Is it me or does it seem like we are on the edge of a rude awakening? I'll admit that my current insecurity around work may be heightening my sense of dis-ease, but it seems to me that we are on this window ledge and we need to step back. What do I mean?
- Human relations: Reading recent entries to the local Press-Citizen have shown that there is a segment of people who are intolerant of black and brown Americans in our area. Much of this is fueled by ignorance and distrust, but it is also fueled by a sense that as long as things are said with anonymity, it's all good. But there is no hope if all that people do is snipe at one another and fail to learn each other's experience. Frankly we are quickly becoming a nation of whiners and complainers. Actions speak much louder than words. We need to act in our best interest.
- The economy: The prioritizing of fighting two wars is taking its toll on our nation and world's well-being. While we fiddle in Iraq and Afghanistan, the amount of debt we are incurring piles up and affects what are pressing domestic needs to shore up our social safety nets, improve our education systems, and develop the types of work that have lasting value.
- The American Dream: With insecurity both economically and with global climate change, there is a need to re-evaluate. The American Dream is more a legend than a reality. Every one of us having the opportunity to lead a good life has got to take priority over having more and more. A good life requires food, shelter, and clothing. It doesn't require us to live in huge houses with three cars and turning food into gasoline.
It really does feel like we are standing on a window ledge and wondering if we should jump. Maybe we should take a leap--a leap of faith that we can be a hopeful people who solves problems rather than grouse about what is wrong.
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