Every day when we turn on the news we are shocked by horrible accidents and acts of terror. Men, women and children by the thousand, or hundreds of thousands die every day. Many people refuse to watch the news on TV or read a newspaper. It’s just too depressing. They feel powerless. It gets to me often too.
Granted, there is nothing that can be done about some tragedies. They are just freak accidents, mechanical failure, human error, or natural disasters. Life is full of unanticipated events. That’s one of the things that make it so interesting, but dangerous as well.
However, there are things we can do to protect ourselves from life-threatening occurrences. We look both ways before crossing the street. We take our cars for routine maintenance. We have our furnaces and other major appliances serviced regularly. We don’t play with fire. We get vaccinations. We see doctors and dentists. We eat right and take care of ourselves.
These are relatively simple things to do. You don’t have to be a genius to know that if these rules aren’t followed, there are consequences. sometimes, the results are deadly. If warning signs are ignored, things only get worse.
When we see all the problems in our world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and feel powerless. However, simple solutions often exist. If we turn a blind eye, or refuse to help, problems just become worse. it is true in our personal life, and it is true in relation to everything that’s wrong in our world.
On the other hand, when even one person sees injustice, inequality, violence, and discrimination, then acts to correct it, the ripples travel across the pond, and change occurs.
Maybe one person can’t change the world (it has happened, however). But by doing one right thing every day, we set an example for others to do the same. Before you know it, that one act, combined with the acts of others, has affected significant change.
Homelessness and poverty are preventable human tragedies.
Here are this week’s links, and some simple ways to educate yourself, become aware, and help:
Documentary depicts struggles of Ogden Vietnam veterans Published: Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011 3:56 a.m. MST By Spencer Garn , Deseret News
An uncertain future after jobless benefits expire Published: Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011 9:20 p.m. MST By Cristina Silva, Associated Press
Agencies and volunteers combine efforts to survey Utah's homeless Published: Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 4:25 p.m. MST By Marjorie Cortez, Deseret News
Agencies and volunteers combine efforts to survey Utah's homeless [There are at least 500 people who live in camps along the Jordan River in Salt Lake County. A Point In Time Count of the homeless population is underway in Salt Lake City on Jan. 27, 2011. (Laura Seitz, Deseret News)]
A super souper bowl »By Paul Rolly Tribune Columnist First published Jan 28 2011 06:06PM Updated Jan 28, 2011 06:06PM: “With Super Bowl Sunday coming up, Andrew Hagedorn would like to get word out about the Souper Bowl of Caring, a national volunteer project, founded in 1990, that encourages donations to charities for the homeless or hungry....” www.souperbowl.org
Legislature: Social-services advocates try to stave off budget cuts By dan weist The Salt Lake Tribune First published Jan 25 2011 02:35PM Updated Jan 25, 2011 09:28PM
Tom Waits releases poem to help the homeless by David Burger The Salt Lake Tribune Published on Jan 13, 2011 12:42PM [Tom Waits]
Radio executives need to hire this man by David Burger Published on Jan 5, 2011 “The homeless Man With the Golden Voice is the latest YouTube viral video:” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTysXITBCmk
Related Links:
The Road Home Salt Lake City Mission Rescue Mission of Salt Lake Salt Lake Street News North American Street Newspaper Association National Alliance to End Homelessness National Coalition for the Homeless
You may have noticed, I am concentrating more on local issues affecting homeless and low-income people. That’s because grass roots activism and advocacy tend to trickle up.
At the recent celebration, rally and marade for Martin Luther King Junior Day(click here to view post), Jennifer Williams Molock reminded all present that we do not need the education, experience, or charisma of people like Dr. King. We don’t need to be a movie star,or a rock star, or a best-selling author. Anyone can make a difference. All we need is passion, and compassion for our fellow human beings.
The Utah State Legislature is in session now through March 10th. Your Representatives, Senators, and Congressmen work for you. Find out who they are, then call and write them. You can even meet them. Daily legislative agenda and other information are at www.utah.gov/Documents/find.htm .
Until next time: Get involved, give ‘em hell, care, make a difference in your life and the lives of others.
---your editor
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