The concept of karma is one fraught with difficulty. A typical statement: "Thus from a Buddhist standpoint, our present mental, intellectual, moral and temperamental differrences are mainly due to our own actions and tendencies, both past and in the present." (from "Buddhism in a Nutshell," by Narada Mahathera, available freely all over the web).

Our, as they say in the bible, we reap what we have sown. So, if you are poor, disabled, destitute, or dim-witted, this is your own fault. Isn't it easy to ignore the suffering of others, since they have brought it upon themselves? From what little I understand of Indian culture, I gather that it is this attitude towards karma that keeps the caste system in place. The people on top are there because they have earned this privilege based on their accumulated merit; those on bottom, well, it is the result of their bad deeds.

Buddhism asks that we accept the results of karma, but the key is not to be proud and disdainful. Instead, we must feel compassion for those who suffer. Yes, you were born into poverty, and you are there because of the laws of cause and effect, but I still feel sympathy for you and hope that you may better your condition. Keep in mind that we could well end up in such bad conditions ourselves, if we too are harsh and judgmental towards others. So, I guess it is in our own self-interest to have compassion for the less fortunate?

Or, there, but for the grace of my past good deeds, go I.