The Rag Man

[boracayjohnny]

Back a day or three ago, I was stationed in the Philippines. There was a local guy who walked around and collected rags or pieces of rags and attached them to his clothes. I haven't thought about him for a bit and then someone posted a pic on a Facebook page. So, in all his "I just ain't all here or there", here he is...

[simpleman68]

When I see people like that I can't help but wonder what their story is.
Where did he come from, where is he going?
Scott

[Jeff '79]

He'd be a good spinning brush in a car wash...

[boracayjohnny]

Originally Posted by simpleman68

When I see people like that I can't help but wonder what their story is.
Where did he come from, where is he going?
Scott

The Philippines has little to no safety net of social programs for the people. Someone either works or doesn't eat, generally. Yes, there are a few charities but they would be overrun in a heart beat if more than just a select few were helped. The Rag Man is a classic example of that. I'm quite sure he got the very bottom of the bucket for his meals.

[boracayjohnny]

Originally Posted by Jeff '79

He'd be a good spinning brush in a car wash...

[Rob]

Originally Posted by boracayjohnny

The Philippines has little to no safety net of social programs for the people. Someone either works or doesn't eat, generally. Yes, there are a few charities but they would be overrun in a heart beat if more than just a select few were helped. The Rag Man is a classic example of that. I'm quite sure he got the very bottom of the bucket for his meals.

It is a shame there are so many like that also. I have cousins that struggle each day to find a little bit of rice for their kids and eventually themselves, the amazing part is, when they do have a little extra, they feed others that are worse off than themselves. Heck, they have even fed me when I am there and they cannot afford to do that.

We help where we can, but we also try and be careful by not unlocking the revolving door. My wife has become all too aware of what a little bit of money does when we try and help her parents, because all the brothers and sisters then come running with their hands out. There is no secret way to send someone money there because no one has ANY money, and when you have some, they know where it came from.

[OddBall]

That picture reminds me of a fellow back in the downtown area of Winston Salem back in the 80's. He walked around with a long full beard and wore a blue dress. He was always talking or yelling at someone that he imagined was there. People got used him as he didn't bother anyone or want a handout. He just kept to himself and his imaginary companion. They finally got him into an institution after some thugs beat him up.

Hated to see someone like that, but i guess in their world, they are the normal ones, and it's the rest of the world that is whacked.

[boracayjohnny]

Originally Posted by Dixievet

It is a shame there are so many like that also. I have cousins that struggle each day to find a little bit of rice for their kids and eventually themselves, the amazing part is, when they do have a little extra, they feed others that are worse off than themselves. Heck, they have even fed me when I am there and they cannot afford to do that.

We help where we can, but we also try and be careful by not unlocking the revolving door. My wife has become all too aware of what a little bit of money does when we try and help her parents, because all the brothers and sisters then come running with their hands out. There is no secret way to send someone money there because no one has ANY money, and when you have some, they know where it came from.

Hey, that sounds familiar for some reason. The thing with us is there are three sisters here in the US. The amount they send back provides for a comfortable life for their mother...and others.

[Dan Dlabay]

There use to be a guy here in Dayton Ohio in the 1970's they called rags.

Remembering mystery man Rags

[JRD77VET]

From around 1990 to at least 2010, there was guy who rode a three wheel bicycle all over. I would see him riding in all kinds of weather always wearing the same outfit. Probably in a 10 mile radius of Pennsburg PA

He wore a navy blue coat complete with a captain's hat ( white hat, dark brim and clusters above the brim ) and on the front basket on the bicycle, he had a fish mount.

[Olustee bus]

everybody has their own calling.

[Milton Fox]

Originally Posted by OddBall

..... but i guess in their world, they are the normal ones, and it's the rest of the world that is whacked.

I have always had that thought as well.


and then I think about what if what Dixie said was the way we are really suppose to be.

Originally Posted by Dixievet

..... I have cousins that [B]struggle each day to find a little bit of rice for their kids and eventually themselves, the amazing part is, when they do have a little extra, they feed others that are worse off than themselves. Heck, they have even fed me when I am there and they cannot afford to do that.....

Then I think, can we not afford to do that.