Some seemingly simple stands can make a difference. My fav was “during the McCarthy era, named after Senator Joseph McCarthy, who led a campaign against alleged communists in the U.S. government and other institutions. This period saw many people accused of being communists or communist sympathizers, leading to job losses and ruined reputations.
The phrase often associated with the end of this era is “Have you no sense of decency, sir?” This was famously said by Joseph Welch, the chief counsel for the U.S. Army, during the Army-McCarthy hearings in 1954. Welch’s question to McCarthy is widely seen as a turning point that led to the decline of McCarthy’s influence and the end of the widespread accusations and fear-mongering.”
McCain also did it once with a vote against his party in favor of keeping Obamacare.
I am struggling with my personal guide, and it doesn’t much have to do with money. More like what I won’t do is belittle others to look like a big tough guy to my family and friends. As a senior, I want my kids and grandkids to remember a guy who is a pretty decent role model. One small thing at a time.
I personally boycott as many greedy bottomless pit corporations as possible, including Amazon anything, (that includes Whole Foods), Apple,
Walmart, etc. The more we rely on "convenience" and "efficiency", the more we support the garbage-fed pipeline.
I go out of my way to shop at independent, brick and mortar shops, even if I have to pay more. The only way to turn the tides is to build strong community micro economies, IMO.
So perfect on Black Friday. A repellent day. Gluttony, overconsumption and greed feeds the wolves of human nature. And yet, my dear friend who built a 10 million dollar sanctuary, where we’ve studied, meditated, cooked, and walked around the property for the past 25 years, gave it away to another spiritual group. She could have sold it for ten million dollars, but it felt to her like selling her soul. We do have amazing people in our world and it’s important to remember that truth.
This is powerful and a deeply disturbing testament to how we have defined our worth and even our right to exist based on money. Money, which if you think about it is nothing more than numbers, has become the basis of almost every interaction in life. You can’t see a doctor, feed your children, or have a legal place to sleep without money. In many states it is illegal to sleep outside unless it is in a designated campsite, which of course you must pay for. Those who are homeless and have nowhere to sleep can be arrested and fined for sleeping outside.
What won’t you do for money and what happens when you opt out of (or are denied access to) the money making system? If who and what you are are not valued by and therefore not entitled to do what is necessary to stay alive? It’s become a pressing and make or break question for our species. I hope you will keep sharing your thoughts about this.
Personally, I will no longer believe that my worth is defined by money and will no longer accept work that destroys my sense of self-worth or uses my gifts to make money for others. To be continued, please….
I have streamlined so that I reqiuire little. It makes it easier to stand up for the common good but also to protect me from the authoritarians. Greed invents needs to gain control over us.
There was a saying in the 1980s that if you want to make money create a need. That is what we have been doing for decades, creating extreme issues for people and the environment. Most of our problems are created to keep people on the hooks of the capitalistic system and the authoritarians. It is critical right now to reduce their access to us, so that we do not have to capitulate to their demands. They will always take more than they give. They need your needs to have leverage over you. The more we clean up our lives and reduce and eliminate created needs the freer we are and the less vulnerable we are to this more extreme authoritarian system that Trump wants to put in place. Do not give an inch if you can avoid it. I consider it resistance at its finest because in doing so we leave something on the table for others and sharing resources is exactly what we need to do to have a fairer world.
I tend to shop thrift stores all year long. To come up with something unique yes but usually useful. Our family doesn’t go for the traditional Christmas stuff. Thankfully.
There is one political party, which is driven almost entirely by money, power, and control, not public service! It's the Repugnant Party Unholy Trinity, at least the way they do it!
There are people within that party that crave "relevance", too. Lindsey Graham is one of those people. Elon Musk may very well be another one for his brand of relevance? I'm referring to relevance beyond what is normal.
My adult kids and I love thrift stores and both kids get a lot of their clothes there. We tend to shop local and small artisan shops and we rarely eat at restaurant chains opting for individually owned bistros. I wish we had more choices for grocery stores that aren’t part of the big chains. Having farmers markets helps. Don’t use Amazon, don’t shop at Walmart.
And look at how Black Friday now exists in Japan, Europe and other places that not only don’t celebrate Thanksgiving or know how the ‘tradition’ came about. SMH
A thoughtful post that reminds me of something else. It’s amazing how much you can learn about your neighbors & black friday simply by looking at how much trash they put out while walking the dogs.
100% of the time, at least in my neighborhood, the people with the most trash are the privileged ones representing gluttony & greed. They give no thought to basic things like buying products with less food packaging, excess toys, etc. & they rarely maintain or take care of anything they purchase. Unfortunately black friday is longer than one day.
I’d always believed most folks won’t sell out their principles for money. I’ve been proven naive in that regard quite a bit in recent years.
I’m with you. Pretty disappointing to see. Thanks for reading, Al.
Some seemingly simple stands can make a difference. My fav was “during the McCarthy era, named after Senator Joseph McCarthy, who led a campaign against alleged communists in the U.S. government and other institutions. This period saw many people accused of being communists or communist sympathizers, leading to job losses and ruined reputations.
The phrase often associated with the end of this era is “Have you no sense of decency, sir?” This was famously said by Joseph Welch, the chief counsel for the U.S. Army, during the Army-McCarthy hearings in 1954. Welch’s question to McCarthy is widely seen as a turning point that led to the decline of McCarthy’s influence and the end of the widespread accusations and fear-mongering.”
