The haves have not fulfilled social contract

Published 8:48 am Monday, August 4, 2008

Sanity is the new black. While I am no slave to fashion, I do enjoy honest logic and objective reasoning.

I don’t like to throw stones, but I also don’t normally like to spend hate and discontent. Some things that are illegal shouldn’t be and some that are legal shouldn’t be. “God Bless America?” Of course, but why stop there? Why not “God bless our solar system?” Speaking of free speech, I’d like to address an issue that has been around since human history. Oh, and by the way, human history did not begin at your birthday.

I am talking about economic disparity. The gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots” has reached once again astronomical proportions. I have found that those with the most wealth whine the most, the loudest, and they have more time and resources to whine with.

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I have actually had people whine to me about their motorcycles, boats and cost of their new car, and their second and third home. This while I was homeless and working and had no motorized vehicle at all.

Then they became offended with me because I didn’t want to hear about it. I don’t claim to be an expert, but I did ace five sociology classes a few years ago that I will never be able to pay for. (Would you like fries with that?)

If this sounds like sour grapes, fine. That’s exactly what it is, but it’s not personal. It’s that I hate to see anyone have to work so hard and long just to live from day to day, while the “haves” blame the victims of their blind greed. So few know the difference between a “need” and a “want.” To get knowledge add things, to get wisdom, remove things.

Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for what I have. I’d just like to see things get better for poor people.

There’s principle form ethics called “social contract.” The wealthy are breaking this contract, big-time.

The poor have little choice either way.

To close I must say: If success in business is an indication that one’s opinion on social problems is valid, it follows that we should consult Jeffrey Dalmer on medical problems.

Tim Karn

Albert Lea