They argue that they had no choice in joining forces with those who hurt, and continue to try to hurt you. It wasn’t personal. It was business, they say.
They know the truth about those with whom they've aligned themselves, but there’s a payoff for shading you. They look the other way when you're harassed. As long as they're safe, and in the loop, what happens to you doesn't matter.
They can’t be seen associating with you, or defending you. They’ve already betrayed you. They know your character, beliefs, work ethic, history, triumphs and tragedies, but they can’t be seen on your side— where right and righteousness reside— it would mess with their bag.
They see the unfairness, injustice, abuse, dishonesty, inequity you’ve faced (Heck! They’ve faced it, too!), but they keep quiet. They fight with your common enemy against you, knowing you’ve done nothing wrong. You just want to exist in peace, like they do.
They stay neutral, gaslit, and in denial. They camp on the wrong side of an issue as long as it’s profitable to them. They align themselves with whoever will help them achieve their goals, or promise the biggest payoff. That is, until they fall out with the wrong people. They mess up, get out of line, rock the boat, ask for too much, find out stuff they weren’t supposed to know, and can no longer be trusted. When their services are no longer useful to those with whom they've aligned themselves, they become a target, just like you.
Now, they’re remorseful, bewildered, in a jam, and need help. Who do they turn to, as if their betrayal was a joke; no big deal, and not the devastating act that it was?
You. They come to you for help.
They have a lot of nerve.
The question is, whether you’ll have the compassion, grace, means, or will to help them. They are at the mercy of the very people they trusted, defended, and supported, and you hold the key to their freedom, safety, and security.
You remind them, as they beg for your assistance, that they fought side by side with the people who sought, and still seek to destroy you. They know it's true, and all they can say is that they don’t do that anymore. They try to negotiate and appeal to your empathy.
You let go of your anger, apprehension, and resources. You consent, though reluctantly, to not only supply them, but fight for them.
Perhaps by your benevolence, they’ll learn that your interests, goals, and hopes are the same. The enemy you share knows nothing of loyalty, respects neither of you, and considers you both beneath him. Maybe by helping them, they'll finally see that you actually need each other. You share an enemy who hates you both, and will forever attempt to pit you against one another. Perhaps they’ll learn that you’re better and stronger as a united front. Together, you are a majority.
Wow.
“Buck and The Preacher”, the 1972 film starring Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, and Ruby Dee, really is a teacher! It's a whole sermon on "The Golden Rule", forgiveness, and the old adage "What goes around, comes around".
It's an entertaining reminder to follow through on your promises, never underestimate anyone, respect the boundaries you've set, shun pride (especially when you need help), maintain integrity in your alliances, always pay very close attention how people treat others (no matter how they treat you), and mind what people do as opposed to what they say.
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