"I make no apologies for the fact that I am considered one of the rich in this nation, but I am proud of the fact that our single largest annual expense (excluding taxes) is charitable contributions, and I happen to know that that is the case with many of our persnal friends who are also well-to-do."
Ben Carson with Candy Carson
America The Beautiful
Zondervan
p. 76
I've held a pretty consistent bitterness, through some tough years, toward rich people--those rich enough to buy new and those rich enough not to worry. I've been hurt by some who judged me by the street I lived on; that's true. Self-pity played its part. So did my upbringing.
If someone was rich, they were probably crooked too: Like the doctor who never does quite everything needed to get you better--so he can keep charging you for office calls and services. Or, that family that looks rich: it's all on a charge card (1960s). In my household, rich people were suspect.
If I'd read Carson's books earlier, I'd have held him suspect too. "He doesn't understand. My circumstances are different." Self-pity and victim-hood would have prevailed.
When Ray got hurt on the job, early in our marriage, we fought for workman's compensation--and lost. I suppose I did feel entitled. Workman's comp is an insurance that's paid for. Yet, they discovered at age 27, that Ray had a genetic issue. Never bothered him before, but . . .
We ended up on welfare. I'll tell you, by the time you jump through their hoops, you feel darn entitled! You've earned whatever paltry dollars and food stamps you get.
That being said, one of Ben Carson's buzz words is work. I hope to write him one day, to agree but to share why it took me so long to believe.
With Ray unable to work, I tried selling Fuller Brush door to door. I gained little more than bounced checks. Following Ray's job change, but another injury, I tried McDonalds. They paid me enough to have someone, besides me, care for our children. Every dollar I earned decreased our welfare in like measure. It didn't seem "work" worked for me. When Ray got a job he could do, we took a cut in pay from welfare. Had they just left us with medical assistance for small children prone to strep and ear infections, it would have been a tremendous help.
As it turned out, we got snarky shame-filled comments from medical receptionists. "You might have to give up movies, or skating, or . . . " People do those things? I wanted to say. Instead, I cried.
That further rooted my bitterness toward the comfortable and wealthy. BUT . . .
I'm changing. As I've read books these last couple years, I've begun to recognize how many rich people have poured into, and continue to pour into our nation . . . and to help the disadvantaged with medical help and education.
I haven't read a lot of rags-to-riches stories, but I'm especially appreciative of Carson's. Because of the way his mother responded to their situation, I believe he "does" understand both sides.
I, in my entitlement mentality, would tax the rich to give more to the poor. But I understand now why the wealthy take their businesses outside our borders. They don't get taxed to death (punished for their hard work) in other countries. They take their money to a safe place. Unfortunately, they take jobs with them--jobs we need!
I understand, among some rich, there is the greed factor. There is the slave labor piece. At this time, I can't speak to that. But I consider the Serenity Prayer thoughts. What can I change? What can't I change? For the time being, what I can change or at least work toward is how I vote. I will no longer vote toward socialist measures--the Robin Hood mentality of taking from the rich to give to the poor. (Understand, I also wouldn't vote for corporate welfare and loopholes.) There are flaws in capitalism; but if it encourages work and ingenuity, I think it's a good place to start. I believe there are opportunities for us all; encouragement is what we need.
More Later. Till then . . .
EverGrowing,
Lonnie
