I am the 99%. I stand with the future 1%. I stand with myself.
Shocking right? I don't stand with the 1% of the 1% that don't give freely of their own money, but that's their right.
I am a recent college graduate. I received a free ride. However "free" is not how I would describe it. I received scholarships and money from my parents. I didn't go to college for free; I was paid for. Those scholarships from sponsors, the government, and my parents were all investments in the product that is/was myself as a student. A return is expected in the form of a graduate who could one day contribute to the community/society. I did not get more than I needed; I received exactly what I needed to achieve the degree. Every dollar was a dollar I did not have to work for.
Myself and my family are both lower middle class. We do not live outside our means. I understand the difference between needs and wants. There is a difference between "poor" because you have no money and "poor" because you spend all your money. It's amazing to know how little you need to live, how very little money it takes. It also amazes me to realize how much money I can afford to my wants.
I long ago grasped the concept of the value of a dollar. My father worked for every cent for my family as member of the Air Force, then as an employee of the local sheriff's office. My mother never had to work, myself and 4 other children in the household never had to work through school (we all went to college locally). Homeowners since 1981 ... the same home for 30 years in Tampa, FL, in one of the more privileged suburban neighborhoods. We live with what we need and we never wanted the most expensive/newest products. We retain the intrinsic connections between the value of a dollar, the worth of a product/service, the quality of labor, and the time worked.
By definition of how much we've earned, we would be considered in need. I've had exactly what I needed, and the luxury of getting what I want when I can. It upsets me to think that I am considered poor. It upsets me to think that those in Occupy are "in need." It upsets me to see that when I see them on Apple products, wearing designer/brand clothing, or drinking Starbucks; and they still consider themselves "in need." In my town, I've seen those in need; and, yes, they are not to the American average wealth ... but in the world perspective, they have exactly what the need and then some. Half of my family is in the Philippines, and many of them would trade their lives to become "American Poor." The homeless and the hungry in America do not compare to those who are hungry and homeless around the world. If you want a place where everyone gets exactly what they need and only what they need ... go tour some of those communist and socialist countries.
I may be considered to have more than what I need ... but what happens when I may be considered to have more than I should have. That is the confusion being spawned in Occupy.
I give what I can and when I want, to whom I want. I give freely. What makes this nation great is that I have the potential and opportunity to climb to or one day find myself in the 1%. Every single citizen has that. When/if I make it to that status, I would be more than happy to give my money to causes and peoples I feel deserve or need it. I am an artist, actor, dancer, and writer, but if ever I come into money I will support those college/school programs that brought me here; I will sponsor the organizations that gave me opportunities early in my professional career; and I will invest in future students of craft. That is what I want, not what I need. So they will not be considered in determining how much the government should tax me if tax based on class income should come to pass. What can I give, when what I don't need is taken?
I am the result of a want. I was never a need. My parents didn't need me, they wanted me. I didn't need to go to college; everyone, including myself, wanted me to go to college. Someone didn't need to give me scholarships to go to university; they wanted to invest in my education and future. I don't need to go to Grad School; I don't need to be an artist; I don't need to one day have a family; I don't NEED anything but food, water, clothing, and breath. Neither does anyone else. What makes life great is our wants. I am a want.
I am a future 1%, or 2% or 3% ... or more! I will one day give freely my money to those I deem deserve it. I do not support Corporatization. I support Capitalism and Competition. Taxes such as these destroy competition and support conglomerate schemes. I support the opportunity to grow as large as you want, and risk falling as far as you came up. Don't confuse wants with needs, because you'll be surprised what little you need. Support those who can support the less fortunate. Support those who can give; do not support those who take.
I am Citizen 1. I stand on my own.