Michael Doran: ‘Capitalists’ like me

A lifelong Catholic, I grew up very poor due to my mother’s chronic illness. We lived in a surplus Army tent before the six of us moved to a 25-foot travel trailer before stepping up to public housing. By the time I was 13, I had a steady job working in a small grocery store/butcher shop. I managed to graduate from high school while working 40 hours a week.

My entire working life, I held more than one job, and the second (or third) were usually very menial. My wife and I raised four children, but by living within our means we managed to save and now are financially comfortable.

Throughout my life, I have used my time, talent and treasure to help those who were less fortunate through no fault of their own.

Instead of preaching to “capitalists” like me, the pope should read the biblical proscriptions on sloth and envy and save his comments for the many who fit into those categories. It is hypocritical to ask me for my hard-earned money to support those who have dropped out of school and are too lazy to work.

This story was originally published September 23, 2015 at 5:48 PM with the headline "Michael Doran: ‘Capitalists’ like me."