TRUST
As I listen to people telling of affairs in their communities - small, for the most part, I get the feeling that the quality of “trust” is not as strong as it once seems to have been in public affairs.
Cases of graft, embezzlement and cheating in various forms, both old and new, are coming to light at a somewhat faster rate, it seems. Some of the most unlikely persons are suddenly thrust into the limelight as “criminals”- often people we would not, normally, think of as being even potential wrongdoers; people we have known and respected, are being found wanting.
Some restrictive business practices seem to have mellowed over the years, as well, and are becoming visible once more. Activities which used to be considered improper is now allowed to proliferate and new twists on old scams are given a rerun. One current misuse seems to me to be the growing number of so small-called “stores” selling money. The practice seems to be in direct contrast to the intent of our usury regulations and laws.. The growing number of such transitory “stores” which deal in translating personal checks into ready cash, has become somewhat of a shameful epidemic of evil possibly brought about by the growth “rent to own” arrangement stores offering furniture and appliances in particular. Both are based on maximum interest rates obtainable. I realize they have been a blessing to some real estate people concerned with filling some vacant store fronts in dying shopping centers, but they, in their gaudily locations, are designed to lure unthinking individuals into financial chaos. People who feel they are in dire need of cash-in-hand, write checks which those stores hold against the writer's future earnings. Client. Eager and impulsive, often do not realize the interest rate being charged for doing this service on their behalf.
Cash money appears. seemingly out of nowhere in particular, and worries and cares go out the window for a time. Pay up time will come later. But inevitably so. This all seems wrong to me. Such a method, open to trickery and double-dealing, done even at the highest interest rates, can quickly become criminal in my book.
Dishonesty grows in election years, too. I looked back though these pages for these pieces and four years ago scores of the insulting remarks made then, are now being repeated. They were found to be without factual foundation then, but they are being run all over again against our President.. The same vilification of others - among them both “politicians”and “statesmen”- are being rehashed. The permissive attitude prevails as long as an act appears to be to one without backlash qualities. The false statement made or suggested by candidates during the hectic weeks of permissiveness will come back to haunt them again once having been used.
Examine you own feelings today.
Whom do you truly trust?
Your Doctor, maybe? Your Surgeon, perhaps? Who else might you list? How much understanding is there between husbands and wives? Brothers and Sisters? What trust do you place in the guidance of your religious leaders and the authority from whom they have their place in your life?
Whom do you trust and obey? Do you totally trust anyone?
A.L.M. February 11, 2004 [c540wds]
