Disconnect

For over a decade, the Federal government has been disconnected from the people. That lack of care or understanding of the true human needs of the people is becoming quite evident in the actions of candidates and legislators. While committed protesters brave humiliation, disease and police brutality in public parks, legislators here in Massachusetts are obsessed with a casino bill which will keep their bulging pockets padded. An African-American Republican candidate for the Presidency nonchalantly denies sexual harassment allegations and says that torture isn't torture. Our President tells China, the nation which has enabled childishly irresponsible financial behavior in the U.S. at the request of the American political and business classes, to "grow up".

The fabric of our middle-class communities is deteriorating visibly due to the mismanagement of local politicians. Economically gated cities, like feudal castles, are developing wall towns, occupied by the underpaid service workers who support the privileged lifestyles of the 5% who hold the great majority of wealth. This is fine in the minds of the politicians, who preach a hollow gospel of diversity and multiculturalism. On the ground, the reality is ghetto formation and Balkanism in poorer communities.

The wheel of history revolves. The poor must suffer and speak for the many. They must endure living in tents, being hustled by criminals, being roughed up by police. The comfortable turn a blind eye or scorn the afflicted. Religion encourages the sense that some god is on the side of the prosperous. That the poor just do not believe strongly enough or are simply being punished for being evil.

Internalizing the disconnect of society is poison. Accepting the status quo as inevitable is a form of death of the mind. Education is the key to understanding. Understanding is the key to mindful practice. Mindful practice is the key to internal peace and balance. The person who walks in peace through chaos can be compassionate.