Bird Droppings March 25, 2025
Ethics and Politics: I think they are antonyms

Many things are happening in our world that are often the result of a politician’s actions, whether we voted for them or not. Industry is being remade, wars are being fought, jobs are appearing and disappearing, and health care reform is possibly off and on the table. We observe fluctuations in oil prices due to an international price war. I find it amusing that our elected officials have given themselves unbelievable healthcare, a retirement package, and other perks, yet only offer to restrict and eliminate our own, especially in times like we are experiencing now. Our officials have unlimited healthcare and a retirement package second to none for serving in the Senate or Congress, as well as a decent retirement for life. That seriously bothers me in light of some of the allegations being raised against certain members of Congress.

With jobs increasing in most areas and inflation starting to pick up. It may be an ideal time to consider the minimum wage. Our officials raise their salaries and perks yearly to sneak them in. It is amazing how politics works; working people and those trying to work and lift themselves up to get nothing, and Senators and Congressmen can vote for a raise for themselves. In another session a few years back, Democrats were trying to tie the minimum wage to their salary raises, an interesting thought. I liked that idea; however, it didn’t fly. Sadly, many workers are below the national poverty level, even with a minimum wage. Many are working, but for whatever reason, are extremely limited or hindered in the jobs they can secure. I am not sure that twenty dollars an hour, as California has done, will be effective, but we shall see.

Who knows what will happen in a world of budget-cutting in some areas, colossal deficit spending in others, and a four-plus trillion-dollar stimulus package? Some politicians even propose reducing the minimum wage and increasing the hours children can work, almost as if we are taking steps backward. Other legislation calls for deregulation, including the elimination of OSHA and EPA; yet, the number of deaths in industry under OSHA supervision has been significantly reduced. Not many of us recall the days when personal protective equipment (PPE) was not a standard in the industry. Pollution across the nation has decreased because people stayed home during the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating the human impact on pollution. In a time of international crisis, it is still about the profitability of corporations that find many politicians offering plans to help the industry improve its profits to survive and pay dividends, such as dumping coal ash into rivers in coal regions. Asbestos is making a comeback, some are saying.

“Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed and in such desperate enterprises? If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps because he hears a different drummer.” Henry David Thoreau, Walden

Funny, why should we worry about money and success? Who needs it? I recall a few years back when gas was nearly $4 a gallon; we all looked for bargains and stretched each dollar. It is true that many folks do not need to keep up with the trends and are content with what they have. However, it is how we tend to overlook those who are less selfish. The raise recently proposed for members of Congress per year would be more than a full-time minimum wage paycheck for a year for a family of four. It is like saying I am more than your equal, so I deserve this money, actually a slap in the face to the working man or woman.

“Most of the luxuries and many of the so-called comforts of life are not only not indispensable but also positive hindrances to human progress.” Henry David Thoreau, Walden

At what point is a lot of money too much, and what do you do with billions of dollars? I watched our president rant and rave, yet few are as selfish as he is in his human dealings. I read yesterday that an investor lost billions but was still worth $10 billion. Why does anyone need $10 billion? I am not sure a real estate speculator would be a good choice for president. It was not too long ago that he went bankrupt multiple times. We idolize the wealthy, and as Steven Colbert pointed out in his humor one night, we like rich people. Thinking back to a good friend’s comment about where sociopaths end up, many are politicians.

‘I learned this, at least, from my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of their dreams and endeavors to live the life they have imagined, they will meet with success unexpected in common hours.’ Henry David Thoreau

We have to be able to dream, and often, that is stripped away by the attitudes and structures imposed by various sectors of society.

‘What a man thinks of himself is what determines, or rather indicates, his fate.’ Henry David Thoreau

As the ancient Greek philosopher said many years ago, “know thyself,” which is related to self-esteem and self-understanding. We need to know who we are and why. I began arguing about the selfishness of many people, including our leaders in Washington, who, I am sure, will justify their raises in some manner. I am sure lobbyists will justify not increasing the minimum wage. It is incredible what a few fast-food lobbyists and business owners can do. Perhaps that is how you justify a raise for yourself by saving money from not increasing the minimum wage.

I am looking forward to a few weeks of state-mandated testing of my students. (I am saying that very sarcastically)  I would much rather write, read, and take a garden break, but I forgot to visit the local nursery and garden shop this weekend. As you ponder your place in this world, please keep all in harm’s way on your mind and in your heart’s thoughts. Namaste.

My family and friends, I do not say this lightly,

Mitakuye Oyasin

(We are all related)

docbird