McCain also did it once with a vote against his party in favor of keeping Obamacare.
I am struggling with my personal guide, and it doesn’t much have to do with money. More like what I won’t do is belittle others to look like a big tough guy to my family and friends. As a senior, I want my kids and grandkids to remember a guy who is a pretty decent role model. One small thing at a time.
Stephanie, thanks for asking this question.
Great point, Jeff! It sounds like your kids and grandkids are very lucky to have you! Thanks for reading.
I personally boycott as many greedy bottomless pit corporations as possible, including Amazon anything, (that includes Whole Foods), Apple,
Walmart, etc. The more we rely on "convenience" and "efficiency", the more we support the garbage-fed pipeline.
I go out of my way to shop at independent, brick and mortar shops, even if I have to pay more. The only way to turn the tides is to build strong community micro economies, IMO.
What a great daily training for standing your ground. Those little choices add up. Thanks for living so strongly in your values!
So perfect on Black Friday. A repellent day. Gluttony, overconsumption and greed feeds the wolves of human nature. And yet, my dear friend who built a 10 million dollar sanctuary, where we’ve studied, meditated, cooked, and walked around the property for the past 25 years, gave it away to another spiritual group. She could have sold it for ten million dollars, but it felt to her like selling her soul. We do have amazing people in our world and it’s important to remember that truth.
What an inspiration! That sounds beautiful. Cheers to you and your thoughtful friend!
This is powerful and a deeply disturbing testament to how we have defined our worth and even our right to exist based on money. Money, which if you think about it is nothing more than numbers, has become the basis of almost every interaction in life. You can’t see a doctor, feed your children, or have a legal place to sleep without money. In many states it is illegal to sleep outside unless it is in a designated campsite, which of course you must pay for. Those who are homeless and have nowhere to sleep can be arrested and fined for sleeping outside.
What won’t you do for money and what happens when you opt out of (or are denied access to) the money making system? If who and what you are are not valued by and therefore not entitled to do what is necessary to stay alive? It’s become a pressing and make or break question for our species. I hope you will keep sharing your thoughts about this.
Personally, I will no longer believe that my worth is defined by money and will no longer accept work that destroys my sense of self-worth or uses my gifts to make money for others. To be continued, please….
Awesome Jena. Thank you for sharing your perspective and thank you for reading!
YVW. As I said, I hope you’ll keep pondering this subject. It bears ongoing consideration IMHO.
Absolutely :)
I know that there are many people who won’t betray their values for money. But I’m surprised at how cheap some others will sell theirs.
Character is destiny.
I'm a musician. I won't do anything that I wouldn't do for free. Money is nice, but it doesn't float my boat.
What a great philosophy. Thank you for sharing it!
I have streamlined so that I reqiuire little. It makes it easier to stand up for the common good but also to protect me from the authoritarians. Greed invents needs to gain control over us.
That’s a great point. What a great example of living by your values. Would love to hear more about it! Thank you for reading, Maria!
There was a saying in the 1980s that if you want to make money create a need. That is what we have been doing for decades, creating extreme issues for people and the environment. Most of our problems are created to keep people on the hooks of the capitalistic system and the authoritarians. It is critical right now to reduce their access to us, so that we do not have to capitulate to their demands. They will always take more than they give. They need your needs to have leverage over you. The more we clean up our lives and reduce and eliminate created needs the freer we are and the less vulnerable we are to this more extreme authoritarian system that Trump wants to put in place. Do not give an inch if you can avoid it. I consider it resistance at its finest because in doing so we leave something on the table for others and sharing resources is exactly what we need to do to have a fairer world.
^this! ❤️
I’m going to support disenfranchised people and their businesses even if I pay a little more.
I tend to shop thrift stores all year long. To come up with something unique yes but usually useful. Our family doesn’t go for the traditional Christmas stuff. Thankfully.
There is one political party, which is driven almost entirely by money, power, and control, not public service! It's the Repugnant Party Unholy Trinity, at least the way they do it!
There are people within that party that crave "relevance", too. Lindsey Graham is one of those people. Elon Musk may very well be another one for his brand of relevance? I'm referring to relevance beyond what is normal.
When you know the wrapping paper will cost more than the toys.
My adult kids and I love thrift stores and both kids get a lot of their clothes there. We tend to shop local and small artisan shops and we rarely eat at restaurant chains opting for individually owned bistros. I wish we had more choices for grocery stores that aren’t part of the big chains. Having farmers markets helps. Don’t use Amazon, don’t shop at Walmart.
And look at how Black Friday now exists in Japan, Europe and other places that not only don’t celebrate Thanksgiving or know how the ‘tradition’ came about. SMH
It’s contagious :( thanks for reading!
A thoughtful post that reminds me of something else. It’s amazing how much you can learn about your neighbors & black friday simply by looking at how much trash they put out while walking the dogs.
100% of the time, at least in my neighborhood, the people with the most trash are the privileged ones representing gluttony & greed. They give no thought to basic things like buying products with less food packaging, excess toys, etc. & they rarely maintain or take care of anything they purchase. Unfortunately black friday is longer than one day.
Once you see the waste you can’t not notice anymore, huh? Thank you for reading!