Chapter 7

One of the Berks County deputies quickly grabbed Richard who turned and punched the man in the face. The other deputy grabbed him from behind in an arm lock, slamming him face down over the trunk of the limo. Roughly they cuffed him as he proceeded to scream profanities. Virginia took her purse and began using it to beat the back of one of the deputies. In moments she too was handcuffed.

Leroy exited the Navigator. “We want to press formal charges of assault against these two and intend to obtain a PFA against them to protect Jennifer Sue. We’ll also need to ensure they do no damage to the estate until it is settled.”

“We’ll take care of it,” the deputy who had been hit in the face said. “They’ll be charged with assaulting an officer which is not looked upon kindly in this county. Have your attorney contact the DA’s office about the PFA, assault charges and to protect the estate.”

“I’ll be sure to do that,” Attorney Lieberman stated as he joined the group video camera in hand. “I was in the funeral and caught the entire initial confrontation on tape. Then I joined as the last vehicle in the procession. I’ve been filming everything since Jennifer Sue arrived here. I’m sure the assaults on the vehicle and you deputies will ensure there are no questions as to their guilt. I suggest they be promptly arraigned and held until the PFA’s can be put in place.”

The deputies nodded their agreement as they escorted Virginia and Richard to the sheriff’s vehicle to await the arrival of the local police.

Attorney Lieberman looked at the severely cracked windshield on the Navigator and pulled out his BlackBerry. After a brief search made a phone call to B&G Glass. A local company that handled window replacements in homes and vehicles. After a brief discussion he smiled. “We’ll be there in about half an hour.”

“They have a replacement windshield in stock and can have it installed within two hours,” he told Leroy. “If you follow me, I’ll lead you there. I can get all five of you in my SUV. Will go get dinner while they replace the windshield. Besides, it will give me a chance to get to know my client.”

“That sounds like a plan,” Leroy agreed.

By that time the funeral director had moved his cars out of the way and Leroy pulled the Navigator to the side so the rest of the procession could leave the cemetery. Attorney Lieberman waved as he drove past and Leroy pulled out to follow him.

Once her raw emotions had a chance to settle down, Jenny was awed by Krista’s courage and ability to step forward and confront her bigoted grandparents. Jenny was now even more infatuated with her heroine, Krista. How a girl her age could stand up in front of all those strangers and speak her mind so well and fluently was almost beyond her ability to grasp. Krista and shown no reservations or fear about revealing that she was transsexual. Jennifer Sue knew the news reports she had been following about Krista were not exaggerations. If anything they never came close to showing the steel that made up the feisty girl’s back. She understood she was now moving on and that her past life was just a sad memory, to be buried with her parents.

They dropped the Navigator off at B&G Glass, then everyone piled into the SUV. They drove about five miles to a local upscale steakhouse called Austins. They arrived at 1:30 just as the lunch rush was ending. They were able to get an isolated booth in a corner.

After the food was ordered, Attorney Lieberman smiled a Krista. “Young lady, you are simply amazing. I did some research on you after reading Jennifer Sue’s Web posting. I thought the news reports had to be exaggerated but after seeing you in action today I don’t think they came close to capturing the real you.”

“Thank you,” Krista smiled. “It’s just that I experienced too much hatred and bigotry and it wasn’t until I discovered my true self that my fears away. My family helped me discover the real me and supported me every step of the way. Now whenever I see anyone being bullied or tormented I feel compelled to help them. I’m simply passing it on.”

“You do it quite well,” Attorney Lieberman said before turning to Jenny. “Jennifer Sue, you showed a lot of courage today. It was rough enough coming here to see your parents buried, but having to deal with the idiots who call themselves your grandparents, well, you’ve done a lot better than I would have in your shoes. It is my pleasure and honor to be your lawyer.”

Jennifer smiled glad that she had someone she could depend upon to look after her interests in Pennsylvania. The rest of the meal was pleasant conversation as everyone got to know each other. When they were done, they headed back to pick up the Navigator to make the long trip home.

Attorney Lieberman headed into the courthouse to get the PFA’s. With videotape in hand the orders were promptly issued and delivered to Richard and Virginia before they were released on bail. The irate couple vowed to get revenge but now understand whatever they did had to be well-planned.

*****

Kylie and Larry spoke every day for a few moments at eight am and eight pm. Larry kept her informed about Jenny’s new life and Kylie kept him up-to-date on how she was recovering from her surgery. Each day she grew stronger and each day the lovers missed one another more and more.

