By Brad Flora

14 October 2008

I see cars. Every day on the way to work I see cars. There are big cars, small cars, smelly cars, and new cars. A cornucopia of rubber, metal, plastic and glass rumble through our lands. We are a nation built on the automobile, and the automobile industry is built on America. With disposable vehicles(1.) and a marketing scheme that promotes change, the automobile industry stays bloated thanks to the misguided American consumer.

This business model works because, as a people, we promote the use of our resources in a manner that places style in front of efficiency.

I know this, and I can say this, because I am just as guilty of it as the next American. I have driven a car with engine revved and rubber squealing. I have allowed food to sit in the fridge until it was no longer edible, all because it no longer suited my appetite. I let the water run down the drain in my sink while doing the dishes, until it is hot enough to remove the grease from my food. I am a wasteful member of society. On a regular basis, I throw out marketing material that was mailed to me without even reading it. Pamphlets and postcards that someone deemed valuable enough to send to me are tossed.

All the things that I do, that can be labeled inefficient or wasteful, are the antithesis of America's worldwide message of freedom and prosperity. How can we call ourselves free, and I mean truly FREE, when others on this earth are suffering due to our actions. I speak as a member of the social elite. I have never known true hunger, and have never lost a toe sleeping under a bridge. When pressed, the majority of you out there would probably say the same thing. We are not poor or destitute. We have computers, or at least access to such technology. We have central heating, plumbing, and bountiful amounts of electricity. So many of us live life with joy in our hearts, while turning a blind eye to those on this earth that feel nothing but sadness.

Sadness, that heavy, oppressive emotion, can corrode your soul like an old battery. Imagine if you can men and women, humans, who would love to eat my scraps, maybe even drink the water that I use in my toilet bowl.

I know how terrible we are. The question is, do you know it? Do you know about the mutilated genitals in Africa, or the Agent Orange in Vietnam? If you don't know about these things, these well-known, well-publicized events, then just imagine what else you don't know...

So what have you done to squash this rising tide of negativity?

If your answer is, "Something" then that's great, keep up the good work. But if you, like me, have been living in a passive bubble for your life, than maybe it's time for you to stand up and do something.

This "Something to Do" that I speak of is not about critiquing those that are wrong, or supporting those that you think are right. A critique, no matter whom it's against or what may have been done, is only a waste of breath. Everyone is a critic in today's society. Adding your voice to that maelstrom of negative thought is not going to make the world a better place. Likewise, putting your energy into those that you think are right can only move things along so far.

To truly change things, to save things, the movement must occur on a grassroots level.

This means that when you have an opinion on something, back it up with action, not words or just money. Promote random acts of kindness. Promote direct acts of kindness. Direct your energy to those that really need it. Give to those that are looking for a higher level to stand on and maybe, just maybe, we can elevate all of humanity.

1. http://www.safecarguide.com/gui/new/neworused.htm (Last accessed October 12, 2008)

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