Odessa

The following story about how East Hampton is broke brought back a flood of memories:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,400581,00.html

You see, I grew up on Long Island's east end. My dad was a commercial fisherman. I worked at a McDonald's in the Hamptons during the summer and them at a telephone answering service. We were part of the "slovenly" working class.

I remember waiting for Labor Day with glee. Sure I had to go back to school, but I also didn't have to deal with the blatant elitist classism for a few months. The snobbery of the rich and famous is palpable. I received looks of disdain because I dared to share then same sidewalk in my grimy McD's uniform or painting the boat clothes with those clad in their finest summer whites. It really made me hate the "rich, snobby city people".

I have moved on in many way. I no longer assume all "city people" have money flowing out of every pore and would rather I disappear like a genie once my services were rendered. but I also no longer live on Long Island anymore. I am not sure my old prejudices would have melted away so easily if I was still confronted with them every summer, but it is good to be rid of them.

Unfortunately, with East Hampton in the red, it is doubtful that the summer people will really feel the pain. And if they do, they will forget that it is a second home - and that they can afford a summer home that is far nicer than the invisible people that service them can afford for their only home - and they will complain like someone is grabbing the last penny out of their pocket.

Now when I do go to visit Long Island's east end, I make especially sure to say thank you to the check-out cashier, the waiter, anyone that is making my life a bit easier or nicer because I know very few do show any appreciation, or acknowledge their existence. The Hamptons is an extreme case of the haves and havenots, but there are people who provide services to us all.

Remember when you go about your business today to try to be nice to the "little people" in your life. If you think its hard to make ends meet for yourself, it is probably harder for them. Give a little smile, say "hello" like you mean it - who knows, maybe they will smile back.