Jun 26 2008

Want to Save the World? Here’s How!

Published by Steve N. Lee at 8:18 pm under accountability, changing the world

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(WARNING: this post contains images some readers may find shocking.)

Simple proof of what’s wrong with the world and how to save it.

Recently, I described the joy of rescuing Sarah, an orphaned crow, from certain death. However, not everyone was moved by my heart-warming endeavours. And this perfectly illustrates the root of all the world’s ills and what we can do to stop it.

Unless they’re on the New York Times Bestseller List, novelists invariably have to supplement their income. If you’ve browsed my website you’ll know I have a part-time job in a library. So, after finding Sarah, I sent an email to all the staff asking for advice.

Subject: Babysitting Sarah

Hi,

Does anyone know anything about hand-rearing a crow, please?

She’s a fledgling but is quite old - about the size of a small pigeon - but she’s still too young to be able to feed herself.
She’s VERY adventurous, which means she’s difficult to manage at times - for example, when she wants to play/explore, but you want to feed her.
She loves poohing everywhere (any tips on coping with the smell will be particularly welcome!).

Any advice will be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve
P.S. I suppose you’re wondering about the ‘Sarah’ bit. Well, if you saw her, you’d know why we’ve christened her Sarah - she just looks like one.

Here’s one of the replies in its entirety (except for the xxx part):

Perhaps Steve it would be to your advantage if you checked if there are any members of staff within xxx with the same name (Sarah).
I should imagine that if there is, they could take great offence at your comments….

If this person had shown even the tiniest concern for Sarah’s survival, I’d have let this slip. But they didn’t. Instead, they invented a problem where none existed and ignored the crucial issue - saving Sarah.

I’m talking saving a life; they’re talking insult at a bird being given a person’s name.

WARNING!

Anyone of a nervous disposition should look away NOW.

Shocking images, yes - my apologies to Toms, Barneys and Stuarts everywhere!

And if you’ve ever affectionately been called ‘Babe’, you might want to look away too as this could well be what that person was picturing while saying it!

It’s amazing how morons fixate on imaginary problems to the extent they’re blind to truly important issues.

And that’s what’s wrong with the world - too many imbeciles completely oblivious to the true issues because they’re so busy inventing inane problems.

But couldn’t we solve that by simply ignoring them?

We could. But we don’t!

Because we live in a ‘sensitive’ society where every imbecile is encouraged to have their say, their opinions are often given credence they don’t deserve. This encourages other morons to jump onto the bandwagon and, before you know it, we’ve got -

games kids have played for decades being banned because they’re deemed unsafe, e.g. everything from conkers to British Bulldogs Charge.
perfectly good words banned because tiny demographics of the population ‘might’ be offended, e.g. ‘brainstorm’ upsetting epileptics.
imbeciles who’ve been ‘injured’ and ‘deserve’ compensation, e.g. morons suing McDonald’s for making them fat.

Of course, our law-makers could ensure commonsense reigns…

Yeah, right!

The world’s only in this mess because politicians are so busy chasing their own imaginary problems to fulfill hidden agenda or embarking on misguided crusades in support of the imbeciles we’re discussing.

But I can see some readers wavering. I hear you ask, “What’s the big deal, Steve? A few kids can’t play some dumb game. So what!”

You think that’s where it ends? Kids’ games?

It might start with games, but it ends somewhere very different. And very dark!

Good people dying meaningless deaths. That’s where it ends.

Think I’m exaggerating? Think commonsense isn’t only not dead but actually thriving?

Last week, three judges released a man from prison. One Abu Qatada, acknowledged as Al Qaeda’s right-hand man in Europe. Why? Because holding him for deportation to face terror charges in Jordon was against his human rights.

Of course, he’s not ‘free’ free. Oh, heaven forbid. These judges aren’t crazy! No, they’ve fitted him with an electronic tag to get an idea of which part of Britain he’s freely roaming. Plus, they’ve made him promise not to contact his good buddy Osama Bin Laden.