*****

On Tuesday, January 8 Benny Reese’s trial began at 9:00am. Cynthia and Stephen Campbell were there to show their displeasure with their son’s behavior. Quite naturally Heather and Gretchen as well as Jaz, Holly, Ivy, and Benny Jr. were there represented by Kevin Stewart. Benny’s arrogant attitude quickly crashed when he saw his parents, wives and children present. Since the two wives sat side by side and Jaz was holding Benny in her lap he knew he was about to be crucified. Since all of his assets had been frozen to see that his children were taken care of he had no money for a lawyer of his own and had to utilize the services of a public defender.

Judge Wallace was the presiding magistrate and like all the other judges in Talbot County had little use for men who abuse the their families. The DA quickly read off the charges and identified the relationships of those in attendance had with Benny and their interest in this bizarre case.

It quickly became evident that Benny had no chance of winning this trial since even his parents were against him. The public defender understood this immediately and asked for a five minute delay so that he could talk with his client.

Since Benny was spoiled and had never taken responsibility for the events of his life he certainly had no clue as to how to handle this mess. In the end he took the easy way out by pleading guilty to all charges and asked the court to show him mercy.

The judge accepted the guilty plea and set a sentencing date in three weeks. During that time the plaintiffs would have an opportunity to voice their opinions of how he should be punished. A very dejected Benny was led back to his cell

*****

At 1 PM many of those from Clan Wells point met in the chambers of Judge Watkins to discuss the custody arrangements of Justin Raven. It was merely a formality as the custody was officially switched from Leroy and Pat Scott to Ruth Ewell. A dual petition for Ruth Ewell to adopt Justin/Jennifer Sue and to change her name and gender status was also filed with the intent to bypass the normal red tape such proceedings usually entailed.

After the petitions were handed in Judge Watkins looked over them she looked at Jennifer Sue “Well Jennifer Sue, do you have any objections to being adopted by Ruth Ewell having your gender change from male to female and name from Justin Raven two Jennifer Sue Raven?”

“Yes ma’am I do,” Jenny stated seriously.”

Everyone was caught off guard by her declaration. They all exchanged looks of puzzlement wondering what was happening.

“Your Honor, I’m more than happy to be adopted by Ruth Ewell and to have my gender changed from male to female,” Jenny declared. “However I do not want my name changed to Jennifer Sue Raven. I’d like it changed to Jennifer Sue Ewell. That is if mother doesn’t mind.”

Ruth began to cry as she swept Jenny into her arms for a loving hug. Everyone else in the room smiled.

“Well Jenny if no one else objects to your desired name change I will so modify the petition,” Judge Watkins smiled.

Naturally no one objected. The hearing was adjourned with the promise that the dual petitions would be processed as quickly as possible.

Jenny was elated. Now she knew for sure that her past life was forever gone and that she could become the girl she was meant to be.

That evening dinner was held in the big farmhouse to formally welcome Jennifer Sue as the newest member of the Clan Wells Point. Another bit of welcome news was made known. Mr. Dunn had given notice that he would be vacating the tenant farmhouse this coming weekend. Robert and Sheila told the Abotts, Harpers and Mrs. Delp they would probably be able to move in the weekend after that if they were willing to come out evenings to clean and paint. It was no surprise when most of the Clan members volunteered to help The Clan was steadily expanding. After tears of thanks and many hugs to Krista and her family for making her feel welcome, Jenny went home with her new temporary but soon to be permanent mom and sister, delighted that her life was at last going in the right direction.

*****

Wednesday found Jenny joining the other Clan Wells Point teens as they entered St. Michael’s Junior Senior High School. Jenny had wisely requested that she be allowed to start in the seventh grade with Krista and Jaz so she would have less issues with the schoolwork and have more time to flow into the life of a teenage girl with her friends. The school district had no problem granting her request to start in the seventh grade. Since it was nearly impossible to keep secrets in the tight knit community, most of the students already knew of Jenny’s New Years fiasco and flight to safety.

