*/
It's clear that many organized religions are failing at providing a moral and spiritual guidepost for people seeking faith.
In fact, it's more often television rather than sermons, which demonstrate that (fill in the blank) gays, Muslims, poor Southern folks or any minority are just like us. Or, conversely, that much more fun.
Sitting in a house of worship and listening to certain leaders of many sects pontificate will not serve our new year and life.
So, faith and values have to manifest in every phase of what folks do during the day.
Their choices equal their humanity and belief.
Let’s start with the current habit of buying landfill-sized bunches of stuff. From China. Or any country that is basically legalizing slavery.
One woman purchased fake headstones as Halloween decorations and found a note from a worker begging for help. He, and his compatriots were tortured, beaten and barely paid in the plant that manufactured the plastic geegaw.
She was horrified. She tried to pursue the tragic missive with reporters and groups that state their mission to is create a more humane world. She found mostly apathy.
The solution is simple. Stop buying this stuff. No one, this column repeats, no one needs plastic crap on his or her lawn. Ever. Not for Halloween or any other day.
If you see Made In China, think of the conditions of the workers. Imagine what the one man risked by planting a note seeking help.
Is the melamine thing worth it?
The happy side effect would be more tasteful decorations.
But this column digresses.
Americans have too much. Buy less and pay more. Find quality items that have a back-story, can be cherished and loved before being passed on to others.
Consumers need to consider the total cost of merchandise ranging from the human toll of people making it to the greedy retail purveyors.
First step of faith. Be conscious when you shop.
Comments