The Working Poor

   Today in class we discussed the present issues surrounding our local population of poor people, with thoughts regarding what makes us empathetic (or not) to the laborers we see waiting on the side of the road for work.

   I had given it some thought and in class realized that I didn't really think much of it when I saw them standing there. I wondered about this - what kind of person did this make me? Wouldn't I want some compassion from my fellow man?

   Well I quickly convinced myself that this was not actually the case, that I did actually feel sympathetic towards the poor, and proceeded on through my day. However, on the way home, I saw a Hispanic man riding his bicycle through the pouring rain. I drove right by.

   An hour and a half later, I realized what I had done. I had made the same mistake. In fact, I realized I had even been a little angry with this gentleman; he had been a little too close to the road and I had to swerve around him. I, in my dry, warm vehicle that could have easily fit him and his bicycle, passed him right by and went home. Not only that, but I had the audacity to be frustrated with his presence, which he could not help because he was simply heading home as efficiently as he could.

   After all that we discussed in class and the stance I had made up in my mind to take on it, I had decidedly not acted upon any of my views. I was ashamed, really, of what I had done - or rather, what I hadn't done. Sure, one can argue that offering this man a ride would not have been the safest thing to do, but that's not the worst part: I hardly even noticed him.

   In summary, I'm not suggesting that we all offer transportation to people we see walking in the rain (though it wouldn't hurt). What I'd rather we all do is not forget these people when we see them and maybe have a little human compassion for them.
 
   Regardless of where they come from or whether or not they're here legally, the point is that they certainly are here, and they're not leaving, so we might as well lend them a hand. This can be done in many ways, of course, and it doesn't matter how you go about it; it's the principle that counts. Just don't forget that they are there, and that, if misfortune seeks you out, you might someday be among them.