Unaffordable

The economic down turn and the other political and social issues facing this country have made so many things beyond the reach of many of us. One of those that has become unaffordable in this country is hate. We all know hate is a divisive feeling that burns, blinds and obscures our judgment, but nonetheless plenty seems to go around. This is time where this country needs to be united: whites and blacks, liberals and conservatives, Christians, Jews, Mulsims and all others. We cannot afford to hate those we disagree with politically, religiously, ideologically or in any other form. Disagreements and healthy differences in opinion are sources of strength if well harnessed, yet they can turn destructive when they turn into hatred. We need to remember that we all live in the same boat and that our survival depends on our success in using the power of being different yet united.

We are in the midst of the political season with elections that has probably the highest stakes in a long time. However, the level of political discussions from the pundits and on the different forums seem to focus on the trivial and the silly. Where are the discussions about all that matter? So much is being written, spoken, read and spun on endorsements and unendorsements, on past associations and on gaffes opening old wounds and leaving the issues that matter to me and you out in the cold. We cannot afford not to push these politicians to create, examine, discuss and debate real plans not just promises before they step into their elected offices. This will not be achieved when the debate is about Hagee vs. Wright instead of the real issues.

The unaffordability goes beyond politics to much in our personal lives. We cannot but question so much of what we have done in the past, even if we individually can afford to stay the course, for we may be hurting others by staying the old course. We may be hurting our dear neighbor and friend who struggles to keep up with the cost of fueling his little vehicle because we can afford to drive a gas guzzler. With a similar logic, we may have to examine the setting of the thermostat this summer. We may have forgotten, but we have survived on this planet very successfully, until recently, without air conditioners. You may afford to use regular lights, but consider it a charitable act towards your fellow Americans and change the lights in your house to energy efficient ones. This is charity for which you would be rewarded on earth and in the hereafter.

There are plenty of things I can add to the list of things we cannot afford anymore in this competitive world where competition is global and the job demands are ever changing. We cannot afford not to seriously invest on continuously educating ourselves and our kids. We cannot afford not to ask our kids to think time and again about their future goals and how they intend to achieve these goals. We cannot afford not to ask our kids to turn off the TV and read a science, math or history book. Please remember this as you plan to spend your stimulus check rebate!

In conclusion, we may have hated to think before we did many things in life, but we can no longer do that. It is Unaffordable!!!