Robin Hood

I need to get a life obviously.  For whatever reason I have been thinking about Robin Hood a bit of late.  It is a legend (being a legend and all, I can relate).  Much of what we hear and know is an embellishment of the original tale.  There was no Maid Marion or Merry Men.  What he was famous for, was robbing from the rich and giving to the poor.
It is that element that has got me thinking.  As is often the case, I try to put myself in someone else’s place.  That is what has led me to the conclusion that if I was a rich fella, I would feel hardly done by by Robin Hood.
If I had obtained my wealth through ill-gotten gain, then there is a good chance I had it coming any way.  I think it is why they say these days “what goes around comes around.”  If on the other hand, I had obtained my wealth through legitimate means, and had not stood on others to get it, then I would object to Robin Hood stealing my hard earned.
Giving to the poor is always legitimate, but I wonder if indiscriminate giving is.  There are poor just because of life’s conspiracy.  They need help.  To help them I would at least need to know that my wealth is going to those who will use it in the best possible way.  I saw a Wizard of Id cartoon where Robin stole from someone rich and gave it to a poor person who exclaimed “I’m rich!” and Robin robbed him.
To me, giving to the poor is a noble gesture.  As far as I can see, there is not enough of it from the rich.  I don’t know that I would trust Robin Hood to do it though.  I would need to see that the giving was targeted.  That involves more, but I would not like to see that used as an excuse for doing nothing.
I must admit a thief is never what I aspired to be.  When I was asked “and what do you want to be when you grow up.”   I did not say “a thief!”  I said I wanted to be either an astronaut or a teacher and I became neither.
Everyone wants more.  The rich want more.  The poor want more.  If resources were not finite, we would not have a problem.  Everyone could have what they want (though there is a good chance someone else would get through stealth and cunning or just because they were bigger than me, what is rightfully mine).
Fortunately most people are content with what they have.  I can dream and where possible  I will do.  I have won twice.  The first was a chook raffle.  The second was something that I would not give another.  Thankfully it was not the winning that counted but the cause.  Though if first prize was a million dollars, I would have happily taken it.  My dad won a local  competition.  First prize was a bag of manure.  A friend of mine asked “what was second prize.  Two bags of manure?” 
I have what I have and I am content.  I would though like more, but that is not likely to happen.   If what I have is limited because of something wrong, I will do what I can to make it right.  However when it comes to work and assets and wealth, I do not want something for nothing.  Robin Hood can keep the money.  I will find another way.