Matthew Dowd grew up in Detroit.
Twenty words tweeted by a former Detroiter resonate widely this week. They encompass a teen job, wealth and ethics, and a timely political subtext.
Here's what an author and ABC News commentator posts from his Austin home:
I learned at a very young age caddying at country club in Michigan that money can't buy class or integrity.
— Matthew Dowd (@matthewjdowd) July 10, 2017
Matthew Dowd was born in Detroit. (ABC News photo)
Dowd, now 56, worked at Bloomfield Hills Country Club, he adds in a follow-up reply. He's the son of a Detroit auto executive and a mother who taught elementary school before raising 11 youngsters.
Though posted as a context-free vignette, the reflection from a politics analyst naturally brings to mind a certain national figure and family who're the focus of conversations about integrity -- as intended, no doubt.
Dowd also stirs memories from some of his 68,200 followers -- including some in Metro Detroit and elsewhere in Michigan -- about their jobs as servers, a housekeeper, a bartender, a babysitter and a paperboy. And naturally, "Caddyshack" gets mentioned among the nearly 300 comments
A sampling of responses:
I learned the same thing as a bus boy at an exclusive club in Grosse Pointe
— Arthur Mitchell (@misterarthur) July 10, 2017
I learned the same thing caddying at private clubs in Michigan in my youth as well.
— M. Francis Dwyer (@MFrancisDwyer1) July 11, 2017
Oakland Hills CC in Bloomfield. I can confirm.
— Grifter Fred (@MotownSailor) July 10, 2017
Amen. Caddied at CC of Detroit in '90s. Member bladed chip over green, swore & one hopped club off my shin. I quit on the spot & walked home
— Dr. Mattie (the dog) (@Mattie_the_dog) July 10, 2017
I learned from being a member of a country club in Michigan the same exact thing. The country is learning that now.
— Patricia L. Franz (@patricialfranz) July 11, 2017
Michigan tends to teach such lessons. West Michigan?
— Daniel Francis (@Franield) July 11, 2017
In some cases, money gives people a pass to behave poorly. I work as a private cook for some wealthy people and have seen it firsthand.
— sue morgan (@katmai_bear) July 10, 2017
The most generous % of those who donate to charities/orgs/churches for many reasons make $60k or less a year.
— Anne Bolynn (@RedAnneBolynn) July 11, 2017
I learned that while being a waitress in Georgetown while in college.
— Mindy Seidman (@emmjayess28) July 10, 2017
Everyone should wait tables at least once in their life, for a stark lesson in the disconnect between money and merit. Creates liberals.
— Tim I (@timothyj9090) July 10, 2017
In your office building, get to know Maintenance, the Parking Lot staff, mail room, messengers. Your workdays will be much better for it.
— saoirse (@saoirse2022) July 11, 2017
Exactly the advice my mother gave me--she was secretary who worked as single mom, went to night school & became a teacher.
— Anne Bolynn (@RedAnneBolynn) July 11, 2017
p.s. Obama class pic.twitter.com/cCgokqhXHR
It appears to be able to buy rudeness, arrogance and robs you many times of attributes like compassion for other humans.
— Pat Bennett (@patbennettaz) July 10, 2017
Lived in Palm Beach as well. I opened and held the door for many people, not so much as a thank you!
— Pissed off Bird! (@ThomasS03524120) July 10, 2017
I learned this tending bar and waiting tables. Money doesn't mean generous or intelligent, either. Quality people are so with or w/out $
— Katyhadalittlefarm (@katyslittlefarm) July 10, 2017
I lived in Aspen for 5 years. Learned same.
— janewhitaker (@janewhitaker) July 10, 2017
I worked at a camping "resort" as a teenager and in my early 20s worked at a 5 star Hilton resort. You're 1,000% correct.
— Katie (@KatieCVFowler) July 11, 2017
@ToriRob11 In many cases, money reveals those who lack both. Like the Trumps.
— TheHonorableKoolaid (@KoolaidUSA) July 11, 2017
And it doesn't buy happiness. This WH are some of the least happy I have ever seen.
— Lynda Lambert (@lambert_lynda) July 10, 2017
Truer words never spoken
— Fireball (@SesameStreet201) July 11, 2017
Yes. My mom always told me it is those that may have the least that can show the most class and good character.
— Jgbwicked (@jgbwicked1) July 10, 2017
Amen!!! Americans are seeing this firsthand with this Trump family!!!
— laShanda (@libragirl75) July 10, 2017
Learned that during my young teen summers when I rode my bike across town to watch wealthy people's kids & clean their houses.
— Ina Winona Tanka (@LadyLiberty1491) July 11, 2017
I've heard every caddy I've ever known say so.
— mary arduini kuhn (@maryfkuhn) July 10, 2017
No kidding. I got my education at 14 selling baked goods at a fancy bakery in the good part of town. The town's higher ups were the worst.
— Maria McGrath (@IkyCat) July 10, 2017
My husband is a teacher who caddies all summer. The stories he comes home with -- about some pretty high profile people -- blow me away.
— Mel R (@coastalelite22) July 10, 2017
Agree and 2nd generation inherited wealth is far worse. The struggle is what makes men.
— Carol M Forden (@CarolForden) July 11, 2017
And many times, it just makes a sleazy person much more sleazy. I know that because of 1 of my uncles, who is in fact a millionaire.
— tina morphis (@TinaMorphis) July 11, 2017
I learned that coordinating a Republican congressman's fundraising golf tournament in 1992.
— Amber Benson (@AmberBenson) July 10, 2017
Yeah, I learned that lesson as a kid setting traps at an exclusive trap shooting club.
— Bill Lawrence (@LawrenceofBrkln) July 11, 2017
I did, too. Many elite have little to no respect for support staff. Lucky, if names are known. Sad, disrespectful times we are in.
— RoadrunnerTalent PR (@RoadrunnerTalen) July 11, 2017
I learned same watching Caddyshack.
— Wendy Aguirre Graham (@WendyJoGraham) July 12, 2017
