the government. EVERYONE is footing the bill for cities & states that used to be able to do without help from the residents. Who's fault is that? The people? I say hogwash! Many Americans know better than to live beyond their means. I agree with the person who has some great wisdom here: "remember they are the ones with the higher brackets and best accountants that will find any available loop to pay less taxes." If many mid income families could do that they would not be having trouble affording things that are necessary. Our government really doesn't care. Look up information on the Climate Bill. Corporations get tax breaks and loopholes for pollution. Who is going to pay for that? The American people of course. And how is Obama care going to be funded? nofoodtaxdot.com. So go out and do some binary part of the solution crap..... see how how far you get~~~

MandyL, Not listening? Changes in student loan repayments, increased access to funds for continuing education, increased benefits for the unemployed, decreased tax withholding....these sound as though someone is listening. Increases in volunteer work across the US, people giving what they can and in ways they can, trying to improve their communities one person at a time.

Who does not try to take any exemption they can when paying taxes? Did you volunteer to decline your federal return? I think not. I know I did not. But I know that every single deduction I could make on my taxes I used. Why then is it a problem for someone with greater income to use those same opportunities? Those higher incomes may end up paying a lower percentage of their incomes, but end up paying a higher amount overall than those of us with average incomes.

I do not disagree that there is much mismanagement in politics and large businesses alike, and certainly health care reforms are long past due. We have to start somewhere. Local government not representing your wishes? Time to elect new local government. It doesn't happen overnight, and it takes work, but I am sure you could find a candidate worthy of your support. Grass roots support for new candidates starts right in kitchens and backyards of Americans everyday.

I agree...I used to work for the IRS (whew!) years ago and believe me the rich offer so many pennies to the dollar to pay their taxes. They know about deductions also. The cities and governments pay to have regular people watched like hawks for ridiculousness like a meter running out...who was watching that creep Angelo Movillo from Countrywide who knew their was no regulation for more documents, played on peoples' emotions to sell them homes with arm mortgages (and they were told they could remortage in 3 years - good luck after that move - the market was destroyed and no one could remortage because their homes weren't worth anywhere near what they paid for them and then everything ballooned -- no one was watching him. If this was such a free country, why aren't we protecthed from this crap -- we vote people in to make sure the government works...it only works for the rich and greedy -- in this country they are called "talent."

I think they people should make a statement and not celebrate at ballgames with the national anthem, have fireworks, etc. until we all have 3 hots and a cot, health care, and the minimum wage is raised to a reasonable amount. When a CEO or other executive makes $400,000,000 in a very short period of time because of his brainstorm to defraud and trick people and the minimum wages is $7 and change an hour, something is incredibly wrong. Not to mention these ludicrous bailouts which just aided and abetted the unbelievable greed of the capitalists in this country who are, and have been for decades, out of control.

Why are you so worried about the minimum wage being raised?? Most of the people that I know(including those down at Burger King or McDonalds) make quite a bit more than the minimum wage anyhow. The majority of people in this country that make minimum wage are basically children(people right out of High school or still in it)and what have they done to deserve more? It is not like they have any real experience or nothing. Get off your fat, lazy, good for nothin, Obama-lovin ass and look for something that pays what you need--the jobs are there, but they are not gonna come to you and your state IS NOT GONNA HELP YOU FIND ONE(no matter what they say)The jobs are there, you just have to look--they might not be your cushy $90,000 GM job, but the jobs are there and they will pay your bills.

BTW, The unemployment rate in Elkhart, Indiana has always been higher than the rest of the country since RV manufacturing is a seasonal thing anyhow. I grew up in Lake County, Indiana(not far from Elkhart) and the unemployment rate averages 10% even in great times do to the seasonal nature of the industry. If you dont beleive that, then ask anybody who lives there. This is not really news in case anybody is wondering. Also the county just 2 counties over from them enjoys one of the lowest unemployment rate in the state of Indiana.

Whatttt! The one who earn the least pay the most in taxes??? What an outright lie. Please, stop the bull...we all know that if you earn very little, then file your annual tax return, that you will not get anything back for taxes because you didnt pay any taxes.

Better come back down to earth buddy....

your point about our unemployment rate always being high is inaccurate. not to mention lake county is another world compared to our county. let's just say you can keep your facts there and we'll deal with our facts here.

I'm still employed in the r.v. industry and this seasonal point that you are trying to convince people of is not quite what your mind or opinion is stating. so if you truly knew what you have claimed to know about a small town kind of county because you lived near a big city kind of county you might know the opposite as the truth. JUST A LITTLE EFFORT AND WE ALL WOULD BE DOING BETTER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

from 1998 to 2008 elkhart county's average unemployment has been very low. only twice did it go higher than the states average, 2001 and 2008. (and has stayed there since) when I see the consistency it sure makes that seasonal issue look silly.

no, they do get big money back. it is called an Earned Income Credit. (what a name, they do not have to earn it. gov takes it from the rich and gives it to the lazy, so sorry i mean the poor.) they can up hold that law for some reason and call it law. others may see it as robbery. but now that I've pointed out this fact i guess my label will be poor-man hater and i have suggested taking the food off of the poor kids table. we really need to quit focusing on each other and see the true problem, not the rich, not the poor, but look at the laws being broken or ignored by the PROGRESSIVE government. not republicans, not democrats but each and all that break laws.