Hey, I’m feeling safer already.

Yep, I’m sure seeing old buddies and blowing people up are the last things on Abu’s mind. He’s probably at home right now watching Eastenders on BBC1, or chuckling at a kitten playing with a ball of string.

This is a dangerous man who makes the world a dangerous place. But when danger threatens him, does he face it like the righteous warrior fighting for the one true God that he claims to be, or, quaking like a frightened, little girl, does he run for help from the very people he’d dearly love to slaughter?

Of course, people will argue that human rights apply to every single human and that if you bend the rules for one that slippery slope will lead to shooting jaywalkers and hanging parking offenders. And that’s an excellent argument.

Except…

Being human isn’t only about genetics but about how you treat your fellow man. You cross a certain line and you stop being ‘human’. Blowing up innocent people simply to make a statement? Why should you be allowed to hide behind the very rights you’ve taken away from someone else?

And no, I’m not talking about War on Terror; I’m talking about holding people accountable for what they’re doing to humanity AND the planet.

Why?

Because we’ve created a world where -

millions die of starvation every year.
millions die of preventable diseases every year.
millions die of contaminated water every year.

But terrorists, both religious and corporate, can sleep soundly in their beds at night knowing the law is on their side.

Shouldn’t we speak out? Shouldn’t we raise our voices and make commonsense heard?

So go. See. Feel. Live.
Steve

P.S. If you like my blog - the passion, the philosophy - you’ll absolutely love my novel. “Deftly and intriguingly written, ‘What if…?’ is a thriller that fans of other novels such as ‘The DaVinci Code’ will relish. Highly recommended to thriller fans everywhere and should enjoy a spot on every fiction thrillers shelf.” Midwest Book Review. Please click here for an overview of the book or here for sample chapters.

P.P.S. If you’re British and you want to speak out, click here to help tackle Global Warming.

What do you think? Have your say - leave a comment!

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28 Responses to “Want to Save the World? Here’s How!”

# Jaylena Echo Gon 26 Jun 2008 at 9:15 pm

There is no more to say because you have said it all. We are the care takers of all that are on this earth and what we do for it and for others. We are failing all and each other. It is heart breaking when I see a child starving and yet I switch the channel and they are speaking of a celebrity buying shoes for $4000.00. We are a lost civilization until we open our eyes and realize our responsibility to feed, care and nurture the earths inhabitants….each and everyone. Love, kindness, care, empathy, forgiveness and hope. These are the forgotten or misused words of our civilization. May we and God have mercy on our souls.
# Warren Jeffrey Motteron 26 Jun 2008 at 9:38 pm

When PEOPLE, not profit, are the most important bottom line for the citizens of this world, then, Peace & Compassion can reign as the Champions of life. The funds spent on instruments of fear (war) could be, instead, used as instruments for positive change (to feed the hungry and end rampant disease). Let’s provide dignity for all of our planet’s citizens, treating everyone as a beloved family member.
# Fran Cannonon 26 Jun 2008 at 9:59 pm

It somehow seems futile to save the world, when not everyone , or less than everyone is willing to pitch in somehow and help people, with the help of others. With greed, helplessness and other obstacles , especially war and poverty, I believe a higher power is definitly needed. Some kind of hope and spiritual strength. I feel small in such a big world, and all I can do is sign petitions and share thoughts on the issues. Being Bipolar makes it seem hard, but I surely want peace and hope and pray it can really happen.
# Terrie Won 26 Jun 2008 at 10:54 pm

I cannot expand on what has already been said so forthrightly! Well done, Steve!
# Joycey Berryon 26 Jun 2008 at 11:21 pm

I know I can’t save the world, but if I can save just a little, I will be at peace. I try to do all I can. Thanks for this great blog Steve.
# nancyon 27 Jun 2008 at 1:40 am

