posted on Dec, 24 2009 @ 09:52 PM
The other morning, I went to the bank and withdrew $50 in crisp, new $1 bills.
I then made a sign to hang around my neck. It said: "I represent no religion or political group. Peace on earth and good will among men."
Dressed conservatively and respectably (except for the oddity of the sign), today I went to a large public park in one of the world's biggest metro
areas -- one of the few places these days where one is apt to find members of every class, race, creed, and age mingling in one single location.
I strolled around the park and attempted to give away one dollar bills to everone who crossed my path. Young and old. Those in suits and the obviously
homeless. Male and female. Whoever happened to be walking down the path. I would let pure chance determine who came my way, and everyone was offered
a dollar with the words "Please, take this gift." I mentioned nothing about Christmas, religion, anything like that. Pure altruism, distilled,
bottled-in-bond, 200 proof. This was to be my Christmas present to the city.
I spent about 3 hour walking around the park. I was only able to give away $16. Sixteen dollars in 3 hours! The people who took them were mostly the
most downtrodden and homeless. 99% of the people ignored me completely or waved me away, scowling. Also NOBODY, not ONE SINGLE SOUL, asked me why I
was doing this, not even the few who took the money, or anyone who refused it. Remarkable lack of curiosity out there.
I left feeling an odd mix of emotions...disappointment, sadness at the mistrust in us all, feeling a bit like a total idiot. But it was a very
interesting afternoon. I feel like I learned a lot about people, somehow. And sad to say, it didn't make me feel very good.
[edit on 12/24/09 by silent thunder]