Vaclav Havel, a poet, playright, politician and human rights advocate died a few days ago. He was a brilliant man who led Czechoslovakia out of communism and in to their multiparty democracy now known as The Czech Republic. Why should we care? Because he understood things about human nature that have a deep impact on our quality of life. I first learned of him when I read his following quote:
“By nailing a man’s whole attention to the floor of his mere consumer interests, it is hoped to render him incapable of appreciating the ever-increasing degree of his spiritual, political, and moral degradation.” Slowly but surely the degradation he spoke of has come upon our country as we have sought out bigger and better two door refrigerators, more expensive sneakers, and vacations just a little bit better than our neighbors. One only needs to see or read the daily news to find the moral degradation and the spiritual bankruptcy that is upon us.
The good thing about bankruptcy is that you get a chance for a fresh start. I believe that what we really want are basic human rights for all. Shelter, food, medical care, clean water and air to breath are all natural human rights. Still the most precious human right is the right to think and choose. We must stand up and make clear to our leaders what it is we want and will have. After turning ourselves around, we can lead the rest of the world in right human relations. WE, THE PEOPLE, have the power. We must wake up now. This is our hour!
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