"Politicians and diapers have one thing in common ... they should be changed regularly and for the same reason." - Mark Twain.
This quote brought a smile this week as I watched and listened to the news and conversations around the goings on in politics.
It is said that culture helps people understand each other better. The definition of culture I am using is - "The total of the inherited ideas, beliefs, values and knowledge, which constitute the shared basis of social action." - from the Collins Dictionary.
My Angels remind me, that if we understand each other better in our souls, then it is easier to overcome the economic and political barriers. To do this however, we each need to understand our neighbour better; to know that in the end our neighbours have similar problems and similar questions.
Similar problems as the Green Party leader has shared, in order to raise awareness of poverty. I challenge you to walk in her shoes before you condemn her. I remember the times when I was struggling on a benefit, week to week, trying to do the best for my children, doing the courses to better myself, dressing better to get jobs, travelling to interviews - and this all cost money. I encourage those of us who have been, or are part of this culture, to declare, "HER STORY IS MY STORY". For it is the story of many people around the country. I have seen well-meaning people publicly 'live' on the equivalent of a benefit. But they didn't really, as they started with good whiteware, a car, furniture and clothing; maybe family support around them, things that beneficiaries seldom start with.
Why do so many families struggle to make ends meet? Lots are employed (in two or three) low paying jobs; many now are nearing 65 and cannot get jobs. Many cannot afford good, warm, safe housing, clothing and healthy food. We all make sacrifices at times, most beneficiaries and older people do this on a daily basis.
The problems we face now - poverty and violence at home, war and destruction abroad - will last only as long as we continue relying on the same politicians who created them in the first place. It is said that good people don't go into government because some politicians are such a disgrace, yet I feel a new breeze blowing through politics. Remember, no dream is too big, no challenge is too great. Nothing we want for our future is beyond our reach. Arohanui.
Shirley-Joy