Kaeryn Lapsley's Page

To begin, I'd like to extend my sincerest thanks to everyone responsible for making the Missouri Fair Tax Rally possible. To the speakers for taking the time from their busy schedules to do their civic duty, i.e., helping to keep America strong by working to unearth us from the massive burden of the U.S. tax code, to the American people who upheld their civic duty by attending something so important, and to my friend for inviting me and sharing a most memorable weekend.

All of these things made it a fabulous trip but even so, there was one instant that will be indelibly printed in my mind forever. Okay, so maybe it's a little off the topic of the Fair Tax but I'm compelled to share what a staggering impact Joe Wurzelbacher, (Joe the Plumber) with whom I was fortunate enough to briefly speak, had on me.

I didn't know this man and I don't know him now but I find myself wondering if the media had any idea what a powerful force they were unleashing when they turned his life upside down. As of now, I've only read a few pages of his book, but if what he says is to be believed and I think it is, I didn't need to read it to know the essence of the man. I could feel it radiating from him.

His hand was strong but gentle when he took mine in greeting. He looked me in the eye and his voice was sincere and soothing when he spoke. His shoulders were broad and unbowed, and, sitting next to him for an instant for a picture he was gracious enough to grant, I felt...Safe. Oddly enough, this very closely mirrored the feeling I had when President Bush took me in his arms several years ago and thanked me for sacrificing my son to the horrors of war.

One could say that perhaps I was a bit star struck but being the kinesthetic sort of personality that I'm am, I sincerely doubt that momentary infatuation with a celebrated personality had anything to do with what I felt being in this man's presence. This wasn't a Hollywood media frenzy after all. Neither was it a female reaction to an attractive man. (No offense to Joe.) I only know that what I felt remains with me today and that I am grateful to know there are serious men like Mr. Wurzelbacher, who, despite being unfairly attacked and having his entire existence upended, are still willing to stand up for what they know is right and surely it goes without saying that the Fair Tax is right.

And to Joe, should you ever chance to read this:
I suspect that it is upon the shoulders of men like you that this country was built and upon whose shoulders it will continue to prosper and I pray you will never let them be bowed by the ignorance of the media nor the arrogance of politicians who almost seem to revel in destroying good men in order to realize their own nefarious purposes.

Bless you.