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 My Wish for 2010
by Tom Campbell
December 24, 2009
Year’s end is the traditional time to assess what was observed and learned in the past year, while setting goals for the coming one. Few will argue that 2009 was a stellar year for our state or nation.
The worsening economy appears to have brought out the worst in us. Civil discourse has been anything but civil. Rancor and partisanship have stalemated government. Poll after poll demonstrates little trust in public officials who too frequently exhibit unethical conduct, side with special interests and personally benefit from public service.
Personal and corporate greed stand out in this time when so many are unemployed or underemployed. Corporations focus only on the next quarter’s profit and share price. Executives appear callous in the quest for big paychecks and bonuses, even while their company accepts public charity in the form of federal bailouts. And despite our pronounced efforts there exists discrimination by sex, race and the fast growing discrimination against aging citizens.
We steadfastly worship celebrity, even as the objects of our adoration have extramarital affairs, use illegal substances or break laws. But we refuse to worship, or at least acknowledge, Christmas, insisting on politically correct “community trees,” while actively participating in the juggernaut Christmas machine by the retail industry for this holy event. The dollar becomes the sacred.
So what would be my wishes for 2010? I would wish those in public offices would dial back the partisanship, reduce their obeisance to special interests and focus on the common good. It would be alright to disagree but not be disagreeable in the process. Politicians would worry less about re-election and more about doing the right things to fix our many ills. Citizens would rely less on government and take personal initiative to solve problems.
People would understand that the real value of work is more than money. Executive compensation would be brought more in line with employee pay. Corporations would demonstrate responsibilities to shareholders, but also to customers, employees and their communities. The unemployed, while looking for work, could find value in volunteering. Those blessed with abundance would share with others.
My wishes grew lengthier than a five year-old’s Christmas list, so I found two creeds that, if applied, would sum up the best of what I would hope for 2010. The first is the Rotary Four-Way Test: Is it the truth, is it fair to all concerned, will it build goodwill and better friendships, and will it be beneficial to all concerned? What an exemplary, yet excellent measure for ethical conduct. The second, equally profound way of living comes from Micah 6:8 in the Bible: Do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God.
Truth, fairness, friendship, beneficial treatment, justice, kindness and humility. Seven magnificent qualities we could apply individually and collectively that could make all the difference in this coming year. They involve what we think, say and do, as well as how we treat one another. What more perfect gift could we give in this season? |
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