David Clarke: Today's Ebenezer Scrooge

From the famous Dickens' story, "A Christmas Carol":

"We have no doubt his liberality is well represented
by his surviving partner," said the gentleman, presenting
his credentials.

It certainly was; for they had been two kindred
spirits. At the ominous word "liberality," Scrooge
frowned, and shook his head, and handed the credentials
back.

"At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge,"
said the gentleman, taking up a pen, "it is more than
usually desirable that we should make some slight
provision for the Poor and destitute, who suffer
greatly at the present time. Many thousands are in
want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands
are in want of common comforts, sir."

"Are there no prisons?" asked Scrooge.

"Plenty of prisons," said the gentleman, laying down
the pen again.

"And the Union workhouses?" demanded Scrooge.
"Are they still in operation?"

"They are. Still," returned the gentleman, "I wish
I could say they were not."

"The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour,
then?" said Scrooge.

"Both very busy, sir."

"Oh! I was afraid, from what you said at first,
that something had occurred to stop them in their
useful course," said Scrooge. "I'm very glad to
hear it."

"Under the impression that they scarcely furnish
Christian cheer of mind or body to the multitude,"
returned the gentleman, "a few of us are endeavouring
to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink,
and means of warmth. We choose this time, because
it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt,
and Abundance rejoices. What shall I put you down
for?"

"Nothing!" Scrooge replied.

"You wish to be anonymous?"

"I wish to be left alone," said Scrooge. "Since you
ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer.
I don't make merry myself at Christmas and I can't
afford to make idle people merry. I help to support
the establishments I have mentioned--they cost
enough; and those who are badly off must go there."

"Many can't go there; and many would rather die."

"If they would rather die," said Scrooge, "they had
better do it, and decrease the surplus population.
Besides--excuse me--I don't know that."

"But you might know it," observed the gentleman.

"It's not my business," Scrooge returned. "It's
enough for a man to understand his own business, and
not to interfere with other people's. Mine occupies
me constantly. Good afternoon, gentlemen!"
And from our own Sheriff David Clarke

"Other than missing a meal from time to time, no one goes without some kind of nourishment" in the U.S., Clarke wrote. He also said for some, homelessness was "a lifestyle choice."

Holloway told Clarke in a Dec. 11 memo that the sheriff's remarks "lacked empathy" and said, "Any police officer walker the streets of Milwaukee can readily see evidence of hunger and homelessness."

Clarke said Holloway's memo sounded like scolding from his father.

"The next time someone asks for my opinion I will tell them to contact you because you do my thinking for me," Clarke retorted in a Dec. 19 memo. Clarke said Holloway was mouthing "the standard liberal talking points" and favored "the government cradle-to-grave dependency approach."

Well, at least Clarke is finally admitting he doesn't have a mind of his own. But, even with all of his faults, Holloway would still be a much better choice to get his opinions from than his current source.