Money, money, money. It’s on most of our minds, particularly during gifting season. I’m trying to keep my sense of humor about it, but what’s funny about not having enough money? There’s just no “ho- ho- ho” in it – even if there’s a ‘ho’ sale.
Worrying about the almighty dollar is constipating, and seeing those constant white envelopes come in the mail, in rising prices, is a gut cruncher. How to fight gluten intolerance when bread and butter are a staple?
It’s the season to stuff our stockings, and ourselves, but let’s be honest. While a lot of folks have second homes and vacations to Europe, the gap between the rich and poor continues to widen. No matter how much this issue is buried at the bottom of Santa’s sack, it’s a growing gulf. And we need to talk about it without shame and do something it !
Sixty percent of the local Boyes Hot Springs is reported to live in poverty What to do? Should we sing, “Away in a manger, no crib for a bed?” Or, “Them that’s got supposed to get, and I ain’t got nothing yet?”
Well, I’m coming out of the closet with it. To tell the truth, I’m worried. When Santa drops down that chimney in spite of “no wood burning days” and extra weight, he might still drop off some money. At least enough to cover the milk and cookies.
Scrooge? I don’t believe in him, but I’m afraid of him.
As George W Bush said, “We don’t really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road or not. The chicken is either with us or it is against us. The is no middle ground here.”
Naomi Klein, in her new book: “Money, Technical Fixes and Despair Won’t Help” encourages us to admit money fears exist. Maybe people slipping through the cracks, (not earthquakes either), could engage in conversations like: There has to be some way to share the wealth, without counting on Santa.
People counting pennies (though they’re almost extinct) admit, “What happened to my life?” How do I retire? What’s the plan? Go to Nicaragua? Get a job at 75?
Bottom line: What can we do? Will the wage increase fix it? What will?
We could “manifest” money, rebel to stop the rising cost of socks and stocks. Get busy with politics for the common good, or maybe just meditate. How about creating a vision for our town and show the world how to share resources? Some sponsor might put a load of money into our town hall meetings or we the people could participate in a place to thrive: wages, elders, food, currency, housing, tomatoes, etc. It’s time for major participation of the people, for equality and the sharing of goodies.
As Huffington Post noted, “most Americans aren’t spending their money on frivolous items and services. Instead, 65 percent of most Americans’ spending is gobbled up by health care, housing, food and transportation. And incomes haven’t been going up. “Some people kept their eyes on the ball and lived to enjoy it while others lost the ball. And some inherited wealth and are trying to hold onto it.
Everyone’s seeking solutions. I asked a handyman today about why he charges 50 dollars an hour. He said liability insurance and the price of nails was shocking. Who would have guessed? Some small screw costing a fortune? I guess we’re screwed in more ways than one
Let’s ask Santa to get busy ending the great divide before we slide. They say the best things in life are free. Unfortunately, that does not include housing, food, safety, healthcare and the like. Maybe it’s time to make a stand.
After all, the spirit to come together, to change the community, to change the world? You can’t take that with you, either.
Katy Byrne, MFT, is a Sonoma psychotherapist, writer and editor. 707.548.8982
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