The Traveling Hobo

Sociology is always a hot topic in the homeless community. Hardship makes you think. So when I met a Romanian fellow with plenty of hot sports opinions, we hit it off well. He was a Traveler and his current destination was Connecticut. I would hate to have to be a Traveler, it doesn't suit my mentality. But Travelers hate to stay put.

I told my passing friend of my novel, I tried to explain it as thus: "It's about a guy who is extremely successful in his banking job and is becoming even more successful. But it is killing him inside. So he has to decide if he's to risk everything he has - his money, his marriage, his place in the world - to set things right or to continue on the path that's killing him."

The Hobo's response was direct: "So, why do you feel that way?"

He knew instantly I was talking about myself (all books are about the author) even though obviously I am not a successful banker. But he asked an honest question so I gave an honest answer: "Because I feel that way."

"Good answer. Good answer."

His political views were a curious mixture: he was a Republican Communist. He clearly loved America and reminded me of the lines in the Godfather spoken to the immigrant Bonasera:

VITO CORLEONE: We've known each other many years, but this is the first time you came to me for counsel, for help. I can't remember the last time that you invited me to your house for a cup of coffee, even though my wife is godmother to your only child. But let's be frank here: you never wanted my friendship. And uh, you were afraid to be in my debt.

BONASERA: I didn't want to get into trouble.

VITO CORLEONE: I understand. You found paradise in America, had a good trade, made a good living.

Like many who've found "paradise in America", he ended up subscribing to the ways of greed (like any good Republican). Concern number one was keeping his goodies. He talked of the need to secure our borders from people who would do us harm. I told him that was no solution because those who wish to get in will one way or the other (he agreed).

"It's like fire-proofing your house without ever trying to stop the cause of the fires."

"But how do you convince 1.6 billion people who want to destroy you?"

"You don't. They have to be responsible for themselves."

"So what do we do? Nothing?"

"It's like ancient Isreal. When they were with God they were safe. When they turned their backs they were screwed regardless. I just think it's silly to try and make an entire country a fortress."

He then went on to confess he was a Communist, but he agreed with more of the idea of it than any alleged practice of it he had seen. His view of America was one only an outsider could have (thus matching mine): "People talk about the great freedom in America and it's true but the financial tyranny here is worse than any other country in the world."

Well, he was preaching to the choir there. "Exactly!" I concurred. "There's a reason we are the most violent nation."

We also saw eye to eye on religion. "The thing about religion, you see, is that it comes from men-"

"Yes! One of the strongest human desires is to have God's approval. We make up rules for that approval and then pretend we have it."

We were at odds on the war, though. He was for the war - pretty much any war - thinking like most Americans it's the best way to keep the good life going. He even went so far as to say the Vietnam war accomplished a lot of good. "In my country we were rooting for America to stop communism." I saw the "Killing Fields" , we stopped nothing. He thought we pulled out too early.

In discussing the Vietnem war, he got the most keyed up. Edgy to begin with, I really sensed a streak of violence, like something was eating on him. In arguing we pulled out too early, he tried to ask me how many people died each year on our highways (it's about the same as Vietnam deaths). You really have to feel backed into a corner to make that sort of desperate comparison. I don't know how big it is, but there is a bomb waiting to go off in that guy.

He really enjoyed the conversation. He said religion and politics are things you cannot discuss civilly in America (no kidding!). My only outlet is here and the occasional conversation like this one. My friend was even more pent up. As a traveller, he was always dependent on the kindness of strangers.