To tow, or not to tow.....

It is truly a sad state of affairs when a disabled woman, involved in a car accident in Asheville, is refused service by a tow truck driver — simply because of her political stance. 

Specifically, Ken Shupe, who says he is a conservative and a Christian,  decided not to do the towing job on May 2 because he noticed Cassandra McWade had Bernie Sanders’ political signs on her Toyota Camry.

Suffice it to say, the story went viral and has prompted discussions about yet another manifestation of discrimination. This incident involved discrimination on a political basis, in a time when the public debate in North Carolina (at least) is raging over HB2 and gender-bias in the bathrooms and showers — as well as in other facets of society. And that’s not to mention the debate over race and religion.

Shupe said later that he did not know McWade had disabilities, but noted “there’s a huge difference between being disabled and drawing disabilities.” He also said that if he had known about her disabilities, he still would not have towed her car, but would have waited with her for another service to arrive.

Through his actions (or lack thereof), Shupe, in our view, was being neither a true conservative, nor a Christian — and he is, in fact, bringing discredit to both groups.

A real conservative, as with a real liberal, respects others’ belief systems and gladly offers help to those who are helpless and in true need. And, as for being a Christian, Jesus certainly was known for helping the outcasts and unfortunates. 

Indeed, the outrage that this incident sparked brings at least a measure of credit to the rest of humanity — and for that, we are encouraged.