I am (less than 1% of) the 99%

On the night of May 1^st, I was plugging away with video edits when Amy yelled from the living room “Osama bin Laden is Dead!?” I was immediately thankful for those who endured pain because of his actions in hopes that it would bring some closure. But I was far more saddened by the statements and actions of many believers who chose to speak out in the name of justice rather than mercy. Simply put - many of us celebrated the death of a non-believer.

Fast forward a few months and here I am feeling the same emotions over a different issue.

Since the Occupy Wall Street movement started I’ve been surprised by both the magnitude of the following as well as the public response to it. I first became aware of the movement after being forwarded a link to wearethe99percent.org, a blog where anyone can post stories of their current financial circumstances and how they are struggling in the economy. If you haven’t visited the site, I would encourage you to check it out ASAP. Some of the stories are truly heartbreaking.

I teach Economics, Government, and Political Science part time at ITT Tech. In order to effectively do my job, it’s pretty important that I keep up with current events relating to my curriculum. That being said, I’m very familiar with the issues surrounding the movement. The media is and always will be a battle ground for politics. Last week, the following photo appeared everywhere in my Facebook and Twitter feed:

I expected a media battle. What I didn’t expect was the nature of the comments supporting the statement against the OWS protests.

They don’t know what they want

End the Entitlement

They want something for nothing

Take responsibility for your own problems

After reading enough to make me angry, it became evident to me that neither side of this battle cared to empathize with the mentality or the circumstances of the other. There are misunderstandings on both sides of the board. As Americans we are taught from a very young age that hard work, determination, and education equal success. Experiences, however, have shown me that this teaching is not so accurate for most of us.

Chances are, those making up the 1% were taught this formula of success along with the rest of us. From their perspective, they simply followed the rules and the rest played out like it was supposed to. It would be idiotic to demonize them for being successful. Isn’t that what everyone wants? – For our hard work to pay off with success?  I think that is unfair to label someone, especially with the title “evil” simply due to their good fortune and/or where they work. If I am completely honest, being that I own a business, if I was given complete tax exemption, I would be crazy not to take advantage of that. Where do taxes come into this equation you may ask? Check out this article on how much General Electric paid in taxes last year.

But what if working hard, being responsible, and making good decisions DOESN’T always pay off? What if you put in the work and STILL end up penniless? What if you’re like me and can’t find a job because schools are financially crippled to the point that a masters degree (a “good” decision), actually works against you?

I bought every vehicle I’ve ever owned - not because my parents were trying to teach me a lesson but because we were that poor. My dad was disabled when I was 5 and it took years before he was awarded any assistance. I remember standing in the line for food stamps like it was yesterday. College fund? Growing up, I hoped I would get to go to college. That came out of my pocket as well.

I have worked my ass off for everything I have. I never had handouts to refuse, nor did I expect someone else to solve my problems. If anyone has a right to call the movement entitled, who better than I? Much like calling everyone on Wall Street “greedy,” it is equally as ignorant to label a group of less fortunate people “entitled” and/or “lazy.” Free speech is a first amendment right, but for the sake of people like myself, do a little research and try to see where they come from. I’ve been able to pay the bills because I can work with my hands. 10% of the nation isn’t so fortunate.

“But some of them are just jumping on the bandwagon.” That is absolutely true, but as believers, deciding who is genuine and who is a free rider isn’t our responsibility. Why? Because living Christ means living grace. He gave despite the fact that none of US deserve it. By that standard, it IS our responsibility to love… regardless of social status.

There exists a very thin line between entitlement and brokenness. Love and empathy is our responsibility, God makes the decision on justice.