There exists in this world, groups of people that are protected species of sorts. “Challenged” (buzzword) helpless, or incapacitated mentally or physically. Sometimes they possess titles and or afflictions that differentiate them from others, making them off limits to the apathetic norm of society. These people are protected under the law (concern by requirement) and it seems right not to take advantage of these less fortunate.
However, when someone parks in a handicap zone, don’t tell me you aren’t thinking “they better be limping” when they get out of that car. When you get lapped in Wal-mart by someone on one of those damn scooters, I know your thinking “that SOB isn’t handicapped he’s just freaking fat”. “Get up you lazy bastard you need to walk”.
If some grizzled old broad is breathing oxygen thru a hole in her neck, aren’t you thinking hey no one forced you to smoke 12 packs a day lady. When you see a veteran with a sign that says “will work for food” are you as torn as I am. “Dude can you really be this down? Or are you pan-handling”? “Stop embarrassing veterans everywhere”, or do you pull over and help him out?
If a group of Nuns were walking (no this isn’t a joke) down the sidewalk and one fell, would you help her up because she is a woman or because she is a servant of God. Both you say, why? Because that’s the way we were raised. What about a blind atheist is it ok for that guy to cross the street on red because he doesn’t believe anyway? Or are we required to be concerned because were good Christians.
In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He taught His followers to go far beyond merely helping preserve the property of a friend or neighbor. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:44-45).
I’m struggling with that love your enemies’ piece. I need to compartmentalize my concern. I am not good enough nor have the necessary energy to care for all. Would it be ok if I just paid attention to my family, my friends, my neighbors and my co-workers? I guess on a good day we could even extend that to my city and state. Then again, I do care about the American people in general or I wouldn’t have spent 22 years serving them. But that’s it.
I am sure that I don’t want to be concerned about the plight of Mexican people; I am positive that I don’t want to send trillions of dollars in tax money into IRAQ for people who think its ok to throw shoes at my president. (I might want to but you don’t get to) Is it ok for my countrymen and women to die for a region that will never stop fighting amongst themselves much less appreciate one minute of what we have done for them.
Do I have to care about Darfur, and Somalia or any Arab country that teaches their children to hate America and all we stand for? Is it necessary for us to love the French who have proven to be world class ass-holes no matter how many times we save their bacon?
What about PETA and NOW and spotted owls and United Auto workers and Wall Street and Whales. What about the people who keep voting Ted Kennedy and Harry Reid into office.
Do I have to care about every different cultural nationality within our borders? Am I required to wear a sombrero during Cinco-de-mayo and drink a beer on Oktoberfest (yes)? Why do I have to include Happy Kwanzaa during Christmas when it is a self created holiday by a racist, kidnapping torturer and rapist who now is a california college professor.
What about Citibank, and seals, Enron and AIG. Greenhouse gasses, global warming, starving children, charities, the homeless, the poor and afflicted and Al Gore.
I am afraid that I will for many reasons not be worthy in the eyes of the Lord, because I don’t care that Martha Steward went to jail. I didn’t waste a minute of my time on Anna Nichole Smith, Paris Hilton, Brittany or Lindsey, and if I ever see Michael freaking Moore I will most likely be charged with assault. Sorry, this will be my cross to bear. Amen