I rarely try to over-dramatize current events, but yesterday’s rant by CNBC’s Rick Santelli on the Chicago trading floor was a sign of the major unrest I think is currently brewing across the country.  Every revolution begins with a “first shot.”  While we likely will not have a “revolution” in the traditional sense of the word, we are certainly looking at (in Glenn Beck’s words) disenfranchisement.  And Santelli’s rant was the shot heard ’round the world. 

As the Obama administration continues to articulate one socialist policy after another, the silent majority in America is seething.  If you live in Washington, D.C. or in New York City, you probably haven’t noticed that public opinion is slowing turning against Obama and his policies.  This slow-forming revolt manifested yesterday on the Chicago trading floor:

It’s almost impossible to consider (unless you’re a liberal and live in Washington, D.C. or New York City) that Santelli was speaking for a majority of Americans.  Let’s face it: the 8 million to 9 million Americans who are facing some form of financial hardship with their homes represent just a small percentage of homeowners in this country.  Those other homeowners (all of whom are probably hard-working Americans) do not want to subsidize irresponsible decisions. 

Simply put, if an individual applied for and received a risky loan and bought a house he or she could not afford, why should taxpayers pay for that recklessness?  It used to be that adults waited until they were in their mid-30s to purchase their first home.  Today, the government has inculcated in people the notion that they are “entitled” to own a home, even if they don’t have the money for a down payment or the income to cover a monthly mortgage payment.

Santelli’s words yesterday represented the spirit of America–the idea that you’re only entitled to the fruits of your own hard work.  If you want to purchase a home, work for it.  Save money, and buy responsibly.  If you buy a home you can’t afford, then you should face the consequences.  Santelli was right to insinuate that no one wants to “subsidize the losers’ mortgages.”

For those of you out there who were feeling let down or depressed since Obama became President and began moving this country to the socialist left, fear not.  There are others like you out there.  You may not hear them, but Santelli’s words yesterday should inspire confidence that there is, indeed, a silent majority just like you. 

Any type of revolution or unrest usually begins with a single action.  Santelli’s words represent that action.  This “first shot” will hopefully inspire others to begin to speak up and express their dissent.  If you disagree with the socialist direction of this country, look in the mirror and remember events like these as affirmations that you are not alone. 

Socialism is a horrible system, and Obama simply does not (or doesn’t care) to understand that the only way to revive this economy is through capitalist and conservative principles.  As Santelli said, “you can’t buy your way into prosperity.”         

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