Blog Archive
- April 2018
- March 2018
- March 2017
- January 2017
- October 2016
- June 2016
- February 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
Jay Rifenbary's Blog
A Danger To Compare
The current emphasis on class
warfare by mainstream media and political circles is creating social
dissension, and is dividing rather than uniting this nation. Historically, most
revolutions have started as a result of the polarizing differences between those
who have more, and those who have less. There is no doubt that it exists, and
is becoming more extensive. We all have a responsibility as citizens to create
an environment of equality and fairness. I am not sharing these thoughts to
debate a strategy on how to bring peace, but rather to encourage all of us to
not allow the battle to determine our own sense of self-worth. There will
always be those who have more stuff, but that is not an excuse to believe that
those of us who have less are less of a person.
Each day we are inundated with
what others have versus what we ourselves have. Comparing the value of one
another based on things rather than substance of character is emotionally
self-destructive. Greed always creates a greater potential for destructive and
unethical behavior. Frequently we witness the consequences of greed and the
debilitating impact it has on the ethical and moral foundation of all society.
The individuals in your life who made a positive and enduring impact were never
about what they owned. It was always the content of their character and the
values they espoused. There will always be unfairness and inequality, but
two wrongs do not make a right.
Logical, uniting and common sense actions taken by leaders to balance
class differences are imperative in bringing greater harmony among the classes,
and leveling the playing field. To blame and create dissension only manifests
distrust and therefore initiates anger and violence. Individually, to become
discouraged and angry over others’ possessions is unhealthy in regard to our
own sense of self-respect. Your importance as a person is not relative to what
you have, but rather who you are. I have always believed we should help those
who are in need and as a community, and a society, we have an obligation to be
giving to those who are less fortunate. It is when there is a loss of common
cause and concern for one another that a society begins to fracture. It is more
important to live a life that is a reflection of the values you believe in,
then your ability to purchase another bargain. There is no doubt that it can be
frustrating and dispiriting to see the lifestyles of those who have more, but
to equate that to the value and self-respect we have for ourselves is a choice
we make. In addition, when one uses comparison of class as an excuse for not
taking ownership for their own personal and professional behavior the fight for
fairness is tarnished and less credible.
It would be encouraging to witness
political leaders emphasize more of what we have in common as a people than we
do different. It does not negate the necessity to confront and address the
social and economic issues at hand, but to manipulate the masses by exploiting
their differences only makes the challenge for fairness and equality more
difficult. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, “The ultimate measure of a man is
not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of
challenge and controversy.” It will be your strength to act on the core values
you believe in that will allow you to stand in those moments. Leadership that
creates mutual respect and trust is a result of skills and traits that unify
not divide. As the Latin writer of maxims, Publius Syrus, noted, “The greater a
man is in power above others, the more he ought to excel them in virtue. None
ought to govern who is not better than the governed.”
Personal honesty is more important than personal possessions. How we treat one another, and the greater example of selflessness we demonstrate, will ultimately determine the level of difference between us as a people. We are fortunate to have the freedom to work for the causes we believe in, and therefore a responsibility to continue to strive toward fairness and equality for all.
 |
 |
 |
|
