I have spent this week in Poplarville in the Pearl River County Courthouse for the trial of Victor Mitchell. A realization that I have known in the back of my head resurfaced.
The trial was about a sinister plot to kidnap local businessman Tommy Duff. I have met Mr. Duff a couple of times, and I have always found him to be polite, friendly and respectful. Unfortunately, people look at him and other successful people like him and they don’t see a person; they see wealth. They imagine fancy homes and cars, elaborate vacations and private planes — all the luxuries money can buy.
What they don’t see is that a successful businessperson is also and more importantly just a person. A person who thinks, feels, cares and loves just like the rest of us.
From the outside we see the glam and a lot of people are envious and jealous. Yes, I for one would love to be out of debt and be able to take an awesome vacation with my whole family. Of course I would love a fancy car, a gorgeous house and all the other perks. But I am honest enough to admit where I may have made some poor financial choices, whereas the more successful ones made much smarter ones.
Mr. Duff made a comment on the stand that he was a normal person; he goes to work, teaches Sunday School and spends time with his children and grandchildren. You know what? That sounds pretty normal to me.
While I have not spoken with him directly, only what I have heard from the witness stand, I dare say this: hee most likely was scared beyond anything anyone could have imagine, just like anyone else would have been. I know if it had been me I would have been shaking and crying hysterically. I dare say he, just like every other victim of such evil crimes, has a new normal which isn’t so normal anymore.
Because people are too blinded by the wealth they tend to miss something very important in the lives of the “rich and famous.” They have problems, too. In fact a lot of times they have many more problems then most of us regular folks, as crazy as that seems.
Successful businessmen and women are regularly battling frivolous lawsuits because someone is hoping they can get rich quick off of them. They are unable to really open themselves up to people because they can’t know if you truly want to be friends with them or if you are out for a piece of their pie. I wonder how much it would mean to them to have real friends and not have to worry about ulterior motives.
We see “the elite” with blinders and fail to truly recognize they are human beings, too. They laugh, cry, hurt, rejoice and love. I’m sure you can ask any successful businessperson and most would say their pride and joy is either their children or grandchildren. Fancy cars are nice but are nothing next to that newborn grand baby.
I once knew a wealthy man who it seems like no sooner would one lawsuit be over another one would be filed. He had family but between working long hours to stay successful and constantly dealing with attorneys, spending time with his family or taking family vacations was not very easy for him to do.
I remember him telling me about the drug addiction his grandson was dealing with and how he desperately wanted to help him. He would gladly pay and put him in rehab or do anything to get him clean. Unfortunately, all his money could do was pay for his grandson’s funeral after his grandson committed suicide.
Instead of looking at the elite and seeing dollar signs, let us remember they are normal people. They don’t need our envy or jealousy, but I bet they would love our prayers.
With great things, come great responsibility and also great problems. Let us remember the grass is green on our side of the fence, too. If it appears their side is greener just remember it probably had a lot more manure to deal with.
Susan Amundson is managing editor of The Columbian-Progress. She may be reached at (601) 736-2611.
