This past Sunday America and the rest of the world waited to see if the historic health care reform bill would pass. With its "Yes" suddenly the America that was enticed by the notion of change is regretful and remorseful over their choice of president. Their are sighs of discontent throughout the nation. When I look back over Obama's election I am still amazed at the historicity of the moment...a black man is the president...but I don't think that is why he was chosen. Some would like to spout that his race pushed him into office, while others would say it was because his competitor, Clinton, was not a worthy opponent. I believe that he was elected because in each of us we have this hope for change. We all want change. We idealistically want to see the high places brought low and the low places brought up...we think change is good-but we don't want that change to cost us anything. It is the cost of change that keeps us from wanting that which we think is beneficial for others.
While it would be nice if the poor could become rich...those of us who have, don't necessarily want to "give" in order to make this happen. It would be wonderful if everyone could have the same level of education, but not so wonderful if that means the wealthier schools must give for the 'have not schools' or if it increases our taxes. It is great if everyone can have access to affordable health care, but not if it costs doctors, insurance providers or citizens. Post- Secondary education is vital, but we only want it to be accessible to those who can pay...and no we dont want to have to pay for our neighbours. Homelessness, poverty, injustice, abuse...all horrible, all in need of change- but it will cost you. Are you willing to pay?
My conclusion is that : yes, we want change, we want equality, we want justice...but we just don't want it to affect how we live, what we buy, what we drive, what we eat , our status level, our comfort level or our families. Imagine what we could do as a society if we were willing to put others ahead of ourselves? What would happen if we were willing to go without so others could have? What would change if we didn't live for our own gain, but for the gain of others?
Simple concepts that are hard to put into action. Some call this socialism, other say its radical, some say its unrealisitic...but to me it sounds a bit like Jesus.
The big question is : what about me?
in reference to your thoughts on the Obama-turning-grumbling with the healthcare, I am reminded of Moses' followers grumbling. It hasn't been forty years. Just over one, really, and the man is hearing a lot of grumbling. Sad. I was ecstatic when he was elected, and the longer he is in office, the more impressed I am with him. Of course, he may also be chewing off more than the people can stomach - let alone chew.
ReplyDeleteI want to help those less fortunate. i just don't want government to tell me I have to. That takes all the enjoyment out of doing so, and a person should get enjoyment out of helping. It's not socialism when people help each other, it's socialism when government mandates it.
ReplyDeletehmmm I am not sure the point of helping is getting enjoyment out of the helping. Certainly that euphoria from helping can be a great by product- but certainly should not be an end in itself.
ReplyDeleteAlso if socialism is government mandating that we care for eachother, I am certain that government could mandate much worse things. We complain about governments around the world who despise their people, who steal and fill the land with corruption. While Canada and America are not corruption free- in the least I will support the so called ' government imposed socialism' when it helps level the playing field, when it forces ( yes I said force) us to ensure that the poor are cared for- even if it is at the expense of the rich.