We live in a universe of immense beauty and natural abundance. Yet many of us feel helpless in the face of unnatural, man- made factors beyond our control. Ancient legends recount how the Phoenix is consumed by fire only to be born anew out of its own ashes. Unless we peacefully mobilize new energies in us to overcome the barriers of materialism that looms large in our consciousness, we are slowly edging toward unprecedented tragedy.
Normally, in every generation there are those who dare to raise vital issues, experiencing their time as interesting and truly unique. The love of nature and human beings impels them to commitment and self-sacrifice. They naturally question the relevance of traditional, cultural and social ideologies in response to their ever changing world. They begin to reject the pomp and the canonized values of an oppressive, exploitative system. They refuse careerism for its own sake. They say no to vegetating and leading a dull selfish life with little genuine interest in anything of real value. They act as individuals and groups and galvanize their communities into positive actions.
Today, it is clear to every sensible person that most of the extravagant gestures of global capitalism about prosperity, human rights and world peace are not really working. None of its inherited rhetoric and out-of-breath explanations for its crimes are acceptable to truly informed, responsible and intelligent people. With every passing day the so-called war on terror is degenerating as ever into a cover for imperialist domination diverting attention from the real issues, at home and abroad, issues such as human rights and the struggle for social justice. The old reactionary adage “might is right” has become part of our undeniable global reality.
We cannot confront this system with divisive fanatical enthusiasm, nor with yet another kind of idealistic global Utopia in which everything is equal and perfect. At this point in my life, I can say I am not jealous of what others have as privileges. Who cares about perfection? Loving and energizing creativity and actions at any level are all we need. Dear readers, for me, this is the living God manifest in our thinking and action, beyond the barriers of our race, our classes, our religions and our ideologies, motivating you and me to human solidarity tempered by practical wisdom and compassion within and beyond our national borders.
I am encouraged by the Amnesty International reporting honestly on the ordeals of the Oromo people in the Abyssinian dominated Ethiopia today. I am also encouraged by Pope Francis insisting on the ending of the American embargo against Cuba. Will the plight and long sufferings of the Oromo people and others under the ever growing Abyssinian militarism in the Horn of Africa also arouse his concern and pity? I am looking forward for such a gesture from him, no matter how small.
Up to now the West has persistently refused to see things from the perspectives of the Oromo people and their determination to be free from century-old Abyssinian brutality and tyranny. Yet I never doubt human capacity for reflection in order to come to one’s senses. I wish and pray that the present world reality will stimulate us all in the New Year to rethink our priorities in life ushering in positive changes in our basic attitudes toward life in general. I wish you all the best.