A Harvard business prof and a behavioral economist recently asked more than 5,000 Americans how they thought wealth is distributed in the United States. Most thought that it’s more balanced than it actually is. Asked to choose their ideal distribution of wealth, 92% picked one that was even more equitable. Take a long, hard and reflective look at the chart below! It illustrates the disparity and dissonance within the U. S. economy. Years ago in 1986 the U.S. Bishops asked…
Earth Day, Apr. 22, a day to celebrate the environment! The first Earth Day was organized in 1970 to promote the ideas of ecology, encourage respect for life on earth, and highlight growing concern over pollution of the soil, air, and water. Earth Day is now observed in 140 nations with outdoor performances, exhibits, street fairs, and television programs that focus on environmental issues. Check your local listings! In 1970, I was teaching in an inner-city high school, school and we planted a tree beside a…
Embed from Getty Images “Countries with more gender equality have better economic growth. Companies with more women leaders perform better. Peace agreements that include women are more durable. Parliaments with more women enact more legislation on key social issues such as health, education, anti-discrimination and child support. The evidence is clear: equality for women means progress for all.” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts…
Embed from Getty Images “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.” During February, Black History Month, we honor the history and outstanding individuals of African-Americans. Public events, TV specials, school programs with reading lists, specific assignments, and films are featured. Seldom if ever is one significant person mentioned…
Embed from Getty Images 50 years ago, during Lyndon Johnson’s first State of the Union Address on January 8, 1964, he announced: “This administration today, here and now, declares unconditional war on poverty in America.” Despite this determination many political, social and economic factors became obstacles rather means to success. Numerous resources are available today for analysis, reflection and action. Years later government stats demonstrate we are facing a reality of over 46 million people in poverty in the United…
When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and the princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flocks, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among people, To make music in the heart. -Howard Thurman. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Louise
Signs of the Times Vatican II was the catalyst that helped create a new way of being Church: a Church centered on justice, professing a preferential option for the poor, a Church of modern day martyrs, and a Church with a growing number of laity desiring a more active role. Below is the first paragraph of the document – Church in the Modern World – that helped make this happen. Its focus and tone was a watershed moment in Church…
Embed from Getty Images NOVEMBER is a month of days full of remembering and giving thanks! To name a few. . .We started with All Saints and All Souls Days which give us opportunities to recall loved ones who have gone before us. Veterans’ Day sets forth a time in which we honor those, living and dead, who have fought for, died for and have been wounded for peace. A difficult memory for many as we realize the carnage that…
Embed from Getty Images This year’s theme raises a question “What will it take to end violence?” I believe the first step is exactly what is stated above: AWARENESS. So many examples are highlighted in the media today ~ both local and global. Have we become immune to the myriad statistics and depictions of women being raped, emotionally, physically and verbally abused in film and on TV or are they also teachable moments? Does it desensitize us or move us…
Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor. . . Do these words sound familiar? Do they resonate? Or are they passé? According some in the U.S. House of Representatives this sentiment is not relevant today. Their vote, 217-210, to cut a devastating amount – about $40 billion over the next 10 years – from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP), perpetuates and intensifies a position against those who are living in poverty ~ both those who live generational poverty and the…