Once upon a time there was a water line contractor. This contractor was a Democrat, and he became very rich putting in water lines, all over the region. These projects were financed by grants from HUD which the Democrats in Washington proposed and then passed into law. They provided badly needed clean water for people living in small towns and rural areas all across Appalachia.

This water line contractor’s business grew and grew, because he did a good job, and got many government contracts. He paid his workers well and treated them likewise. But the richer he got the more his contempt grew for the Democrats who made his wealth possible. Republican politicians told him that he could make much more money if the Democrats didn’t tax and regulate him to death. They told him that Republicans were more business friendly and he should help to get the Democrats defeated. They told him that he was rich enough now to be a Republican. So the water line contractor saw the dollar signs in the sky and switched political parties.

He supported the Republican candidate and denigrated the Democrat candidate. He was sure that when Reagan got into office it would be easy street from then on. Imagine how disappointed he must have been when one of the first things Reagan did after being elected was cut off the HUD grants for water lines.

Thus began the demise of the water line contractor’s business. Moral of the story: It’s better to dance with the one that brung you than to fall for a blow up doll.

The lessons of this story also apply to others who eat at the public trough. Those who enjoy good wages or salaries, cushy jobs, early retirements, and the best health care all at the expense of the taxpayer. Don’t be like the water line contractor. Appreciate what the Democrats have made possible for you.

Charles M. Whitt

South Shore, Ky.