By this time the students had grown accustomed to what would have been unusual just six months before. Krista was not only helping her friends as they adapted to their new lives she was also helping the student body and indeed the entire community to accept that people had a right to be true to themselves. The school had become a better place for all students as bullying was no longer tolerated. Peer pressure prevented anyone who attempted harassment from carrying through. This is not to say good natured joking and playful teasing were absent, far from it, but everyone was well aware that certain lines were not to be crossed. It was now considered a sign of maturity and earned respect for a student to publicly apologize if they unintentionally offended someone. Krista’s unflinching strength of character lead others to emulate her. Of course there were a few students who hated Krista for what she was doing to the school. Fortunately, there weren’t many and they were easily cowed by the other students

With the cold in mind, Krista and Jaz had coordinated their outfits with Jenny. They wore comfortable jeans and sweaters, decidedly feminine yet clearly functional. Quite naturally Jenny was nervous not only about starting in a new school but also interacting with her peers as a girl. By the end of the second period Jenny’s nervousness and apprehension had pretty much evaporated. The three giggling girls quickly engaged the other girls in their classes in conversation and the other girls welcomed Jenny. For her part Jenny was clearly delighted and relieved to see her classmates simply accepted her as the girl she felt she’d always been. By the end of the school day the years of suppression and self loathing had lifted and blown away leaving the new girl to happily face the future.

This is not to say that Jenny did not have any issues. The fact that her coming out had resulted in the deaths of her parents greatly troubled her but the love and acceptance given her by the Clan Wells Point and the counseling sessions with Dr. Sykes helped her manage to control those demons.

*****

Each evening after school the Clan Wells Point teens managed to squeeze time in for their music. The practice studio had been completed in record time and the teens were delighted with their space. ‘Certain Change’ was coming along quite well, since they were well motivated and had tremendous support from the rest of the Clan Wells Point. All had mastered the basics of playing piano and could now read music fluently. Already the individual lessons on their primary instruments had begun. Dwayne, Phil and Jaz easily returned to the prowess they had achieved before they’d stopped taking lessons. Barney had a natural rhythm and since he didn’t have to overcome past expertise as a drummer, he quickly developed the skills needed to play the drums with one arm an two feet. Freddy took to the piano like a duck to water. Jimmy was coming along with the fiddle which pleased Old Bill. Krista and Tony were easily picking up the guitar. Since Jenny had never really stopped music lessons with the sax and had experience playing in the junior high band, she was able to give the others pointers to ease their budding individual skills
into the skills needed to play as a group. They spent four evenings a week on their individual lessons and two days on building the group dynamics They improved with each session.

Jenny easily slipped into a close friendship with Krista and Jaz. Generally, if you saw one, the other two were not far off. Friday evening as they were sitting together after band practice waiting for Leroy to finish giving Barney a few pointers, Jenny brought up the idea of selecting an appropriate tartan for the Clan.

“Krista, when I first heard about your exploits,” Jenny began as a way of broaching a subject that she’d secretly worked upon “I was so relieved to realize I wasn’t the only one with a birth defect. Then after you led the cheerleaders doing ‘Mickey’ to awaken Jaz, you started The Clan Wells Point. That was a brilliant way of diffusing any surname issues that could arise while giving everyone a common link. That was a turning point in my life. I so wanted to become a member of the Clan Wells Point. I read that Scottish clans have their own tartan styles so I did a bit of research and found hundreds of styles and patterns. But after hours of checking them out, none spoke to me as being representative of the Clan Wells Point. Then I stumbled upon a unique site called Tartanmaker.com where you can make your own tartan pattern.”

“I played with the possibilities for hours until I realized I wasn’t getting anywhere,” Jenny admitted. “Then I decided start with the basics... Colors. I selected pink for girlishness but toned it down so as not to offend the guys. Then since the Clan Wells Point is a rural area and quite concerned about the environment, I decided two shades of green would complete the color scheme. I’ve down loaded and printed the pattern. What do you think?” With that Jenny dug in her notebook and pulled out a page with a very unique tartan pattern to share with the girls.
( http://www.flickr.com/photos/theclanwellspoint/6562321729/in... )

Jaz and Krista studied the tartan pattern for several moments. Jenny began to worry as they said nothing. Then, both girls began to smile.

“Jenny, I think the design is absolutely perfect,” Jaz exclaimed.

“Oh yeah,” Krista agreed. “The pink is there but it’s subdued and really dominated by the greens. I think it really shows blended natures! Pink for femininity and caring, light green for life and growth and the dark green for toughness and strength. I don’t think we’ll have any issues with the rest of the Clan accepting it! But how would we ever get it made?”

