The world in which I work is one where men pay $600 for a suit coat and $250 for a pair of shoes that are made only for golfing in. The world in which I work is one where people write checks for $25,000 at the drop of a hat to buy a part of General Electric or Bed, Bath & Beyond. The world in which I work is one where men buy horses and cars and boats on a whim.
The world in which I live is one where letters come once a week from the Department of Social Services. The world in which I lives is one where I stand next to someone at said DSS who, when asked to give her address, says, “I’m living out of my truck right now.” The world in which I live is one where the ends don’t always meet, and buying a pack of gum is at times a luxury.
It isn’t easy being in both those worlds. I see the people in my work world, and I don’t think they have much contact with people from the world I live in. I think they don’t even know what world I live in. I hide it well.
I had to go to the DSS this morning (taking time away from work) to get a voucher which I had to take to the Y so that my kids could go to daycare next week during spring break and I wouldn’t have to pay full price. 6 pieces of paper, that needed to go one and a half blocks from DSS to the Y office. I’m pretty sure there are fax lines and internet lines between those two buildings… surely they don’t need me to drive 25 miles one way to come and play mail clerk. But they did. They want me to work, that’s their goal, but yet they constantly want me to come down to the office during their convenient hours for working people of… 9 to 5. Thankfully my sweet boss just let me go and get it done, without any penalty to me, but I’m VERY fortunate. There are MANY places where that would be allowed.
Upon returning to work, some of the brokers were headed for lunch. One was going to get a massage after lunch so he’d be a little later. One was taking his daughters new car in for an oil change. They’d be back later. Maybe. Or maybe just take the rest of the day off.
These 2 worlds are so at odds with each other. My thoughts are filled of how to fix the problems. I DO NO believe in Socialism or Communism… I don’t think that all the money should be thrown in a pot and divided up evenly. However, the argument that “these guys work really hard” for their money is a little mis-guided. They do their jobs and do it well, but it’s not HARD work. They have to schmooze people. They have to sell things… but it’s not hard work. But I don’t believe that the money they did work for should somehow be taken from them and given to others, not of their own will. I guess what I want to see is a heart change. I want them to see those people who are “living out of their truck right now.” Not just throw money at them, but sit and listen. Listen to how they got there and what they would do if they weren’t in that position. See what there is that they can do to help… not just send a check to get a tax break. And I want the person living out of their truck to see what maybe could be possible. What could happen if they tried. And I’d like to be able to help them get that start.
What if the government didn’t do welfare anymore? Maybe it’s too easy to just have that money taken out of your check and divided up among a million different services, none of which really work all that well. Maybe the welfare of the people should be on the shoulders of the people. Maybe churches and community groups and even companies should take on caring for those who are having a hard time. And caring not in just doling out money and food, but caring in helping to fight the mental illness that is the root cause of so many of these cases. Caring by creating communities where people can live and work, and learn more skills. Groups that help connect people with needs with people who can help meet those needs. I’m not saying there aren’t those groups out there. There are many GREAT ones. There are many not-so-great ones. But maybe there need to be more of them.
I think perhaps I’m rambling. But my mind churns. The challenges are great. People are corrupt and take advantage of programs like this. But is helping people worth the risk of that? Are there better ways to combat that corruption? Is it possible to change the mindsets of both of these worlds to find ways to fix what is wrong?
Maybe I’m just a dreamer.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
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24 comments:
The Haves are clutching what they have to their chest and insisting "mine! mine!" while the Have-Nots are looking little wistful.
Good post, Lizzie. It instantly conjured up the image above. No answers. I grew up in a very similar world and am grateful what I have. It's enough.
Wow, I know exactly what you are dealing with. I two live in two different worlds. Although we're not on DSS we do literally scrape by. Our bills each month are more than our paychecks. Our credit cards are maxed out. Anything "extra" we need gets financed and another bill added to the pile of bills we can't pay.
And then where I work. I'm a nanny for wealthy people who spend money like it's water. Or, I should say, I spend their money for them because they tell me what to get and I go with the credit card. They've spent about 10,000 on furniture this past month alone. They spend $4500 on a area carpet this past month. They are going to their vacation home in the caribbean next week where I then had to get them all brand new name-brand wardrobes for the vacation. That was at least $5,000. If their kids want something, they get it, no questions asked.
And here's me, spending their money for them on the materialistic items of life. Then I go home and have to decide which is more important for my own house in the following week, milk or eggs....it's just not fair.
I really don't think my bosses realize what my life is like. At all.
Oops "two" should be "too"
It is a beautiful dream.
I do think that there is a huge disconnect between the haves and the have-nots. I love how your post calls out responsiblity on both ends. I don't know what the answer is but, it's out there somewhere because what is going on now is not working.
Good post Lizzie and I don't think you're rambling at all.
I don't think there is an easy fix.
I do see people working, like the brokers you mention. I agree, I don't think they work 'really hard' for their money, but they do get paid an obscene amount.
