Affordability

What does this word mean to you?

A young person getting started, finding a decent job, a place to live, a community that fits? Families have more complex concerns for affordability: housing, health care, child care, education, reliable transportation, a fulfilling family supporting job, three squares a day, ability to support their growing children? A retired person surviving on a fixed income? Each American has their own story of affordability.

A concern for security undergirds all this. Security from violence and fraud certainly, but also concern that we can live a dignified life that continues and improves a little each year. Security that the world will continue in a way we can deal with. Opportunity to influence the future is essential for security.

The security that supports affordability requires each of us to be respected as an equal in job matters, community activities, and political activities. Respect as an equal human being endowed with the same unalienable rights. Respect as a unique person among many with different ideas, skills, and experiences.

Affordability signifies concern for security in life essentials based on respect of each persons' equality and rights in a democratic nation and economy.

Bill Dagnon,
Baraboo