Sticks and Stones

Are words more powerful than thoughts? Under virus physical distancing conditions I’m speaking much less, listening more intently, reflecting without automatically accepting news stories, and asking myself better questions.

In metaphysical terms our experiences are illusions, yet we are within a physical body that reacts dramatically to our thoughts and feelings. Words are our communication tool, as is body language, and tone of voice. The moral message in this column’s title is that “names will never hurt me.” But they do…psychologically and physically. This global pandemic focuses all cultures to look to their leaders for guidance, support and inspiration. Their words, plus their actions, give us confidence or confusion…trust or cynicism, compassion or arrogance.

Leaders today, will be judged in years ahead as heroes or villains. Our responsibility is to follow the rules intended to protect others and us in our community. While all politics is local, we see clearly now how the words and actions of national leaders strike directly within our neighborhood. I have come to accept that regardless of political or economic system the “acid test and bottom line” my focus and empathy is on who is being exploited and suffering the most. I enjoy a good story so conspiracy theories get my attention. Following the money and power is usually a motive for some of the unsolved mysteries and events that occurred. Arrogance, ego, and ignorance can also be at play. Contemplating and researching past events may be interesting, but when our quality of life and health is threatened we are jolted to live in the moment, not history.

This virus has shut down public street protests in Hong Kong, Spain, Italy, France, Middle East, and elsewhere. Physical distancing stifles movements for change.

In countries where government leaders are elected we get to vote on severely limited choices. Usually two dominant parties and a range of issue oriented other candidates. After the election, and echo of campaign promises has died away, we return to busy lives and responsibilities. If we wait until the next election to get active we have missed the opportunity to “walk our talk.”

Death and taxes are pretty much universals. Food, shelter and clothing are basic human needs. It seems to me the numbers of people struggling to survive grows, regardless of political party or ideology protecting the public interest. Because global population growth has been enormous it is easy to use statistics to tout how a percentage of a country’s poor has dropped. Give me absolute numbers to consider. We get very specific numbers on new submarines, fighter jets, aircraft carriers, military bases, defense systems and space missions. Common sense suggests there can be no major wars…the jockeying for military supremacy is like schoolyard bullies acting out their power plays. When trillions of dollars are spent to keep selected industries profitable, puff up a country’s image of power and give special interest corporations the green light on their goals. We don’t get to vote on how the taxes paid by workers are allocated. The elected officials who do get to vote are highly protected, pensioned for life and eligible for industry positions they sold their souls too.

If like me, you are using these days to ask questions, identify the most obvious problems, and research and consider different perspectives…we are taking back the critical thinking that news media has robbed us of.

We have plenty of food and water for the planet’s billions. How did these necessities become privately owned? Why is the planet’s major source of oxygen from the Amazon Rainforest being sacrificed for more electricity? What caused so many smaller farms to disappear into giant conglomerates? How did sports come to dominate our entertainment and further accentuate the economic disparity in societies? Should we even care about celebrities? Why has the debt levels of hardworking people enslaved families and increased the hardship of single parenting?

Wouldn’t countries going to providing a basic living wage like Spain reduce the long-term costs on health care? What has caused the rise in expert blogs and independent information sources? Has keeping up with less publicized inflationary costs and the necessity for working couples propelled fast food diets, obesity and diabetes? Why aren’t trusted studies more publicized of genetically modified foods and artificial sweeteners? Who benefits from sick people? Why do drugs merely maintain us and treatment cures remain distant dreams?

My mother bought into the “margarine” vs. butter campaigns. Governments touted the benefits of high carb, soy and corn based packaged foods. Our cells and brains have not appreciated this dietary intrusion. Where did the gluten, peanut and dairy allergies begin? We are what we put into our bodies.

How we the people choose to determine what we need and demand it is a major issue going forward. Movements do not have to be violent to be effective. When physical distancing allows for gatherings and the Internet communities see more in common than differences we can move forward. We must not let this time of loss stifle the passion for a better quality of life. Give generously, help a neighbor and go within…our hearts rule the mind.