Be the change you want to see in the world.  — Gandhi

These words from Gandhi have great meaning to me. They are a big part of who I am. As evidenced by  the vitriolic atmosphere in the world today we have so many tools that allow us to complain, I would even call it ranting, about anything we disagree with. Just look at the bottom of any on-line news article and you will see very concrete evidence of this fact.  It is just so easy today to let the world know what we are against.

But in my mind actions speak much louder than words. If we want to see a change in the world we must start out being that change and then go from there.

• If you want to complain about how much our government spends on welfare then you should first seek out a privately funded organization that is addressing poverty and give a substantial portion of your discretionary income to it.

• If you believe that we need a wholesale change in who we send to congress then you need to start by voting your personal representative out of office (no matter which party they belong ).

• If you believe there is too much hatred in the world then you must make sure that you do a certain number of “acts of kindness” each and every day.

• If you are against the wars we are currently involved in then join and support with your time and income organizations that help ameliorate the damages caused by those wars. Many of those are Quaker based.