Poor man

Being accused of being a dummy of the Vice President has made the successful businessman poor by way of reputation.  The unwanted public exposure of Mr. Antonio Tiu’s purchase of a very valuable property as a usufruct has brought about increased threats on his family and businesses that in a way entitles him to be understood from a perspective with compassion. We can grant him that, and feel sorry for what is happening to his life, except maybe the “committee of three at the Senate”.

  Such circumstances happen to remind others that agreements do always have a risk of turning sour and that exercising prudence is always encouraged.

Another man made “poor” by his deed is Camarines Norte governor who has apologized for his sexual indiscretion and now has to face up to his marital responsibility in relation to the issue of infidelity.

These current events highlight a lesson taught a church men’s camp that manhood is always tempted on the three aspects of sex, money and power. It is one’s response to these temptations that determine the kind of man one becomes.  We need to be careful with the daily choices we make so as not to become a poor man. 

Let us end with an attempt to smile as we are encouraged to consider our personal perspective of being wealthy or poor with the following anecdote.  One afternoon, a wealthy man was riding in the back of his limousine when he saw two men eating grass by the road side. He ordered his driver to stop and he got out to investigate. "Why are you eating grass? he asked one man. "We don't have any money for food", the poor man replied. "Oh, come along with me then." "But sir, I have a wife with two children!" "Bring them along! And you, come with us too!" he said to the other man.  "But sir, I have a wife with six children!" the second man answered. "Bring them as well!" They all climbed into the car, which was no easy task, even for a car as large as the limo.  Once underway, one of the poor fellows says, "Sir, you are too kind.  Thank you for taking all of us with you."  The lawyer replied, "No problem, the grass at my home is about seven inches feet tall."*