Thanks so much Steve for sharing. We are all one and need to take care of us all. I wished the whole world would see it that way. I have made donations to various orginizations such as Feed The Children but I know we need much more help. All this hunger is so sad and just not necessary.
# Jillyanne Michelle Capeon 27 Jun 2008 at 4:56 am

I know that I am not content to sit back and do nothing, just because I am only one, small person. Indeed, one person can change the world. Look at Mother Teresa, or Martin Luther King, Jr., or any number of famous individuals who made it their goal in life to make a difference. To stand up for what they believe in. To not be silent while others were suffering, even if they were putting themselves at risk by stepping up to the plate. Personally, I do what I can in every direction possible with every opportunity that presents itself, within my means to do so and I believe strongly that a collective effort definitely has impact. There is negativity all around us and we live in a tragic world, this is all the more reason to try to make an effort to do what you can. You never know what one small ripple once started can set into action. Or whose lives can be effected by what you think is something so simple, like a smile or encouragement to one who is down. Whose opinions you might change by speaking out, at least give them food for thought….etc… Each life is sacred, if you have the money to only save one, you have done something tremendous. To give to a charity what you are able, may not solve all the world’s problems, but every effort counts. I have listed below some quotations which I find relevant to what has been presented here. One of the most important to me at this time is the one by Jane Goodall - “The greatest danger to our future is apathy”. I believe this is true. People are overwhelmed and so much so that just want to turn it all off and look the other way or give up because their little efforts cannot do it all. This is one of our biggest downfalls, even good people do nothing due to apathy. So much is definitely twisted. The judicial system has never been just. May never be, but fight for justice anyway. The world is not free, freedom is never free but somebody has to fight for what is right. There are always tyrants and terrorists, somebody has to stop them and when clearly an injustice is done… Someone has to continue to try to right it. The wrong people are imprisoned and the guilty go free, continually. Degradation is all over our society, but to just cave into it all is definitely not the answer.

“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do.” (Helen Keller)

“There are no right answers to wrong questions.” (Ursula LeGuin)

“Not out of right practise comes right thinking, but out of right thinking comes right practise. It matters enormously what you think. If you think falsely, you will act mistakenly; if you think basely, your conduct will suit your thinking.” (Annie Besant)

“The greatest danger to our future is apathy.” (Jane Goodall)

“Any excuse will serve a tyrant.” (Aesop)

“Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.”
( Isaac Asimov)

“Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.” (Alexander Hamilton)

“No man is an island entire of itself…any man’s death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” (John Donne)

“The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” (Edmund Burke)

“Thou shalt not be a victim. Thou shalt not be a perpetrator. Above all, thou shalt not be a bystander.” (Holocaust Museum, Washington, D.C.)
# Jacquieon 27 Jun 2008 at 5:30 am

Beautifully said.

My belief is that at the end of the day every person will meet their maker and be judged accordingly. In the meantime we have no option but to do whatever we can do to make a difference. As we say in our website, “The alternative is much to bear”

Thank you
# Steve N. Leeon 27 Jun 2008 at 11:28 am

That’s a good point you’re making there, Fran. Unfortunately, we don’t have A higher power, but MANY - Allah, God (purported to be the same deity, in case some readers aren’t aware), Buddha, Vishnu… If there was only one, that would immediately solve a tremendous amount of the trouble. But as we’re Westerners, so most likely Christian - don’t we have freewill? So how could a higher power help without interferring and so negating our choice?

While we can heed wise teachings, whatever religion they may come from - something I explored in ‘What if…?’ which has fascinated some readers - we’re pretty much on our own. If we screw up, we’ve only ourselves to blame. And, boy, are we screwing up BIG TIME!

That’s an excellent comment, Warren. Only yesterday I was reading exactly how much money the U.S. spends on the military. The figures are unbelievable! Not only could we feed the starving, we could feed them MANY times over. And at the risk of repeating myself, I’m already planning a post on that. Great comment. Thanks, Warren.

