My Character Flaw (rant)

Once upon a time during a job review, my boss told me that I had one glaring character flaw.  I always stick up for the underdog, even if I put myself in jeopardy.  Now I disagree with the term "flaw", but this is what motivated me to write this article.

 I haven't been a member for too long, but I've met some pretty wonderful people that I'm proud to call my Gather friends.  Through reading their prose and poetry, I've learned that many of them are living with medical or emotional problems, joblessness, homelessness and are even friendless outside of the Gather community.

I also realize by their opinions, other people on this site live a pretty easy and carefree life with money in the bank, a nice home and an active social life.  They wouldn't know what it was to be a shut-in or not have money for food, rent, health care or even medicine.

For six of the last eight years, my husband and I have had our economic woes.   Things are much better for us now and we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  When you have always had a job and suddenly you are unemployed for months at a time or are dealing with surgery and recovery, you can open your hearts and minds to the others around you that have even more difficult burdens to bear.

 One of my jobless friends published several articles in a row and someone called him a "point whore" and it wasn't in a joking manner.  Others are so sure that they are better than the little housewife relating stories about her children, pets or vacations that they go around rating the stories with a 1.  Give me a break!

 If your feet don't touch the ground when you walk and your nose rubs the clouds above, then you don't belong in a community.  Please keep your nasty words to yourself.  You are very blessed.   Remember for a few moments that there are others that aren't quite that lucky! 

Now I'm not saying that we can't debate issues.  Even the most lighthearted subject matter can be seen from two sides of the fence.  However, when you make personal attacks on my friends, the hair on the back of my neck fluffs right up.   I don't have to single you out because you already know who you are! 

Please show a little compassion and true friendship for your Gather community.  I just couldn't let this slide any longer and yes, my character flaw is showing!  Peace and Love.