“That’s the good thing about the site,” Jenny smiled. “They can make it. They can supply the right colored yarns and make programs for knitting machines to manufacture the tartan fabric. I suppose it’s expensive to start as they have to make the program and secure the thread colors, but once that’s out of the way, the more you order the lest expensive it gets.”

*****

After the meal at the normal Saturday night Clan get together, Robert explained that Mr. Dunn had vacated the tenant farm, leaving it in satisfactory shape so the clean-up/updating/painting would begin tomorrow after lunch when a joint tour would determine what needed to be done.

Dr Olsen took the floor once the normal Clan business was covered. “I have some exciting news. I’ve been talking to the neurological physiatrist and orthopedic specialists at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Based on their success with prosthetic limbs for those injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, I’ve found what I feel will be an ideal set of artificial legs for Freddy. They are not cheap, but they can give Freddy the ability to walk. Otto Bock Orthopedic Industry has developed the C-Leg which uses hydraulic cylinders to control the flexing of the knee. A knee-angle sensor, located directly at the axis of rotation of the knee, measures the angular position and angular velocity of the flexing joint. Signals are sent to a microprocessor that analyzes these signals, and communicates what resistance the hydraulic cylinders should supply. Measurements are taken up to fifty times a second. Movement sensors, located in the tube adapter at the base of the C-Leg, use multiple strain gauges to determine where the force is being applied to the knee from the foot and the magnitude of that force. The C-Leg controls the resistance to rotation and extension of the knee using a hydraulic cylinder. Small valves control the amount of hydraulic fluid that can pass into and out of the cylinder, thus regulating the extension and compression of a piston connected to the upper section of the knee. The C-Leg is powered by a lithium-ion battery housed inside the prosthesis near the knee joint. On a full charge, the C-leg can operate for up to 45 hours, depending on the intensity of use. A charging port located on the front of the knee joint can be connected to a charging cable plugged directly into a standard outlet. The charger cord has lights that allow the user to observe the level of charge when connected to the knee. A 12 volt car charger adapter is also available. The C-Leg would provide an approximation to Freddy’s natural gait, allowing him to walk at near walking speed. Variations in speed are also possible and are taken into account by sensors and communicated to the microprocessor, which adjusts to these changes accordingly. It also enables the amputees to walk down stairs with a step-over-step approach. The only downside is that the C-Leg is susceptible to water damage and thus great care must be taken to ensure that the prosthesis remains dry. The prosthesis is recommended for amputees that vary their walking speeds and can reach over 3 miles per hour; however, it cannot be used for running. The C-Leg is practical for upwards of 3 miles daily, and can be used on uneven ground, slopes, or stairs and will allow activities such as biking and rollerblading. Equipped with The Otto Bock Greissinger Plus foot equal stability will be easy while walking or standing. It features a joint that is flexible in all directions to adapt easily to different terrains. This means that carpet edges, gravel walkways, lawns or similar obstacles no longer represent a problem since the foot adapts to all surface conditions. The foot provides easy rollover from the heel to the toes which will allow his gait to appear more natural and uniform.”

“With your permission, I’d like to set Freddy up to be fitted with one of these units,” Dr. Olsen summed. “A ball park cost is between forty to fifty thousand dollars per leg. The Clan would have to pay any expenses the insurance won’t cover. I’d expect the insurance to cover eighty percent up to fifty thousand dollars. At that point they’d pay for the balance. We’re looking at spending ten thousand dollars.”

Robert looked about the Clan members and saw no one flinching at the cost. Freddy was holding his breath.

After a few moments of silence, Krista stood. “I make a motion we proceed to have Freddy fitted with the prosthetics.”

Ten “seconds” simultaneously erupted. The vote revealed all yeas and no nays. Robert then turned to Krista.

“Thanks,” Krista acknowledged. “This time I’m only here to give our newest Clan member some back-up. Jennifer is nervous about addressing the group. Even though she just joined us she has been keeping track of us for several months and longed to become part of us. The idea of being a Clan member struck a chord with her and she began to research what she thought would be a suitable tartan for the Clan Wells Point. When she couldn’t find one she designed one. When she showed her selection to Jaz and I we were floored. At this point I’ll let Jenny describe what she’s done... Jenny”

