I wept when I bought my MAC

Photo by Terry Edlin, April 21, 2016

Did you weep when you bought your MAC? I did.

Microsoft Outlook was the catalyst that led me to grapple with the MAC decision years before taking the plunge in April 2016 at the Apple store on Michigan Avenue. Living in Chicago takes a toll on my soul. Michigan Avenue and the Loop are prime spots for homeless people with handwritten cardboard signs telling of their tragic circumstances.

Apparently, lobbying pays off handsomely, especially with Congress. Last week, the Big Ugly Abomination bill cut taxes even further for corporations and wealthy people.

When I tried to buy my laptop, David, the sales guy about my age, wouldn't listen to my resentment. "I won't change your mind, and I won't discuss it either," was his approach. My Facebook pals steadied me that night: "You alone can't solve this problem. The responsibility lies with Congress." Congress? Now there is a lame institution!

When I returned the next day, my heart ached for the Muslim woman in the photo. Her sign says that she has four children, she lost her job, and her husband is dead. I generously gave her a whole dollar and went in to do the deed. I wept when Timothy, a younger guy, came over to advise me. I explained that buying an expensive product from a corporation whose express policy is tax avoidance grieves me. He listened with genuine understanding and said that he focuses on the good that Apple does for the environment, for some organizations, and other good qualities. He was pleased that I cared enough to weep.

Buying a product from a corporation that will not pay taxes violates every cell in my body.

When I caught the bus, she was still there, and I was still crying. We talked briefly, and I gave her another whole dollar. She let me take her photo as long as her children were not identifiable. We blessed each other, and I boarded a bus. I've had more control over my tears in recent years, but that day, I had none. That's the only thing that John Boehner and I have in common. I couldn't stop weeping when Timothy passed me on to the setup guy, on the bus on the way home, or when, feeling drained, I drank tea at my window with the beautiful view.

Housing is an issue for many more people than you might think. Even those who are financially comfortable, wonder if their resources will last. Those who are uncomfortable know they won't.

 After working on this issue for many years, my plan is to partner with religious and community groups to offer their members the opportunity to socialize together often. Over time, people will meet others they like, whose children they like and whose children like them. If they decide to consider home sharing, we will be there with information and services.

We aim to maintain a database of searchable information such as time frame, neighborhood, budget, children, pets, allergies, lifestyle preferences, and other relevant criteria. The MAGA faction would be incompatible with Never Trumpers.

I've worked on this for a long time, and believe it or not, I'm getting closer, so keep your faith. If this interests you, I would like to meet with you, your church, mosque, temple or community organization. Together, let's lubricate the social gears that will help us stay connected and healthy. For more information, please e-mail edlinterry@gmail.com