Why should someone who grew up in poverty in Spanish Harlem
feel so upset upon learning that socialite Brooke Astor, 104, is
allegedly living out her final days without the benefit of proper
medical care, sleeping on a urine smelling sofa in torn
nightgowns?
The reason is that it was philanthropists like Ms. Astor who made
life on the mean streets bearable when I was a child. Considering
her years of benevolence and charity to all New Yorkers, she
deserves better treatment.
Ms. Astor gave millions to the New York Public Library, which
became my refuge from a home environment that was not
particularly conducive to after school studying. Her gifts to the
Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History kept
those institutions open free of charge, allowing me to roam their
halls and soak up their splendid exhibits.
Back in the spring of 1999, I attended a celebration honoring the
great women of the 20th century that was hosted by the city's
comptroller at the time, Alan Hevesi. Covering the event for the
Staten Island Advance, I wrote: "Ironically, the one woman
who stood out was philanthropist Brooke Astor who seemed truly
humbled by her Lifetime Achievement award. This is a woman who
has given away most of her husband Vincent Astor's money to New
York City. It was her foundation's generosity that provided
children from the slums, like myself, to enjoy so much of the
city's culture free of charge. She graced us with a few amusing
remarks about her past and her husbands but she mentioned over
and over what fun she had and how lucky she was to have had the
opportunity to head the foundation for the past 45 years. She did
not mention one complaint other than to state that she was old
and that's why she quit ... She was a sweet, little old lady who
gave and gave and still gives and gives. I found her refreshing
especially after I noted the politically incorrect mink on the
collar of her coat."
After the official presentation was over, I went over to the very
frail but elegant woman, intending to voice my gratitude. She
was, however, mobbed by other well-wishers, and I asked an aide
standing nearby to convey my sentiments.
It's inconceivable to me that such a generous woman is not
surrounded by comfort and a loving family. According to papers
filed in court, her grandson, Phillip Marshall, has in a sworn
statement charged that his 82-year-old father, Anthony Marshall -
Ms. Astor's only son - "has turned a blind eye to her,
intentionally and repeatedly ignoring her health, safety,
personal and household needs, while enriching himself with
millions of dollars." The allegations are being supported by
such luminaries as Henry Kissinger and David Rockefeller, and he
is seeking to remove his father as her guardian.
One of the reasons I've never fallen for the class-envy tactics
of some politicians is that I've benefited from the largesse and
noblesse oblige of the New Yorkers like Ms. Astor. Yet every
major election year, the liberals' campaigns are sullied by the
politics of envy of the wealthy.
Envy is forbidden by the Ten Commandments and is one of the seven
capital sins, and with good reason. Those consumed with it lead
very unhappy lives. A neighbor recently got into a small debate
with my husband about Social Security, and she mentioned how
unfair it was that people of wealth could collect Social Security
when they didn't need it. She also went on about tax breaks for
the rich. Yes, she's a Democrat.
My husband pointed out that these rich people paid into the
system and so have the same rights to collect as anyone else,
regardless of need. He told her she was advocating the
redistribution of wealth by the government. "I guess I'm a
bit of a socialist," she then remarked.
"No," my husband said, "you're a bit of a
communist."
I find that there is a hypocritical aspect to the argument of
many liberals when it comes to wealth. Many are quite wealthy
themselves and have no problem with the government using their
taxes for programs that reward those who've never contributed
into the system. But taxes are taken not only from the rich but
also from the working middle class, who can less afford tax
hikes. Tax breaks help them as well.
Having Caesar help the poor does not absolve individuals of the
moral obligation to help those in need. In fact, Caesar usually
does a pretty poor job of it.
There'll be a special place in heaven for Ms. Astor, who didn't
wait for the government to tell her how to care.