Recently Paul Ryan, the Republican nominee for Vice President of the United States, chose to stop at a Youngstown, Ohio charity food kitchen run by the Mahoning County St. Vincent De Paul Society to show his support for the poor and wash some dishes.
Only there was one problem with his visit, one which was quickly spotted by members of the Hospitality Industry as they viewed the photo-op images his staff quickly released, as seen in these photos...
- Ryan is not wearing protective sanitary gloves.
- The sinks are not full of soaking water or any water.
- The dishes look amazing clean for ones that have just come from food service.
- No center kitchen staff seems present.
- Soap is being poured from a large container, not into waiting water, but onto a sponge.
- And who, washing dishes, wears an expensive watch?
Any doubts members of Industry might still have that something about these photos just don't (pardon the pun) hold water, were confirmed when Brian J. Antal, president of the Mahoning County St. Vincent De Paul Society, later told shock reporters (all of whom had been restricted from the 'wash-up), that:
- Ryan did NOT pre-arrange to visit the Center.
- His staff only gained entrance to the empty and very clean kitchen by persuading a confused staff member to let them in.
- The Mahoning County St. Vincent De Paul Society does NOT support any political party or point of view. They have been and always will be a non-political organization serving all in need no matter their faith or political party.
In short, the photos released of Ryan's 'good deed' were a partisan hoax, staged by his political team to project an image that, at its best, was not honest.
What is honest is the wonderful work done the many organizations founded by St Vincent de Paul. This great man, who many consider a saint, dedicated his life to helping the poor and to reminding those blessed with wealth and power that they had a great responsibility to others less fortunate and in need.
This great lesson of true and honest commitment, rather than simply exploiting others, is something Ryan should perhaps learn from Father Vincent and then wash some dishes honestly.
Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2012
