— by Lin McNulty —

I had not planned on writing an Editorial today, but a juxtaposition of events re-warmed my heart about my beloved island.

Earlier today I watched a video in which a man who has fallen to the ground and calls out for help is ignored as hundreds of pedestrians pass by, paying him no notice. He is dressed in worn, shabby clothing. Does that make a difference? Apparently so, as another video is filmed in the same spot using a man dressed in a business suit; it’s not long before someone stops to help him.

This event apparently takes place in France, as the men are both calling out, “aidez-moi.” I don’t take this, however, as a slap against the French, as I am certain this scene could have played out in any large city.

Now, I am sitting with my laptop in Eastsound. As I pulled into the parking lot of The Lower Tavern, I noticed a truck parked across the street. The driver was on a small ladder and madly exploring under the hood.

It wasn’t long before someone stopped to offer help, and then another man stopped. An hour later, the disabled vehicle has driven off and two passersby have gone on about their day.

Only on Orcas?

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