So, Stan takes Missy and Marsha out ...and spares no expense. Even Missy has so much fun, she is not even so disturbed by having Marsha along.

Missy thanks Stan, "That was awfully nice of your parents to get you that credit card ...I bet we spend nearly a thousand dollars last night."

Stan admits, "We also have to thank your parents. Without the car they gave you, we wouldn't have been able to go to all those places."

Missy smiles, "I never realized adulthood would be so much fun!" 

              ************************************

But Stan gets his first shock when he gets his credit card bill ...it's for just over $70,000.

Stan consults his dad, "Dad, I have two things that are confusing me.  First, I got this bill ...and it's in my name.  I feel a little silly, but I kind of thought a graduation gift was something I didn't have to pay for.  Are you going to make payments on my bill, or ..."

Stan's dad laughs, "You think life is just free money ...where you charge things and someone else pays for it?"

Stan doesn't know what to say, "Well, no, but I thought it was a gift and ..."

Stan's dad interrupts, "So, what is the second thing you are confused about?"

Stan hands Dad the incredible credit card statement, "Look at this bill.  I only used the card that one night and I'd guess that I spent around $1,000 ...but it's for seventy times that much.  I'm going to have to call the credit card company and tell them someone made a big mistake."

Stan's dad bluntly enlightens his son, "That's no mistake.  I've had that card for several years in your name, and I was the one that charged it up so high."

Stan is shocked.  He always thought of his dad as a reasonable man ...this is simply maddening, "And you expect me to pay all that debt?"

Stan's dad smiles, "Sure, son, I love you!!"

          ******************************

Stan wakes up.  It was just a dream. But, the nightmare is ...that if each person 18 years of age or older, was to pay their 'fair share' of what is owed on our national debt, it would come to around $70,000.  And we love our children so much, we're trying to make it more.