I see other people, that work very hard for their money.... even put their lives at risk for others and they certainly don't earn anything like the brokers or get paid bonuses for doing a good job.
Then there are those that need welfare help. Currently we are one of those, as my hubby is getting unemployment. I hate it. I hate the hoops you have to jump through. I'm grateful for it, but it's an eye opener as to how many people have to live. Hopefully, one of the jobs that my husband interviewed for, this week, will happen .... but then, the couple of hundred others that applied, are also probably hoping that as well..
I agree with you re Socialism and Communism ... however, I thinkthat the system that is in place now, is not working.
One thing I can think of, is to stop this current trend towards taking competition out of schools. You know, where everybody gets a prize, you bend over backwards to make everything 'fair'. Because in the real world, there is cometition and things are not always 'fair'.
Okay..now I'll stop rambling... but I think you have brought up some really good points..
what an excellent and well-written post. Poignant, thoughtful, and beautiful.
Oh Lizzie...I so hear you and I wish I had the answers. There have to be answers though....and if enough people keep asking the same, hard questions you are asking then an answer had to come...
"Some may say I'm a dreamer...but I'm not the only one. I hope some day you'll join us. And the world will live as one."
John Lennon
Wow, Lizzy! This is beautiful. This is why I'd vote for you for president.
Mental illness! Why doesn't anyone ever talk about that?! Especially in church. I have a friend with some pretty serious mental illness, although through her dogged determination she has a home and a job. We have done what we could to support her for many years, but her needs have far surpassed our time now that the kids are bigger. I wonder, if the church could somehow come together and absorb the "needy", what restoration and healing might take place. It's something I often think about.
Keep dreaming, Lizzy. You never know how God will use your dreams!
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. ~ Acts 4:32-35
For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." ~ 2 Thess. 3:10 (emphasis mine, to avoid the argument that some people can't work - this verse does not apply to them)
Sadly, it wasn't until the churches stopped doing what they were supposed to for "the widows and the orphans" (i.e. - the poor who had no way to support themselves) that the government had to step in. Just imagine what our world would be like if government welfare had never been needed.
If the world could see through eyes like yours and feel with hearts like yours it would be a much better place. I love you my dear and I know you will find a way to join these two worlds! I have great faith in you. Besides with God at your side anything is possible.
If only the answer were simple... it probably is...
maybe we should all just love one another.
Thanks for this post.
I am a "theoretical communist." I don't ACTUALLY want a communist government, because there is no real evidence of it EVER working well. Normally the rich still get richer and the poor still get poorer.
But I like Denmark's system, for instance. Kind of socialisty, kind of a democracy.
Anyway, yes, I definitely have thought about this as well.
I think it's the death of the middle class. There's a huge gap between the wealthy and the poor that USED to be filled with steel workers, auto workers, factory workers, miners, etc. There aren't any decent paying jobs for someone without a college education--and even people with degrees can't find a job that will pay for both a mortgage and the student loan payments.
I don't know what the answer is either.
You really do live between two different worlds. I think it makes you a bigger and better person. And I think you're going to do something about it when you have the chance.
Lizzy, this was a great post.
I think many of us in the "middle class" see this everyday.
In my job, I see people from every walk of life. And I am privileged to give the homeless male patient the EXACT SAME CARE as I do the rich CEO of our local big business. There is no difference to me; illness is the great equalizer, as is death. Doesn't matter how much money you make here; you can't take it with you when you go...
As parents, I think it is our job to teach our kids that it IS our responsibility to help others in need, and let them see us doing it. No, I don't have a lot of money to give. But I do have time. And compassion. When you give a little, and pray, then God can do amazing things.
I so wish you were sitting in the White House right now.
*sigh*
Oh, but Lizzy, it doesn't hurt to dream, does it? And sometimes dreams do turn into realities, right? Thanks so much for opening out eyes, once again. And BTW, don't forget Sx3 tomorrow...this seasonal salute even features a Real Prize!
you, are NOT rambling. Great post Lizzy
Great post Lizzy. It's good to see both perspectives cause it will take both to facilitate change!
I agree - there are people who take advantage of the system, but I do think those people are in the minority and most people only enlist in these services b/c they want to feed, clothe, and/or shelter their families. I wish there was no need for these government services but I am thankful they are there for whoever needs it, for whatever child that would otherwise go unfed.
If you're a dreamer then I'm a dreamer .. reality is easier to swallow if you know you can fall asleep and dream =-)
This is Britt from Quietly Chaotic .. I moved! Stop by sometime =-)
My kids and I had to take advantage of many free/discounted things not so long ago. It is difficult when you are in the middle of it, but it is good to know that the help is there.
Sending you good wishes.
Great post...I have been in both worlds and I am hovering in between now...I will never forget what it is like in either world!
I am upset with BOA right now...they got like 45 gazillion dollars in bail out money but they are raising interest rates on those who least can afford it....
I remember some Bible stories about this...
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