Smiling nervously Jenny stood by Krista. “Thank you for accepting me. I’ve never had the chance to be actively involved in making decisions. In my family that simply was not an accepted practice much less even in idea. But I saw that it was accepted here and I so long for that freedom. Part of what helped me cope during these last few months was the idea of the Clan Wells Point, that it valued all its members and their opinions, knowledge and abilities. As Krista said I buried myself in the effort to find a suitable tartan for the Clan. Krista and Jaz have copies of what I came up with. I discovered a website called Tartanmaker.com that allows you to design your own tartan and can then manufacture it. I selected three colors, pink for girlishness and caring although I toned it down so as not to offend the guys. Then since the Clan Wells Point is a rural area and quite concerned about the environment, I decided two shades of green would complete the color scheme. When Krista saw it she said the pink is there but it’s subdued and really dominated by the greens. I think it really shows blended natures! Pink for femininity and caring, light green for life and growth and the dark green for toughness and strength. That pretty much sums up what to me the Clan Wells Point is all about. I hope you like it.”

Everyone looked at the printed samples they had before them. Most were smiling and nodding their heads. No one looked upset by the color scheme. Several people began to discuss the pattern amongst themselves which made Jenny nervous, afraid of being rejected.

Ruth saw this and stood. “I think that Jenny’s selection is simply marvelous. Granted, my view is a bit tainted by a mother’s love for her child. I know in the past that we’ve talked of solidifying our identity as a Clan. Stephen and Kevin have both voiced their desire to play the bagpipes as part of the Clan. I think a Clan tartan is a logical step in bringing us closer together. Thank you.”

Not to be outdone Jane also stood. “I had given some thought to a Clan tartan in the past but never had the time to pursue it. Now we have another youngster in our midst who has taken the bull by the horns and shown us the way to first proceed forward. I will make a formal motion that we adopt tartan that has been presented as the official tartan of the Clan Wells Point.”

“Well since I’m another new Clan member I’ll second the motion,” Marjorie Delp added with a smile.

Robert smiled and nodded. “Very well all in favor say, aye.”

Everyone present replied with a resounding “Aye!”

“Anyone opposed say, nay,” Robert added.

No one said a word.

“Well then Miss Jennifer Sue Ewell,” Robert congratulated a surprised and delighted Jenny. “It seems that your design for the Clan Wells Point tartan has been unanimously accepted. We all thank you for your contribution.”

Jenny had no idea how to respond. The Clan Wells Point had openly accepted her suggestion! As she meekly but eagerly accepted hugs, she fully understood that she was, to paraphrase Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, no longer in Pennsylvania. It took all her composure to keep her tears of joy in check.

Cynthia stood to gain permission to speak. “If no one objects, I will contact this TartenMaker.com to find out the specifications and costs involved in making this tartan. I think we should also decide what we want to make from the fabric. Obviously a sash, definitely skirts,, if the men are game, kilts, perhaps vests and either berets or more appropriately Tam o' Shanter’s.”

“I worked for years as a seamstress,” Marjorie smiled. “I’d be glad to design patterns for the garments.”

Maureen and Norma smiled. “We both work at Easton Mills Inc.,” Norma said. We’ve worked on the pattern cutting and sewing floors so we could easily set up a small shop to make what we’d need. Of course, we’d have to have a suitable building and purchase some equipment, but with the number of clothing factories shutting down I don’t think we’d have much trouble getting the equipment we’d need.”

A few other general matters were brought up before the group. Then a brief break was called before those interested would resume by reviewing Clan financial status. Most Clan members moved on to other activities. Jane, Robert, Sheila, Kevin, Steven and Cynthia adjourned to a smaller room.

“What will they be talking about,” Jenny asked Krista as the teens gathered together.

“They’ll be talking about the Clan’s overall finances,” Krista responded. “The detail they go to is really boring but also quite important to the Clans future. I know enough to know they know what’s best for us and if there is a major decision to be made they let us know and we can vote on it.”

“All of us can vote,” Jenny asked in disbelief.

“Of course,” Krista smiled. “As long as we you aware of what’s going on it’s our future as much as theirs.”

“In that case I better learn what’s going on,” Jenny declared ready to take on her responsibility as a Clan member.

Leroy, David, Ed Nelson and Frank Spade had been listening to the teens and smiled. “If you’re really interested we’ll give you brief rundown on what’s been happening in the financial markets,” Frank said. “Once you get a handle on the overall picture the rest comes into focus fairly easily.”

