Price

...its priests teach for a price ...

 - From Micah 3

In Micah, we read a resounding denunciation of corruption in high places. The charges could just as easily be leveled against the modern political Right, as well as the Left. 

I have a deeply-held view, that I have not shared openly, much. It comes from decades observing the political landscape from both sides, and especially from the Center. It is a very cynical view, that conflicts quite harshly with my normal sunny disposition. But if I observe something honestly, that to me is crystal-clear, it is not the same as putting people down, judging others, or expressing disdain for humanity. We need to be able to assess things accurately and candidly, without it being assumed that there is "hate" behind the assertions. Far from it! Love is honest and forthright. Hate hides in the shadows; it buries the truth, at great risk.

It is this: We are motivated, almost totally, by base, selfish instinct. Whether by food, or sexual drive, or money; we choose our path, and our values, according to what we can get in return. And our preference is for things that make us "feel good." Material wealth feels good. Power feels good. 

And then, even deeper than that . . . we want these good feelings because we're insecure. We're afraid of being sick, or cold, or lonely, or marginalized. We want to be liked. We want to be noticed. We want to stand apart. When we don't feel good, we start to dislike ourselves. "I must be a bad person. Nobody likes me. I must be ugly. I deserve more than this."

As George Harrison said: "I, Me, Mine."

But here's the good part - - - the point of today's reflection is not to make us all brood about how animalistic and worthless we are. It's about liberating ourselves from all of that, by at least admitting that it's true. I can affirm this truth, and it not ruin my day. I take it, and then proceed from there. You can't fix what you won't admit is a problem. And the recognition alone can go a long way to making us feel a lot better . . . but in this case: feelings that come from the good side of our spirit: Feelings that are truly loving; feelings that are rooted in eternity, and not in the next chemical rush.

The wealthy and corrupt culture is dominated by people that have a price. "Its priests teach for a price." Teachers and professors are the modern "priests" of this sort; the people tasked with learning. Can it be that the political leanings even of teachers - the most altruistic profession available to us - are driven by what they are paid, and who pays them? What if Conservatives changed their tune, and began advocating vast increases to public school teachers and professors, but said "You're going to have to moderate your message a little bit." 

Is the answer really just to throw money at our problems?

Could be. Money talks. 

Realize, today, that we are driven more by selfishness than we have ever wanted to admit. Even our political views are based on what it will get us in return (some people even declare, out in the open, that they vote according to their own interests. WWJD? I don't think so). 

And having made this observation to yourself, turn the corner and start focusing on others. 

Like . . . really focus on them.