The facts about Elkhart Unemployment are correct. According to the state of Indiana, Elkhart averages between 7.6% and 9.9% on average unemployment even in the good years. If you(K. Gray) really live in Elkhart, then you know this and this isnt big news. The best Unemployment average in Elkhart in the last 15 years was in 2004, when unemployment averaged 5.7% for the year. According to the state of Indiana, this is because the industry there is seasonal. The biggest peaks of unemployment there have been in the summer months, when the RV industry is on a down swing, and the biggest increase in Employment have been during the winter months when the industry is in full motion and building. According to the Sate of Indiana, the unemployment average in Elkhart has been 8.7% for at least the last 25 years on average. I said 10%, so I stand corrected. The state's average for those years was 4.5%, so Im not sure whwere you got your figures from--If you research your figures you will find what I did--not hard to do, it took about 4 seconds give or take about 2.

Also, for your info, I do not live in Lake County and havent in more than 20 years--I said I grew up there. I was not talking about that county anyhow as far as unemployment-since there it has been quite high for a long time-look back East a couple of counties and you will see one of the better umnemployment rates statewide. Even the Amish(who account for more than 20% of Elkhart's workforce, according to the state of Indiana)have figured this out and have migrated that way looking for employment. You can ask any supplier, or vendor to that areas industry and they will tell you the same thing about the seasonal nature of the industry. I was up in Elkhart about 3 years ago, and they at Gulfstream had just called about 400 people back to work in order to build trailers for the people in New Orleans after Katrina. I was in Elkhart about every 3 days with my old employer and I saw this first hand, so I am not talking as somebody who has never been there and doesnt understand the seasonal nature of the industry. But obviously you dont understand it--you would think that somebody who lives there would understand it. But that shows that you are listening to the "spin"" on it and not the facts on it. You probally voted for the "change" to. How's that going for ya?

Thank you for your service. I am so proud to live here in the United States because of people like you.

Runner, I too am a veteran, a Viet Nam era veteran, but do not see the relevance to illegals and unemployed to the cost of fireworks. There have always been unemployed people and immigrants of every stripe present to view the fireworks, and in more communities than this one. Municipalities did not spend exorbitantly to provide the fireworks.

Seriously? Celebrating the birth of the nation is as important as a symbolic event as it is a tradition.

Thanks Mike! Well spoken, well received. I believe it is a person's determination to make it that creates success. Not all of those who succeed have a great formal education; many just have a good up-bringing and a lot of common sense. Or at least a sense of "I gotta work if I am to succeed. Those of us who realize that it is not going to be given to us and that work dilligently to earn it. Those that don't, look to their government for their keep and probably some live as well as some of us who work. Think about if everyone were pulling their own weight and paying their way ( especially taxes). Then maybe we could have the funds to spend on our aging infrastructure and the suffering educational system. It is American to work hard and succeed and to help those that really need it and to help those that don't by getting them a job.

Mike, I find your name calling ("lazy liberal morons," "get off your lazy ass...") insulting. Obviously you don't know any real liberals, you just assume anyone who disagrees with you is lazy and a moron.

You're success is well deserved and no one I know would begrudge you and your income, but if you think the wealthy - the very wealthy - work as hard as you do for their money, well maybe you need to get out more. The very wealthy run this country. They make the rules, and they make sure the rules favor them. That's not to say the wealthy have an obligation to pay for fireworks for Elkhart, or any town.

Also, not everyone in America has the intelligence, common sense, and the right mental attitude to start their own business. You did, and good for you. My cousin wasn't so lucky. He was born mentally challenged and the best he could do in life was a job as a janitor, which he did for 35 years. Because his factory had a union, he made enough to live on without any assistance from taxpayers, but of course the right hates unions and has successfully busted most of them. So if my cousin was just starting out now, he would still be a janitor but would need food stamps and other government assistance to make ends meet. I get very angry when I read blowhards who denigrate those who need government assistance, as though these people are lazy or are gaming the system. Most are struggling for reasons beyond their ability to change.

Since the seeds were sown in the late 80's and through the 90's, and deregulation in the 2000's, we can not impeach the persons that were in charge when this happen. Bush 1, Clinton, and Bush 2 are out of office. But we could remove 85% of all other politicans since most have been in office since 1988. If you think Obama is the cause of this problem, you are crazy and people like you are part of the problem and not the solution.

After many years of tax cuts and useless spending, taxes are going to go up. There is no way around it. I wish an "Obama-like" person would of been elected in 1988 because we would have health care and semi free education. Nobody would be complaining about their taxes going up. Based upon the tax rate in 1988, we could pay off it all without raising taxes on anyone.

I find it interesting reading the comments about Elkhart, Indiana. "The city with a heart". I graduated from Elkhart High School in the early 60's and left within 3 months to serve my Nation for 6 years. I came back to Elkhart to start a new life. I started at minimum wage because I wanted to educate myself and hopefully start a business. Within 7 years of coming "home" I was able to purchase my first business. I sold it 5 years later and moved to Arizona because all Elkhart was interested in by the late 70's was the RV industry. Elkhart got what it deserved when it financed RV companies that had been won in poker games, or just people that were not familliar with business and the large amount of money they were making in sales. At one time Elkhart had more millionaires per population in communities than any other city in the United States. This truly was a case of the banking community not watching the RV companies that they had loaned (other peoples money) money to as they should have.

As far as those people that want everything handed to them, they should request a "silver platter" along with everything else they want. Many people started businesses in garges or they just went out and worked very hard for it. I for one have had to work two jobs and then a third on the weekends before I had my first company but I was able to get myself moving forward and there was no one offering me anything. What happened to hard work? The illegal are really a drain on society and I agree that we need to monitor our cities spending. Elkhart would really be dollars ahead if they were not freely assisting people that should have to pay for any services received. If the illegals want to be a part of society than why are they not required to be a part of it and "pay their way."