Letter to the Editor 10/7/11

Dear Editor,

On Monday, October 3rd, I read one of the most scandalous letters to the editor I have ever seen. The writer, Todd Cone, was open and articulate with his views. However, if this represents our community and country, we are in serious trouble.

I won’t get into the presidential politics of the letter. Promoting or demonizing candidates from either party is not my way or role. Nor will I get into his critical views of democracy and what appears to be the promotion of a modern-day “feudalism” and call to “class warfare.”

What I found especially troubling was his characterization of people who struggle every day to survive in poverty. He referred to them as “looters,” ungrateful users of food stamps and free health care and people to have babies just to “keep the gravy train of government handouts coming.” The writer also suggests the poor could/will vote for people who will increase their “largess out of the public treasury.”

The lens through which the writer views his fellow citizens shows he does not understand what life is like in poverty and the implications of “generational poverty.” Or, perhaps he is simply using this stereotype of the poor as political leverage. In truth most of the people in poverty, don’t vote. They are simply trying to survive day after day without knowing how to do life any other way.

The letter also sounds heartless to me. There is not even a hint of compassion – much less Christian compassion. I know nothing of the writer’s faith, but I know where Jesus spent most of his time – with the poor and outcasts of society who suffered immeasurably under the abusive power of not only the Roman Empire but the “elite” of their own people.

The writer made a big point that no one on welfare has ever told him “thank you” for all the “handouts.” The writer would do well to learn what life is really like in poverty. The best way to learn is to befriend people in poverty and let them teach you. I know that personally through involvement with Bridges Out of Poverty. I have met some amazing people and learned much about life through them.

If that happened, the writer might develop an “informed compassion” and give himself to helping his neighbors become a self-sufficient citizens. He could volunteer through Bridges, Vision Onward, Martha’s Task, Agape Mission, CONCERN, and other efforts to help the poor. The experience might very well change them and him.

The number of people in poverty is at an all time high and growing – and yes, some use the system. Turning the tide will only happen through OUR understanding poverty, informed compassion and personal involvement. Come, let us work together in making a difference person to person.

Fr. Lee Stephens
St. Luke's Episcopal Church