We are having an issue and I am not
certain if I should be worried or proud. First, the catalyst. Yesterday, after
her bible study, Janet took it upon herself to start bundling up what I can
only describe as “care packages.” She said if people came along in need of
supplies, it was our obligation to help them.
There was a very polite conversation
and Janet understood where Tommy was coming from when he explained that she was
making an individual decision based on something that technically belongs to
all of us. She understood and apologized. Everyone agreed that no one really
needs to ask for permission to do something here in the store but people do
need to show just some common courtesy. If someone yells out, “Hey, I’m eating
this beef jerky, anyone care?” Twenty voices call back, “No.”
And to be really honest, no one cared
that Janet was putting together care packages for survivors that may or may not
come by. It is a good Christian thing to do, helping out brothers or sisters in
need. Kanen just made a really good comment: “Use the generics first.”
He makes a valid point. We do have
plenty. So Janet used that yellow label Always Save brand, putting together
packages that include canned goods, toilet paper, some Band-Aids, antiseptic,
some cheapo razors, some candy, toothbrushes and toothpaste, vitamins and other
handfuls of basic necessities that you take for granted to be able to just go
the cupboards and get. But here is my issue.
It is not the generosity. I applaud
Janet. It speaks to her character that she would want to help anyone in need. I
see that shared attitude in Kim and Brad. Here is my question. Is Janet still
living in the old world?
Is that world of compassion and caring
gone? We have been fairly isolated here in Langley. Things fell apart for us
quickly and we didn’t really have time to turn on each other when it came to
supplies. From Round One, it was us versus the dead and that was it. What if
there was a supermarket in a major metropolis and the people knew that the
zombie horde was two towns over and shambling towards them? If there are still
elements of law and order in place, if it has not just degenerated down into a
free-for-all, are people whipping out pistols to get that last loaf of bread or
that last gallon of milk?
Not everyone that comes knocking on
our door is going to be hospitable like Eric and Kimber. If they see how well
that we have it with food and security, they will beg us for a port in the
storm. Could I turn someone away? Well, for me it depends on how big her boobs
are and how good looking she is… Okay seriously, I doubt I could turn away a
mother with a newborn given how much formula (powder and liquid) and diapers we
have just sitting on shelves. But what if the refuge is some brute topping 6’5”
and weighing in at 250-lbs? And if we tell him no, what might stop him from
just coming in and taking it? Would we have to defend ourselves? Violently if
necessary?
As much as I love Janet’s faith, I
don’t believe that everyone out there is a child of the light. Prisons have
been around as long as we have had civilization. Do I want to let some child
molester in here with Alex? Do the laws of the old world even apply anymore?
