Help Yourself

What can the young and retirees do to help themselves, their country and the world? First, they need to look at what would be good for them in their lives versus what they are told by talking heads on television, radio and the so-called free press. Some newer newspapers and magazines are still good, but one must look at who owns the media as a whole. Now, many of the young are still going to school, living in the “basement” of their parents’ home or couch surfing. Some are unpaid gamers and the workers, young and old alike, who are working for minimum wage, some at two or three jobs or at gig jobs; and then there are the retirees on Social Security. Capitalism is alive and well for those who have money. What would make life a little better for us? How about $15 to $24 an hour minimum wage, free education, healthcare for all, higher Social Security, and universal basic insurance. Are these things worth fighting for? If so, how and where do you start? Some people are working for non-profits, which tend to be funded either through government grants or donations from very rich people, such people don’t want you to do radical work to better your self or those you serve. The capitalist system as it is now, works just one for them. A 501c3 organization is legally hampered from participating in politics by supporting candidates or lobbying. All of this is by design. People work for non-profits and want to change the world are set up specifically not to be able to do that. If you work for a non-profit or are a minimum wage gamer, school student, gig worker, retired person, where can you work and maybe be able to make a living, and have the time or resources plus the education to work on making the change. You may want to look to a union job, construction, nursing, firefighter, or even find the lowest paying union job or work for free in supporting them in their walkouts, and the rest of the unions by supporting them. You will learn why unions are necessary, and some unions will pay for your help. Check with all the unions and tell them you believe in them and want to help. Some unions may even send you for training, especially during elections. No one will pay you to be a revolutionary, but maybe a pittance could make it worth your effort. And for retirees on Social Security, most unions will feed people at rallies, trainings, meetings or walking precincts. This will help both you and the unions, and be good exercise while making new friends. So, when you feel overwhelmed by all the bad news and don’t know what to do, take heart we’ve been through this before. Just get out and do something and start changing things for the better and you will feel better. Remember, if we can keep pouring water in the well of good will, soon the bucket of goodwill will float to the top and we all can get a drink of the good life just like the 1 percent everyday.