From the 01 January 2007 Greater Niagara Newspapers

WHEATFIELD’S WAR ON THE “POOR”
By Bob Confer, www.BobConfer.net

I have always believed that Niagara County is a well-grounded community, full of good-natured and caring people. I had never witnessed the elitism, materialism, and class warfare that so often tends to taint suburbia. People here tend to genuinely care about and look out for one another regardless of social standing.

This lack of pretentiousness has existed amongst our people because here, in Niagara County, most of our population consists of - or has roots in - hardworking blue-collar or farming families. These salts of the Earth have always had a great understanding that real riches are defined by the quality of life one gains by the companionship of their family, friends, and community, and not the almighty dollar.

But, alas, I was wrong. Most of the county may still be this way, but there exists a disturbing pocket of humanity in Wheatfield that is anything but what I thought we were. A veritable army of concerned homeowners – 400 strong at just one meeting alone - is up in arms over proposed low-income housing and, despite their hollow proclamations to the contrary, this group actually considers itself so much better than the “poor” who could be living in their neighborhoods. Sadly, elitism has reared its ugly head in Niagara County. Elitism by nature is no better than racism and in some cases they are one and the same.

This disgusting disease is so obviously apparent by action alone. In recent years development has been almost ongoing in Wheatfield and the town is the crown jewel of Western New York, more or less the only town that is growing despite a sour New York economy. Rarely have you heard dissenters over this wonderful growth. That is, until now, when the “poor” are moving in.

And, boy, are these dissenters everywhere! From town meetings to internet message boards to people’s homes, this is the issue of the day and all these protesters seem to believe their home values will go down, crime will go up, and Wheatfield will become a sorry place to live in the future. They are nothing more than an army of Archie Bunkers as their talk is besieged with innuendos and outright lies about what “poor” people are: criminals, crackheads, burglars, rapists, and “wellies”. To consider these souls the norm of low-income individuals is stereotyping at its absolute worst.

The most important thing the ill-willed Wheatfield residents must understand is that most people do not try to be “poor”. People always want the best for they and their families and try their hardest to achieve that. But, along the way, things can happen. Damning circumstances may have occurred which brought them down…job losses, bankruptcy, a death in the family, poor health. These “poor” may even be in a stage of transition in their lives, striving for a new and better life.

Therefore, at any given time, a “poor” person could be any one and every one of us. She could be a little old lady living on her own. He could be a young man fresh out of the armed forces and starting a civilian life. She could be a single mom trying to eek out a living for her children. He could be a young college graduate, soon becoming a teacher in the area. They are all people we know and love. They may be poor monetarily, but not poor in character. Why would you not want these people as your neighbors?

That question makes me wonder if maybe the elitists are right in some strange way. These “poor” may actually be better off elsewhere. Remember that one of life’s greatest lessons is that you are only as good as the people you surround yourself with. If the “poor” found themselves surrounded by the Wheatfield elitists then, surely, the “poor” would one day become just as depraved as the elitists. And, yes, that is not the sort of people we need more of in Niagara County.

 From the 25 December 2006 Greater Niagara Newspapers

THAT HOLIDAY FEELING 24/7/365
By Bob Confer, www.BobConfer.net

The holiday season is far too brief. I don’t say this out of gluttonous desire for more parties, gifts, or days off. I say this because humanity as a whole is so refreshing in December. Throughout the month most people are jovial, good-natured, and – best of all – giving. This is the one month out of the year when everyone goes out of their ways to make life better for other people. Be it gifts, kindly cards, family get-togethers, or donations to community organizations, people give of themselves and find great delight in doing so.

This selflessness shows that there is hope for a society that is routinely blasted for showing signs of decay. Modern culture is constantly reviled for the lessening of family values, the dumbing-down of character, and the decreased emphasis on the well-being of others. Were these wild assumptions to be fully accurate we would never catch this pleasant glimpse that proves that people are still essentially good.

But, alas, this is a glimpse nonetheless. Why should humanity prove the ill-natured stereotype wrong only during the holidays? Why can’t we be this good during the rest of the year?

As many rediscover at Christmas time, it feels great to give and make people happy. In a perfect world it would be hoped that people would want to replicate this “high” throughout the year and everyday of their lives. That, in its most basic essence, is the reason for the season. We are celebrating the birth of a philosopher who throughout his life spread teachings of selflessness and love for your fellow man. So intent was his cause that he ultimately gave the most sacred gift of all…his very life.

With a new year coming up people should reinvent themselves and dedicate their lives to a similar path, a path that leads to good deeds not only during the holidays, but day in and day out.

As Christian as the holidays may be at their core, this path of righteousness that should be the outcome of the celebration is not necessarily the case. Anyone can and should serve their fellow man. Be you a Jew, Muslim, or Atheist, the betterment of those around you – and therefore yourself – should be paramount. Your life is measured not by what you do for yourself but what you do for others.

The act of giving is not through money or donations as many believe it is. It can be, but it should never be your most pronounced effort. To fully give of one’s self requires your time, your efforts, and, of all things, your heart.

Make it a point to help others at work, at home, on the streets. Set aside time to volunteer. Join a community organization. Assist a youth group. Help that little old lady across the street. Helping someone with even the most menial of tasks or going out of your way to make one’s day (if not one’s life) brighter is what makes selflessness so personal and so rewarding. There should be joy in giving and joy in watching others receive it.

No doubt you are experiencing such joys on this very day. It feels good, eh?

These are feelings that you should experience daily. So, make it a point to celebrate the meaning of Christmas as it was intended and live this wonderful holiday mood 24/7/365. It’s easy. It’s rewarding. It’s the right thing to do.