Neighborhood Restaurant Story

I received this in an email from a friend and believe it worthy of sharing. Obviously, it's not MY story, but I do like it!

I was in my neighborhood restaurant this morning and was seated behind a
group of jubilant individuals celebrating the successful passing of the
recent health care bill. I could not finish my breakfast. This is what
ensued:

They were a diverse group of several races and both sexes. I heard the young
man exclaim, "Isn't Obama like Jesus Christ? I mean, after all, he is
healing the sick." The young woman enthusiastically proclaimed, "Yeah, and
he does it for free. I cannot believe anyone would think that a free market
would work for health care. They are all crooks and thieves and don't
deserve all of that money." Another said, 'The stupid Republicans want us
all to starve to death so they can inherit all of the power. Obama should be
made a Saint for what he did for those of us less fortunate." At this, I had
had enough.

I arose from my seat, mustering all the restraint I could find, and
approached their table. "Please excuse me; may I impose upon you for one
moment?" They smiled and welcomed me to the conversation. I stood at the end
of their table, smiled as best I could and began an experiment.

"I would like to give one of you my house. It will cost you no money and I
will pay all of the expenses and taxes for as long as you live there. Anyone
interested?" They looked at each other in astonishment. "Why would you do
something like that?" asked a young man, "There isn't anything for free in
this world." They began to laugh at me, as they did not realize this man had
just made my point. "I am serious, I will give you my house for free, no
money what so ever. Anyone interested?" In unison, a resounding "Hell Yeah"
fills the room.

"Since there are too many of you, I will have to make a choice as to who
receives this money free bargain." I noticed an elderly couple was paying
attention to the spectacle unfolding before their eyes, the old man shaking
his head in apparent disgust. "I tell you what; I will give it to the one of
you most willing to obey my rules." Again, they looked at one another, an
expression of bewilderment on their faces. The perky young woman asked,
"What are the rules?" I smiled and said, "I don't know. I have not yet
defined them. However, it is a free home that I offer you." They giggled
amongst themselves, the youngest of which said, "What an old coot. He must
be crazy to give away his home. Go take your meds, old man." I smiled and
leaned into the table a bit further. "I am serious, this is a legitimate
offer." They gaped at me for a moment.

"Hell, I'll take it you old fool. Where are the keys?" boasted the youngest
among them. "Then I presume you accept ALL of my terms then?" I asked. The
elderly couple seemed amused and entertained as they watched from the
privacy of their table. "Oh hell yeah! Where do I sign up?" I took a napkin
and wrote, "I give this man my home, without the burden of financial
obligation, so long as he accepts and abides by the terms that I shall set
forth upon consummation of this transaction." I signed it and handed it to
the young man who eagerly scratched out his signature. "Where are the keys
to my new house?" he asked in a mocking tone of voice. All eyes were upon us
as I stepped back from the table, pulling the keys from pocket and dangling
them before the excited new homeowner.

"Now that we have entered into this binding contract, witnessed by all of
your friends, I have decided upon the conditions you are obligated to adhere
from this point forward. You may only live in the house for one hour a day.
You will not use anything inside of the home. You will obey me without
question or resistance. I expect complete loyalty and admiration for this
gift I bestow upon you. You will accept my commands and wishes with
enthusiasm, no matter the nature. Your morals and principles shall be as
mine. You will vote as I do, think as I do and do it with blind faith. These
are my terms. Here are your keys." I reached the keys forward and the young
man looked at me dumb founded.

"Are you out of your freaking mind? Who would ever agree to those ridiculous
terms?" the young man appeared irritated. "You did when you signed this
contract before reading it, understanding it and with the full knowledge
that I would provide my conditions only after you committed to the
agreement." Was all I said. The elderly man chuckled as his wife tried to
restrain him. I was looking at a now silenced and bewildered group of
people. "You can shove that stupid deal up you're a** old man, I want no
part of it" exclaimed the now infuriated young man. "You have committed to
the contract, as witnessed by all of your friends; you cannot get out of the
deal unless I agree to it. I do not intend to let you free now that I have
you ensnared. I am the power you agreed to. I am the one you blindly and
without thought chose to enslave yourself to. In short, I am your Master."
At this, the table of celebrating individuals became a unified group against
the unfairness of the deal.

After a few moments of unrepeatable comments and slurs, I revealed my true
intent. "What I did to you is what this administration and congress did to
you with the health care legislation. I easily suckered you in and then
revealed the real cost of the bargain. Your folly was in the belief that you
can have something you did not earn; that you are entitled to that which you
did not earn; that you willingly allowed someone else to think for you. Your
failure to research, study and inform yourself permitted reason to escape
you. You have entered into a trap from which you cannot flee. Your only
chance of freedom is if your new Master gives it unto you. A freedom that is
given can also be taken away; therefore, it is not freedom." With that, I
tore up the napkin and placed it before the astonished young man. "This is
the nature of your new health care legislation."

I turned away to leave these few in thought and contemplation and was
surprised by applause. The elderly gentleman, who was clearly entertained,
shook my hand enthusiastically and said, "Thank you Sir, these kids don't
understand Liberty these days." He refused to allow me to pay my bill as he
said, "You earned this one, it is an honor to pickup the tab." I shook his
hand in thanks, leaving the restaurant somewhat humbled, and sensing a
glimmer of hope for my beloved country.

Use reason, it is the closest you are going to get to Godly conduct
Clifford A. Wright


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