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Picture this: a country in which everyone is assured affordable healthcare, affordable housing, a living wage with which you can purchase fruits and vegetables and, sure why not, a pair of shoes every now and then. Picture a country in which every person is assured time off directly after they’ve given birth and mothers and fathers weren’t obligated to work two jobs just to keep their kids off the streets.

Now picture the exact opposite except there is a tiny chance the Canadian rapper/actor Drake will appear out of nowhere and take you on a $10,000 shopping spree.

That, my friends, is what we call America.

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(The first paragraph was about Denmark).

Land of the free, home of the brave, purgatory for untold millions who are putting in 14 hour days to make ends meet, knowing full well an injury or illness could land them in bankruptcy.

It’s comforting to know that at any moment Drake might show up and buy you a Versace bag that you can use once and then later sell on eBay when times get tough.

This is what happened to Miami hotel maid Rodelie Paret. The Haitian mother of five was featured in a Miami Herald story about rising rents that forced low-wage workers to move further and further from their location of work. When Drake read the story, he was moved to do something nice for this woman and surprised her with a $10,000 shopping spree.

The rapper has been on a giving rampage as of late. In the past month, he has donated $25,000 to Miami Senior High School, donated a $50,000 scholarship to one of the students there, and given $50,000 to a homeless shelter.

All of these good deeds will be featured in his upcoming music video.

What Drake is doing is certainly kind, I suppose, but the need his money is alleviating is a direct result of the disparity of wealth in the United States and a tax plan that doesn’t adequately address that disparity.

I guess what I’m trying to say is wake me up when we have universal healthcare.

Becky Scott is the editor of The Schmooze. Follow her on Twitter, @arr_scott

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