Tuesday, January 8, 2008

One Of Us

This morning was warm enough to remind the neighborhood of spring and the promise of better days. But the guys around Juan Carlos’s coffee cart couldn’t get past Roger Clemens.

“It hurt to watch that press conference yesterday,” said Javier from Walton Avenue. “Roger is frustrated because he doesn’t think people are giving him the benefit of the doubt. But that’s just because he’s listening to the wrong people.”

Everyone nodded.

“I hear nothing but support,” offered Jon from Highbridge. “At least, until I pick up a newspaper or turn on the television or radio.”

The view is different from this neighborhood.

“We know something about what he’s going through,” said Javier. “We’re close to the bottom and get stepped on all the time. They sell our parks and there’s no money for schools or libraries and the power goes out and the trains don’t run and the cops hassle us because they don’t like the way we look.”

Unfairness is a way of life around here and plenty of other places, too.

“If Roger wants to see his support he needs to come to the poor neighborhoods,” said Jon. “His last few weeks are what we live with every day.”

Clemens is closer to the South Bronx than he ever was on the mound at Yankee Stadium.

Javier shrugged.

“He’s really one of us now.”

5 comments:

Donna said...

There is a picture I am thinking of that shows a bunch of little fish about to get eaten by a medium size fish who is about to get eaten by a big fish. The little fish are saying “there is no justice”; the medium fish is saying “there is some justice”; the big fish is saying “the world is just”.

Clemens knows what it’s like to be one of the little fish now.

It is not fun.

Pete said...

I think you are right on with this, but, unfortunately, someone in the media would actually have to visit the Bronx to get this angle. We know that is not going to happen.

JoeyBoy said...

A person’s view of fairness can change quickly. I guess we all know that now.

SOXRULE said...

YESSSSSSS!!! Jailbird Clemens belongs in Da Bronx with all the other criminals - illegals (immigration is coming for JAVIER!) You people make real Americans sick. I case you missed it RED SOX- World Champs and Pats will be to!!!

Jessica Lee said...

Great Conversations,Todd. Don't listen to soxrule just like your post.

To soxrule,
We all know you guys just won 2007 world series and 2 in 4 years, but you don't have to treat people like this and put your head into the sand to think all RedSox players are steriods free.