It seems inevitable that we shall soon have our first radically social president. When General Secretary Obama takes office next January, he will surely begin to implement (with Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid’s eager help) his plan to collectivize America.

Since nearly half the country pays no income tax and is already dependent on federal handouts, it should be fairly easy for Comrade Obama to push us over the edge into Euro-Socialism.

As for that evil, selfish top 5 percent, they will soon be the new most persecuted minority in the country. They will no longer be expected to work for themselves but for the collective good of the country.

As we become more socialist, ever greater portions of the population will see the wisdom of riding in the wagon instead of helping to pull it. Why work if you get the benefits for free?

This is, of course, the Achilles heel of every socialist society. No one works hard for others. Why help milk the cow when the milk is free?

Socialism is zero for 20. It did not work in Russia, China, Eastern Europe, Cuba, Vietnam, North Korea, Scandinavia, etc. Why does Obama think it will work here?

I doubt he really believes in it; he probably sees it as a vehicle to unlimited personal power (think Stalin).

Why does Obama expect that talented, top 5 percent to pull the cart for everyone else’s benefit? Perhaps the top 5 percent should take a lesson from Ayn Rand’s book “Atlas Shrugged” and go on strike.

What would happen if all the executives, professionals, entrepreneurs, and small businessmen agreed to stop work each year when they hit the $250k mark?

The country would fall apart, that’s what. I think we should try it in ’09. Let’s go on strike for a week next year just to send a message. In fact, let’s invite the top 20-30 percent to join in.

If we are to be a truly free people, we must be self-reliant, live within our means, and shun debt and government assistance. As Thomas Paine said, “the government is best which governs least.”

So my fellow mules, throw off the yoke and leave the wagon behind. Earn your $250k and take the summer off. Oh yeah, don’t buy their government debt either. Let’s start a Libertarian revolution.

Of course, the Left’s next move when faced with falling revenue will be to go after assets. So look out for new estate and property taxes at the federal level. At that point you might as well just leave.

Costa Rica, anyone?

Bill Gilmer

Fayette County, Ga.