Listed below are a number of problems facing our society. Several of these problems have similar sources. They are centered on people's goals, their focus, and their attitudes. Oversimplification? I don't think so.
Let's look at economic issues. Many of these issues are driven by the pursuit of "stuff." Your next-door neighbor may have the nicest boat, fanciest car, most up-to-date video game system, etc. while you're stuck with a Volvo, a raft, and an Atari. Your solution? In order to get the nicer stuff that your neighbor has, you go into debt above your eyeballs, stretching every last penny to indulge your desires for this stuff. Realistically, you cannot pay for it. Even with payment plans, your ability to pay depends directly on your job. If your job goes out the window, you can no longer afford the stuff you've tried so hard to get.
Many issues, in fact, are issues revolving around the "haves" and the "have-nots." Many racially-based programs are based on such an issue. One group sees themself as a "have-not" wanting what they feel they are entitled to - generally what they see that the "haves" already have. They give little, if any, justification for such an entitlement.
Since 1985, the suicide rate for 10-14 year olds has doubled. The suicide rate for 15-19 year olds has tripled. Why is this? I have a theory, and it's related to the above theory of "stuff-chasing."
In order to get the stuff they want, many couples have to have both parents working long hours at their jobs. As a result, they spend less time with their children. Since morals are taboo in schools these days, the only moral training they might get comes from the church. (Even then, many of the churches these days don't speak about moral issues because it might "offend" someone.) Without a moral compass to direct them, there is little purpose in their lives. Without purpose, there is less reason to stick around. Why not just end it? Many have done so.
Depression has been treated more often as well. I suggest it is due to the same reason as the suicide rate has jumped. Depression is often one of the warning signs for suicide. It's an easy progression logically. If you are depressed, you start to wonder about your purpose in life. If you can't find one that seems "important" enough, why continue? Your life doesn't mean anything anyway, right?
I'm sure that, at this point, you're thinking, "Well, that's a great post. I just feel great after reading this..." Hang in there, I'm not to the good part yet.
I propose a change in goals and focus. Instead of chasing after "stuff," pursuing godliness is a much more noble goal. You may be thinking, "Oh great. Now comes the sermon." Hang in there and I'll explain it from a number of perspectives...
Perspective #1: Religion
Most religions have this as a central focus - to please the one they worship. This applies to Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, Jews, humanists, atheists - essentially anyone on the planet. It may be the one universal law in religion: you live to please your object of worship.
Perspective #2: Goals
Goals are the driving force in most people's lives. If you have goals, you do what you can to reach them. If you have no goals, there is little to motivate one to do anything. A goal can be anything, including becoming the first female president (obviously not one of mine ), getting the most state-of-the-art video game system, obtaining a Ph.D., getting through your semester of college, reading through the Bible in a year, or owning your own business. We set goals to direct our actions, to help shape what we intend to do with our lives. Our goals are important.
Perspective #3: Pragmatic (Practical)
With new stuff constantly being produced, with better technology making current stuff outdated by the time it gets to the shelf, what is the point of trying to obtain all the "latest" stuff?
Keeping up with all the latest stuff may make you very popular, but what will be the source of this popularity? Is it because they actually like you, or is it because of your stuff?
Even if you can keep up with all the latest stuff, what will happen to all this stuff when you die? What will happen to it then? Will anyone care that you're gone? or will they be fighting each other over your stuff?
Perspective #4: Peace
Pursuing godliness will give you a peace unknown to most (Philippians 4:7). While the rest of the world may be unsettled, you can have a peace that makes them wonder. How do I know? Easy, I've experienced it.
Conclusion:
Pursuing "stuff" is an empty pursuit. Stuff can't give you happiness. Pursuing God is a better goal. It will give you peace through the difficulties, purpose for your life, and a joy that will be infectious. Spread some today!
RU-486 has been available for years in other countries. Research has been done to determine side effects and health risks involved in using it. The conclusion researchers have found is that this is a very dangerous drug, often causing many adverse side effects.
Many promising drugs and medications can face years of testing before gaining FDA approval. They are tested extensively to reveal possible side effects, effectiveness of the drug, etc. before the FDA will put its stamp of approval on it. However, the drug known as RU-486 seems to be an exception. Even though MAJOR health risks are associated with this drug, the FDA put its stamp of approval on it with little fanfare, hoping no one would notice.
News flash, we did.
Much to the chagrin of pro-abortion lobbyists, both houses of Congress have once again passed a ban on partial birth abortion. Once it is signed into law, these groups are poised to challenge the law. It seems that, even though this procedure (actually type of procedure, as there are two distinct procedures available) is extremely barbaric, the abortion lobby wants nothing to restrict someone from having the procedure available. C. Everett Koop, former U.S. Surgeon General, has stated that there is "never any medical reason" for this procedure - NOT EVEN TO SAVE THE LIFE OF THE MOTHER!!! Yet, even the ban recently passed by Congress includes an exception for this reason.
Links to this section will come with a future update.
The recent court cases in Michigan over their admissions procedures in a couple different areas have once again brought this issue to the forefront. Several court cases have addressed affirmative action in admissions, but so far none have really defined policies or procedures for it. These cases will have a monumental effect on recruitment efforts, admissions policies, and affirmative action in general.
This seems to be a very emotional issue for many people, but here is some background information on this issue.
Enough said...
Smoking has been linked to a wide variety of problems, including but not limited to: health concerns, litter, fires, cancer, and asthma.
Several communities have enacted policies banning smoking in any restaurants, including the state of California. Many colleges and universities have banned smoking in any building on the campus, often enacting "smoke-free zones" around the building.
Many possible solutions have been proposed, including banning advertising, restricting access to products, increasing cigarette taxes, etc.
One of the biggest problems related to this issue is that smoking is a behavior that results in addiction. In this manner it is similar to alcohol except tobacco and smoking usually kills more slowly through cancer. Alcohol impairs judgement and can cause death through poor decisions.
Please check back for more issues. I will be updating this as time permits.
This site last updated on June 13, 2003
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