THE SHOESHINE MAN -  August 13, 2007

One can make whatever they want of where they live.  You can chose to look through scratched sunglasses and only see the bad things in life or you can look with a clarity that points out the good in what we see.

Not long ago, I had stepped off the bus in Los Angeles and crossed 7th Street going north on Alvarado.  Macarthur Park was across the street and the L. A. Metro Station, my destination, was about fifty yards ahead of me.

As I approached, I noticed the area was unusually quiet and realized the regular barkers were absent.  No one was trying to sell me CDs.  No one was whispering "IDs, IDs for sale".  When I got closer, I saw a police motorcycle parked along the curb.  Then I looked at the pedestrian area and realized what was going on.  What was happening brought a moment of understanding.  A sense of approval.

The medium complexioned officer was in uniform but unlike the Macarthur Park reports of a few months before, there was no threat to his stance.  No illusion of authority vs. the masses.  In contrast, this public servant had one of his boots placed on a shoeshine box.  On occasion, his eyes looked down to admire the work of the modest craftsman.  For the shoeshine man it was better than getting asked to show a permit or being questioned on citizenship.

I thought of getting the officer's name to call in and commend his subtle actions but I decided against it.  I imagined superiors interpreting this moment as not doing his job.  “One day here and the next day transferred” I thought, for "mingling" with the locals.

Personally, he was doing more than his job.  For that little while there was no visible crime and he had a good view of the surrounding area.  Besides, the mother passing with the toddler seemed a little more relaxed.  A little bit safer.

BI-LINGUAL CHILDREN

Bilingual children.  They are a proud part of America and one step ahead of the university student frantically studying to learn a second language.  Bilingual children.  Little U. S. Citizens born to a monolingual family and exposed to an English speaking world outside the home.  Their maturity level is exceptional as they often interpret decisions in situations otherwise misunderstood.  It is sad they hear the occasional racial slurs thrown at their elders.  When I see them in buses they are for the most part, quiet and obedient, yet I wonder what they will remember when they become adults?  When it is their turn to vote, work hard and proudly serve their country, the United States of America.