HomeHomeApril 2003
"We may have found a cure for most evils; but it has found no remedy for the worst of them all----the apathy of human beings."
Helen Keller
As spring begins in America, we’re facing serious challenges to the health of our country---the nation’s governors and legislators are coping with the worst state deficits since World War II, as they try to balance their budgets. Meanwhile, the drought in the job market continues as workers lose their jobs, and social service agencies, charities, public schools and the arts struggle with budget cuts and reductions in staffing. Meanwhile, the gap between the "haves" and "have nots" in the U.S. is increasing.
To add to the on-going stress, as the war with Iraq continues, Americans are becoming more polarized in their attitudes, concerns, and fears about the outcome of this new international policy of "pre-emption." The real cost of this war may haunt the U.S. and the world for decades to come. However, this isn’t about mere money, but it’s also about global human economic and social development.
In the last few months, there’s been little debate in Congress as to whether or not we should be involved in war. Now that war is underway, we cannot afford to become further polarized or to shut down public dialogue by branding those who speak out against the war as unpatriotic. Neither can we assume that those who want peace are not supportive of the men and women who are risking their lives on the battlefields. Conversely, we must not brand those who support the President and the military as inherently evil.
The political, financial, and social problems of the nation are not black or white, but highly complex issues. We’re all in this together, and we must find common solutions together to the problems we face as members of our communities, our nation, and as members of the world community. For example, here in Minneapolis, police and firefighters are facing job cuts. If we eliminate the jobs of the people who are supposed to protect us, how is this going to strengthen our "homeland security?" This is a local issue which can have troubling ramifications for us in the future.
Along with our national problems, there’s confusion about what our proper role is in the world. And there’s little true understanding about why we are hated around the world.We must remember this as the war continues amid the plans for the post-war reconstruction of Iraq. For Iraq and the rest of the world, the problems of hunger, poverty and human deprivation and invalidation will not go away, and will lead to greater challenges in the years to come. America cannot afford to build walls around its borders. Incidentally, journalist Thomas Friedman offers some fascinating insights into the "roots of 9/11" on a Discovery program special.
The lessons of 9/11 are clear: We must leave our apathy behind as we figure out how to solve our pressing problems, and how we can help solve the problems of our fellow human beings in the developing countries as well. We are a compassionate, generous, caring people. And now we must redefine who we are and what role we are to play in the world, and public debate--based on respect for persons on all sides of the issues--is essential to this process.
Teresa
tcallies@hotmail.com
Interesting Resources, News, and Other Tidbits:
Think you can’t make a difference? Think again! Here’s an brilliant example of what a few committed people are doing to make a difference for cash-strapped teachers and students with their "Means for Dreams" web site.
Tolerance.org, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center, offers ideas for promoting equality and equity.
Nell Newman (with Joseph D’Agnese) offers The Newman’s Own Organics Guide to the Good Life: Simple Measures That Benefit You and the Place You Live (2003, Villard, New York, NY). This helpful book will inspire you. Incidentally, Nell’s "pa," Paul Newman, has donated over $125 million to various charities from the after-tax profits from Newman’s Own products. Talk about making a difference in the world!
The April issue of the Utne Reader offers "14 Ways to Create the America You Want" (thanks to writer John Spayde.) In addition, Julie Ristau advises readers on "how to have an honest discussion when you don’t agree" in her article "Tell It Like It Is." This is terrific read.
Storyteller Noa Baum recently was in Minneapolis, performing "A Land Twice Promised." It’s a beautiful collection of stories told from the Israeli and Palestinian viewpoints. She does not claim to represent all Israelis or Palestinians, but examines the issues from personal and real lives of women affected by years of war. It’s wonderful and thought-provoking, and she recommends the following five websites devoted to peace and understanding in Israel/Palestine:
Bat Shalom (Daughter of Peace)
Ta’ayush (in Arabic, "living together" or "life in common")
In addition, you may find the following websites interesting:
The Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children works to ensure that refugee and displaced women, children and adolescents are given protection, encouraged to participate, and have access to education, health services and livelihood opportunities, and their advocacy page offers opportunities to take action.
In 1992, the "World’s First Children’s Embassy" opened in another troubled region of the world- the Balkans.
In the 3/26/03 edition of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Robert Franklin offers a number of suggestions for helping with with humanitarian efforts for Iraq. The following suggestions are from Mr. Franklin’s list:
InterAction - the American Council for Voluntary International Action.
Network for Good
American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C., 20031. 1-800-HELP-NOW. . Donations also may be made to local affiliates or to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
American Refugee Committee, 430 Oak Grove St., Suite 204, Minneapolis, MN 55403, 612-872-7060.Catholic Relief Services, Iraq Humanitarian Response, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, Md. 21203, 1-800-736-3467.Lutheran World Relief, 700 Light St., Baltimore, Md. 21237, 1-410-230-2802.
US Fund for UNICEF, UNICEF Iraq, 333 E. 38th St., New York, N.Y. 10016, 1-800-FOR-KIDS.
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