The poor work very hard to survive.

Yes there are unwise choices at both both at the individual and communal levels which reduces one to poverty. Yet to blame the victims is some what of an over simplification justifying ones privilege.

Even simple issues such as opening bank accounts with minimal funds so that cheques can be cashed with out using the rapacious money changers would be a start.

We under estimate the penalties imposed by buerocratic barriers to doing business imposed by non caring enterprises including governments.

Any under class mock those who they perceive as having the advantage of having been born into the right house. It’s one way of maintaining any self respect / and reducing depression. This attitude is also highly developed in colonial situations.

Why should they not, they feel that the social contract is not fair.

There was a very interesting story on the NPR program “Hidden Kitchens” a couple of years ago. I believe it was called the “George Foreman Grill.” The point of the story was how working folks at the lower end of the pay scales, living in single room apartments where cooking was not allowed cooked anyway. Crookpots under the bed, toaster ovens hidden in dresser drawers and of course Gerorge's Grill.

If you think poor people are poor because they are stupid or can not pull themselves up by the old boot straps read Kevin Phillips book “Politics of The Rich and Poor.” Look at how since the late 50s the rich's politicians have loaded the tax tables in favor of the rich. And it has continued to get worse, and that is why the poor mock “the system through gossip, slander, stealing, dragging their feet, and sabotaging their masters’ plans.”

Which is true. As did the rulers of Wall Street who collapsed the global economic system. As did the racists of Alabama who buried our state in a history of poverty, division and war.

I struggle with the behaviors highlighted–that you quote. But I think the fundamental point is that persons understand their involvement in oppressive and exploitive structures. It is not simply their “slow down” that renders the damage (making all poorer) but rather the larger exploitation that is going on. So he is highlighting, in a sense, just as persons will go to war (sacrificing their well being if they believe there to be a higher cause); poor persons too will find ways to lessen the “props” that hold up oppression.

Maybe by doing exactly what Johathan suggests–being in relationship and listening. Or do you think that is punishing the middle and upper class?

So, the middle class and above don't want to be punished (taken from) because they made the right choices, sacrificed, planned, etc. How do we deal with those concerns they have about giving up their earnings for those who those in the village who won't pull their own weight so to speak?

First, unless we are dealing with actual slavery, there is no master. Second, when is it EVER OK to steal, gossip, slander, drag one's feet, and sabotage? Just b/c one's poor, and another's wealthy, does not give one license to do these things.

Now, can economic reforms be pushed, and can reforms make things better? Most certainly. Do the poor often know what they need more than others? Of course. But destructive behaviors like those listed just make everyone poorer.

I am sending an e-mail to the chain's management suggesting that they reduce their trash disposal costs by recycling cardboard and giving food products through local food banks for redistribution. If they can't be shamed into giving food away (as per the article), I figure the reduction of disposal costs may be a motivating factor.

In our town, the Food Bank can't give away past-pull-date perishables from stores, so they are given to a church that redistributes them according to a rotating list. This limits the Food Bank's liability.

Like it or not, we have developed a culture in which a person's worth is measured by what they consume.

What is the movement you consider him to represent? He may be particularly focused on those who now are in power. He doesn't say. Actually, come to think of it–his words and argument seem to be quite gracious–and calling us to give dignity to voices who would often be overrun. Neither, pointing the finger at anyone nor leaving anyone out.

Is there any reason not to extend such grace back??

Stupidity is not exclusive to the wealthy, it's a common trait of humanity, applying in different ways and times to powerful and powerless, wealthy and poor, conservative and progressive.

LV

The Bible does do some dividing as well. One that comes to mind is represented well in Proverbs: The wise person versus the fool.

I'd like to think the world is filled with mostly wise persons that occasionally encounter a fool.

I have a hunch. There are many rich fools. There are many poor fools. There are few wise persons defined by their riches or poverty; or limited in their in their capacity to relate to the other; to give of their wisdom and receive from the other's.