“In 2019, I’d Like …… [2]

Source: carleton.ca

IN 2019 … I’d like to finally understand the chronic disparity between wealth and poverty. Is it necessary for so many to go without for the few to thrive? I don’t know the answer. It just seems pointless and wrong for so many to go homeless and hungry, while people are driving cars worth a quarter of a million dollars.

I need to stress that I’m not an economist or a social scientist, so much of my puzzlement is likely based on ignorance. And it’s not as if big picture solutions haven’t been tried, with nearly apocalyptic results (see Union, Soviet).

But there’s a profligacy built into daily life that is breathtaking when you think of it. Luxury automobiles with heated bun warmers, purses that sell for $10,000, made with $5 dollars’ worth of material. With apologies to Oscar Wilde, we know the price of everything and the value of nothing.

My wish is for everyone to have enough. My pledge (to myself) is to learn more about the gulf between wealth and poverty and seek ways to “be the change”.

It’s about time. I should have started a long time ago, but I’ve got to start somewhere.

Paul Sullivan is an award winning journalist and communications strategist in Vancouver , British Columbia.

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2 Comments
  • Ada MacDonald
    Posted at 05:09h, 10 January Reply

    Thank you for your post.

  • Paul Baker
    Posted at 07:35h, 10 January Reply

    I too am not an economist or a social scientist but it gravely grieves me to know that “so many are homeless and hungry.” I am now in my eighties and I am tired of hearing the tape at election time, “we are going to cut taxes.” I ask, why would a responsible and caring government cut taxes when there are countless men and women who are homeless and hungry? Our taxes are needed to help these people live respectful and dignified lives. Cut taxes, maybe, but not at the expense of homeless and hungry persons!

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