Entry 7

Dennis Hart: Cab Driver

I was interested about how joining a group or organization gave him the confidence to overcome his fears and doubts.  Hart grew up moving often due to the poverty that he faced.  Because he was always on the move, he spent the majority of his time alone working for money.  While alone, Hart got in fights all the time.  He lost more than he won, but he kept fighting because he believed that he could not back down.  He joined the John Birch Society.  While describing his experience with the group, Hart said, "I got scared.  I'm a three-time loser and I came through this.  I can't fail again,"(Terkel 239).  He almost drowned three times because he was alone.  When he was alone he was scared because anything can happen to him.  In his life, three life threatening events happened to him when he had no support.  The group may give him confidence because when he does face a dangerous situation, he will have the support to continue.  Hart is an example of the way that somebody should live their live.  They should join a group because it gives them a sense of safety.  He constantly had to fight his battles, which could have led to fear and loneliness. 

Tom Kearney

Tom Kearney was a police officer who made very little pay.  I was interesed about his story because he hints at the reasoning of the corruption of the local police.  While explaining his experience on the force, Kearney says, "There was no money for two years.  At that time, the firemen and policemen weren't paid," (Terkel 263-264). The reason why the police and firemen were corrupt was because they were not making any money.  They made money to feed their families by taking bribes.  If the government were not going to pay them, it only makes sense to take the bribe.  The only thing that does not make sense is why Kearney did not take the bribe.  What causes someone who makes no money to turn down a bribe? Is it only his values? or is there some other reason behind it?  Kearney said to a man that bribed him, "No harm trying.  But i just don't go that way," (Terkel 263).  He shows how it is tough being the man with authority.  I believe that the reason he was able to make it through the situation was because his dad had done it as a fireman.  It shows how family can make or break the corruption.  If ones family was able to overcome the poverty before, then it is what breaks the corruption.  When the family is unable to overcome the poverty, the officer will act corruptly because its the only way to feed his family.