The human nose is an interesting appendage. Unless it is broken, unusually large in comparison with the rest of the face or is runny, we don't notice the nose all by itself when we look at someone. It is part of the full landscape of a face. If someone didn't have a nose, we would certainly notice that, too. Its placement on our face usually means we can't see our own; not without looking cross-eyed. But we know it's there.
Recently, my work with a local non-profit organization has left me judgemental and angry with the local, regional and national population at large, primarily because of their choice to not see the noses on their faces. Generations of good intentions have led people to support all kinds of causes for humane, moral or religious reasons. My train of thought leads me across the borders and oceans to developing countries where famine, war and other disasters have affected large populations. I am proud I am a member of a nation that is ready to lend a hand; I am proud that we have the means; I am proud... pride, well, we'll have to come back to that.
In the recent economic downturn, but also before when it was not as noticeable, our communities have had needs that government cannot meet, that organized religion refuses to meet and people choose to ignore. Instead, they give money to send missionaries over seas to build more churches. Nevermind the kids right next door that need food and clothing. Nevermind the homeless, the uneducated, the unsaved, their fellow citizen down on their luck. Americans have become duplicitous, unforgiving of our own neighbors and fanatical. People give money to a cause across the ocean before giving any to one in our hometown. How does that make sense?
Why do we worry about someone half way across the world before making sure our own community is safe, secure, educated, fed and protected? If people have money to do more than just give locally, by all means, but give locally first. Support the people around you first. Make your own community better first.
Some give the excuse that they don't know about local problems. They're right in our face everyday! News stories about abused children, homeless being run off from vacant buildings and local crime soaring run almost on a loop - only the minor details change on who and when. Those problems are as plain as the nose on OUR face.
But as I think I have this wrapped up, I remember my own judgements, harsh and myopic. People here are given every opportunity; they're just lazy. It is easier to view the poor, uneducated and starving native from a deep jungle as more worthy of our help then the rebellious teenage trouble-maker seemingly heading to a life of crime and prison. Yet, we should have a vested interest in making sure the teenager is taken care of early in life, kept out of trouble, educated and given tools for a life of productivity. A good citizen values the progress of all citizens, not in the sense of socialized government, but in the sense of doing good and right by one another.
Okay, Pollyanna will sign off for now.
But as I think I have this wrapped up, I remember my own judgements, harsh and myopic. People here are given every opportunity; they're just lazy. It is easier to view the poor, uneducated and starving native from a deep jungle as more worthy of our help then the rebellious teenage trouble-maker seemingly heading to a life of crime and prison. Yet, we should have a vested interest in making sure the teenager is taken care of early in life, kept out of trouble, educated and given tools for a life of productivity. A good citizen values the progress of all citizens, not in the sense of socialized government, but in the sense of doing good and right by one another.
Okay, Pollyanna will sign off for now.