Earth Redux – System Down

“War on Urantia will never end so long as nations cling to the illusive notions of unlimited national sovereignty. There are only two levels of relative sovereignty on an inhabited world: the spiritual free will of the individual mortal and the collective sovereignty of mankind as a whole. Between the level of the individual human being and the level of the total of mankind, all groupings and associations are relative, transitory, and of value only in so far as they enhance the welfare, well-being, and progress of the individual and the planetary grand total — man and mankind.” – The Urantia Book (p.1487.9 ch.134:5.2)

When I read about the $23 million raised in a week for the 100+ victims of the Boston bombings, my feelings were conflicted. Certainly, the victims deserve the means to recover, if that’s even possible. We’re horrified, as a nation, when death and destruction come into our backyard. Yet we as citizens appear to be tolerating the $2 billion a week spent in Afghanistan and Iraq reaping resources and wreaking havoc. In their backyard.

When I think of what $23 million could mean to the homeless communities across the state, or what $2 billion a week could mean to ending homelessness in this country, my head wants to explode. Is the money that much easier found for “terror attack” relief, than for “failing infrastructure” repair? Couldn’t $100 billion dollars a year alleviate the affordable housing shortage, as well as provide mortgage relief for current homeowners? Where are our priorities, and why?

A recent city hall memo recognizes the system dysfunction that creates many new residents to the homeless community. Outcasts from financially failed state hospitals and overcrowded prison systems are left by the side of the street like so many stray cats.

These problems of war, poverty and homelessness cannot be repaired with money alone, even if it were available. A mindset needs adjusting. We are citizens of a town, in a state, in a country on a planet, in a solar system, in a universe among millions. We must work to respect human life everywhere, or perish. In our communities, we can make the money and time available to shelter, feed and shower the needy, despite their societal shortcomings. In our nation, we can become more aware of our global outreach, and seek to end war, and extend our compassion across the earth.

Let’s begin here in Concord with a simple concrete shower and laundry facility for the homeless, as part of an expanded resource center. Certainly the expense won’t exceed the low five figures. And the number of lives it could change is in-estimable.

A Deepening Crisis