And another excellent comment there, Jaylena. Yes, all forgotten words. As for the starving and our excesses? I’m already planning a post on that very subject. Thanks, Jaylena.

Terrie? Terrie W? Lost for words? My, that is high praise! Only teasing, Terrie. Thank you. Really. I know how much you think about what is happening around us so if you’ve nothing to add it’s reassuring to know I chose my words wisely. Thank you.

Thanks, you guys,
Steve
# Steve N. Leeon 27 Jun 2008 at 12:06 pm

Jillyanne, that’s a wonderful comment, with lots for people to consider. Yes, apathy is a real killer. Partly because of the West’s smug ‘I’m alright, Jack’ attitude, partly because people are simply overloaded with information so just switch off to it, and partly because many people still aren’t aware of the real extent of the problems. Hard to believe, but true.

Actually that last one is one reason I wrote my book, ‘What if…?’. King, Gandhi, Mother Teresa? It’s a long time since the world had a true hero – I wanted to give it one. I figured that if I could create a real page-turner from start to finish, but at the same time, almost surreptitiously include detail on hunger, on extinctions, on deforestation and other issues in ways that weren’t educational ‘here’s-a-little-known-fact’ type of thing but were themes that added to the story, to the characters, these crucial issues might reach audiences they normally never would. One reader told me she was in tears reading a couple of the chapters, so I obviously did something right.

That’s a good list of quotes, too. (Nice to see Edmund Burke putting in an appearance - I’d have added that if you hadn’t.)

Yes, you never know where the small ripple you are responsible for might end, is there? If only more people could see the point in making the effort instead of thinking it’s just too much trouble. Thanks for taking the time to pen such a great comment, Jillyanne.

It’s good to know there are kind people like you, Nancy, who actively try to make a difference through donations to worthy causes. Yes, hunger is so unnecessary in this age.

Yes, Joycey, we ’small’ people can only make tiny differences. But there are over three billion of us that aren’t struggling to survive. If we all did ‘little’ things, think how enormous the result would be. Nice to hear you’re playing your part, Joycey.

Thanks, Jacquie. The problem is that so many people don’t believe in anything other than making a quick buck! That means Judgment Day can do little to help the mess we’re in. People can be damned for eternity, but that’s little consolation if they’ve taken the world with them already. If only they would adopt your philosophy of having no option but to make a difference.

Thanks everyone. Have a fantastic weekend,
Steve
# Lynda Hardingon 27 Jun 2008 at 12:30 pm

Why do the half of the world have to suffer the way some of them do.
we take to much for granted while others have to starve.
I make donations to various organisations but i dont think they get halve of what we give
# Steve N. Leeon 27 Jun 2008 at 1:58 pm

Hi Lynda,

Yes, that’s a very valuable point. Illustrated only recently by some of the aid sent to Burma that ended up as a nice little ‘on the job’ bonus for those in control while their people were dying. I do worry just how much corruption there is when it comes to charity. It does stop people giving. Not surprisingly. If only these greedy thieves who kill others for the sake of a few bucks could be made accountable.

Thanks for your contribution,
Steve
# piRjo sundqviston 27 Jun 2008 at 8:35 pm

Oh Steve, I do hope I´m not one of those imbecils…I hear a lot of anger and some of your words like the “imbecils” aiaiai you should clean your language
young man…ponting a finger and giving names .
I´m giving a small donation to doctors without borders monthly,member of the humaAne society here in sweden, member of IPPL international primaAte protection league I do daily care2..clicking and donating…sign petitions,i have not been shopping anything unnecessary in this millennium, my lightbulps are low-energy I buy green electricity only wind and water for me thank you …i recycle..eat locally grown as much as possible oh yes I´m vegan too.
I honestly believe in beein part of the solution instead of pointing out what is wrong..with other words- nothing surprises me in human behaviour.
Loved your story about Sarah btw
I was sort of expecting your solutions as to how we can save this poor terra firma…
So go. See. Feel. Live Steve :D
# Steve N. Leeon 27 Jun 2008 at 9:09 pm

Hi piRjo,

Thanks for commenting. Yes, there is anger because nothing ever changes. You sound to be making a wonderful contribution to a ‘better’ world, but unfortunately you’re in the minority. How long can we go on like this? How many more millions have to die?

