The Absent Uncle: The bottom line

So here we find ourselves in the middle of January and as part of our Republic’s process we are going through an Administrative change. We can all be thankful that we are still referring to Jan. 20 as an Inauguration Day not a day of regime (Webster Definition: a form or manner of government or rule) change.

Regardless of how you voted in the last election in November, Jan. 20 is special. We ceremonially welcome in the victor of the electoral vote and transfer power to the newly-elected Administration – not a ruler. 

Much has been made (by both winner and loser) of the changes to be expected going forward. A lot of those changes are from the macro point of view – the changes to national policies and overall style of the incoming government. Not much is written about the other side – the micro point of view – how it affects John Q. Citizen – you and me on a daily basis. 

Of course, it depends on who John Q. Citizen is. His or her age or her sex, maybe their ethnicity, and certainly reality of the economics of his or her daily life. 

That is sort of the bottom line. 

I can only write from my point of view. I am comfortable; over 70, in decent health, and have a nest egg that my wife and I worked hard to put together. I am not angry; I don’t want what you have or feel deprived. I am not entitled to more.

We recognize we are fortunate. That not everybody is or can live as comfortably as we are. That is not taken for granted nor do we feel we had to cheat anyone to be where we are. We did not have to overcome substantial obstacles that others have had put in their way. 

We recognize we had advantages. When and where we grew up, who we were raised by, the opportunities that fell our way. Without those factors in play who knows what would have happened. I certainly can see I wouldn’t be writing this column today without all the pieces of life’s puzzle fitting together nicely. 

So, what is the bottom line? Stability. A foundation. Love. Nurturing. Opportunity. A good amount of luck made possible by choices. Health. 

It is all a blessing. I want nothing less for my children, for their children and for your families as well.  

That is my bottom line.