Fiscal Responsi-what?

The other day I got schooled in fiscal responsibility. One of my friends was talking, complaining really, about parades and firework shows and how in tough economic times those should be cut. I argued with him. "Oh I get it," he said, "You're a democrat." "What? Hey!" I replied, "Don't you have some whos down in who-ville to scare?"

Saturday the kids and I were in the parade downtown, and yes, while we WERE there promoting the business, that's NOT why we love the parade. We go every year, never miss it...we dress up in our red-white-and-blue best, wave our tiny flags, and cheer on each float. It's been a tradition for as long as we can remember.

It's not that I didn't hear my friend's argument...I certainly understand where he's coming from. If towns have to decide between fireworks or firemen's jobs, like a town in Tennessee had to last year, then duh...that's a no-brainer. But my argument is, do we really have to decide? I just don't think it comes down to that. I feel there are so many other things we could cut instead. (Like in the movie, Dave, when Kevin Kline wanted to keep the kids' program and cut out other spending to do so.)

I'm sure there are lots of families that would be happy to go to Washington and show those guys how to do it. I don't know many families these days who don't live on a budget. In our house, we can't just run out and buy whatever we want. It doesn't work that way. We have to plan for bigger purchases, keep an eye on smaller ones (so they don't mount up) and when unexpected needs arise, we have to shift things around. But I'll tell you this, somehow we always come up with the money for that new dress for the dance, the sixty bucks for the little league fee or a bike for Christmas. Some things you just can't cut. Some things are important for your team's morale.

In a baseball game, when the team is losing in the bottom of the ninth, does an irritated coach get the job done? Does a coach who is strictly business motivate those players to wanna win? No way...rally caps do. Somehow the silliness of turning caps inside out or backwards can unite a team and its fans, and give them that little spark of hope that maybe the game can be won.

Parades, I think, are like those rally caps. Especially July Fourth parades. Parades bring people together from all walks of life, smiling, waving, cheering,celebrating our country's birthday and remembering what's good about our country and what could be again. In tough times especially, we need this bonding. Some things, especially the things that bring us together, should never be cut. Let them cut other stuff, but don't cut the parade. It's important.

And to answer your question, Mr. Grinch, No, I'm not a democrat. I'm a flag-waving, hopeful, parade-loving American.