What the world Needs Now

[JG55]

What the World Needs Now

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Robin

September 13, 2011

I was strolling around downtown Berkeley this week, when one of those shiny young college students waved at me with a smile. I knew what was coming: a plea for a signature and, more importantly, money for some progressive cause.

She asked perkily, “Do you want to help immigrant rights?” To which I replied my usual, “No thank you,” and walked away. But I was tempted to instead retort, “You know what I would really like? I would like a full year’s moratorium on everyone asking for their rights. And during that time, I’d want everyone to work on themselves, and to do something for other people. A whole solid year of no one demanding and everyone helping! If you have a petition for that, I’ll gladly sign.”

Of course, she would have looked at me as though I were from Mars. These days, it’s all about people standing up for their rights. And that means everyone: Latinos, blacks, women, gays, bis and bi-curious, illegals and legals, everyone, that is, with the exception of the “privileged, straight, white male.”

But what is actually owed to them or to anyone else? As an older person, I remember the good old days (which get better and better the older I get). You didn’t demand your rights with your parents or your teachers or anyone else. If you did, you’d get either a slap across the face or a stern lecture about not acting so uppity.

Back then, you weren’t entitled to anything unless you earned it. And we’re not just talking money and possessions here, but something more important: respect. No one would have or should have respected you simply because you were born upon this earth. But if you acted in a respectable fashion, that is, accountable for your actions and kind to others, then respect would inevitably follow.

But today…what a different picture. Of course, my generation, the Baby Boomers, are responsible for producing all of these entitled folks, because the young ‘uns were taught that the world owes them something for nothing. Through 60′s music and leftist schools, rights and demands were emphasized over traits that are so much more important. And meanwhile, many old folks haven’t moved on developmentally, still remaining frozen in time, circa 1964, making their own demands.

Of course, most people from the left reading this won’t have the foggiest notion of what I’m talking about. Isn’t demanding rights and making money what this life is all about? Sadly, in this shallow, secular world, people have been stripped of the knowledge of what to actually do with this one precious life.

That’s where my year’s moratorium comes in. Perhaps if people took a break, they’d come up with the answers themselves. I once read an evocative quote, “Wisdom happens in the moment between two thoughts.” Perhaps if people took a break from demanding and blogging and checking their Facebook, they’d understand that life is about more than just demands and things.

It involves giving, and I don’t mean a donation to one of those bright-eyed college kids on the streets of Berkeley or for Obama 2012. I’m talking about interpersonal giving; I’m referring to being kind. And doing so for no personal gain, simply because as human beings we are supposed to.

Notice an old woman struggling to get across the street, and do not mug her — help her! Open the door for someone using a cane. Remember that someday, God willing, you will be that old person and you will need someone to open the door for you.

Call your grandma to cheer her up, and send flowers to your mom for no reason other than she gave you life. Smile at someone who looks a bit glum; leave a dime on the ground for someone else to pick up. Every day do what used to be called, “A random act of kindness.”

And then notice what happens, first inside of you, but also in the world. Because just as anger is contagious, so is love. Love is the gift that keeps on giving. Once you express some human compassion, it spreads and gathers force and becomes the only true force that can change the world.

After a year is up, you’ll notice something remarkable: you are a changed person. You won’t have as many needs and demands, because you won’t feel as empty inside. You’ll be filled up with something more precious and enduring, something that cannot be given to you by any law or any leader.

I’ll end here with a few lines from one of the most beautiful songs of all time, from Jackie DeShannon in 1965. Its message of kindness and love was hugely popular back in the incendiary 60′s. These same simple words are desperately needed today as well.

What the world needs now is love, sweet love

It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of

What the world needs now is love, sweet love,

No not just for some but for everyone. . .

Lord, we don’t need another meadow

There are cornfields and wheat fields enough to grow

There are sunbeams and moonbeams enough to shine

Oh listen, lord, if you want to know.

What the world needs now is love, sweet love

No not just for some but for every,

Everyone.

PLEASE NOTE: This article was run on Sunday at American Thinker without my knowledge. Thus, there was no ability to comment. I hope that you’ll take some time to comment on the piece now.

What the World Needs Now | Robin of Berkeley

[JG55]

Found this comment: Seems appropriate.

norcalgal says: September 14, 2011 at 8:28 am

I remember as a teenager telling my parents that I had “rights.” They looked at me as if I was from Mars and my father gave the same answer he always gave when I was defiant, “Until you leave this house and support yourself you live by our rules, regardless of what you think your rights are.”

A couple of days ago my 13 year old son was in one of his “teenager” moods and told me that I owed him respect. I asked him “Why?” He said “because I’m your son.” I told him that I loved him dearly because he was my son, but I could only respect him when he earned it.

A further discussion revealed that he thought that people were “owed” respect as a “right.” I told him that the only rights he had were those in the Constitution and that “respect” was not one of them. Respect can only be earned and I told him that until he earned it he’d have to make do with my love.

[daddyo]

As a boomer, I was taught that I had to earn any respect given me, and that the world owed me NOTHING.

It looks like those days are gone forever. We are doomed as a society.

Edited January 3, 2012 by DaddyO

[Guest 6.8 AR]

I remember the childhood rants about me deserving rights. Just like your post,

JG55, I was the same. I guess I had great parents after all:D

Robin of Berkeley scored another great piece! That woman's story and profession

is motivating enough for me. I always look forward to reading her articles on AT.

[Guest FiddleDog]

My mother is an immigrant from Taiwan, and I remember as a child her studying for the TOEFL for months. 2 hours a night, EVERY night for 10+ months. She would sit with our pastor and practice english for hours. She would study American geography and American history with anyone who would study with her. She would be constantly quizzing herself (and us) on American Civics and Government(I don't even think they teach that in school anymore). She would always say that "no one gives anything to anyone." ...and if anyone tried to give her charity, she would refuse it. People would leave things at our doorstep with out saying who they were, but she would always figure who it was and we'd be over there, cleaning up their yard or making food for them when they weren't looking.

She had to fight to become and American. It was a conscious decision that she made for herself and for her children.

If someone doesn't want to become an American citizen badly enough to do what it takes...to do what she did...then maybe they just don't want to become an American citizen - and we ought to oblige them in that.

Edited January 3, 2012 by FiddleDog

[JG55]

My mother is an immigrant from Taiwan, and I remember as a child her studying for the TOEFL for months. 2 hours a night, EVERY night for 10+ months. She would sit with our pastor and practice english for hours. She would study American geography and American history with anyone who would study with her. She would be constantly quizzing herself (and us) on American Civics and Government(I don't even think they teach that in school anymore). She would always say that "no one gives anything to anyone." ...and if anyone tried to give her charity, she would refuse it. People would leave things at our doorstep with out saying who they were, but she would always figure who it was and we'd be over there, cleaning up their yard or making food for them when they weren't looking.

She had to fight to become and American. It was a conscious decision that she made for herself and for her children.

If someone doesn't want to become an American citizen badly enough to do what it takes...to do what she did...then maybe they just don't want to become an American citizen - and we ought to oblige them in that.

I know some people just like that. That's big difference from the past vs now.