Taking the Time to Make a Difference

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Two large boxes arrived at my office a few days ago. Since I had not ordered any office supplies or equipment, I was puzzled by the shipment, and I wondered who had sent it and what was inside. The packing slip provided a partial answer: inside were nine toner cartridges from a company in California. These are nine toner cartridges that I did not order — enough to last for four years if they were any good. According to the packing slip, my order was made through a “verbal agreement.” I spoke one by one with four people at the company that sent the cartridges, explaining that I did not order them. “No problem,” said at least two of them. “We’ll take care of that.” Days went by and I heard nothing. I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau in California, and with the California Attorney General’s office.The Better Business Bureau said, “This company has a pattern of complaint allegations which we consider to be serious in nature. Complainants generally allege that the company shipped unordered merchandise even after the purchase, the company sends additional merchandise that was not ordered.” At first, I only wanted the company to take back the stuff and pay for the shipment. In my mind, I said I wanted justice. In my heart, I wanted revenge! I wanted payback for my wasted time. Correction is not enough. I want punishment.

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The day after I completed this column and sent it to be printed with our diocesan newspaper, the delivery company that brought the toner carts came to take them back, at the California company’s expense. I wish I felt happier about it.

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In a very small way, I have experienced a little of what it means to be a victim, in a very small way. And I have a larger appreciation for the victim of a major crime. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be the family member of a murder victim. Is it possible to maintain or re-gain respect for another human being, despite what personal wrong may have been done?

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When have you become angry at injustice? At a perceived wrong done to you or to others? In recent times, I have become angry with “emergency” check cashing companies that prey on people’s wants or needs for quick cash, but who pay a high percentage of their earnings for such service. I have been proud, on the other hand, of local efforts to provide bank accounts and education for people who might otherwise fall prey to such predators. Helping to bring about such a system would be a powerful way to make a difference. Another way to make a difference was inspired by an observation in a Newsweek column recently (Nov. 16) by Julia Baird. She pointed out that photographs taken by Dorothea Lange during the Great Depression showed the “handsome homeless” — people who were “poor, but also disciplined, hardworking, and upright. And quite beautiful.” In contrast, Baird said, today, “poor people appear in the mainstream media only when they are obese, sick, or sad: powerless and to be pitied.” What is your view of poor people? In your conversation with family or friends, how do you describe them? Your respect for others has the power to make a difference among those who look to you for witness or for guidance.

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Take the time to reflect on your anger, on the injustice you perceive – against yourself, against your neighbors, known and unknown. Bring your concerns to those who can make a difference – or join together with others who can bring justice to the marketplace, and return dignity to those who have lost it in the eyes of the world.

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