August 2013
ALL FOR ME
That many if not all parents feed, clothe, and raise their children as best as they may offers clear evidence that altruism continues to maintain sway among the families of the world. Yet “All for Me” is a phrase that seems to ring true as a description of sentiments that motivate at least some individuals who inhabit this world. If one wishes and works tirelessly to insure that for him or for her “All for Me” becomes a reality, should there be any limit on how far that person may go in order to accomplish his or her goal? Of course this is a nonsense question. We all know that it is impossible for one person to have everything and for everyone else to have nothing.
Coming up with a method to regulate or to limit the rewards that anyone may get for work and effort is a nightmare into which no one wants to enter. Many of us would be satisfied to be left alone and would be willing to leave everyone else alone so long as we are somehow able to meet our minimum daily needs for a healthy and happy life.
A healthy and happy life. There is the rub.
I have noticed and perhaps you too have observed that the definition of a healthy and happy life is continually changing along with every television or internet advertisement. No one agrees on a set of minimum daily requirements that when satisfied would bring happiness to anyone. In this instance my cup of tea may definitely not be yours.
“I can’t possibly live without _________ .”
Ask ten different people to fill in the blank with a word or description of their choice and their answers will begin to shed light on the problem of trying to satisfy everyone with an identical set of possibilities for one’s consumption and standard of living.
What about the problem of supply?
Is there an endless supply of whatever anyone may seek to satisfy the wants of those who say, “All for Me”? That depends upon how many are in that group in comparison to the total number of the population. If those who want it all are few in number, there is a good chance that most will never notice that some are so ambitious in their pursuit of wealth and good fortune.
The issue is a matter of degree. Given the total supply of what may be had, if those who say “All for Me” have succeeded in capturing 20% for themselves, then that leaves 80% for everyone else. That may work without generating widespread strife. But no amount is enough for those who want it all. So how may we avoid what appears to be an inevitable conflict?
Establish a basic standard of living below which no one is ever allowed to fall.
The challenge is to find an acceptable method to make that happen.
When do we start? How should we begin?
You decide when and how and then talk to your family and to your neighbor.
Call your congressional representatives.
Write a letter to the President.
Get involved . . .
Do something . . .
