Sweat Equity
I believe in sweat equity; a constant “putting in”, that should never be cashed out in whole sum.
In the proposition that work is as valuable to any enterprise as is capital.
That, among the reasons our founding fathers sailed to these shores is to escape from serfdom to, a place where common folk could keep what they earn and provide for their posterity.
I believe in the worth of effort and faithful service, and that these investments accrue dividends in every respect as tangible and obligated as with capital. I believe that workers choose to invest their lives and efforts to one enterprise over another and that these investment choices and dedicated lives own an equal share in the prosperities created through their endeavors: as they will certainly share in the losses.
I believe that every soldier, sailor, marine, airman and guardsman who faithfully serves us deserves our support and care in their times of need, because theirs is a sacrifice that preserves us all.
I believe that the janitor in my building and the trash collector on my street contribute to the quality of my work and my life, and that their health, security and happiness are inextricably connected to mine.
I believe that every person in this nation contributes to and is owed that sacred dividend embodied in the words, “…provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity….”
I lived much of my childhood with my grandparents, on the rough land, in one of the most humble counties of West Florida. Nothing is so familiar to me than my grandmother’s daily. “…it’s time to get up and go to work.”
I believe, as my grandmother taught me, that although we seldom allow proper worth to what we have made with our hands, we must not give it up for a moment in the glory of others; and that the real value of living is in what we achieve without seeking merit.
I believe that the only true ownership anyone can have in this great nation is his or her sweat equity. That freedom is not purchased, but is daily earned through shared effort and sacrifice. I believe that the even the most meager service of one serves us all.