Monday, mid-September

The temperatures this coming week will be back to the mid 80s to 90f (30-32c), a typical fall in the Ozarks. I should have taken advantage of the lower temps this past week to tend to the fall needs of our flower beds. I know I have time, but if I don't get started soon -- well, then I won't have time.

It's an easy Monday morning for me (aren't they all?). There is an unusual amount of noise coming from the nearby lumber yard. They specialize in larger timbers and mostly just receive and deliver loads of timbers. They must have a large custom order since both chains saws and the large mill saw fill the area with their distinctive sounds.
But my coffee is good, the deck is comfortable, and the sounds fade into background noises as I settle into my quiet time.

I've been thinking about the things we (in the US) value as a society and how that fits with my own personal values. There were a couple of social media posts or comments that started this line of thought. The first was this meme--

The second was a comment praising our system of capitalism and free market reign over socialism or any other type of societal structure.

As to the first...
We are very willing to pay lots of money for the privilege of luxury. With that, we create a class of people and elevate them to the level of the wealthiest among us. Two young musical superstars have topped $1 BILLION in net worth this year and many professional athletes make more in a single day than the average worker makes in a year.
We watch movies and TV shows via paid subscriptions to streaming services, cheer on our favorite sports teams or athletes, and listen to our favorite musical artists. 
What is it we need? 
Is it the entertainment or is it the status of being able to afford the luxury of being entertained?

As for capitalism...
The comment itself was interesting and out of context where it was used. It was really used by a conservative person making an irrelevant point and challenging a more liberal person's view on ... I don't know, like I said, it was irrelevant.
I'm not anti-capitalism. The free-market has its place. But a market that is largely controlled by a few isn't really free. And when the few that control the market gain control in government the system of capitalism starts to breakdown the fabric of a strong society.
Also, I find capitalism to be in opposition to the teaching of Jesus. Jesus teaches so much about caring for the poor, the widows, the orphans, really anyone in need. He got angry with the free-market crowd that was taking advantage of people at the temple. He told a rich man to sell what he had and give the money to the poor. He teaches us to take care of our society, our community. I don't think Jesus was a capitalist. I think it would be fair to say that his teachings are definitely anti-capitalism.

Where do I fit into this?
I do recognize my privilege. Spending a couple of hours of morning quiet time and not having to work or worry about food and shelter is an incredible privilege. I am not very good at, nor consistent with my giving to or volunteering to help those that are not so privileged. I should probably work on that. I don't really produce anything to benefit my community. My contribution to society is simply that I am a consumer -- and not a very big one, at that. 
My rural home and retirement lifestyle is not very conducive to contributing to society. There is great comfort in not having to do anything other than decide if we're going out for dinner (and where) or eating at home (and what). Most other decisions in my day are pretty insignificant. 
I'm not sure what I should be doing to add something to the fabric of society. Today I'm just going to see if I can do a little yard work. 

What do you think about how we value entertainment and entertainers?
What do you think about capitalism and religion?
What do you add to the fabric of society?
How do you determine a persons value -- by necessity or luxury?

Just wondering...

John