by B Smith

Created on: April 04, 2009

There is one universal truth that people need to learn early in life: Nothing is FREE! Whew, I feel much better.

It was a very cold evening in the small, southern town that I currently live in and I was driving home from my workout. When I say cold I am talking about single digits. I noticed a couple walking along the side of the road I was on and I slowed down and asked them if they would like a ride. They both quickly got into the truck. We started talking and it turns out they had already walked about five miles and had another seven to go. They were very tired and very cold. The cost for their ride? To them? Nothing. To me? About $1 in gas and about 15 minutes of my time. Was it free? No, it had a cost.

The undeniable law of supply and demand dictates our life every day. There is no way that public transportation can be free. How will the workers get paid? How will the tracks be maintained? How will new equipment be purchased? How do you pay the window washers? The janitors? The guards? This list of questions can continue but the point is clear.

We have some people that state publicly that they have given up driving or they have committed their lives to being green and as a result, their "public" transportation should be free. Well excuse me while I gag. Should people who give up smoking now get to have free healthcare? Should overweight people that got their weight in line enter into certain pre-selected restaurants, sit down, and eat for free? Should people that wear the clothes of the opposite sex be given free sex change operations? (Okay, that one was a stretch.)

Regardless of whether it is "free" there will still be a cost. Come on people, think about it. Who pays for that cost? The taxpayers? The government? Some will argue that the government should pay for it and not the taxpayers. I would certainly hope those of you reading this article know that the government is funded by the taxpayers and therefore, will be the ones paying for this "free" transportation. So once again, it would be the tax payers paying for this "free" service.

"Free"? Look at these words and ask yourself if it is truly free: "Every government interference in the economy consists of giving an unearned benefit, extorted by force, to some men at the expense of others." Ayn Rand spoke those words. If we allow "free" public transportation then these words ring remarkably true.

Think about it instead of trying to feel it! It should not be about your feelings; it should be about what is right and wrong and taking money from one to give to another because their need/want is deemed more important than the former deciding what to do with his/her money is wrong!

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