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HELL'S VALLEY A Fable, of sorts...

A Prince, riding his white horse, traveling the countryside, sees a sign. "Hell's Valley, 2 miles" he reads.

"I wonder why it's named Hell's Valley?" he ponders, spurring his mighty steed down the road to the town.

As he enters the town, he feels somewhat uneasy. There is something in the air, something he can't identify. As he looks at the people, he notices that most are not working, even though it is just past mid-day. They are just sitting, some quietly, some who appear to be arguing.

He dismounts his horse and walks up to a man sitting in a chair, half asleep. "I say, fine fellow, what is about the town?" our intrepid Prince asks.

"Huh?" the groggy man mutters, "Leave me alone, I'm tired."

"My apologies, sir, but I am seeking information about this fair burg and wish to have my questions answered."

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" the sleepy man hotly answers. "If it is answers you seek see the Queen!"

"Perhaps you don't know me. I am Prince Cobra, a Prince of the First Order and I have held my temper as long as good manners dictate. Please stand, remove your hat, and answer my questions or you will rue this day!"

"Your "title" matters not in my town," the man responded, "and it matters not to the Queen of this land."

"Where might I find this Queen that I might speak with her regarding your impudence and disrespect. And what is her official title that I might address her with the respect you give me not..."

"She is called Queen Sloth and she is Queen of the Entitlement. Queen of our Welfare." the man spit.

The Prince turned, mounted his steed, and rode off to seek the Queen.

-----------------------------------------------

Before it was named Nashville, Arkansas, the area I now live in was named Hell's Valley and it appears to me to be the capital of welfare checks. Customer service is almost non-existent. Stores, except for the chain stores and a very few others, close on the weekend and close by 6pm or earlier. And the number one occupation seems to be acquiring, what is called by some, the "crazy check."

I have not, ever in my life, met so many people who are on "disability" and appear to be normal, functioning people. Not that I am qualified to judge their misfortune. But it seems to be rampant. 

Ambition and an honest days work are negative concepts here. I am not saying that all the people here are like that but the percentage seems to be higher than I've seen anywhere else.

One of my ex-in laws seems to have only one ability. To get someone on welfare. This person does not work and has some "addictions" but has an amazing ability to "work the system." I know entire families this person has gotten on welfare. The "Queen of Welfare."

This "laid back" mentality has been the number one thing I've had trouble adjusting to. My father taught me to work and work hard, giving my all no matter what. I'm an alien to most here, my attitude an alien concept.

And as the more "laid back" population tries to get me over to the "dark side," I keep thinking of 2 Thessalonians 3:10:

"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat."

And I like to eat. And maybe I'm being judgmental.

To be continued.

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