Every society has its rich and poor. Some of the rich have so much that they never know exactly how much they do have and there are the poor whose children never know what it is to sleep with a full stomach. Sadly this is life as it is often lived. There is, however, another more humane aspect to life; in this aspect the relationship between rich and poor is closer and more involved. The rich employ the poor who earn money for the services they perform for the rich. The poor thus find a way of freeing themselves from the shackles of poverty while, in return for services, the rich happily agree to share part of their wealth with them.
Let us recall the past relationship that developed between the Egyptian Pasha and the people under him. These included the humble watchman from Upper Egypt, the Nubian chef, the baby sitter from the poor neighborhood of Sayida Zainab, the gardener who was born in the wheat fields of the eastern province and the secretary who graduated from Cairo University. What was it that brought all these people together. Mutual benefit of course. It is true the Pasha was a rich man he and his family led an affluent life. They were able to indulge in luxuries but at the same time, he provided a livelihood for at least a hundred families who lived on the premises and in nearby villages.
Many rich Saudis also employ a watchman, a driver, a cook, a maid, a baby sitter, a gardener, secretary and assorted others as well. Let us see where these people have come from. For example, the watchman from India, the driver from the Philippines, the maid from Indonesia, the baby sitter from Syria, the secretary from Lebanon and the cook from Morocco.
Looking at this list makes it seem obvious that the rich Saudi surely enjoys his wealth. Does the rich Saudi, however, share any of it with his fellow countrymen? The Pasha was Egyptian and those he employed were also Egyptian. The poor in Saudi society, for the most part, are not helped by the rich Saudi; they do little more than endure their unpleasant situation. As we observed, in every society there are both rich and poor but in most societies, people usually act to correct what is wrong. We Saudis do not. I wonder how long it will take us to feel the need for change and act to change this deplorable situation.
— Saeed Al-Suraihi/ Okaz
