a little reflection on redistribution...

unbelievable that it's election time at home and in a few days (God-willing) we'll finally have an outcome. i certainly haven't had to withstand all of the political ads and bombardment that you've all endured these last few months, but even here the election is a big deal. i think people all over the world are holding their breath to see what happens, to see who we pick, to see if we factor citizens of other countries into our decision.

it's also been interesting to see how 'redistribution' and 'socialism' have become words used to instill fear these last few days. now, i'm certain that you're all aware of my political leanings - and i don't write this to try to sway your vote...although if i could, i'd be thrilled :) no, really though, obama and mccain aside, i want us to ask ourselves why we're so afraid of redistribution? and is it moral or 'christian' to be against it?

in class today our professor showed us 'the champagne glass' - which is an image to help us visualize how concentrated the resources really are. this was the cover of the UN's annual report in 1992, and at the time the richest 20% of the world's population consumed about 80% of the world's resources. sadly, in the last 16 years things haven't gotten better. and being in the middle class, in the united states, i'm undoubtedly, gluttonously, swimming around in the top of that glass.

i guess i just saw this image again today and had a gut reaction to it. i felt convicted by it and, and obligated to share it. i felt obligated to speak out for redistribution as so many are slamming it, to encourage people to look at the facts, and ask some questions. why are we so afraid to share resources? why are we ok with the fact that this just keeps getting more exagerated? why do we continue to put people into power who support this set up?

i'm not always as eloquent as i'd like to be, but i love that you're all willing to listen/read and love it even more when you comment or start conversations with me about it all. i hope that my questions come through as just that - questions, and not condemnations. and i hope that they always come through with love.