s2a
Heretic and part-time (skinny) Santa impersonator
Most of us are predisposed at this time of year. I plead no special exemption. Making mirth and merry is hard work; and can be, upon repeated occasion...quite stressful to both psyche and bank account alike.
...well, time to get over it.
Chances are, that as a member of REF, you can honestly claim that:
...you have a reliably consistent roof over your head.
...you have a computer that allows you access to the world and it's wealth of information.
...you have a cell phone.
...you have family or loved ones that care about you in a personal way.
...you live in a residence of relative quiet and security - free from threat of imminent death, harm, or property loss.
...you retain/profess personalized "issues"....that pale in comparison with those of true need and helpless/hopeless outlooks upon their daily existence.
...you are of modest to minimal financial means - that yet insure you cable/satellite TV hook-up, broadband internet access, periodic "dining-out" indulgences, new clothes and shoes, video gaming consoles, MP3 players, and cordless phones -all of which are "essentials" to the most basic, "civilized" sort of a "modest" 21st century lifestyle existence.
That's cool. I'm not trying to lay any hairshirt of guilt to impiously don here. Only the super-rich are unconcerned with such "basic necessities", and - as such - are unlikely contributors within a thoughtful and deliberative forum of contemporary issues as we often find ourselves here within REF.
Let's be honest amongst ourselves. We may not be wealthy (monetarily), but we do allow ourselves the luxury of time and concerted interest(s) well enough to espouse personalized opinion and ideology (with rapt rationalizations) to comment/critique/correct/contribute our own ruminations in validation/comparison/counterpoint to other member's contributions. Call it conceit, pride, self-confidence (or lack thereof), illumination/clarification, aplology, obfuscation, or pure self-indulgence of personalized interests and concerns..virtually all REF members have both the time and financial wherewithal to make their views/opinions known in a public forum.
If we are true to ourselves and our own purposed aggrandizements/blandishments of philosophy, religion, politics and personalized perspectives -then we can (and should) rightfully acknowledge and accede to the notion that we could certainly choose to do something else with the luxury of time and indulgence otherwise aptly afforded to regular participation/contribution within REF.
I am neither of motivation nor interest to impugn nor malign the motives or prospective rationales of any member's time and efforts relegated to participation within REF. Each must certainly serve and accommodate themselves - accordingly within their own conscience, interests, and measured commitment. "Nosce te ipsum" ("Know Thyself") is the only snippet of wisdom I will bother to impart in consideration of what I tender in this season.
As an atheist, I retain neither belief nor expectations in/of "the power of prayer". From firsthand experience, I assuredly know that only people can make a difference in the lives of others in desperate need and want. The poor, the homeless, the disaffected, the dutiful brave, and the crazy/elderly forgotten - may "see" a god within the actions and extended compassion of others - whether or not a specified god seems to evince any interest whatsoever in providing a sustaining hot meal; a safe and sturdy home; a place of solace, comfort, and healing; and dignity over despair. Attribute such concerned actions however best suits your sensibilities or faith - but I have yet to witness or hear tell of a new home constructing itself magically, mysteriously, or supernaturally, without the aid, effort, and financial support of (pro)actively caring and compassionate people. NOTHING fails to produce desired results more consistently, reliably, or predictably than mere prayer or wishful thinking (or "good thoughts").
Want to feel good AND make a difference during this holiday ("holy day") season? Make a difference. Push away from your computer desk for just 48 hours, and volunteer your time and effort on a personal level. Actually interact with, and physically touch the "great unwashed" that are your unseen neighbors. Thank wounded veterans for their unselfish dedication and service to duty, honor, and country. Help the families of those, that, "by the grace of god", are no different than you and yours.
If there was a mathematical equation that could actually and accurately represent the ratio of "personal reward" vs. "personal guilt" whilst engaging momentary selfless volunteering efforts, the equation would remain irreconciably unsolved and unbalanced - for the "giver" would always swear that their are the recipient of greater reward than any person of need could or would ever expect.
Not everyone (even REF members) has the time, commitment, nor wherewithal to actively give of themselves on a personal level of involvement and care. That's...OK. If you can't volunteer your luxury time/effort to personalized involvement, you can contribute monetarily to empower and support the efforts of others that (for whatever reason) can and do.
What "essential" would you sacrifice to support such efforts? Would you sacrifice one "dinner on the town"? A new pair of shoes? A monthly DSL billing? The price of a video game? One "date movie"?