Solutions? I never intended to supply a ’shopping list’. But the solution is there - commonsense. Fight for it. It’s the only thing that will save us. Unfortunately that too is an endangered species. Maybe Swedish people have a better outlook than the British and Americans, but on the whole, as I’ve said and as has been pointed out in comments above, apathy is killing us because stupidity is left to run riot.

Nothing will ever change unless millions of us raise our voices in unison and scream ‘ENOUGH!’ It really is that simple.

Enjoy your weekend, piRjo,
Steve
# Deniseon 28 Jun 2008 at 2:55 am

Again, wonderful blog! Now if everyone did at least one little thing, like signing a petition, to try to help make the world a better place for everyone!
# Steve N. Leeon 28 Jun 2008 at 1:13 pm

Thanks, Denise. Yes, if only millions of us would do tiny things that would truly be a force to be reckoned with. Sadly, as I’ve said before, we’re in the minority and most people simply don’t care or aren’t aware.

Steve
# Margaritaon 28 Jun 2008 at 5:27 pm

I love this blog! It’s so comforting to find people who share the views I hold on the world and the way we are going! For as long as I remember I have been told that I have a problem with empathy, because the pain in the world is sometimes too much to bear and it prevents me from enjoying life and being thankful for what I have. I embrace any single “almost-lost” cause, because I can’t do otherwise; it’s no merit, it’s just in my genes. The problem is frustration and anger when injustice strikes, as it does every day. I have a wonderful partner who suffers my ups-and-downs and last year he brought me a sugar sachet (I don’t know if that’s what you call it in English:it’s a sachet with sugar that you get in cafés when you ask for a coffee, tea…). Well, it had a quotation from Mother Teresa: “If what you do seems like a drop in the ocean, think it would be less of an ocean without that drop”. When frustration strikes, I force myself to remember that quotation, even though I must admit that it doesn’t make sense, that the ocean would still be an ocean without that drop. But yes, it would be a smalle ocean. Think about it: we are many drops in the ocean. We really need to stick together. If we manage to do even the tiniest bit to improve the world around us, well, then it’s worthwhile having lived.
# Margaritaon 28 Jun 2008 at 5:35 pm

And, by the way, if my name had been Sarah, I would have been HONOURED to share it with her.
# Steve N. Leeon 28 Jun 2008 at 8:21 pm

Hello again, Margarita. Thanks for stopping by again.

And what a beautiful quote you’ve given us. I’ve never seen that one before. And it does make perfect sense. Wonderful sense. (Though, please don’t think your English is lacking - your English is impeccable, but there is a subtle wording that must not make it over into Spanish.)

I’m thrilled that you like my blog so much and that you’ve found people who make you feel at home. If you’ve read a few of the posts, you’ll have seen that many of the people commenting return, so they may well see your comments if you address any of them. (Some subscribe to the comments updates, so they will definitely see.)

Yes, empathy is the secret. I could quote a section from my novel on that very subject, but I’ll refrain as it might sound like a sales pitch! (Though I’m a writer trying to sell my work, I do feel very self-conscious about mentioning it - I’m a lousy salesman!)

I’m pleased to hear you’ve a partner who understands your compassion for the world. That is a real boon.

Have a wonderful weekend, Margarita,
Steve
P.S. Yes, it is a sachet of sugar, by the way.
# Steve N. Leeon 28 Jun 2008 at 8:24 pm

Sorry. Forgot.

Yes, I couldn’t see how anyone could logically be offended at all. I couldn’t even imagine. You’d have to have a pretty warped view of the world to take offense at that. Which led to the whole idea for this post.

