A man I recognized had just put gas in his moped and couldn't get it started, and as you said, my offer to help him was hollow, and I even said if I knew anything about those, I would give him a hand. I knew him because he is one of the local thieves, a guy who steals to support his and his woman's meth addiction. I know it, and he knows I know it. As you said, I have a hard time wrapping my head around it. He is just a man who probably would've offered more genuine help to me had I needed it, even if on another day I might have to run him from my property with the business end of a Mossberg. I want to understand why it has to be like that, but I probably never will.
It's a complicated dynamic for sure. I often wonder what else I can do to help on a personal level, but the problems are imbedded in our economic system. Poverty leads to desperation and desperation leads to bad decisions, and one bad decision is often the catalyst for an exceedingly rough life. I'm left thinking the best I can do is vote with both my head and my heart.
I agree fully. Things need to change, and voting and working on behalf of those in our community who are not as fortunate as we are is definately the place to start. Some folks just need a fighting chance.
I think most writers use the story of the Jeffs of the world to tell their readers "See, you are not so messed up after all." Thanks for giving us a different perspective. Excellent writing!
I have lived here since 1992 and have neighbors too. You write with such compassion, honesty and respect. I learn something every time I read your writing. Thank you. Keep up the good work!!!! (Please!)
A man I recognized had just put gas in his moped and couldn't get it started, and as you said, my offer to help him was hollow, and I even said if I knew anything about those, I would give him a hand. I knew him because he is one of the local thieves, a guy who steals to support his and his woman's meth addiction. I know it, and he knows I know it. As you said, I have a hard time wrapping my head around it. He is just a man who probably would've offered more genuine help to me had I needed it, even if on another day I might have to run him from my property with the business end of a Mossberg. I want to understand why it has to be like that, but I probably never will.
Thanks, Johnny.
It's a complicated dynamic for sure. I often wonder what else I can do to help on a personal level, but the problems are imbedded in our economic system. Poverty leads to desperation and desperation leads to bad decisions, and one bad decision is often the catalyst for an exceedingly rough life. I'm left thinking the best I can do is vote with both my head and my heart.
I agree fully. Things need to change, and voting and working on behalf of those in our community who are not as fortunate as we are is definately the place to start. Some folks just need a fighting chance.
I think most writers use the story of the Jeffs of the world to tell their readers "See, you are not so messed up after all." Thanks for giving us a different perspective. Excellent writing!
Thanks, Rex!
I have lived here since 1992 and have neighbors too. You write with such compassion, honesty and respect. I learn something every time I read your writing. Thank you. Keep up the good work!!!! (Please!)
Thank you, Kathy!
Thanks, Johnny, this hits home today! So many Jeff's in our part of the world.
Thanks, Don!