I have heard quite a few people express the view that Amy Winehouse, as a drug addict and an alcoholic, wasted her talent, and got what she deserved.
Bullshit.
The judgements I pass on other people speak exclusively to my own character. Regardless of the girl’s shortcomings, she was no less human than the rest of us. Moreover, charity is not about the character of the recipient, but rather it is about the character of the giver who is governed by a strong sense of right and wrong, of fairness, and yes of charitable selflessness.
My son reminded me today of the affluent people he has seen abusing the serving staff at restaurants. “Right” or “wrong” is both universal AND extremely personal. We KNOW when we see someone acting badly but we shouldn’t do better ourselves for the sake of appearances. What we do away from the limelight defines our character.
