Yesterday I Was Swindled... Today I Was Swaddled

Last night Freddie Prince Jr. and I ventured off of the purple sofa, and headed to Champ's for a little glass of the nation's finest brew (also known as Miller Lite) and a whole lot of conversation. What exactly is it about a pint of beer that opens up the floodgates of conversation anyways? I love going out for a beer. It is just not the same thing having one at home. Anyway, while entering said chain establishment, a very dapper and beguiling gentleman in a rather flashy suit approached the two of us. He immediately went into his well rehearsed request for spare cash. Freddie Prince Jr. was reaching for the door, I stopped... which halted his every movement. He would never leave me alone, vulnerable to a homeless guy's whims. Chivalry is not dead. My white knight.

His oration lasted little more than 90 seconds. He explained how he just arrived in Minneapolis via Chicago to see his ailing grandfather, and that suddenly he (the grandfather) had been moved to a new local in Iowa. Convenient. Suspect. But this guy was good. This guy was bright, articulate, immaculate, and was probably doing a little more than pulling my leg. He requested $22.00 so that he could take the bus to the downtown shelter for the evening before he continued on his search for his beloved granddad. I had $26.00 in my wallet.

I don't know why... I usually do not even blink when someone requests money from me. The answer is NO... friend or foe. After all, I went to work to earn it. Those who choose to panhandle, have broken all of the rules that I believe in; hard work, self pride, responsibility. But something about this guy was different. He was such a charmer, and I was his snake. Play your flute Mr. zoot suit, watch me dance. And yes, I still feel that he was reciting to me tales as tall as those told by Pecos Bill. However, I was not listening to his words, I was entranced by his heartbreakingly sad eyes and impeccable manners. My money was soon to be his. PBO could take a lesson from this guy in the selling your issues department. He had mad skills.

I reached into my wallet and pulled out two dollar bills... praying to myself that it was not the "Jackson". In that same instance, I felt guilty for hoping that the extracted cash was the least of my bills. I was ashamed by my own selfishness. I looked at the bills. It totaled six dollars. Phew... I guess...twinge of guilt setting in. I handed the money to him, and looked him in the eyes HARD. I wanted him to know that I knew that he wasn't pulling the wool over my eyes, but I found him worthy enough to acknowledge. And, regardless of his lies... They were not the big picture to me, I would listen. I choose to share some of my paycheck as proof of hearing him out. Naive? Yup!

Freddie Prince thinks I am a sucker. And I admit that I am one. He told me that he sees this same guy downtown almost daily cruising for the change of those who set their alarm clocks. He didn't fall off of the turnip truck yesterday. He is on to this man's game. Immediately I felt had. I was so angry at the dapper dude in the nutmeg colored suit for taking advantage of my kindness without a sliver of remorse. At the time, I wish I had that moment back. Rewind. I would have ducked into the vestibule, pushed him from my thoughts as best I could, and chatted with the one I love. But that is not how the hand unfolded. I stopped. And man am I glad that I stopped.

One of my very favorite blogs written by the notorious Los Whit is a regular stop on my daily Internet time. I like what he has to say. He is as real as real comes. He is relevant. his post titled "Can I have your attention please" (which happened to be posted today, ironic?!?) is a little more than relevant. And it better articulates how I felt. I too wanted to let that guy know that I knew the truth... but that in the end, I understood that there was so much more underlying his contrived fabrication. My monetary donation was more about the admitting of the series of unfortunate events that led him to mislead me with such ease. And to me, that was the real underlying issue. Look at me, all Liberally... Teddy Mondale would be so proud.

Now, do I really believe that he understood that I knew that he was pulling my leg? Yes. Do I think he cared? No. He was on a mission to avoid at all costs the prospects of asking whether or not I would like fries with that. He was after results. And for him, I provided, albeit a little short of his request. I knew all of this when I handed over hardly enough cash to buy a drink at Starbu*ks. But, in the end, it was MY choice to redistribute my "wealth". I could have walked away and pretended that he was invisible. (I bet he feels pretty invisible.) I am glad that I didn't. I had a lesson to learn.

I was reminded that we are prompted by the creator to give. We are not asked to give to those who will not buy booze with our offerings. We are not asked to give to those who choose whether or not to get up and DO something. We are asked to give, and to give freely. I no longer regret the six dollar investment I obviously made in his nightly "40" or dime sack. Because, while this is where my $6.00 probably ended up, what if it didn't? What if... isn't that the true $64,000.00 question.

The bottom line is as concrete as any country club swimming pool deck. They guy was in a state of desperation in one way shape or form. The real depravity of his situation is not his supposed drug habit, but his lack of feeling of self worth. I don't know how to fix that, but I am fairly confident that six bucks or a government program is not the answer. Compassion and giving, however, on some level is. I have not walked a day in his shoes. I pray that I never experience their discomfort, and lack of support. He does not need a paycheck. He needs a friend, a support system of people, and guidance. He does not need money, government assistance or a presidential messiah. He needs the real deal, Jesus. (and maybe rehab)

I wonder how freely "We the people" will continue to give when the government implements the inevitable tax hikes? I am willing to bet that the government programs will be vast and all encompassing. I am also willing to bet that hard working people will feel the pinch. They will simply be unable to "give freely" to those who are in need... real or not. Charities will report of huge declines in the donations they receive. The needy will suffer. I am also willing to bet that while my paychecks become smaller, and the federal government becomes larger... the guy in the suit will not be any better off. He will still be scrounging for change... (and not of the PBO variety) I just wonder if the next person he asks will have to say, "sorry man", due to the increased interest in the monetary value of his or her paycheck by the federal government. Nobody wins. Especially the "least of those". Somehow, they will again fall through the well intentioned bureaucratic cracks. PBO will not deliver them to the promised land of free mortgages and increased government assistance. The problems are far to vast for even him to conquer. It is a failed endeavor. Suit guy is another invisible face in the democratic party. They overlook him as easily as the GOP, do not be fooled. They too wish he would just disappear.

However, perhaps the most interesting part about this entire scenario is the lesson or "God Instance" that unfolded before my eyes. Far more valuable than the six dollars. I love how He works. Genius. Today, he spoke to me through a fancy bum and an Internet blog. And, in this instance... I got it. It wasn't about the money. It was about humanity, human worth, and compassion. It was about the reality of addiction, poverty, and those who are helpless in one way or another. It was not about handouts. It was about acknowledging those who are in such a dark place, that they submit to begging on a rainy Monday evening. It is about a refusal of deigning him invisible. It was about realizing the fancy suit guy's worth... not his net worth, but his human value in the eyes of someone much greater than I. Today I was swaddled in the truth about all of God's children. Maestro, if you please, ...And I am one of them and so are you...

I will pay six dollars for a valuable reminder any day. That is an investment that will be far more valuable than any blue chip. Hello world! This is me... A compassionate conservative. Now enough non-productive activity. Get back to work. And, watch out for the guy in the nutmeg suit if you are where all the lights are bright, he is looking for your parking money.