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Hi All, I'm new as of today to dosomething.org, and I can't tell you how excited I am to have found something like this up and going. I didn't have to look long, I just typed a search for "change the world", and I think this sight was one of the top 5 listed on dogpile.com. Anyway, my name is Zech Wicker. I'm currently deployed to Iraq with a National Guard unit out of Iowa. I've been in the military for almost 6 years now, and will be leaving the service after this deployment. While over here I've had a lot of time to think, and I've decided I'm ready to make a change. When I get back, my wife and I will be starting our own business, and taking control of our lives and the choices we make. To get to the point now, I would like to ask all of you, what can our generation do for the world? First, I think we all need to ask what some of the current problems are that are facing our families, communities, countries, and world. Things that come to mind are environmental concerns (global warming, the obliteration of entire species of various plants and animals, and energy concerns). Next, and maybe not in this order would be social concerns, such as poverty, world hunger, peaceful resolve to various conflicts locally and internationally. I have some quotes to offer up that may inspire our generation for a movement towards world peace. "The pioneers of a warless world, are the youth who refuse military service"-Albert Einstein "My religion is kindness"-Dalai Lama After we take these issues into concern, we need to know the way change can be made. The truth is all we have is the present moment to work with, the present moment to make change. All life is, is a series of choices and consequences. The choices we all make today in every moment of our entire lives will not only change our lives, our communities, our countries. It will change all of humanity as a whole. I can't stress the effects of every single little decision in our daily lives. Okay, for all of you who read this, I would like to know the little choices you make on a daily basis to support positive change for humanity. Examples of my own personal choices are the following: I choose to not eat meat for environmental and social concerns (the world runs on money, if you support a business or cause with money, you feed the problem); I recycle everything I possibly can, and I try my hardest to purchase things packaged in biodegradable material or previously recycled material; I educate myself on current events and issues, and do my best to vote based on my educated stance on issues and candidates; I try my best to use public transportation when possible, or ride my bike (I love riding my bike); and I think one of my biggest impacts or choices will be that of raising and educating my children to be informed, contributing members to society. Thanks for your time, and I can't wait to read your responses. Take care all, and DO SOMETHING! -Zech Wicker
What Our Generation Can Do For The World!
Date: Sun, 2006-03-19 08:22
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Patriotism, the inhibitor of peace
In my opinion, all patriotism has done for us is to seperate all of humanity into their own, respective plots of land, and led us to mistrust and hate one another, causing pointless wars and violence over remaining natural resources. Overconsumption of natural resources (transformed into many unnecessary consumer goods)by people in rich countries causes nothing but hardship and poverty in poorer ones. If there is really a common, universal goal for peace among humans, then I do not see the point of being patriotic or fighting for a country...I say, if we all place value in human life, those in rich countries must try to boost the quality of life for those in the poorer countries (ensuring adequate food, water, clothing, and shelter for everyone in the country) and wars inhibit that process.
I think the most pressing
I think the most pressing problems facing us are social in nature. The Earth has a powerful ecosystem, and (in the grand tradition of Michael Crichton) I believe to some extent that it is arrogant to think we can destroy much of anything beyond our own species. I'm not too concerned about animals or the environment.
Gemmie, I think whether or not the war is justified is immaterial at this point. What matters now is how we win or lose. I have applied and been nominated to West Point; even if I am not accepted, I still plan to join the Army following college and do my patriotic duty as best I can. Serving in America's military is one of the most direct ways I can think of helping her; I don't know that protesting the war helps her as much.
So Gemmie, in response to your statement, I don't think my country is always right. But I think I should support my country, right OR wrong, and not protest or insult or shout in the streets. Because in attacking Iraq, we might be making a bad choice, but I reserve rebellion as an option only for when America treats US unfairly.
Re:What can our generation do for the world
i dont think my generation can do anything now,im only 10. i can only hope...
war.
I personally don't think that the U.S. should be in Iraq, and Iran trying to run their government. I know Bush is trying to prevent it from anything bad happening to us, but it's still none of our business. We're losing troops everyday cuz of the stupid war we shouldn't even be fighting.
Hey Zech
Great post, Sounds like you are really motivated to do something good.
I think all of the people who end up at this site have similar goals (or at least inclinations) and desires to find solutions to social problems in their own communities (and countries).
I like what you said about voting on important issues, and its really important, no matter what cause people support, that they Vote.
I like your Einstein quote about war. (If you don't mind sharing) Based on your service to the U.S. military, what is your opinion on war?