One door I knocked on was opened by an older gentleman with obvious walking difficulties. He invited me in and offered me a drink. I noticed the total lack of furniture; one small table and one old sofa and an older television which sat on the floor. His small home was neat and clean, though so sparsely furnished (to the point of not having what most of us consider “essential” items) that I almost instantly decided not to ask for a donation.
He had many questions about the annexation and many complaints against the city’s unfair and tyrannical methods. He had lived in the same house for forty years (a house he built himself) and his wife had died years ago. He was living on Social Security and was partially disabled. I noticed a breathing machine in one bare corner.
I told him about our struggle to bring a democratic, fair and civil solution to the annexation, then explained our local fight against the city and how North Carolina cities have blatantly misused the existing annexation laws to force their will on us, their unwilling victims. He asked me about our money situation, knowing that we are having to pay our attorney with our own money while the city of Lexington (like all cities) uses taxpayer funds to pay for theirs.
He was so poor, almost pitiful, that I hesitated to bring up the reason for my visits. I admitted, reluctantly, that we needed donations for our attorney. When I did, he rose slowly and went into his one bed room and came back with a glass jar. I stood in his one-chair room and wondered if he was giving me another five dollar donation that I had become accustomed to. I watched as this elderly man counted out not five but one hundred dollars in twenties, tens, and several five dollar bills. The last thirty dollars was all in ones and ten dollars in change! There was nothing left inside the jar, not one dime.
When I asked him what he had been saving the money for, he shrugged, saying simply that he didn’t expect to be going to the doctor many more times anyway ... I tried to refuse the money, knowing that – to him – this was the equivalent of my family giving thousands, but he insisted. “I may not be able to do much” he said, “but I want to help a little.” He looked at me with such determination that I was embarrassed for thinking this man ever appeared pitiful.
This fine man wants to be anonymous, but if no one believes me I will be more than happy to take you to visit him. I asked his neighbors and was told he has no family, so he would appreciate a visit. He lives off of Rolling Heights. He has more character and courage than the many wealthy who have given little or nothing.
This man reminds me of Tommy Cox and Billy Yarborough, both of whom who have died since the beginning of this annexation fight. It bothers me that they died never knowing if we won or lost. It bothers me that some give so much from their poverty while others give nothing from their wealth. It bothers me even more that some of our own neighbors facilitate this annexation in hopes of personal financial gain at the expense of such good, fine people. It bothers me that anyone would even consider voting for Hugh Holliman when he knows these stories (because I have sent him countless examples of similar situations) and he does absolutely nothing to help us.
It bothers me that so few are bothered at all by it all.
It is heartbreaking to have to ask people who live so close to bare survival for a donation. Unemployed people on every street. Shut-ins, elderly, widows. Cancer patients, people with loved ones on dialysis machines (see my video at www.lexingtonnc.us).
I sometimes get upset at the people in the poor neighborhoods for not helping with the financial situation more, then become humbled when I see how they live. They invite me into their homes and I have a hard time getting away and it takes so much time, but I try to visit with them. They know the city will double their taxes; many of them will lose their homes after we are annexed. They all are worried and have a lot of questions; some of the elderly are lonely and just want company.
Heartbreaking, yes, but these people have worked hard for their entire lives and many are veterans of foreign wars and they have a deep and profound understanding of liberty and private property rights and the fundamental values which have shaped this Nation. If they give five dollars they are buying dignity. If they give ten they are taking part in the fight. If they give twenty they are doing as much as they can and it is worth it to them to know that at least they are fighting back.
If someone counts out one hundred dollars in change – money he had been saving for a doctor visit – he is fighting back with all he has.
I hope we all ask ourselves one question – are we fighting back?
Keith Bost
Lexington
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