posted June 11, 2008 11:53 AM            

And now for something completely different...

Let's talk about GLOBAL UNITY

Let's talk about saving lives, ending poverty and hunger, as well as deaths and diseases caused by a lack of access to clean drinking water. Some people in the world are starving to death and dont even have clean water to drink. While this may not come as news to you, it is something which the vast majority of us seem more or less indifferent to and incapable of maintaining a mature interest in. We may know the statistics, but we lack the empathy and direction to realize the full importance of these facts. I'm making a personal pledge and commitment to donate at least $20.00 a month to the most important cause in the world today -- saving lives. I could keep this a secret, and feel morally superior about that, but I think it is important to provide a good example to others. "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." -- Matthew 5:15 So, I'm publicly demonstrating my decision, and inviting others to look in their hearts and make similar commitments. We can all do a little more, and, who knows, it might just make you feel a little better. Whether the motive is purely altruistic, or the alleviation of guilt, or whatever it may be, the bottom line is that the cause is just. Do you feel manipulated? Good! Thats your heart responding to the call for virtuous action. We here at Lindaland are fond of preaching about love and service. Let's put our money where our mouths are, and really do something to heal the world, and provide solutions to these problems. For me, it means not getting high at least one week a month. My high of choice is usually marajuana, but everybody has their own addictions, and things they spend money on to make themselves feel better. We should reflect that we are in a very priviledged position, and it is not enough to be grateful, or to admit that we are no more deserving than anyone else on the planet for the priviledges we enjoy. Let's show that we mean what we say, and that we are the compassionate people we often imagine ourselves to be.

Oxfam is an organization I trust. Its not as institutionalized as Unicef, Save the Children, or The Peace Corps.

Sign up for their newsletter and learn how you can:

1) Participate in Campaigns: An important component of our work is supporting legislation and policy that we believe will lessen hunger, poverty and social injustice around the world. Once every few weeks, we will e-mail you and ask you to make your voice heard on a pressing issue. A single email or phone call to important decision-makers can make a difference.

2) Donate to Oxfam America: As you may know, Oxfam International is one of the first aid agencies to arrive at the site of a natural disaster or humanitarian crisis - supplying vital resources such as food, water, shelter and clothing. As a member of our email network, you can expect to hear from us in times of crisis, when your help is most needed. (You can also donate online now!)

Thank you,
HSC

posted June 12, 2008 10:50 AM            

I don't buy people gifts anymore. For the last two years my folks have been getting goats for Christmas.