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| Rob's Soapbox | ||
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Congratulations!
You have finally landed on the one page on this entire site (and on the entire internet for that matter) that is purely without bullshit... my soapbox page. There are a lot of times during our show that, whether it's because of time constraints and other obligations, I don't always get to address some issues that I feel don't get the attention they deserve. There are even more times when I just don't feel like waiting until the show the next day to get some things off my chest. Thus, I have started the "Rob's Soapbox" page. If you have clicked on this page looking for someone to coddle your fragile sense of self-esteem, or tell you what you want to hear or to reinforce your outdated world view, then exit this page right now and go somewhere else. If you are in search of the last forum for reason and common sense left in the world, then sit back, relax, and enjoy. I make only one promise with this soapbox page... if you read long enough and often enough, you will eventually be offended. So here's my latest soapbox. Listen up, 'cause you just might learn something... |
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February 15, 2004
If you are a fan of my usual edgy, sometimes angry rants you may be disappointed by this column. I hope though, that many will be enlightened…indulge me, won't you? As I write this, we are less than a week away from our 5th annual RobaarnieandDAwn-a-thon to benefit the UCD Children's Hospital. This is the first of our (at least) half dozen charity events that we do every year. I mention this not to brag or boast or point out what great people we are, but rather to help me make a point. People who are privileged have a responsibility to pay the costs of that privilege. In my case, I am twice blessed. I have been fortunate enough to work my way up to the top of my field, invest wisely along the way, and establish myself financially. I am not independently wealthy (yet), but I am in the top 5% of the world population in terms of income and net worth. Furthermore, I work in my chosen profession which provides me the privilege to utilize the public airwaves. So, I am granted the privilege to broadcast, and I am a privileged person based on the free market. I hope that each of you has the opportunity to experience this as well someday, and I remind you that these things come with costs and responsibilities. The charitable events we organize and support every year is our way of giving back to the communities that grant us our broadcasting privileges. It's really that simple. As for those of you who are financially privileged (or will be), please never forget that you have a responsibility to give to those who need you to. Not because God tells you to, and not because you should feel guilty about what you have, but simply because it is what's right. It is not the government's job to help dying children, homeless people and beaten women. It's ours. We, the people who utilize this wonderful economic system in America to obtain wealth absolutely bear the burden of propping up the less fortunate. By finding cures for diseases, lowering the number of childhood deaths, and providing battered women second chances, we not only rescue our fellow citizens, we also create a better marketplace. (More healthy, happy people mean more consumers spending and investing and making the country go). Most importantly, giving and helping has an amazing effect on your soul. No matter what or who you believe in, you cannot escape the feeling of satisfaction and pride you enjoy after doing something that's right and good. If you are in the position to give, please find your favorite organization and do so. If you aren't, I hope and pray that someone comes along and gives to you…because it's only right.
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