GRASSROOTS AND LIVE OAKS
A daily walk with Mary Ruth in Brazoria County

Hello, I'm Mary Ruth Rhodenbaugh of Wild Peach, Texas. My grandfather and father were both county commsissioners in Brazoria County. I want to follow in their footsteps and represent the people of precinct 4 on Commissioners Court. Join me here for my daily campaign observations, announcements and ramblings. Let's make our county as good for everyone, every day, as it was for me growing up here in the place where Texas began...

Sunday, December 04, 2005

"Not all readers become leaders.
But all leaders must be readers."
President Harry S. Truman

"If a free society cannot help the many who are poor,
it cannot save the few who are rich."
President John F. Kennedy

A December greeting....

Heading into the Christmas season, this weekend may be a good time to rent a copy of The Grapes of Wrath and watch it to get a better perspective on how well off some of us are.

While we see advertisements of people receiving new cars and diamonds for the holidays there are signs--yes, in our very own communities--of what may be coming down the pike for lots of our neighbors.

In this day and age of multi-millionaire athletes and entertainers, we must strive for some kind of balance. Equality? I doubt that should be our objective. Just a little understanding, I hope.

You know that I do not believe in give-away programs. However, we must be conscious of those that do not have the ability or capability of earning salaries that allow $500-675 monthly rent payments or $300-450 monthly health care insurance premiums for their families. While the cost of living increases, their pay stubs continue to reflect very little wage increases.

It is important for families to learn to manage their financial resources.....no matter what the income. That is where they may need help; perhaps more than food or toys. We need to consider not so much how we feel when giving but how the recipients feel about receiving. Let’s make it meaningful to both.

Try to get involved with volunteer activities promoting self-help programs that teach while preserving the pride and dignity of the individual.

Happy December.

Mary Ruth