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Open Poetry #42
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Is Good Sam dead?
| Open Poetry #42 |
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Is Good Sam dead? |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia 
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Watch the news. Good Sam is dead. When an elderly gentleman is victim of hit-and-run on a city street at rush hour, and people drive around him while from the sidewalk they stare, but do nothing save calling 911 on a high tech but low touch cell phone)... we are in big trouble, facing extinction by our own indifference to the sanctity of Life. Good Sam is dead. |
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| © Copyright 2008 Kathleen Kacy Stafford - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
This surprises you?  "too bad ignorance isn't painful" |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
I have always been the optimist, wanting to believe that goodness and justice will eventually prevail. The older I get, the less I can hope for the Good Sams to multiply exponentially and tip the balance in favor of good. It isn't that I am unaware or shocked, just disheartened. Thanks for reading, Susan. |
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Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Dear Midnitesun, I'm happy to say that would't and hasen't happened here in the hood. When someone goes down here, it pretty much turns into a party, everyone gets in the act. Bobby |
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Prasad Nataraj Senior Member
since 2008-05-29
Posts 1149Bangalore,India |
Midnitesun, pretty much same scenario in India. Everyday we come across people hit and run by vehicles and no one cares to help. I guess in few years more years to come; there will be no humans with heart, left on this earth. Thanks for this wonderful poem. "Hardwork pays in the long run" |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Thanks for that comment, Bobby. I'm sorry that you see the same in India, Prasad. This doesn't do much to boost morale amongst those of us who hold out there is hope for humanity. |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
I saw this on the news and was saddened. It could not happen in our small community but I suspect it is a case of self protection in the city. Unless they saw it happen and knew it was an accident, perhaps they were afraid to come forward. I have faith in my fellow man and hope it was not sheer indifference. Joyce |
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graeshine2006 Member
since 2008-06-03
Posts 368The Prairie Lands, USA |
I also cannot imagine this. It soooo surprises me. I have to agree w/ Joyce though. Maybe it's my small town optimism. And honestly, I'm glad it made the news. People need to know... so they can fight these things in their own small ways. You cared enough to write about it... that's a step! |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
I saw that story on the news and felt very sad. For the victim and for "Good Sam." Ida |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
My prayers for all the good Sams and their families and/or friends and/or animals that are left lost. May there always be good Kacy's to care. - Owl |
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ArtSolstice Member
since 2007-03-18
Posts 498 |
This is what happens when one doesn't hear the news for a while... I missed this story, Midnitesun, but appreciate your writing about it. "we are in big trouble, facing extinction by our own indifference to the sanctity of Life." A true, clear voice. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Thank you, Kacy. Maybe in some areas, this is true - but not in all areas. Like yourself and some of the others here, I continue to believe in hope and optimism, and wear my rose-colored glasses. But I don't duck my head in the sand anymore.  |
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Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Dear Midnitesun, Here on my block in this slummy section of Philadelphia we have a kind of team to care for people that go down for one reason or another. For some reason, we get a number of people down. One person will talk to the victim, try and stop the bleeding, keep them from trying to get up, hold their hand, and above all keep them awake so they don't go into shock. etc. Another person will call 911, or the police, while someone else will bring a blanket to keep the person warm. People that are down don’t get ignored here, or in any city. City people don’t mind getting involved, we're used to it. We're all sisters and brothers here. Yeah, just in case you didn't know what to do if you find someone down. Bobby [This message has been edited by Robert E. Jordan (06-06-2008 08:34 PM).] |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
A sad social commentary ~ well told. I still find it difficult to believe that people can be so dispassionate toward their fellow man! God was frowning, to be sure! At least you are someone to be counted on to be a compassionate good Sam-aritan!!!  Love to you, dear Kacy! Linda  [This message has been edited by Earth Angel (06-07-2008 03:32 PM).] |
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Alison
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
This is simply horrifying - there is no spin of good or anything positive that I can say. A |
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MarkG Junior Member
since 2007-06-21
Posts 48California USA |
yep...its a different world today...great write...very thought provoking. Mark |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
I had an email from someone who read the answer I wrote to this poem. He or she accused me of being a snob. I didn't mean to hurt anyone, I was only trying to find a reason why it could happen and was sure it must have been fear because it happened in a city where not everyone knew each other. I said it could not happen here because everyone does know everyone. If I was taken wrong, please forgive me. Robert's neighborhood has it right. Joyce |
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Alison
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
Joyce, You a snob? I think you are a lovely lady with a loving and gentle heart. That's what I think. Love, Alison |
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Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Dear Joyce, Don't worry about it. That person was me. I've lived in the city for the happiest part of my life. I hear a lot (that's a bunch) of people from small towns and the burbs bad mouthing city people and saying bad things about them, and blaming everything bad that happens on city people. People that know other people do bad things to each other too. Perhaps if small towns and the burbs had the efficient and professional police forces that the city has, a lot of bad things would be uncovered too. People in the city are more similar to people in small towns and the burbs than you might think. Love Bobby [This message has been edited by Robert E. Jordan (06-08-2008 10:07 AM).] |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Thank you Alison and Robert I always seek out your poems because I think you are great. Love, Joyce |
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Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Thanks dear Joyce, Just color me oversensitive. Love Bobby |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Dear Kacy, you say the truth, I have witnessed such things too. Fear of being involved in "annoying" time demanding formalities is often the reason or the thought of being unable to help. We have forgotten to act out of our heart's natural instinct to help ... "We" is generic, there are still many who care. In places where people know each other well (be it a small town or a hood) it is less probable that somebody is left on the ground without assistance, no doubt. Love, Margherita |
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