Who defends the poor? I ask this question because I have witnessed a lot of poor people facing criminal charges with absolutely no legal defence. The legal aid system has disappeared. It put me in mind of the trial of Jesus. We are told that Jesus defended himself by telling the truth. Evidence suggests he didn't actually say much at all in his defence. What strikes me when observing poor people in the justice system is that they are faced with people who are predominantly well off. I would imagine that they could not begin to appreciate what it is like to be so poor that one has to steal a bottle of milk for the children's breakfast, or a packet of ham for their sandwiches. But they (the poor) are all on benefits, on drugs, on booze and fags! Some perhaps, but that is scant comfort for the situation many find themselves in.
BBC news has been showing clips of the questioning of the two men we are led to believe can lead our country. They too could not be any further removed from the plight of the poor yet they too would have us believe that they believe in and follow Christian values. What would this other man do who by telling the truth realised had committed himself to a certain death penalty. Wouldn't it be far better to lie? Wouldn't it be far better to conform? Wouldn't it be far better to forget about this life of poverty and fight tooth and nail to get as much money as possible to have the riches one deserves?
We are told that Jesus helped the poor and warned the rich that they may not enter the kingdom of heaven. As I observed the poor in front of the wealthy I was struck by the complete lack of empathy shown. I was struck by the differences in persona. One in a state of desperation, the other rapturous and boastful about their lot. What would happen should a man like Jesus show up at the court to defend the poor? How would he be treated if he told the truth? Perhaps he would be told that he himself created the laws. The defendant swears on oath, bible in hand. Thou shalt not steal. What about mercy?
Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.
