Both Can Be Right
Like most towns in 1933, they were in the grips of the Great Depression. Although well-intended, Roosevelt’s New Deal was no quick fix. This recovery was going to take time, effort, and patience. Neighbors were going to have to help neighbors, and those who had were going to have to help those who didn’t. Soup kitchens and breadlines were common sources of aid. There was some government aid, but by and large it was benevolence that ruled the day.
The soup kitchen set up at the corner of Main Street and Franklin in one small town, was on the first floor of the Garfield State Bank. When the bank failed in early 1931, the board turned the building over to the city, and the city opened it for public use. A soup kitchen was set up in the grand lobby. To say the least, that was an ironic sign of the times. In one building, visitors were reminded of bank failures that contributed to their current situation, while being supported by those trying to make their plight a little easier.
Initially, one of the local churches sponsored the kitchen. As the demand grew, other churches joined in. Fraternal groups, even school groups did what they could to make the place work. It was a community effort started and initially driven by great motives.
The kitchen opened a 6:00 AM and closed at 8:00 PM, but if anyone was waiting before 6:00 or just arriving at 8:00 they were never left to stand or forced to leave. When available, extras were freely given out, and there was never, ever a question about need. If you showed up, it was assumed that you had a need, and everything possible was done to fulfill it.
As the Depression dragged on, those staffing the kitchen became somewhat divided in how they perceived the effectiveness of their kitchen. Although need was never questioned, it became apparent to some of the staff that they were serving people who really were not in need. These folks simply saw a free meal and decided to indulge themselves. In some cases, it was obvious. And even though they didn’t say anything, that situation began to frustrate some of the volunteers. A few quite as a result of what they saw as a failed mission. Some others backed off on both their time commitment and what they were able to donate. They were angered at what they saw happening, and because they could do nothing about it, they grew increasingly frustrated.
In an effort to address the growing frustration among the volunteers, the mayor asked to meet with them shortly after the kitchen closed one particularly cold February evening. There was definitely some consternation in the room. Some folks pointed out that the system was being abused, and that greedy individuals were taking advantage. The mayor knew they were right. In response, others of the group spoke about a greater good, a good that allowed them to serve those who were in need—real need in many cases. The mayor knew they were right too.
After much discussion, the mayor said, “Folks, you’re correct—all of you! There are those taking unneeded and undeserved advantage of our kitchen, and at the same time we’re most definitely serving some seriously needy people every day. And since two things can be right at the same time, we have a choice to make. We can allow some opportunists to weaken or even destroy our kitchen. Or we can focus on those in need, do what we can for them, and accept the reality that no system, no matter how well intended, is perfect. The choice is ours.”
The mayor’s thoughtful comments stemmed the tide. Oh, there were some who never came back, but he gave those who were committed new energy and a renewed sense of resolve. He also turned the heads of several who were on the verge of giving up on the kitchen. That kitchen remained in continuous operation through the early months of 1942.
In a free and independent nation continually recommitting itself to forming a more perfect union, establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty, it’s essential to always remember that two things can be right at the same time. So before letting your frustrations over something with which you disagree get the better of you, remind yourself of that reality. What you then must do is choose between which one of those rights serves the best interests of those involved, and best represents what you believe to be true about the part you can play in accomplishing a greater good!