as we move through this election season, we find our nation in a troubled state (mild understatement). financial markets running amok, a never-ending war on foreign soil (threatening to expand to neighboring iran), gas and home heating prices soaring with no sign on sustainable energy on the horizon, gun control, abuse of drugs.
and these are just some of the immediate concerns affecting our collective judgment. the larger issues still loom - lack of universal and affordable health care; a lagging education system which trails other developed nations in sciences and language; racial divides; and capitalistic interests which are often both beneficial to and at odds with the needs of americans.
and yet, as a people, the citizens of this country are by and large incredibly philanthropic. with both time and money, we give of ourselves to all manner of interests - political, health, causes of justice, and international aid relief. although we may not be as altruistic as the residents of norway on a per capita vs. gross domestic product basis, we're 'doing just fine'.
the question is, why are we so ready, in fact, so eager to help, to assist? to demand of ourselves this form of giving, while not holding our political leaders to the same standards when making policy? americans are a fortunate and gregarious bunch - maybe it's our nature? and there is a common popular culture which binds 300 million people together ... that probably helps propel this ideals forward to. we're also a fairly religious bloc - associated with churches, synagogues, mosques - which run programs to help the less fortunate.
the flip side of all of this is the actual NEED for us to be involved - not because we're being nice, but because we have no other choice. of late, jane has been called to service by a number of people - to run programs or discuss issues relating to breast cancer. to be involved. and for certain, she's all over it - a way to help, to inspire, to move research forward. great. but there's only so much one can do when ordinary women who don't have reliable health care are locked out of mammograms and testing - either because they lack the necessary coverage or are under the impression that it is not available to them. and, if they should uncover anything damning, will there be a treatment that they can afford?
these gaps in just this one arena are what ordinary americans are filling in with their time and money. and it's truly inspiring, and a great thing for our children to see. don't get me wrong. i applaude the private work carried out by individuals and foundations formed to respond to needs that they deem critical to a fair and just world.
but just as we demand of ourselves, we should hold our current and future leaders to the same standards. instead of bowing to special interests, all COMMON interests should be the very special interests which worthy of attention, funding, and resolution.
and these are just some of the immediate concerns affecting our collective judgment. the larger issues still loom - lack of universal and affordable health care; a lagging education system which trails other developed nations in sciences and language; racial divides; and capitalistic interests which are often both beneficial to and at odds with the needs of americans.
and yet, as a people, the citizens of this country are by and large incredibly philanthropic. with both time and money, we give of ourselves to all manner of interests - political, health, causes of justice, and international aid relief. although we may not be as altruistic as the residents of norway on a per capita vs. gross domestic product basis, we're 'doing just fine'.
the question is, why are we so ready, in fact, so eager to help, to assist? to demand of ourselves this form of giving, while not holding our political leaders to the same standards when making policy? americans are a fortunate and gregarious bunch - maybe it's our nature? and there is a common popular culture which binds 300 million people together ... that probably helps propel this ideals forward to. we're also a fairly religious bloc - associated with churches, synagogues, mosques - which run programs to help the less fortunate.
the flip side of all of this is the actual NEED for us to be involved - not because we're being nice, but because we have no other choice. of late, jane has been called to service by a number of people - to run programs or discuss issues relating to breast cancer. to be involved. and for certain, she's all over it - a way to help, to inspire, to move research forward. great. but there's only so much one can do when ordinary women who don't have reliable health care are locked out of mammograms and testing - either because they lack the necessary coverage or are under the impression that it is not available to them. and, if they should uncover anything damning, will there be a treatment that they can afford?
these gaps in just this one arena are what ordinary americans are filling in with their time and money. and it's truly inspiring, and a great thing for our children to see. don't get me wrong. i applaude the private work carried out by individuals and foundations formed to respond to needs that they deem critical to a fair and just world.
but just as we demand of ourselves, we should hold our current and future leaders to the same standards. instead of bowing to special interests, all COMMON interests should be the very special interests which worthy of attention, funding, and resolution.
h
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