Steve
# Vickion 28 Jun 2008 at 11:43 pm

Wonderful blog, thank you so much for the truth we all needed to read.
# Steve N. Leeon 29 Jun 2008 at 12:55 pm

Thanks, Vicki. Glad you enjoyed it and could see it for the simplicity and truth that it is.
Steve
# sheilaon 01 Jul 2008 at 8:31 pm

Reminds me of the song, Sarah Smile :)
lovely, happy song, like your new friend.
Smile Sarah, you are loved!
# Steve N. Leeon 02 Jul 2008 at 2:12 pm

Thanks, Sheila. Unfortunately I don’t know the song.

Steve
# Diane Marieon 02 Jul 2008 at 8:30 pm

I have to agree with some of the others! You said it all, what more can I add to this amazing blog?
I can say at the end of the day I did my best to help others and abused animals, and sleep well…
As you know I am Christian, and we do have free will, If I am questioning, having a problem etc, I will pray and I know when God answers, but I don’t have to do it His way if I feel different about it..But the last 2 years have been rough and if I didn’t have my faith I know without a doubt I would not be here! Ok, I hear people now, “it’s just a crutch, something to lean on” “stand up for yourself” and thats ok..Everyone is has their opinion and I would be more that happy to listen……
Back to Sara, I don’t understand anyone getting upset because an animal had the same name? What is that all about?
People are not held accountable anymore, there is always some excuse, they had a bad home, someone picked on them , etc..It is time we all hold ourselves accountable for things in our lives..’
I am sick of murders who get off easy because their childhood was less than perfect……At that rate we would all be in trouble…….

Great Blog as always,

Dianemarie
# Glendaon 03 Jul 2008 at 1:17 pm

Hi Steve,

Again I have nothing to add to all the words from the other bloggers. It might seem the easy way out, but everything I feel about this subject has already been said.

Can I add that I love the graphics that accompany your stories. I start out laughing at them, and then have tears in my eyes towards the end of the blog.

Sorry, this was written on my laptop in bed with the HUGE SNORING of the husband. I can not concentrate on anything. I know we have terrible issues in this world but I really need the end to snoring.
# Steve N. Leeon 03 Jul 2008 at 6:59 pm

You made me laugh with the human rights violations you’re currently suffering, Glenda! Yes, very funny. Maybe the U.N. could establish a task force to look into the problem. Of course, the politicians would hail that as ‘their’ triumph and splash it all over the media - an excellent way to distract us from the true issues they fail to deal with!

Yes, time-permitting I do like to add juicy graphics. It’s not always possible - e.g. the woman in the hat was an obvious fluke - but I do try. Thanks for noticing. I wonder if others do.

I couldn’t agree with you more, DianeMarie. Yes, we are all so eager to make excuses for those who wrong us and everything around us, just as you say. Why is accountability such a dirty word?

As for your ‘crutch’ - we all have our own ‘crutches’, our own little coping mechanisms that get us through the day, it’s just that your faith is easier to spot, so easier to pick on. While you’ll probably ‘cyber’ slap me for this - ‘Let he who is without a crutch cast the first stone.’ (You know I mean that in a positive way and that I’m not trying to demean your beliefs - it just gets the point over quickly!)

Thanks, Glenda and DianeMarie. Good of you to contribute.
Steve
# Gregon 08 Jul 2008 at 5:23 pm

I saw the link to this page and I thought it would be some sappy “we must give more” article, or some environmental thing. The I saw the URL and thought, “Ok, whatever it is, it won’t be sappy…”

Yet another good article, dude. Too many people are WAY too sensitive these days. Remember that little kid game, where one touches the other and the other yelps? “He touched me!!” We’re like little kids these days.

On the other point, I think there’s something called “empathy overload.” When we’re bombarded with worthy causes and ideals. It can be overwhelming and the only defense is to learn to say no, even at the risk of seeming callous.

Excellent article.