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158th International Peace Meditation "Wasted Opportunities" February 7, 2010 -- The United States political scene is rife with examples of wasted opportunities. Basic human needs for healthcare for some are unmet due to our inability to adequately assess and address the issue. It is our human failure to work together without other agendas that is corrupting our efforts. Sadly, this inability or refusal to work together is creating lost opportunities at many levels. If there were but one area that we could change that could positively affect the lives of billions of people around the globe, it would be for humans to work together in positive ways that achieve desired outcomes. From small local governments, to large national governments, willingness to put aside personal agendas for the greater good has become increasingly essential. Perhaps with small problems we can tolerate this resistance. Will we build our project on this piece of land, or another? Will we allow this within our zoning district, or not? Will we assess our citizens more for public works, or keep a tight rein on the budget? These local issues, reflective of only local needs, do not affect large scale populations. Unwillingness to work in a civil manner may hurt a few people, without affecting the population at large. It is quite different when larger numbers of people are affected. Refusal by governmental organizations to address issues in a manner that allows them to be resolved favorably for citizens is unacceptable. Personal in-fighting as well as political aspirations and agendas have the capacity to hurt many. Whether it results in a lack of services or resources directly, or indirectly, failure to act positively can have a major impact upon human well-being. Consider the issues surrounding international aid to many of the most vulnerable among us. Caring people, giving individually or through their tax dollars, only to be met with corrupt regimes siphoning off resources or prohibiting access to the people in need. Failure to put aside the desire for power, even to the point of hurting or killing thousands of people, is one of the most brutal manifestations of unwillingness to work together. Wasted opportunities for critical caring assistance leave destroyed lives and potential, as well as legacies of horror. We see examples daily through our media. The stop sign that never gets erected resulting in the death of a child. The lack of oversight for products that we consume until there are deaths, illnesses, massive recalls and resulting legal battles. Agency decisions that could improve public education eliminated by a change of administration. Radical swings that have little to do with what’s good for the people, and more to do with leaving personal imprints on history. Our multiple party system is designed to encourage debate so that consensus can be built around the best emerging solutions. It was not, I believe, built to encourage bickering and power-struggles to the detriment of its citizenry. If we put aside our personal agendas, bitterness, and power-struggles, we won’t miss opportunities to meet the needs of all people. Can we learn to value joint recognition over personal recognition? Can we learn to serve at any level, rather than vying only for positions of status and financial gain? Can we each learn to look at a person’s true motives, rather than motives assigned by those with competing interests? Can we stop the political destruction caused by lies and deception? Our language has become even more hateful and impatient. Those who work in customer service positions report a rising tide of verbal abuse. Outbursts of physical violence have become commonplace. Each of these instances, and millions more, reflects wasted opportunities for meeting the needs of people locally, nationally, and internationally. Unmet needs lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, and too often, ultimately, to violence. We can empower ourselves and others when we put aside personal ambitions, desire for power, and bitterness and anger, and inspire hope through positive human problem-solving and resolution. The challenge is up to us. We, the People. . . . . . . . .
The following is taken from United We Stand: Reflections on a True Democracy
In a true democracy all people listen.
In a true democracy there are no demagogues.
In a true democracy all people are open to learning.
In a true democracy all elected officials serve from a position of caring.
In a true democracy all wisdom is preserved.
In a true democracy all people know their purpose and calling.
In a true democracy all people are free to heal.
In a true democracy all people return to their Source.
In a true democracy our acceptance creates unity. Sue Kidd Shipe, Ph.D. We have an urgent request: Please take the time to contribute "Fibromyalgia: Awareness, Advocacy,
and Action" We have distributed almost all of the 2000 reports printed initially, and have been able to reach many patients and physicians and others in the Capital District of New York where it was developed. However, many more people stand to gain from the expertise of those who developed the report. We need your help in making this possible. Currently we have raised $500 of the required $5,000 for our next printing. If you can, please contribute by check or Paypal as explained below. Many people contributed time and expertise as well as written articles to make this timely and extremely relevant report available. This is our greatest need as an organization. This user-friendly document contains the information needed to help patients, physicians, healthcare workers, employers, and others address the ravages that can be caused by the chronic pain and fatigue of Fibromyalgia. Please help us. Any support, large or small, will be deeply appreciated, and will help improve the quality of life for as many as we can reach of the millions of people already diagnosed, as well as those yet undiagnosed, and those who care for them. Thank you. Please join us in prayer/meditation during the 24 hours of Sunday, February 7, and again the first Sunday of every month. We are beginning our 14th year of continuous meditation. Forward our Meditation to all in your address book; make copies for your religious and spiritual brochures and bulletins. Important Dates to Remember: September 11, Annually International Unity Day Please join us in this essential annual commemoration. You can find out more by going to www.humanempowerment.org and selecting the globe. Our report: Fibromyalgia: Awareness, Advocacy, and Action -- Report of the Select Empowerment Seminar on Fibromyalgia is now available. E-mail or call (518) 393-9491 for a copy. Donations to cover printing and mailing costs are appreciated Watch this page for news of more Fibromyalgia activities. The International Peace Meditation invites people of all faiths to participate. The International Institute For Human Empowerment, Inc., a 501C3 charity registered in New York State, is not a member of any religion in order that it may serve all. Your contribution within the USA is tax-exempt. You may contribute online via PayPal: Or send your contributions to: International Institute For Human Empowerment, Inc. P.O. Box 3920 Albany, New York 12203 USA
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