With all that is happening in the world today, it’s understandable we’re all under a great deal of stress. We have Covid-19 and what’s happening on the political stage, just to name two. But as I take a look at the world, I see a far more insidious problem, that of economic inequality. With a lack of money and resources, many of us find it next to impossible to meet our daily challenges with any reliability or consistency. This unfortunately has led to a sense of hopelessness. There are those, however, that do not find themselves in a constant state of survival mode. They enjoy expensive cars, homes, a higher education, whatever it might be. They do not fear whether they’re going to be able to pay their bills or even eat that day. How could two such vastly different realities exist side by side? The answer is simple and well known, human greed. So, what can we do about this inequity? To answer this question, let’s take a step back and consider a commonly held ideal called “The American Dream”.
Most Americans would define this dream as follows: If you work hard enough, you can take care of yourself, have a family, a home, etc. Unfortunately, some of us have taken this to mean that if you work hard enough, you can have whatever you want. There is a serious misconception with this type of thinking, however, for it has created what I would like to call a “hoarding catastrophe”. An honest look at our current reality shows us that a few people have most of the money and resources, while most of us have very little. From a higher perspective, God or the universe is unlimited abundance, but before this abundance can be made available to all, one basic condition needs to be met. We need to share what has already been given, and by the way, there is plenty to go around. It has been said that if the wealthy families and corporations of the world would give10% of their profits back to society, that every individual on the planet would have food, clothing, and shelter. A modest gift indeed! There is a finite level of resources available in a sense until we can be equitable and fair in its distribution. So how do we resolve this dilemma we find ourselves in?
From my perspective, I see two basic ways to implement this sharing. The first is by far the best in my opinion, for it involves the decision by those who have acquired most of the money and resources to give some of it back. It is the best way because it requires conscious, willing choice. “You cannot take it with you” is very true in this regard. The acquisition of money and power is temporary at best and harmful to the greater whole at worst. Famine, disease, and violence are painfully obvious, and the condition of our planet continues to deteriorate with every breath we take. This cannot be sustained. If we were honest, we would notice that money and things do not provide happiness. Quite the opposite is true. We spend most of our time protecting and defending what we have acquired, creating a deep feeling of fear and anxiety. It is clear that something needs to change. Perhaps the wealthy and fortunate could look within their hearts and help alleviate this stress by participating in the betterment of humanity through the sharing of existing resources. Maybe they could exercise the free will they have been given and do the right thing. Our survival depends on it.
The second way would involve more of a forcing process through appropriate taxation, yes, the redistribution of wealth. Congress needs to be a lot more involved in this case. They need to do their job, what they were elected to do, to serve all American people, not just a few. Equitable access to resources is absolutely essential so that every individual has the opportunity to provide their own unique gifts and skills to the larger whole. What a wonderful world that would be! We can do this if Congress acts, and each individual can do their share by giving and/or sacrificing whatever they can so that we all move forward together toward greater peace and prosperity.
Practically speaking, it will most likely involve some combination of the above-mentioned. The good news is that we can already see this happening in two very important ways. One is the actions of those philanthropic individuals and companies who sense humanity’s need and give of their time and resources to help support world change. Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buffett, many in the entertainment industry, just to name a few. Thank you. Many more are needed. To those of you who shout, “why should I give of my hard-earned money,” I say, “give because you can”! This is love in action. The other is the shifting political viewpoint of the American people in general. It has become clear the need for quality, affordable health care, and a basic living wage as a start. Unfortunately, the republicans in congress do not support even these basic changes, and although the Democrats do not have all the answers, they do at least support a process in which equity in sharing can begin. It’s important for every individual to honestly assess what they need in their daily lives. If your needs are not being met, a change in Washington is warranted. Please get out and vote this fall (hopefully by mail) and tell those in Washington to make voting possible for everyone. To those that shout too much division is being created with these ideas, let me remind them that the majority always wins eventually. It is the majority that has the real power. This has been shown throughout history and cannot be denied or avoided. Let’s take our power back today!
In closing, I would like to stress how important this time period is for humanity. We have an awesome opportunity to implement the changes necessary that will support all individuals and all forms of life on this great planet of ours. For those of us who are fortunate enough to have a little more spiritual awareness, let us push forth from our minds a clear intent – to support in the minds of the wealthy and powerful a willingness to share. Perhaps even more importantly, let us push forth from our willful, loving hearts a space of compassion for those who need to receive. We can therefore redefine the “American Dream”, a worldwide dream, to include sharing as an essential part. Sharing is in fact an inherent human attribute, is it not?
All my love and support, stay safe and be well