Let Us Be The People We Wish Others Were

I'm not sure when it first occurred to me that there are a great many wolves in sheep's clothing all around me.

Reaching back into the far recesses of my memories I have recollection after recollection of events and news stories happening time and again and in each case there was one reoccurring theme.

Rather than list a few dozen examples from my past which might not bring up identical examples in your memories, I'll ask you a few questions to see if you pick up on where I'm going with this idea.

1. How many times have you heard of a veterinarian being found out that they've been torturing the animals left in their care, or mutilating them or doing surgeries without pain killers so that they can save money (while charging you full price).

2. How many times have you heard of public figures up in your face and on television time and again standing against child abuse and standing for the rights of children.  But, turns out they have been taken pedophilia pictures of children and molesting children for decades.

3. How many times do you know an auto dealer/mechanic that is on the television going on about ethics, family values, being treated like one of the family if/when you buy a car from them or come in and have your car maintained in their garage by them.  But, turns out they're more crooked than a dog's hind leg and have been cutting corners and falsifying paperwork, installing faulty parts and charging you for new parts, etc, etc.

4. How many times have you seen a politician get your support and head off to the State Capital or to Washington D.C. on very specific policies and purposes.  But, turns out they were laughing at you all the way to the Capital at how naive you were to vote for them and believe in them.  But.. they know they'll pretend they've come to Jesus next election and you'll be pathetic enough to believe them and vote them in again, again, again, again.

My point is...

You really need to take a microscopic look at the people that are there telling you they are there to help you.

Look past the platitudes and what you know they could be saying because it's what they are expected to say. The most assured way to know if they are lying is to look at their past.  How have they voted?  Find others that used that mechanic and interview them.  Question the people that know them and the people that have dealt with them and cut ties with them... find out why.

And, when all that is done.  Be aware that there is still a very good chance that you'll be suckered anyway.

I am not pessimistic.  I am optimistic that we can become a people of respect and honor once more.  Let us lead by example and be the people that we wish others were.