The Strong Protect the Weak
Posted: Friday, February 18, 2011
by David Tanguay
“You know, there's a lot of talk in this country about the federal deficit. But I think we should talk more about our empathy deficit -- the ability to put ourselves in someone else's shoes; to see the world through the eyes of those who are different from us -- the child who's hungry, the steelworker who's been laid-off, the family who lost the entire life they built together when the storm came to town. When you think like this -- when you choose to broaden your ambit of concern and empathize with the plight of others, whether they are close friends or distant strangers -- it becomes harder not to act; harder not to help.” Barack Obama
Have you ever put yourself into someone else’s shoes and looked at the world through their eyes? Not only in this country but also throughout the world there are so many unfortunate souls living in despair. Oh I know one might say “what can I do I’m only mortal and do not have the means to help others”
How true, those of us who would help these lost souls have very little to work with. However those in leadership positions in other words politicians have the responsibility to do what they can to help the less fortunate.
I don’t understand why the belief in creating jobs must be the only way to get people out of the predicaments they are in as individuals. If the rich and powerful would do their fair, share and distribute a portion of their wealth to bring some poor soul into adequate housing nourishing their needs and enriching their lives.I’m not saying all rich people are bad many of them do give to charities and do their part in helping the disadvantaged. What I am saying is the law of the jungle is “the strong eat the weak” the law of a humanitarian lifestyle is “the strong protect the weak”
I don’t believe they should get a free ride in life only a helping hand to get back on their feet.
In my opening of this article I am quoting from President Obama, he seems to know what is happening in our land of the free. Why doesn’t he pass laws that would benefit those living inadequately? In closing, I leave the reader with more of President Obama’s words.
“Hope is what led a band of colonists to rise up against an empire; what led the greatest of generations to free a continent and heal a nation; what led young women and young men to sit at lunch counters and brave fire hoses and march through Selma and Montgomery for freedom's cause. Hope is what led me here today -- with a father from Kenya, a mother from Kansas; and a story that could only happen in the United States of America. Hope is the bedrock of this nation; the belief that our destiny will not be written for us, but by us; by all those men and women who are not content to settle for the world as it is; who have courage to remake the world as it should be.” [January 3, 2008] Barack Obama
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Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)Very pertinent words, Dave. So obviously true, but yet so vehemently opposed by so many. I guess it's a jungle out there.Please log in to respond to this comment.Yes Bruce, we are still living in a jungle atmosphere, we'll probably grow up some day.
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Hi David, well said. I suppose for some, having diamonds on their teeth is much more important.If we all did our part to help our neighbor, we would not need the government to pass laws, it would flow natually from one another. Great thoughts! Blessings, TeresaPlease log in to respond to this comment.True Teresa, love comes naturally we do not need to learn how to love only use it more than we do.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Good article David. I'm not going to pretend I know the answers to this problem. I don't, but I'm not sure that the rich giving up what they have is the answer either. I'm not saying they shouldn't give, they should! I give and I'm not anything near rich. In fact, I would be considered poor by most and I still give whatever I can, whenever I can. I just don't think giving (by the rich or poor) is the solution. I think it would be temporary respite and then the problems return. (Sigh) This is the second article today I've read that pulls on my heartstrings. I wish I knew the answers. Thanks for sharing your opinions with us. Your friend, LindaPlease log in to respond to this comment.Thank you for commenting Linda I'm not saying the rich should give up all they have just help out a little. Yes most of the contributions come from people like you and I who don't have muchPlease log in to respond to this comment.
Helping keep hope alive, you're a good man David. You got a lot of hearts left to change when you've got so many people that are willing to cynically look at the accomplishments of someone like President Obama. I thought that was what the American dream was all about, but many of us seem to find a way to make even that seem evil. Go figure.Please log in to respond to this comment.The American dream of coming from rags to riches just doesn't apply to our way of life today. Thanks for commenting DavidPlease log in to respond to this comment.
Yes, people in position can do a lot in helping others but looking around it is the strong people who takes advantage of the weak instead of the strong protecting the weak. The real problem is people are more self oriented instead of people oriented. But we cannot always rely on the help of others. We should help ourselves too to make our lives better.Please log in to respond to this comment.True Annie, the strong do take advantage of the week. That is the law of the jungle however we are more than mere animals we should act like human beings and help those in need.
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hi david,
this subject is very close to me, as all 3 of my kids are now going to be in the military, because we couldn't afford the exhorbitant colleges and didn't qualify for help. if they didn't go in the military, my youngest son now going into the navy, they would have no jobs, no homes, no food, no heat, no electric, no cars, or nor insurance.
it is a sad state of affairs,
my best to you,
suePlease log in to respond to this comment.Yes Susan our young are forced to go into the military to fight for all these privileged Americans who can afford to keep their children away from harms way. thanks for commentingPlease log in to respond to this comment.
David, I believe that people who have nothing are depleted in spirit in a way that makes it impossible for them to get up on their feet without considerable help.Please log in to respond to this comment.That's what it's all about Jennifer, helping those in need. thanks for commentingPlease log in to respond to this comment.
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