Minimum Wage and Welfare

I've been reading a lot about discussions to raise the federal minimum wage.  Generally speaking, Democrats support and Republicans are against it.  (Gee, surprise, surprise.)  I'd like to propose an alternative:  Let's raise minimum wage, but stop raising welfare.  Let's increase the incentive to work, and reduce the disincentive.

One of the Best Purchases I've Ever Made

Eight years ago this month I purchased a 2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster.  I bought it primarily because I've always loved motorcycles, but used rising gas prices as my justification.  (They were hovering around $2.50 at the time.)  A small piece of me realized that I was buying to a lifestyle, but I really didn't understand the extent that it would impact my life.  Eight years later, I look back and realize this was one of the best purchases I've ever made.

Every day I ride is a day that's a little more free and happy than a day where I drive.  I can't count the number of days where I seriously considered riding on past the job and finding out where the open road would take me.

Though bikes start out relatively stock and similar, there are millions of possible modifications that make each person's bike unique.  I can virtually guarantee that nobody has a bike exactly the same as mine.  A bike is truly an extension of its owner.  Some worship horsepower.  Some covet comfort.  Some scream "look at me."  Every one is unique though.  Take my ride for example...

The day I bought it...

Today...

The most important part though, is that my kids love to ride with me.  My older daughter asks me to take her riding virtually every day that we both have the opportunity.  My younger daughter purchased her own motorcycle earlier this year, and we ride together frequently.  And my toddler grandson is already showing a love for motorcycles.  This is a bond that nobody can take away from me... from us.  Over the years, I've put thousands of miles on my bike with my girls on the back or on the bike next to me, and I look forward to doing this with my grandson as well.  This is probably the biggest reason that my bike is one of the best purchases I've ever made.