SENTINEL WATCH June 6, 2005 Issue

CARING ABOUT THOSE IN HARM'S WAY

DAVE HOHLE

A SMALL PHOTO on the front page of a recent Sunday New York Times caught my eye. It was of a 20-year-old Sri Lankan housemaid in Lebanon, her face swollen from the daily beatings she had received at the hands of her employers. The article exposed some of the slave-like conditions endured by many young housemaids who travel from their homes in developing countries in search of good jobs and better lives.

The exploitation of the powerless by the powerful is nothing new. It is one of the sad effects of tyrannical traits left unchallenged. But mental or physical cruelty should not be tolerated anywhere in the world. No one has the right to mistreat another person, or an animal, in one's care or custody. In fact, we have a responsibility to help those in our sphere of influence and protect them from harm. The legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi, once said, "We are our brother's keeper. ... If people can't find work, whether it's their fault or not, you've got to help them and house them properly and try to get rid of the conditions that have held them back."

The 1996 book The Man Who Listens to Horses describes a method of training that relies on love, respect, and communication with horses rather than the brutal practice of "horse-breaking." In a television interview, author Monty Roberts, who is known as "the horse whisperer," said, "The idea, 'You must, or I will hurt you,' is a totally illegitimate concept."

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