Pinko Commie Bleeding Heart Post

I've been meaning to write this for a while now, but kept putting it off because I just couldn't find the words to do the message justice. So here goes... it's that time of the year and we're all busy wrapping things up (literally, and figuratively) as we gear down for the holiday season. Work tends to slow down for those of us not in retail, the Christmas parties and other social events fill up our calendars, and then there is the inevitable mad rush to finish off Christmas shopping. Which brings me to my point... I'd like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that in the hustle and bustle of this packed holiday schedule, we shouldn't forget to think about those who are less fortunate than us. While we overindulge on treats, overspend on frivolous gifts for others (and ourselves!), and perhaps nurse one too many hangovers, we neglect the fact that there are many around us who are unable to provide basic care for themselves and/ or their families. The basics we take for granted often pose a struggle for the disenfranchised, and all I ask is that we spend a little bit of time thinking about what we can do to help them as well. It doesn't take much - a little donation to a social agency, a donation to a food bank, or even volunteering a bit of time to help one of those types of agencies is a great way to help out, and helps us keep perspective on life while stepping back from the materialism and consumer culture of the season.

And for the minority out there that hold the attitude that 'those people should get off their asses and find jobs', I'd ask you to step back from the fend for yourself mentality for a second and consider that many people in need are victims of mental illness, substance addictions, poor social backgrounds/ upbringings, lack of familial support, and a whole host of other factors that don't necessarily boil down to general laziness. Using your 'hard earned money' to buy yet another PS3 game will buy you a few hours of entertainment and satisfaction, but does little for society at large. Ponying up a couple bucks or a few hours of your time to help feed a hungry family has a much more profound effect - rather than having to worry about where their next meal is coming from, that family in need can then concentrate their efforts on improving their lot in life - whether that means using food money to buy warm clothes, or investing in classes to advance their career opportunities, or to just being able to spend more time together as a family. The ripples of your actions are not immediately tangible, but the overall impact to society at large is immense.

I'll get off my box now - regularly scheduled p(hotog)rogramming will resume on my next post.

Cheers,
-G