As I see our new JFS building going up, I realize the incredible importance of having the right tools. These are often costly, but without them the job simply cannot be done. Having the right tools also equates to making a living for all the folks who are working to erect our building. So in a sense tools equal jobs. The same is true for most aspects of life — you need the tools to do what needs to be done. You need the tool of a good accessible education so you can be a productive member of our society. You need the tool of health to build the kind of life most of us want. You need the tool of affordable housing and food so that you are fed and secure in order to move on with all that life has in store. You can see where this list can go … on and on and on.
So, as a country, do we provide the tools that are needed in the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness? Do we provide the tools we require so that a healthy, productive, safe society can be formed and maintained?
It takes more than one individual working alone to do this. It requires a community that cares. It requires a community that accepts its responsibilities, even embraces these responsibilities, and experiences joy and fulfillment when the tools are being well used to build something that is lasting and good. I think we do far better with providing the tools for our armies and navy. We build the tools so we can engage in endless wars. We build battleships, each at a cost so great that we could have built hundreds of schools or numerous hospitals instead. While our armies are equipped and trained and billion even trillions are spent, our school system is collapsing, our health care system is a source of national shame and food / housing are becoming out of reach to so many.
What are we creating now in America? What tools are we providing so the “job” of a productive life with meaning and with a caring community can be accomplished? I just don’t know. Or possibly I do and I am afraid of the answer.
