Charity in Praxis

Los Angeles, California is a stretch of earth that should be dissected by lovers of life. Foodies can bathe in the myriad tastes found while splashing in the melting pot. Seekers of the sublime can stare at the rolling hills and peaceful ocean. Architects can marvel at the downtown skyscrapers, Hollywood sign, Valley mansions, and rustic South Central neighborhoods. Welcome to Watts.

Riots, gang violence, and eye-watering poverty brought about by invasions of the State have defined Watts to outsiders. Never forget, humans live in Watts. Humans work in Watts everyday. Little ones play on their jungle gyms, now ignorantly called apparati. Separate the stereotypes from the facts. There is danger, but caution should be the modus operandus in any trek through unknown lands. Otherwise, stay in your own castle.

I do my part to serve my fellow man. The love of humans is the second great commandment, and I obey the lord God. Father Gregory Boyle, of Homeboy Industries, says

Nothing stops a bullet like a job.

The way to take that to heart is to vote in the 100% democracy of the market economy. Casting your ballot for any old businessman is not going to count. Peacefully exchanging goods and services with locally run industries has a positive affect on community growth. You vote for a family man by paying for his product. He is given more leeway to running his finances, and can better provide for his family. His kids receive more attention, and are able to do better in school. They grow up to be more successful, and give back to the community. Ripples are real.

 An elderly gentleman of latin descent runs a fruit stand within blocks of the school that I work at. He is surrounded by competition in substitute goods. Inexpensive pizza, assortments of meat and Takis the peoples' champion. A veritable who's who of villains, in the eyes of nutrition commissar Michelle Obama. In spite of the penetrating rays of the Sun, he patiently stands and waits for his next trade. He has an orthodox faith in his product. The sign of an entrepreneur.

"I'll have the pineapple slices without chile or lime."

"La pina?"

"Claro que si, sin chile y sin limon."

Peel peel peel, chop chop chop, slice slice slice. He packages the pineapple segments.

"Quiero la, para llevar."

"Si, no problema."

"Gracias patron, tenga buen dia!"

Post Scriptum:

I get cuts at barbershops in South L.A. Cash run industries are muckier for the State than card based industries. I will render unto Caesar what is his, but I will rub it in dirt first.