Instead of tithing to your congregation of personal faith; or your favored political party; or organization that promotes a personally favored cultural ideology/philosophy/agenda...why not donate the cost of a new pair of shoes (or one Christmas gift to your never seen aunt/uncle) to support an unaffiliated, apolitical, non-profit (yet fiscally accountable)..."charitable" organization instead? It's compassion by proxy...and almost the next best thing to "being there" yourself.
If you are unsure of whom to trust, or where such monetary contributions might offer he brightest hope and serve the most pressing needs, I offer the following suggestions (and links):
United Way International
(Provides local community aid to the poor, the elderly, and the emotionally/physically psychologically challeged/disrought. Apolitical, and not affilated with any particular faith/mythology/superstition/spiritualism).
Salvation Army
Chrsitians (and others) that actually care more about poverty than politics.
The Fisherhouse
Helps accommodate the families of wounded combat veterans - so that they may be near their gravely wounded (and recovering) uniformed family members, no matter where they may call "home".
Habitat for Humanity
Building true homes for victims of natural disaster, poverty, and uncontrollable circumstance.
Homelessness...
1) Children constitute nearly 40% of all homeless people.
2) Almost 20% of homeless people are gainfully employed.
3) 19% percent of the urban homeless population are veterans.
4) In no state does a full-time minimum wage job cover the costs of a one-bedroom unit at Fair Market Rent.
Homeless people are not inebriated "bums". Homeless people are not lazy, or unwilling to work. Homeless people are people like you. Just what minute aspect of change in your daily employment/income, marriage, natural disaster, or unforseen financial burden (ie., catastrophic heath costs) might instantly render you homeless?
Google "homeless" in your local community to determine which urban organizations serve the immediate needs of your "invisible" neighbors. If they could, they'd do it for you. They don't want a hand-out...just a hand up. If you live in a rural community, see BOSS.
Pray if you like (or must), but don't stop there and trust that your god will make all things better by instantaneous divine intervention. Volunteer your time and talents to make a difference. Barring that, sacrifice the expense of that next new book/CD/DVD/Cable bill in support of a cause/organization that is actively making a difference in people's lives every day. I promise you'll feel better about yourself when those little pangs of guilt/turmoil nibble at you during the holidays.
Best wishes to all REF members, however you may observe/celebrate this season of holidays.
s2a/Cal
My "Holiday" Card to REF. Ho, Ho, Ho.
["holiday" - from the Middle English, holidai; or "holy day", from the Old English.]
...well, time to get over it.
Chances are, that as a member of REF, you can honestly claim that:
...you have a reliably consistent roof over your head.
...you have a computer that allows you access to the world and it's wealth of information.
...you have a cell phone.
...you have family or loved ones that care about you in a personal way.
...you live in a residence of relative quiet and security - free from threat of imminent death, harm, or property loss.
...you retain/profess personalized "issues"....that pale in comparison with those of true need and helpless/hopeless outlooks upon their daily existence.
...you are of modest to minimal financial means - that yet insure you cable/satellite TV hook-up, broadband internet access, periodic "dining-out" indulgences, new clothes and shoes, video gaming consoles, MP3 players, and cordless phones -all of which are "essentials" to the most basic, "civilized" sort of a "modest" 21st century lifestyle existence.
That's cool. I'm not trying to lay any hairshirt of guilt to impiously don here. Only the super-rich are unconcerned with such "basic necessities", and - as such - are unlikely contributors within a thoughtful and deliberative forum of contemporary issues as we often find ourselves here within REF.
Let's be honest amongst ourselves. We may not be wealthy (monetarily), but we do allow ourselves the luxury of time and concerted interest(s) well enough to espouse personalized opinion and ideology (with rapt rationalizations) to comment/critique/correct/contribute our own ruminations in validation/comparison/counterpoint to other member's contributions. Call it conceit, pride, self-confidence (or lack thereof), illumination/clarification, aplology, obfuscation, or pure self-indulgence of personalized interests and concerns..virtually all REF members have both the time and financial wherewithal to make their views/opinions known in a public forum.
If we are true to ourselves and our own purposed aggrandizements/blandishments of philosophy, religion, politics and personalized perspectives -then we can (and should) rightfully acknowledge and accede to the notion that we could certainly choose to do something else with the luxury of time and indulgence otherwise aptly afforded to regular participation/contribution within REF.
I am neither of motivation nor interest to impugn nor malign the motives or prospective rationales of any member's time and efforts relegated to participation within REF. Each must certainly serve and accommodate themselves - accordingly within their own conscience, interests, and measured commitment. "Nosce te ipsum" ("Know Thyself") is the only snippet of wisdom I will bother to impart in consideration of what I tender in this season.
