Deadly Social Sins

I received a mailing last week that highlighted Mahatma Gandhi's "Seven Deadly Social Sins". I was fascinated to look at the list and note again that "the more things change, the more they stay the same." I think you might agree - here's the list: "Politics without principle; Wealth without work; Commerce without morality; Pleasure without conscience; education wihtout character; Science without humanity; Worship without sacrifice." How many of those resonate with you? I've struggled with all of them over the last bit of my life, and some of the social action we are seeing both here and around the world are dedicated to addressing these truths that Gandhi noted more than 60 years ago. It is striking that the concept of politics without principle is topmost on his list - and on my mind on the eve of an election day here in Virginia. More broadly, we are just one year before the next Presidential election, and the rhetoric and propaganda machines are already kicking into high gear. There does appear to be an acute lack of principled people who are elected to lead us. The operating philosophy appears to be "what's in it for me?". That's certainly an understandable worldview, but it is not a principle that leads. That worldview results in 50 million persons without adequate health insurance, a 27.4% reduction in Medicare payments to physicians (of note, Virginia is currently ranked 49th in Medicare payments to doctors) - patients are being let go from physicians who can no longer afford to treat them, increased spending without increased revenue, lack of a socially responsible vision. Lack of a set of guiding principles that are focused on socially acceptable outcomes is providing us leadership without vision. What are we to do about this lack of principle? There certainly is no quick fix to the problem - we're not suddenly going to see a slate of politicians (especially at the national level) who are focused on principle over self. The change has to come from the electorate. We have to change our worldviews into a more principled demeanor and approach. For we just elect those who reflect what it is that the majority believe (at least the majority [of the minority] that decide to vote). We need to re-discover the priniciples that have lead to healthier and more socially conscious communities. We don't have to look very far - the principles that work are contained in the Bible, Quran and Torah (to only name the three major tomes). I'm not beating a conservative and literal translation of the texts, rather, I'm advocating for a return to loving something more than we love ourselves. Reaching out to the least and the lost - the widows and orphans, and doing something meaningful to make their lot in life better. Providing healthy and wholesome communities for all people, not just the one's who resemble us and our views. This week, as you go to the polls (which I hope you do), look for opportunities to support candidates who act out of principles instead of out of self-interest. Break out of the habit of voting for a Party and research the person. Vote for principles and we will all be better off. By-the-way, take a good long look at your own guiding principles and see where they might need some improvement. Peace for the journey, Dan