The Rogue Speaks:
In an attachment sent to me by a friend, I read the following: "A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats its least fortunate amongst them." I wanted to find just what wise man said that, so I did a little investigating and found that variations of that statement have been said by many wise people over many years. Here are just a few:
Our
society must make it right and possible for old people not to fear the young or
be deserted by them, for the test of a civilization is the way that it cares
for its helpless members.~Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973), My Several Worlds [1954].
The
test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer
A
decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization.
~Samuel Johnson, Boswell: Life of Johnson
"...the moral test of government is how that government treats those
who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of
life, the elderly; those who are in the shadows of life; the sick, the needy
and the handicapped. " ~ Last Speech of Hubert H. Humphrey
"A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest
members." ~ Mahatma Ghandi
Now you may think that this post is somehow connected to the Christmas season. It isn't, although it could be. There has been way too much infighting in Congress these days about how to solve our national debt issues. The conservatives want to reduce programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, which will seriously hurt the people who need those programs the most. They strongly object to making the richest people in America have to pay more in taxes, while the opposition thinks that it is only fair that those rich people have the same tax rates as the rest of us. I think this is pretty reasonable, don't you?
In an exit poll taken on election day, an overwhelming majority of voters agreed with me on this issue. Were you one of them?
If you don't think that this is fair, tell me why you don't. Before you comment, however, here is a quote for you to ponder. These words came from the mouth of Jesus Christ, whom many of you profess to follow and serve. After you have thought about these words from your divine and spiritual leader, send me your comments.
Mark 10: 17-31
"And as he was going forth into the way, there ran one to him, and kneeled to him, and asked him Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good save one, even God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor thy father and mother. And he said unto him, Teacher, all these things have I observed from my youth. And Jesus looking upon him loved him and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go, sell whatsoever thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. But his countenance fell at the saying, and he went away sorrowful: for he was one that had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God. And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answereth again and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."
This is my offering for Alphabe-Thursday. I would like to thank, once again, Jenny and Steve Matlock for the kindness they showed to me and Rod during our move here to Brunswick. They went above and beyond the call of duty when we needed help. We will always be grateful to them.