As an atheist, I retain neither belief nor expectations in/of "the power of prayer". From firsthand experience, I assuredly know that only people can make a difference in the lives of others in desperate need and want. The poor, the homeless, the disaffected, the dutiful brave, and the crazy/elderly forgotten - may "see" a god within the actions and extended compassion of others - whether or not a specified god seems to evince any interest whatsoever in providing a sustaining hot meal; a safe and sturdy home; a place of solace, comfort, and healing; and dignity over despair. Attribute such concerned actions however best suits your sensibilities or faith - but I have yet to witness or hear tell of a new home constructing itself magically, mysteriously, or supernaturally, without the aid, effort, and financial support of (pro)actively caring and compassionate people. NOTHING fails to produce desired results more consistently, reliably, or predictably than mere prayer or wishful thinking (or "good thoughts").
Want to feel good AND make a difference during this holiday ("holy day") season? Make a difference. Push away from your computer desk for just 48 hours, and volunteer your time and effort on a personal level. Actually interact with, and physically touch the "great unwashed" that are your unseen neighbors. Thank wounded veterans for their unselfish dedication and service to duty, honor, and country. Help the families of those, that, "by the grace of god", are no different than you and yours.
If there was a mathematical equation that could actually and accurately represent the ratio of "personal reward" vs. "personal guilt" whilst engaging momentary selfless volunteering efforts, the equation would remain irreconciably unsolved and unbalanced - for the "giver" would always swear that their are the recipient of greater reward than any person of need could or would ever expect.
Not everyone (even REF members) has the time, commitment, nor wherewithal to actively give of themselves on a personal level of involvement and care. That's...OK. If you can't volunteer your luxury time/effort to personalized involvement, you can contribute monetarily to empower and support the efforts of others that (for whatever reason) can and do.
What "essential" would you sacrifice to support such efforts? Would you sacrifice one "dinner on the town"? A new pair of shoes? A monthly DSL billing? The price of a video game? One "date movie"?
Instead of tithing to your congregation of personal faith; or your favored political party; or organization that promotes a personally favored cultural ideology/philosophy/agenda...why not donate the cost of a new pair of shoes (or one Christmas gift to your never seen aunt/uncle) to support an unaffiliated, apolitical, non-profit (yet fiscally accountable)..."charitable" organization instead? It's compassion by proxy...and almost the next best thing to "being there" yourself.
If you are unsure of whom to trust, or where such monetary contributions might offer he brightest hope and serve the most pressing needs, I offer the following suggestions (and links):
United Way International
(Provides local community aid to the poor, the elderly, and the emotionally/physically psychologically challeged/disrought. Apolitical, and not affilated with any particular faith/mythology/superstition/spiritualism).
Salvation Army
Chrsitians (and others) that actually care more about poverty than politics.
The Fisherhouse
Helps accommodate the families of wounded combat veterans - so that they may be near their gravely wounded (and recovering) uniformed family members, no matter where they may call "home".
Habitat for Humanity
Building true homes for victims of natural disaster, poverty, and uncontrollable circumstance.
Homelessness...
1) Children constitute nearly 40% of all homeless people.
2) Almost 20% of homeless people are gainfully employed.
3) 19% percent of the urban homeless population are veterans.
4) In no state does a full-time minimum wage job cover the costs of a one-bedroom unit at Fair Market Rent.
Homeless people are not inebriated "bums". Homeless people are not lazy, or unwilling to work. Homeless people are people like you. Just what minute aspect of change in your daily employment/income, marriage, natural disaster, or unforseen financial burden (ie., catastrophic heath costs) might instantly render you homeless?
Google "homeless" in your local community to determine which urban organizations serve the immediate needs of your "invisible" neighbors. If they could, they'd do it for you. They don't want a hand-out...just a hand up. If you live in a rural community, see BOSS.
Pray if you like (or must), but don't stop there and trust that your god will make all things better by instantaneous divine intervention. Volunteer your time and talents to make a difference. Barring that, sacrifice the expense of that next new book/CD/DVD/Cable bill in support of a cause/organization that is actively making a difference in people's lives every day. I promise you'll feel better about yourself when those little pangs of guilt/turmoil nibble at you during the holidays.
Best wishes to all REF members, however you may observe/celebrate this season of holidays.
s2a/Cal
My "Holiday" Card to REF. Ho, Ho, Ho.
["holiday" - from the Middle English, holidai; or "holy day", from the Old English.]
