Matt Markovich: Compassion needs accountability

KIRO Newsradio Commentaries

A pastor friend of mine has a personal policy that whenever a street beggar asks him for money, he gives them whatever he has in his pocket.

He says sometimes it painful when he pulls out a couple of $20 dollar bills – but he gives it away – asking no questions on how it will be used.

I’m not that generous – some might even say - I’m not that compassionate.

I want to be a good steward of my hard earn money. So when someone approaches me – I ask them questions – what do you need the money for? If you need a meal, I’ll take you to that McDonald’s over there. When this has happened – nobody has taken me up on my offer.

So when King County dug into its pocket and pulled out $2 million dollars last week to help house dozens of asylum seekers and refugees in Tukwila – I took pause.

It’s the latest instalment in the saga of the Riverton United Methodist Church that open its grounds last year to asylum seekers from Venezuela – at first the church didn’t reject anybody – but word got out – others started camping on their grounds – it got overwhelming.

Supporters begged elected officials for help – to solve a problem of their making.

The City of Seattle had already stepped in with 100’s of thousands of dollars for hotel rooms – Now the County is handing out $2 million more.

I’m not heartless person – and people truly seeking a better life need help – but I expect elected officials to be good stewards of our hard-earned tax dollars – and ask questions before digging deep into our collective pocket and hand out millions.

Maybe their being compassionate – just like my pastor friend.

But when it comes to our money – elected official’s ‘compassion’ needs to held accountable – how that money is being used – and being used wisely. Their track record is not that great.