I live near a ritzy area that was once a retirement village. There are restrictive covenants out the wazoo for this town that caters to the rich. The area has attracted younger families, now. Mind you, they're well to do families, but gosh darn it, they have kids. How inconsiderate.
Basketball courts have to be positioned in such a way that they aren't eyesores. That's all well and good - but this past summer, there was an uproar over those noisy kids who played basketball in their back yards past 7 p.m.
Someone complained about all that riproaring ball bouncing and laughter, and the town council imposed a curfew of 7 p.m. Of course, the parents raised their own ruckus, and that curfew was extended. I forget by how much.
This same town refused to allow churches to set up facilities to house and feed the homeless during a particularly harsh winter. Their reason was, they didn't want that element near them. It was inviting trouble. That could be! Don't get me wrong, there's risk everywhere you go...but to me, it was unconscionable to deny a warm place and a hot meal to someone down on their luck.
Last week, I read an article concerning a petition for child-free sections in upscale restaurants. This petition was initiated by people who do not want children to ruin their night out.
I realize that some children can be unruly, but I have to wonder...do these people read the paper, beyond the wall street journal? Do they watch the nightly news? Have they put up invisible gates to their community to keep out the riff-raff and the realities of the world?
It seems money can build walls so thick that they seal out the laughter of children. It can purchase glass so frosted that the hungry can't be seen through it. It can buy houses that are as silent as tombs, and certainly, it can buy a thick skin that can't be penetrated by memories of being young, or pierced by the imaginative thought of what it must be like to sleep in the cold.
If that's what money gets you, I'd rather be poor.
6 comments:
Ah Mara, society has always looked down on people down on their luck. Not all of us...I always look, help when I can and think there but for the grace of God go I. You have a good heart and people who care about others will stand before Heavens Gate and I know that it will swing wide open.....the others? wouldn't want to be them......Sandi
wow, i'm right there with you !! on this!!
see, thats why i prefer to live in the ghetto
lol
well, inner city dwelling anyway, close enough
lizzzzzzzzzza
ps : how sad that people do not want to see children! children make us feel young again! and bring back memories! it always makes me laugh (and frown) when people hate children, i think to myself: your an IDIOT, you were an annoying child once! you would deprive someone else THEIR TURN??? lol too ridiculous!!
First I have to say you brought a little chuckle to me with your title. I haven't heard tha expression in ages except we use to say By Golly. lol If I had money I would probably still live with the common people. Paula
in my youth, my kids made lots of noise, i was a good and smart mommy and when we went out to eat, they sat like gentlemen and a lady. they were brought up properly. now, as adults, they see it was a good thing i did, even though they probably hated me for it.......roberta
it really is the parents u have to blame.
Me Too!
Dianne
I HAVE TO SAY A BIG "A M E N !" TO THAT, BUT REMEMBER THIS.....THEY WILL PAY THE PRICE ONE DAY....................STORMIE
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