As I write this, the American election is three days away. For many, the incessant barrage of campaign ads is tiring and disappointing. Seldom are the issues discussed honestly. Rather, each side paints the other as evil, corrupt, and beholden to special interests: Conservatives support big business and liberals support big government. Yelling, arguing, and a take-no-prisoners approach is the new normal in politics.
With the addition of the Tea Party movement, there is now a third shrill voice demanding attention like bawling infant with a filled diaper. (Okay, bad metaphor...but it does paint a picture, 'eh?)
And...there will be no respite for the foreseeable future. Already the pundits are debating the 2012 election and who should run, who has the best chance and so forth. Each side will insist - over and over again in every media outlet - that we are all headed toward doom unless we support their policies.
What is forgotten in all this sound and fury is that we do not need to fall into the either/or binary and become wrapped up in the stress of choosing sides. We can choose to detach from the anger and instead focus on workable solutions at an individual level.
If you don't like corporate America, then you may choose to buy from local suppliers or, even better, reduce your consumer habits and minimize your acquisition mindset. As the old Quaker saying wisely puts it: Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without. If you re-examine your consumptive lifestyle you'll find yourself having more time and more peace.
If you don't like big government, you may choose to earn less (= less taxes) and minimize your use of government services and encourage others to do so. For those who need help, you can help and reduce the need for government bureaucracy. I have spent over 25 years in the bowels of bureaucracy and I know that for all the good that is done (public safety, public health, infrastructure) there is a huge amount of waste with support staff, regulations, and the Kafkaesque bureaucracy that becomes a self-serving and perpetually growing monster. So, rather than relying on government, you can donate directly directly to another who needs assistance. Or support a local nonprofit that provides direct service with a far lower overhead than government.
The political bellowing that takes place every election cycle (which now seems continuous!) is a distraction from the real issue at hand: big government and big business equals big problems. If we think that big business with its acquisition and profit-making motive will solve the problems we face or if you think that big government will economically and efficiently solve problems...then that is the problem. Neither will solve problems because of their inherent makeup and each will blame the other side for not addressing the issues; and, of course, the politicians will pander to their side of choice.
The Zen-like solution is to slow down, stop, meditate, and look at your own behaviors and beliefs. Jettison the excess and focus on the truly important and you may just find that a simplified and contributive life produces peace and harmony for you and your world.
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Book recommendation: One of my favorite books that I re-read regularly is "Voluntary Simplicity: Toward a Way of Life That is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich" by Duane Elgin. First published in the early 1980's it is an easy reading book that provides a reassurance that many others understand the value of reducing our negative impacts on the world and each other.
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