9/17/08

An American Parable

American Little was sitting around on a Sunday and heard that the sky was falling.
“The sky is falling! The sky is falling!”, shouted American Little. American Little did not know what to do or where to go. So he went to the most logical place.

American Little went to Television. “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!”, shouted American Little, not knowing if the television would provide any comfort or advice. American Little told Television what he heard from yonder hills about how the sky was potentially falling. Television didn’t have verifiable proof that the sky was falling, but the story was too good. So, instead of telling American Little that everything was going to be okay, Television ran with that story. “The sky if falling!”, Television proclaimed all the louder. Television started ignoring American Little, so American Little went somewhere else.

American Little wasn’t sure where to turn next, so American Little ran to Candidate. “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!”, panted American Little to Candidate. Candidate assessed the attitude of American Little, “I hear your pain. I think I can help you with that sky problem.” “But how?”, questioned American Little. “It does not matter, young one, because if the sky really is falling it was the fault of someone else. Together, we can solve this problem.” “Okay,” said American Little, “But the sky is falling and I don’t think it’s going to wait on us. I must go find someone else this instant!”

So, American Little, distraught that Television agreed with him and Candidate seemed to give answers to the problem that wouldn’t really fix it, American Little turned to the last place he know, Truth. “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!”, cried American Little with his last glimmer of hope. “Dear child,” said Truth in a way that was gentle but yet very firm, “the sky is not falling.” “It isn’t?”, asked confused American Little. “No, American Little, just because a few apples fall, or it rains for a while, doesn’t mean the sky is falling, it just means we need a little perspective. The apples fall much less in our land. And as a matter of fact, more people even get to eat apples in our land than in others. The sky isn’t falling. It’s just an overcast day. It’s not even a year.” But American Little still wasn’t quite satisfied. After all, it was a major crisis because he had heard about it. And so American Little walked away sad.


A good parable doesn’t always need explanation. But Truth in this story is Dave Ramsey. Listen to his radio shows from Monday and Tuesday (Go to archives and listen to those days earlier this week, esp. Monday). Ramsey has a fresh and real take on the financial "crisis" going on right now. If you are looking for sensationalism, do not listen to him. Regarding other parts of the story, Candidate is either major party candidate.

3 comments:

Kev said...

Agreed. I heard his radio shows earlier this week, and in fact, I'm listening to it today to see what he says about the AIG buyout.

It's quite sad to see so many people worried because the news media beats them over the head with bad news. It has REAL life effects, but the MSM seems to be wholly unconcerned with the self-perpetuating nature of their "sky is falling" economic coverage. People are now worried far more about the economy than is necessary, therefore much less willing to spend any money. It's having a direct effect on my business. But that's what happens when people live marginally; at the first news of danger, they coil up to protect themselves rather than being able to say, "Oh, it's going to be ok. After all, I've heeded the advice of the many financial experts that have for years told me I needed an emergency fund, so now I know I can weather this storm."

Daniel said...

Good parable sir David. I've heard good things about Dave Ramsey. My financial issue is not managing my money but making enough money TO manage! But yes, he's helped many. :)

Rachel said...

That's a great little parable! Love it.