Under the influence

My days recently have been punctuated with discussion of the homeless, of how we are feeding ourselves cheaply and killing our world, by articles about the bees disappearing and dying, of pictures of melting ice caps and oil stained creatures, of artists who manage to see beauty in broken factory towns. All of this makes me feel deeply reflective, grateful and causes an amount of introspection that inspires huge change. Inspiration, when brought upon at the right moment, can move generations and change lives. There is a shift in the wind, I hope.

Our country is teetering on the brink of so many advances in social welfare. Health care being obvious, and on the minds of many. Gay marriage is about to come to the forefront again as a new proposition heats up in Maine. And this leaves me nervous and anxious.

Often, as a liberal, people view me as moral-less, socialist, elitist. But as a liberal I see my compass of humanity pointing strongly in the direction of right (Left as it may be). Compassion for those who are less fortunate, art and science playing key roles for humanity, equality and prosperity for every human being and creature.

We have to take care of number one. That is true. But who is number one? No person is an island, no person is any stronger than the weakest link in their chain and please do not be mistaken, we are ALL connected. We are all part of the same chain, the same fabric, the same pattern of life. Our differences of education, skin, continent, sexuality and health divide us, but aren't they only distractions? If our family is unhealthy, it taxes us. If our street is run down, it taxes us. If our town loses jobs, it taxes us. If our state is intolerant, it taxes us. If our country is not responsible, it taxes us. If our continent has no resources, it taxes us. If our seas become polluted and dry, it taxes us. If our world dies, it is beyond taxing. It is the end of us.

Two things, you can count on. Death and taxes. We have to remember, in the world of consumption, that money is not the only thing that can be taxed. Humanity is tired. Humanity needs a nap, a break from itself, a corner to think and reflect. We ignore the children with AIDS, the men who are broken, the women who sell themselves, the animals who die and anyone who is pained is too heartbreaking. We are heartbroken, so we turn our backs. We push it off on our neighbors, our governments and we retreat to the sanctity of our own well-being. Because we are so concerned with number one.

The population of the world is in the millions, the billions and all those numbers break down to 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 ...