In recessive times such as these, it is easy to compare our current economic position to those of more prosperous years and fear that we are helpless to save ourselves from some financial disaster that waits around the corner. I myself have felt the pinch of this wounded economy and even marveled at what a change I've noticed in the short years I have been a member of it. That said, I cannot stress strongly enough the importance of keeping our views in a tightly focused perspective, especially in these dismal times.

America, although currently strained, still continues to lead the way in the ranks of the most wealthy nations in the world, backed by Japan, China, and Germany. And for all our recent troubles we still are very much a first world nation, in fact we are the first of them. And between us and the rest of the worlds most "developed" nations we make up a measly 20% of the worlds population. That number is pretty low and it is downright tragic that between that tiny 20%, we consume 86% of the worlds goods. That means that all the overlooked little luxuries that we continue to enjoy in one of our nation's "hardest" times are most likely a monumentally unaffordable luxury that the other 80% of the world could scarcely dream of much less enjoy. Poverty is killing the majority of the world's population and we in this country have the audacity to complain that our favorite Starbucks around the corner has been shut down. These are facts:
1. Over half the world's population (3 billion people) lives on less than $2 a day.
2. 11 million children under 5 years of age die every year due to poverty. That's 1 child every 3 seconds.
3. 1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water.

These are just a few of the staggering facts that we have, of course, heard time and time again in this country yet continue to justify our spending on cosmetics, tobacco, alcohol, and entertainment. Yes, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a job. Yes, the housing market is in the crapper and people are being forced from their homes. And yes, our government is forced to bail us out of these hard times by backing the wealthy banks, saving the automobile industry, and stuffing our pockets with extra cash to be used on consumer goods. But when you compare our troubles to a lack of clean drinking water, not having enough resources to feed our children, and parents dying of AIDS leaving their orphaned children behind to suffer a similar if not worse fate of starvation, we are all understandably humbled.

It is not reasonable to think that by reading this people will stop everything and reach out to the poor people of these impoverished countries; I do not expect a massive change in the distribution of goods and wealth on account of one passionate blogger. I do feel, however, it is not too much to ask people to pause, even for a moment, and reflect on what a marvelous lifestyle every man women and child in this nation continues to enjoy on a daily basis. Even our homeless community has access to the basic necessities that should be available to every man. Perhaps one will read this and think to him or herself that although there has been complaint about the things we don't have right now, I'm damn glad that I live in a nation that, at the very least, continues to provide me with the sustenance and programs that keep me from knowing the true horrors of a life in dire poverty. Please enjoy your life in this nation to its fullest, it is the least you can do for someone else who will never get the chance to walk down the paved street, grab a bite to eat with friends, go out for a drink, and come home to a warm bed.

And if you can, give a little. Find ways to do it. Trust me, there are plenty.

Labels: economy, poverty, rants

It is now 1:00 AM, one day deep into the new regime. The 44th President of the United States was sworn into office early yesterday and I don’t feel any different. He was elected on the hope ticket, which is all anyone cares about now. If there is no hope, there is no country. We simply cannot survive without some glimmer of hope. And what better embodiment for that hope than a black President? Hope for change like the kind we’ve seen in the Civil Rights movement over the past forty years. He’s black! He’s white! He could be a goddamn Rottweiler for all I care, just so long as he breathes the much-needed life back into this country. America the Mighty has run on nothing but fumes for nigh ten years now, and that’s not even dipping into the fuel problems. The spirit of the people is divided and practically crushed to dust. Those old enough to remember “the good days” are too senile now to do anything to help. Most of us, the ones who matter anyway, see nothing but a dim fog up ahead. And those who look past the fog are no more at ease.

It’s not that I don’t feel we can persevere, we’ve got a good history for that. It’s more of a feeling that the countdown has begun and no one can see the clock. Like Rome before us we are at the verge of ripping ourselves apart, all our enemies will have to do is pick up what’s left, like grave-robbers pillaging the corpse of our once-great nation.

But that’s not what yesterday was about. Yesterday thousands upon thousands of American citizens, from all walks of life, gathered in the nation’s capitol to be a part of history. It wasn’t the color of his skin that drew people in, it was the magnitude of the idea his skin represents. In only a handful of generations, the black community has gone from winning their freedom, to seeing one of their own take the seat as one of the most powerful men in the world. Yesterday a one-hundred year old African American was there when President Obama was sworn in. In his lifetime, he has seen the change that comes with perseverance, and he turns his thanks to God for letting him live to see this moment. That is a power you cannot buy. That is a hope you can’t help but be a part of. The old way of thinking is becoming the new. The unmistakable idea of possibilities this country is supposed to represent seems to be on the mend. This is why black, white, yellow, and red alike gathered yesterday. This is the hope that we are so desperate for.

President Obama certainly has his work cut out for him. I feel correct in saying the very fate of our country is now resting in his hands. His actions will either inspire us to become the great nation we once were, or doom us to the realization that there is no hope, that we’ve already lost. I, like many of my generation, lacked the proper motivation to get off my ass and vote this year, a mistake I will not make again. If I did vote, would I have voted for Obama? In all honesty, I cannot say, but I’m part of “the people” and the people spoke for me…and I’m glad. I’m happy that everyone got what they wanted and I’m moved by the same power that has touched us all.
I leave the official running of business in our country in the hands of the 44th President, Barak Obama. And I myself will make an impact, in my lifetime, and do my very best to secure the blessings of liberty to myself and my posterity. Do ordain and establish this proclamation for The United States of America.


Quinn Allan
Wednesday January 21st, 2009

Labels: america, economy, politics, ravings, writings