Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Conversations one cannot enjoy

Many people think that lawyers enjoy great privilege and wealth. In many ways, they do. However, the daily practice of law can often involve seeing a view of the worst side of humanity. I look around and see my colleagues aging rapidly after they conclude particular cases.

Its not uncommon for lawyers to hear the inner most fears that clients often maintain within. Here's a sample of one lawyer's week (names changed for privacy) :

1. Observe 12 year old "Joe" break down in tears when he realizes his father is going to prison for 17 years.
2. Listen to " Pam" collapse emotionally when she realizes she is losing her home when she is the sole caretaker for her ill and infirm 80 year old parents.
3. Console "Bob" and " Julie" that their son's death would likely be ignored by the drug company with the defective product while the drug company slandered their dead son's name implying that he must have used illegal drugs or would not have died.( although he never did)
4. Tell the single mom that the Court will take away her car when she files bankruptcy because it's worth $5,000.00

And this is just from one lawyer in one week. Is it any wonder that lawyers become hardened or cynical? Do you think it must be easy? The emotional toll does not make the comfortable

Friday, July 3, 2009

Why Africa?

I recently placed a Facebook post about my friends Rudy and Michelle who are co-ordinating the delivery of 10,000 books to African school children through 4 different charities. I admire them a great deal. Rudy is an experienced globetrotter and has a global view of the world.
People have asked me "why Africa? why not here at home?" Well, quite frankly, while some of our children lag behind others, the fact remains that millions of children around the world are behind even the poorest American child. Poverty and Illiteracy are the greatest problems that plague our society. Curing those two problems improves our world immeasurably.The cultural differences in other countries and our country explain why children share books and work together as a community while we here at home often want to keep what we get without sharing.
Too often we forget how lucky we are to have the opportunities we have in this country. We provide housing with running water and electricity. our government even gives money away! No wonder so many people attempt to come to America. They are willing to break the law and risk their lives to come here because this nation is so great.
I don't ask you to forget who is in your own backyard. But ask yourself who will appreciate the gift and use it.