You are the 99%
The chances of any of the 1% reading this blog are very slim. So, you should know, you are one of the 99%. What does that mean? It means that you are not a part of the 1% that holds the majority of the wealth in the U.S. You might be a part of the lower-middle class, you might be upper-middle class, you might just be middle class and you might be upper-class. Hey, maybe you are in the lower class range. I'm not really sure of the distinctions, but what matters to me, and maybe what should matter to you, is where we categorize ourselves. Are you satisfied? Are you happy? Good. Do you have everything you need? Be thankful. Do you have more than you need? Be thankful.
Capitalism. I am not really sure if there is a better way in a democratic society. I am learning. What I have learned is that globalization + capitalism = unfair situations for many. Capitalism is one of the driving forces of poverty in developing countries and the destruction of the environment. It can be different. Maybe capitalism can work, but there needs to be some controls. Control seems incongruent when talking about democracy and capitalism. It doesn't seem to fit. So maybe a better word would be values; values formed by morals deriving from human compassion for current generations and those yet to come.
No one is singularly to blame for the crises facing the world today. You are not to blame nor am I. It is difficult to be put into groups according to right and wrong. That does not exist. I am assuming that we are all educated and compassionate people. So, it seems to me, personal accountability is a reasonable direction to head in when thinking about the crises of the world. I am talking about overpopulation, poverty and hunger. I am talking about the degradation of the environment. Everything is connected. We can do small things everyday to change the fate of the world. Check in with yourself. Have you done something today to make a positive impact on someone else's life and/or the environment?
Change is a long process. It is gradual and sometimes not even noticeable when it begins. So, what can we do? Yes, we are living in a capitalistic society. It's ok: we all have the right to make money. Did you know that making money, having a job, and getting paid for services offered are basic human rights as defined by the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights? No one is saying that making money is wrong. Nor is being comfortable. Nor is being privileged. But there are little things that we can start to do now that will eventually make a difference.
Some suggestions:
If you have the opportunity to buy local or organic produce, do it. You will be supporting a local farmer and a small business instead of corporate farming which is subsidized by the government and putting small farmers out of business not only in the United States, but to whomever imports our subsidized products making them difficult to compete with even in foreign countries.
Eat less meat and when you do eat meat, know where it comes from. Not only are factory farms cruel, they are a waste of resources from oil, to grain, to the environment.
Recycling is fine, reducing is better. No more plastic bottles. There isn't a need for them. Remember how how easy it was to eliminate plastic bags from your life? Now, when you do reach out for a plastic bottle, let it not be a mindless act of convenience. Carrying a reusable bottle is cheaper and more sustainable.
During the Peace Corps and here, I have had to make lists of things that I 'need'. I am not close to shopping so I keep a running list. The longer I live without something, the more I realize I don't need it.
Turn off the lights. Use a power strip for electronics and turn that off, too. Support renewable energy whenever you can. Go outside.
I guess just being conscientious consumer goes a long way. Fair trade is really valuable in the long run. Try to buy fair trade items.
It won't be everything all the time but just think about everyday actions and how they might effect someone next door or across the globe. Vote. Vote for schools. Look at the system we have and ask yourself, "Is this the best I can do for my children? What do I want my grandchildren to have?"
If you look at the website below, you will see the reasons for the protest. Bill Gates, right on ya. You deserve every penny and you are a responsible citizen. Inventors: keep on inventing. You deserve the right to earn what you make. Do CEO's deserve to make 350 times the average worker? The answers do not exist. We must decide. Collectively, we have to steer the ship. Maybe we can agree on a new direction.
http://www.businessinsider.com/what-wall-street-protesters-are-so-angry-about-2011-10
Capitalism. I am not really sure if there is a better way in a democratic society. I am learning. What I have learned is that globalization + capitalism = unfair situations for many. Capitalism is one of the driving forces of poverty in developing countries and the destruction of the environment. It can be different. Maybe capitalism can work, but there needs to be some controls. Control seems incongruent when talking about democracy and capitalism. It doesn't seem to fit. So maybe a better word would be values; values formed by morals deriving from human compassion for current generations and those yet to come.
No one is singularly to blame for the crises facing the world today. You are not to blame nor am I. It is difficult to be put into groups according to right and wrong. That does not exist. I am assuming that we are all educated and compassionate people. So, it seems to me, personal accountability is a reasonable direction to head in when thinking about the crises of the world. I am talking about overpopulation, poverty and hunger. I am talking about the degradation of the environment. Everything is connected. We can do small things everyday to change the fate of the world. Check in with yourself. Have you done something today to make a positive impact on someone else's life and/or the environment?
Change is a long process. It is gradual and sometimes not even noticeable when it begins. So, what can we do? Yes, we are living in a capitalistic society. It's ok: we all have the right to make money. Did you know that making money, having a job, and getting paid for services offered are basic human rights as defined by the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights? No one is saying that making money is wrong. Nor is being comfortable. Nor is being privileged. But there are little things that we can start to do now that will eventually make a difference.
Some suggestions:
If you have the opportunity to buy local or organic produce, do it. You will be supporting a local farmer and a small business instead of corporate farming which is subsidized by the government and putting small farmers out of business not only in the United States, but to whomever imports our subsidized products making them difficult to compete with even in foreign countries.
Eat less meat and when you do eat meat, know where it comes from. Not only are factory farms cruel, they are a waste of resources from oil, to grain, to the environment.
Recycling is fine, reducing is better. No more plastic bottles. There isn't a need for them. Remember how how easy it was to eliminate plastic bags from your life? Now, when you do reach out for a plastic bottle, let it not be a mindless act of convenience. Carrying a reusable bottle is cheaper and more sustainable.
During the Peace Corps and here, I have had to make lists of things that I 'need'. I am not close to shopping so I keep a running list. The longer I live without something, the more I realize I don't need it.
Turn off the lights. Use a power strip for electronics and turn that off, too. Support renewable energy whenever you can. Go outside.
I guess just being conscientious consumer goes a long way. Fair trade is really valuable in the long run. Try to buy fair trade items.
It won't be everything all the time but just think about everyday actions and how they might effect someone next door or across the globe. Vote. Vote for schools. Look at the system we have and ask yourself, "Is this the best I can do for my children? What do I want my grandchildren to have?"
If you look at the website below, you will see the reasons for the protest. Bill Gates, right on ya. You deserve every penny and you are a responsible citizen. Inventors: keep on inventing. You deserve the right to earn what you make. Do CEO's deserve to make 350 times the average worker? The answers do not exist. We must decide. Collectively, we have to steer the ship. Maybe we can agree on a new direction.
http://www.businessinsider.com/what-wall-street-protesters-are-so-angry-about-2011-10
here here!! well said, jenn :) carol
ReplyDeleteGreat reminders of how little things we do everyday can make a big difference. Bottled water is the devil and a complete sham! A great movie called "Tapped" explains the whole industry well (but I'm sure you've seen it already!) Miss you!
ReplyDelete