When did we stop caring?

 

Volunteers carry food to a car during a food distribution event in Cumru, Pa., PHOTO: ABCNews/Getty Images

I had this on my mind yesterday and due to the fact that although I am on Spring Break, I have very little contact with my friends except for a phone call or text. I am still trying to follow the guidelines set by the CDC for Covid-19 although the Governor of Florida thinks we should open widely, I don't follow his idiotic approach.

Back to the blog. I have lived in the United States my whole life. Except for the times we traveled because of my father's military assignments, we lived in several states from the Deep South to the West. I have traveled extensively through this country since I became an adult and I have never experienced the lack of caring toward our fellow citizens that I have seen in the past several years. 

Being a teacher exposes me to many of society's ills, including hunger, abuse, and other issues that we as a country need to address but don't.

Now, there are many, many who still care and I see that, but I see so many more that don't. Children don't have enough to eat? Oh well, that is their parent's fault. Adults get the crap beaten out of them in a relationship? Their fault, they should leave. Lose your job and can't afford rent? That is what shelters are for. The list goes on and on and many of these issues are not new. 

I have so much to be thankful for and I believe that we should always give back when we can. I have a job. I have enough food to eat. I can pay my bills. I drive a newer model truck that I am not worried about breaking down but if it did, I have the money to fix it. I live in a beautiful state, the state of my ancestors. I can still do my own yard work, drive myself places, am in relatively good health and have good friends. 

I also contribute to several charities for kids. I teach kids. I give to causes that concern animals and children. I donate books to those who have none. I do what I can and I care. 

I worry about the children at the border, trying to come here for a better life. I worry about my students and if they have enough to eat during Spring Break. I would have them all over here if I could to make sure they did. Teenagers eat a lot. Food is expensive. 

Do we care that teachers were not allowed to speak to the Florida Senate yesterday or that same Senate is trying to pass restrictive voting laws? Does it bother anyone else that people are not getting the vaccine because of political leanings and disinformation or conspiracy theories? I have read people's opinion who believe it is a good think because it will weed out the undesirables? What? How soon we forget that we could become undesirable as well.

Christian principles are thrown around like oak pollen in a Spring breeze but it seems the people throwing have forgotten many of them. 

What brought this change? Why do we look the other way? Can it be linked to any one thing? When did we stop caring?