Saving the World in 434 Words

Saving the world is really a hard job.  Just look at the animal part of it—all of these need rescuing:

Dogs, cats, rabbits, ducks, polar bears, whales, otters, ferrets, and wolves.  I know there are thousands or more of near-extinct species that I never even heard of.  This, of course, is directly connected to saving their habitats. 

It’s quite obvious that there’s a lot of saving needed in the human part of the world.  People in third world countries die of curable diseases, malnutrition, and endless warfare.  With all that, we don’t have the time to think of possible dangers waiting for us in the rest of the universe, except in science fictions books and movies. 

So why are you just sitting around?  I mean, really!  I’m no Mother Teresa, and can’t even imagine the sacrifices of those who are out there on all the battlegrounds, rescuing people and animals on a daily basis.  It exhausts me to manage my job, my house, and a mere 5 rescued dogs.  It seems frivolous to go on vacations, watch TV and movies, play games and shop for clothes.  When it really gets to me, it seems like everyone is out there skipping rope and chanting rhymes, oblivious to the suffering in the world. 

Okay, okay—I’ll lighten up.  I know most good people do what they can.  As individuals, we are not empowered to stop people from being cruel and greedy.  Most of you donate to charities, adopt animals, and are kind to your neighbors and small children.  Can we do more?  Of course, always.  Will we?  Probably not.  It’s our nature to want to feel good as much as possible.  We work, raise our children, honor our parents and deserve some time to just do nothing that contributes to society (except for the money spent on leisure pursuits). 

But Mother Teresa aside, what is the least we should expect from ourselves to contribute to the world-saving pot?  I’ve heard more than one religious official (Rabbi, Minister) say that what you do will never be as important as following the scriptures; sorry, I can’t buy that at all.  So here’s my take on this:

1)      Educate yourself – that is, really educate yourself, find out the facts--and vote for the person who’s going to contribute to the pot in your name. (Hint:  It’s not a current Republican congressperson).

2)      Find at least one charitable endeavor that speaks for those who need saving—don’t just write a check, find out what you can DO.

3)      Don’t turn away from lies, ugliness, hate, abuse and pain.  Speak out and help out. 

That is all.