The four men took turns explaining about the relationships between interest rates, loans and mortgages. They also explained about market values, what people are willing to pay for things they want, especially homes, cars, vacation getaways and other luxury items that many people had started considering necessities. When the market demand is climbing, selling prices often raise beyond their actual value which creates what is called a financial bubble. They went on to explain this is exactly what had been happening the last several years in the stock market and housing industries. Housing prices had risen up to twenty to thirty percent above what they were actually worth. People have gone into debt buying homes and other items that had previously been considered luxuries hoping that prices will continue to climb so they won’t become stuck owing more than their home is worth.

“Unfortunately for the last six months the financial bubble, especially in the housing and market stock market, has peaked and in certain areas is already starting to burst,” Frank sighed. “Within the next year those of us who keep a hand on reality are expecting a major crash. The housing market will implode and many banks and Wall Street financial giants will find themselves overextended and much of the economy will slow dramatically. At this point there really is no way to prevent that from happening. It’s no longer a matter of if there’s going to be a crash but when. The Clan has already divested itself of all banking and brokerage assets. We’ve concentrating our money in areas that should ride out the coming financial crisis. We’ve invested heavily in Exxon Mobil and mining stocks as well as in pharmaceuticals. If we have played our cards right we should not only be able to ride out the crunch that’s coming but should be able to take advantage of deals that will most likely become available as those who didn’t look ahead become desperate. Were not looking to hurt anyone but personal greed has pushed many people to the edge of financial stability. Quite a few are already going over the edge. Our intentions are to pick up as many pieces as possible without endangering our own will being. By buying the assets of businesses and people who are broke, we’ll be helping them by letting them get out from under their financial burdens and possibly giving them some cash to start over.”

“That’s pretty heavy stuff,” Jenny sighed. “I know what I had to go through to make the small purchases I made. I saw a lot of kids at my old school who felt they just had to have this or that just because it was cool. I’d have liked some of that stuff too but there was no way my parents would ever get it for me so I never even asked. I simply did without. If the economy does crash there will be a lot of spoiled kids who’ll get a whack of reality upside the head.”

“I’ll feel sort of guilty if we buy stuff people have to sell because they’re broke,” Jaz sighed. “Isn’t some way we could help them keep from going broke?”

“Unfortunately not,” Leroy replied. “None of us are looking forward to what’s going to happen. But we have the same information they have. We’re not geniuses who’ve somehow figured this out. We’re ordinary people who do our best to live within our means without going into more debt than we can handle. Too many people have gotten spoiled, just like Jenny said. They want and want and want until they wind up paying off one credit card with another. When the bottom drops out like it’s starting to do, most will have no one to blame but themselves. But rest assured, they’ll cry and plead for help and the liberals in Washington will try to buy their votes by bailing them out. But the only way Washington can bail them out is by going printing money... money that will have no backing in reality and is borrowed with the promise to pay it back in the future. The people who give and take the bail-outs will be putting the Federal Government in the same financial difficulty. The government will go so far into debt it may very well bankrupt the entire country. We don’t think that will happen as those of us who understand balanced finances will raise such a ruckus they’ll have to back off the give-aways. Hopefully it’ll happen before it’s too late.”

“I don’t understand how this whole mess happened,” Krista said.

“It started with government give-aways,” Frank said. “For almost two hundred years this country functioned because individuals took responsibility for their actions. It was the every person’s RIGHT to EARN a living. It began to change during the great depression of the 1930s when the government began to step in and help people. Now there is nothing wrong with helping people survive, but when you help someone, you help them get back on their feet so they can take care of themselves. Instead we started helping people by helping them survive without helping them get back on their feet. They became dependent on the handouts. They lost any sense of self responsibility. Instead of the Right to Earn a living, it morphed into the RIGHT to be GIVEN a living... by the government. The government is financed off fees and taxes paid by the people. All those people who are given a living... the money they get from the government is PAID by the people who EARN a living. The more people who are GIVEN a living are supported by fewer people who EARN a living. The only way the government can support more people who are GIVEN a living is to raise the taxes on those who EARN their living.”

“That is so unfair,” Tony declared.

“I can see what happened,” Krista said. “Before she died Mom said she didn’t want to go on welfare because it destroyed a person’s drive until they lost their freedom by becoming so dependent on government handouts. She said it was better to be free even if we had to go hungry and struggle. But that’s what made us tough... tough enough to stick together and walk form Cape Cod to here.”

“There’s an old Chinese proverb,” Ed smiled. “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for the rest of his life.”

No one disagreed