Free Washing Machines

This morning I was listening to a convoluted discussion about America's Health Care System.
Messers McCain and Obama are both making big promises to remove the fear of not having a trained medical professional save your life when you or someone in your family gets horribly sick.
Over here, we are all familiar with the pitfalls and expenses of the health care system. The only truly interesting part of the discussion was not the promises of free services, tax breaks and health care for all, but rather the fact that someone mentioned that although the health care system is significantly worse than 16 years ago, the Democrats and Republicans offered exactly the same solutions then as they do in this run-up to the election. Hmm --- smacks of free washing machines.

When South Africa heralded its democracy in 1994, it was obliged to do so with the industry of good old politicians. Of all descriptions and ethical tendencies.

Occasionally, as a junior member of staff, I was summoned to deal with the awkward delegations who had arrived at the Houses of Parliament for their washing machines.

These were rural people. Usually elderly, wrapped in blankets, the harsh poverty of their lives carved into their faces in jagged lines. They were almost always quiet and dignified, and definitely more than patient. They arrived and waited. They stood quietly to one side and waited and waited. Everyone around them got uncomfortable.
A junior staff member was sent to speak with them.

I learned they had spent all their money to take a bus to the Capitol. They had arrived without money, food or anywhere to stay. They arrived, trusting their leader whom they believed in completely, would care for them, make good on the promises of food, jobs, health care and schooling, and -- give each one of them a free washing machine. Honestly, I have never seen people so set on not leaving without this promised luxury.
At first I had been incredulous and a bit amused. These people live in huts without running water, not to mention electricity. Then, it was just sad that they had been duped.
I knew the politicians they were waiting for. Their childlike expectations humbled me and made me angry that they had been manipulated in this manner on the rural campaign trail.
But it was not my place to do anything about it. I tried my best to get food and accommodation for these people and hoped for the actions of ethical elected leaders.
Sometimes, the government paid to send them home -- but naturally there was never any sign of a washing machine.

This played out a few times that year. It always ended the same, and I guess word eventually spread of the phantom washing machines. They stopped coming.
But I have retained my nose for free washing machines. If it sounds too good, it is. If a politician promises you something that seems impossible, it certainly is.
And if a politician takes advantage of a weaker person, there should be outrage and vocal opposition. The weak in our society must be protected by the ordinary, strong, educated and healthy adults who have the responsibility to dictate to our leaders how our personal world will be governed.