I have recently discovered that a great social injustice continues to be perpetuated by 90 percent of the people on this planet.

So I have decided to make it my solemn duty to champion this noble cause and defend those who cannot defend themselves. What in the world is it, you may ask, that has gone on unnoticed for so long?

Is it the unethical treatment of animals? Nope. How about the abuse of our environment and our natural resources? Wrong again. Or maybe I am ready to battle the elite capitalists who get richer while we, the working poor, struggle to make ends meet. Sorry, try again.

While these may all be worthy causes that need fought for, I will leave that responsibility to others who are always toiling away. Nope, my injustice is far more common. Can I get a drum roll please?

I must speak up for all the left hands in the world - well, at least the ones that are on the ends of arms belonging to right-handed people. Yes, you heard me correct. I am here to go to bat for everyone's left hand - the most under appreciated body part of all.

With 90 percent of the human population being righties, someone must defend this other appendage that always gets slighted.

And I am not talking about fighting for the southpaws, they have their own issues and can let someone else fought for their other hand.

We have all heard the saying, "He (or she) is my right-hand man (or woman). This is meant as a high compliment to illustrate how valuable someone is. How come nobody ever says "you're my left-hand man."

Or how many times have you heard someone say, "Oops, sorry I dropped that. It was my bad hand."

Well it must stop now and I am here to tell you how important your left hand is. See, I, too, took my left-hand for granted but my eyes have been opened. A spill on the basketball court Tuesday left me with a severely sprained wrist that doctors thought was broken and put in a hard splint from my fingertips to my elbow.

Believe me, I have a newfound appreciation for my "off" hand now as I sit here and hunt-and-peck my way through this column.

All the things I took for granted - taking a shower, tying my shoes, getting dressed - have become a chore. Never again will I doubt my left hand as I now have the full understanding of the teamwork that is involved.

So next time you grab that pickle jar in the kitchen or carry a laundry basket, appreciate both hands. And give each a pat on the back - err, hand.

Michael Caldwell is managing editor at The Ironton Tribune. Mike can be reached at (740) 532-1445 ext. 24 or by e-mail at mike.caldwell@irontontribune.com.