Freedom Isn't Free

Freedom isn't free. It takes fighting and our military to protect our freedom. It takes fearless men and women to battle against communist dictators, who want to take away the freedom of individuals for their own gain. Dictators want all the money and all the power, and only look out for their own well-being. They eliminate all who happen to get in the way of their agendas. But, here in America, we have freedom. We have the freedom to go to church, to own property, to have a family, and to look out for our own well-being.

We also have the freedom to work. Many people, unfortunately, do not appreciate that opportunity. They support more regulations on companies, which limits our freedom and our progress as a country. Government control over these big corporations never does anyone any good.

McDonald's is a great example. Their stock had been plummeting since the end of last year, due to the threats that minimum wage would be increased to $15 an hour. This would have made situations difficult for any company to suddenly have to pay employees double their current wages. Well, McDonald's stock has drastically bounced back. Why? They, along with other restaurants, decided to go around the government regulations. They eliminated thousands of employees and replaced them with computerized ordering systems. Restaurants, once considered to be a great place for young people to find jobs, are no longer reliable opportunities for teaching our youth responsibility and the value of a pay check.

For McDonald's, this is great. Computers are more reliable than people. They don't need paid, they don't need lunch breaks, and they won't show up late for work. Where McDonald's used to be the champion for those seeking an entry level job, the future will look much different. A higher mandatory wage does not improve people's lifestyles, it kills their jobs. After all, if they were able to keep their jobs for the time, who would buy a $12 Big Mac? For those whose pay would not change, they would not be able to afford the goods and services that they once enjoyed.

Government regulations never help the economy, and they don't bring us the freedom to work for what we want. So, let's stop asking Washington for help in taking away our freedoms. Instead, let's appreciate the opportunity that we have in the great country to work and to make a life for ourselves and our family.

www.williamhseng.com