Barking at the Light

            There is a light shining in the hearts of Americans.  It is seen whenever tragedy tries to steal its glow by blowing or burning or flooding away the things, and sometimes the loved ones, of our lives.  As survivors begin picking up pieces, Americans everywhere generously give time and money to help, and the light shines brightly indeed.  Kansas or Missouri, Texas or New Jersey, Carolina or Illinois, and even in faraway lands.

            This light of human compassion emanates from our conviction of shared responsibility for each other’s well being.  It is the light that embarrasses our tolerance of hunger and poverty in our midst.  It burns brightly in each of us individually, and is darkened sometimes when we act in groups and fall victim to fear and selfishness.  Then the story is unimaginatively, monotonously familiar:  we must sacrifice the well being of others for the sake of our future and that of our children and grand children.  Let the poor suffer for their own bad choices, and let the hungry eat cake.  Two simplistic, historically tragic ideas, comprising a valueless choice.  It is a reality-free proposal, as pointless as dogs worriedly woofing when the window shades are opened and the bewildering outside world sets them off.

            Around here, whether it’s food stamps, unemployment insurance, or other helpful programs, we too often suffer the selfishness of privileged people who, like little yapping dogs barking at the light, proclaim all the things we should not do for those in need.