"A Christmas Message"
"Many of us have a deep concern for our fellow man. It's very easy to become numb to the signs of poverty surrounding us, as the world's economy worsens each business day. A virtual insulating blanket is often created by those well off, others who are set for life, or those are comfortable with their situation. This blanket isolates them from the poor or anyone who is struggling. Yet this contrivance is just a convenient way to wash away the guilt stain. This blanket provides a mental crutch for millions who refuse to exercise two of the most cherished human traits we all have, love and compassion.
In the animal world compassion is rarely seen. All around the world and around the clock, all forms of insects and animals ruthlessly hunt their prey. It is the necessary, natural order of the wild animal world for countless millennia. Even humans can be hunted ruthlessly by animals. No hate or emotion is present, only hunger. But should human beings act the same way as lower life forms?
Recently I drove my wife to a nice sit-down restaurant. We talked during the long drive that night how blessed we were to afford that dinner. Never in our lives have we taken anything for granted. In the waiting area others were both sitting and standing. Soon after arriving we noticed something quite sobering- there wasn't a smile on a single face. We could readily see the silent, deep concern in everyone's face. The Christmas decorations were an eerie contradiction to what we saw.
I challenge the reader to speak to a stranger as we have, and ask them what concerns them most. Clearly the average American is silently terrified about what bad news might come next. Though shell-shocked, most people are smart enough to read between the messages of endless bailouts performed using Monopoly fictional money and political statements. Many Americans already know the score, even if they don't or won't talk about it. One can barely comprehend the feeling of utter helplessness with which many quietly struggle with daily living, especially for senior citizens.
There are disappearing companies and vanishing retirement plans. Then along comes the government, enduring engineered economic peril by powerful people outside the government. The safety net everyone has relied on for more than half a century is itself in danger of evaporating. Millions can only stay in a home or a modest apartment because of this monthly income. These senior citizens and disabled workers are very worried, and rightly so.
Everyone knows that there is no longer any form of security anymore, anywhere. Even working for a blue-chip company will not create a secure retirement. There is an old expression, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall." It's a natural reaction for people to "hunker-down" and ride out bad times. And with that often one no longer cares about anyone but themselves and their family. This isn't directed to those who are struggling in dire economic straights. No, I am appealing here to those who have some extra money in their pocket. Quite often these are the same people who hunker-down and will never help someone in need even in a great economy.
One of the food-for-the-poor organizations has changed their television ads. Over the years we've seen countless "Feed the Children" ads on television. It usually shows a third world country, with corrugated cardboard and metal shacks in the background. Often someone is holding a little girl in their arms. Now even this has changed. A recent advertisement appears to show African-American and white families getting food from a tractor-trailer in an American parking lot. Perhaps they finally realized that it's hypocritical to be helping everyone overseas when there is plenty of famine right here at home. Just last night we met an older man who had driven a friend to a local food pantry. These facilities give food to the poor. He was astounded that the place was packed with people, and it reminded him of the depression of 1929.
Few know what the future will bring America. But human beings everywhere do not have to ignore those less fortunate, even if martial law might be on the horizon. If that does actually happen, many of us probably won't be around to celebrate next Christmas. And many more will wish that this year they gave something to others in need, but by that point in time it will be too late. We can help someone we know to have a Merry Christmas, or just perform a selfless act of kindness in whatever way we can. By helping others we bring a great joy to ourselves, too. For many people today, the only way they can go is up. We are human beings and don't have to act like animals. And these acts of kindness can go on throughout the year. It would be folly to think there will always be a tomorrow, and with it another opportunity to mend selfish ways."
In the animal world compassion is rarely seen. All around the world and around the clock, all forms of insects and animals ruthlessly hunt their prey. It is the necessary, natural order of the wild animal world for countless millennia. Even humans can be hunted ruthlessly by animals. No hate or emotion is present, only hunger. But should human beings act the same way as lower life forms?
Recently I drove my wife to a nice sit-down restaurant. We talked during the long drive that night how blessed we were to afford that dinner. Never in our lives have we taken anything for granted. In the waiting area others were both sitting and standing. Soon after arriving we noticed something quite sobering- there wasn't a smile on a single face. We could readily see the silent, deep concern in everyone's face. The Christmas decorations were an eerie contradiction to what we saw.
I challenge the reader to speak to a stranger as we have, and ask them what concerns them most. Clearly the average American is silently terrified about what bad news might come next. Though shell-shocked, most people are smart enough to read between the messages of endless bailouts performed using Monopoly fictional money and political statements. Many Americans already know the score, even if they don't or won't talk about it. One can barely comprehend the feeling of utter helplessness with which many quietly struggle with daily living, especially for senior citizens.
There are disappearing companies and vanishing retirement plans. Then along comes the government, enduring engineered economic peril by powerful people outside the government. The safety net everyone has relied on for more than half a century is itself in danger of evaporating. Millions can only stay in a home or a modest apartment because of this monthly income. These senior citizens and disabled workers are very worried, and rightly so.
Everyone knows that there is no longer any form of security anymore, anywhere. Even working for a blue-chip company will not create a secure retirement. There is an old expression, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall." It's a natural reaction for people to "hunker-down" and ride out bad times. And with that often one no longer cares about anyone but themselves and their family. This isn't directed to those who are struggling in dire economic straights. No, I am appealing here to those who have some extra money in their pocket. Quite often these are the same people who hunker-down and will never help someone in need even in a great economy.
One of the food-for-the-poor organizations has changed their television ads. Over the years we've seen countless "Feed the Children" ads on television. It usually shows a third world country, with corrugated cardboard and metal shacks in the background. Often someone is holding a little girl in their arms. Now even this has changed. A recent advertisement appears to show African-American and white families getting food from a tractor-trailer in an American parking lot. Perhaps they finally realized that it's hypocritical to be helping everyone overseas when there is plenty of famine right here at home. Just last night we met an older man who had driven a friend to a local food pantry. These facilities give food to the poor. He was astounded that the place was packed with people, and it reminded him of the depression of 1929.
Few know what the future will bring America. But human beings everywhere do not have to ignore those less fortunate, even if martial law might be on the horizon. If that does actually happen, many of us probably won't be around to celebrate next Christmas. And many more will wish that this year they gave something to others in need, but by that point in time it will be too late. We can help someone we know to have a Merry Christmas, or just perform a selfless act of kindness in whatever way we can. By helping others we bring a great joy to ourselves, too. For many people today, the only way they can go is up. We are human beings and don't have to act like animals. And these acts of kindness can go on throughout the year. It would be folly to think there will always be a tomorrow, and with it another opportunity to mend selfish ways."
- Ted Twietmeyer, tedtw@frontiernet.net
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