Imagine a world where the sparkle of a diamond ring outshines the desperate plea of a dying child, where the cost of a single luxurious party could support a year of life-saving treatments. This isn't a dystopian fantasy; it's a sobering reality that reflects our collective priorities, especially when we see the huge amounts spent on lavish celebrations and military power, while basic human needs remain unmet. A few nights ago, I was watching World News Tonight, and the main story was Jeff Bezos’s multi-million-dollar wedding, followed by a poignant image of babies and children suffering from starvation in Africa!
Behind the scenes, countless individuals, agencies, and even small nations and communities are working tirelessly to alleviate these profound problems. Their efforts, however, frequently fade into the background, overshadowed by more sensational, albeit less critical, news.
Consider the sheer scale of our financial commitments: we, in the United States, paid over $1,250,000,000,000 – that's one trillion, 250 billion dollars – on defense, mainly for the military. This colossal figure stands in stark contrast to the global crises demanding our immediate, compassionate attention.
So, as we scroll past another opulent display or read about unprecedented military budgets, let's ask ourselves: What truly defines our values? What future are we building with our resources and attention? The answer, uncomfortably, lies in where we choose to invest our billions—in fleeting glamour or in lasting humanity.
Please work to create a wise and fair society, and refrain from simply complaining about what is not happening.
Good post, Don. It is appalling, and all too common to see the wealth gap widen at such a rapid pace. We must do what we can in our own home/neighborhood/community/church/family. This is the only way and then watch the good spread.
ReplyDelete"Do More Good," as Neil Ghosh says in his new book of the same name.
Wow Don. Great writing!!
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