Would you give up your freedom for cheap gasoline?

Inflation hurts all of us, with the poor and working class hurting the most. One of the biggest hikes is the price of gasoline. At the least expensive Costco in our area, it’s $6 a gallon. When you commute to a job that hasn’t increased your salary to keep up with inflation, that’s a big hit on your budget.

When people are desperate for relief, they will turn to anyone who can offer an easy solution. No matter if they backed an insurrection, preach White Christian nationalism, or want to strip away all of your rights. You might consider giving them your vote if they can bring gas back to $2 a gallon.

That’s why I want to tell you a story I heard long ago. I don’t remember the author or title, but it goes something like this.

A traveling rabbi was going to a town to teach. He was well-respected for his scholarship and had an impeccable reputation for honesty and integrity. But he was very poor. When he was close to town, he had to sit by the side of the road because his hunger made him too weak to continue.

He came across a stranger who noticed his predicament. He told him, “Rabbi, I look a lot like you. If you let me wear your clothes and use your name, I’ll get you something delicious to eat.” The rabbi agreed.