One of the most learned and highly trained American-born lamas in the Tibetan Dzogchen tradition. He is a meditation teacher and author.
I spoke to attorney Alan Dershowitz at dinner the other night, who is strongly for Hillary and thinks she is electable, which I still have my doubts about. She is certainly qualified, but will the rest of our country vote for her? Is this country ready for a woman, a person of color, or a gay president? Although to be pessimistic runs against my nature, I have to admit that I doubt it. I recently read that 70-75% of Kansans would vote for creationism to be taught in the public schools of their state instead of Darwinian evolution! I consider this pretty unevolved, as far as intelligent modern day thinking goes….
However, three great movements of my time have made me feel confident that change in hierarchical systems can and even must come from below–the civil rights, women’s rights, and end-the Vietnam War movements. Change will not originate from the top, where it is not in the ruling interest to do so. Let’s look at our gravely deficient American health care system, for example.
We have to bring about the changes we wish to see in this world, and not wait until someone else does it for us.
Shall we?
“If not you, who? And if not now, when?”
If one prefers to vote within the overly-constricted confines of the one-dimensional 2-party system, then Dennis Kucinich is the man. He’s the only one advocating full disclosure and the only one promoting an economic democracy to revitalize what little political democracy remains. But don’t give on Hillary. She might surprise us yet!
If there is to be change (and change for the better), then it has to begin with us, and as an old hippie, I find myself thinking of Margaret Mead’s words:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Let us begin…
Just a follow-up! British Petroleum was going to dump chemicals into Lake Michigan. But because over 50,000 concerned citizens objected thru a website, BP changed their minds. Their CEO announced today that they have reverse their decision. Democracy in action! Here was the original story:
Thank you, Lama Surya, for suggesting action. Anyone who wants to do something simple about Health Insurance reform, can go to the website http://www.michaelmoore.com. There is a letter from Michael Moore which continues on a second page (creator of “Sicko”, “Fahrenheit 911,” etc.). Go there. There are things you can do, such as email your Senator or Congressperson. I just emailed my 2 Senators and Representative using this process, and it took no more than 10 minutes total. They have everything laid out for us, including links to all our Congresspeople.
Then only vote for a president who will enact it. We all deserve health coverage. It can be paid for by reducing our war involvements.
A Thomas Jefferson scholar by the name of Clay Jenkinson, goes around the country “performing” as Jefferson. Jefferson tells us that we own our country, and we do it thru voting. Let’s do it!
You’re probably right about Hillary. I’d like to see someone come forward determined to end the war.
Do Buddhists vote?
Hi Surya, It’s great to hear your thoughts on the election. I must say that I am also weary of Clinton’s electability. I would love Obama to be the Dems’ nomination, but am having trouble seeing him elected as well 🙁
It’s definitely up to us to be the change. For me, that involves developing my practice and being a living example of basic goodness. Waking up to the importance of each action has been a great and beneficial change in my life. Thanks for your teachings!