BS: What've you done to improve the world?

Subject: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: maire-aine
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 03:05 PM

I just finished browsing the "a new level of terror" thread, and I was disgusted by the mud-slinging. I generally don't participate in much of the political discussion on this forum, and the posts in that thread explain why. All heat and not much light.

So, I ask you—what have you done to advance the cause of peace?

I spent a hot, humid Sunday afternoon going door to door for the Kerry campaign. The first step IMHO is to make sure Bush isn't re-elected. I know there are some of you who don't feel that Kerry is a "good enough" candidate, but he's the Democratic Party's nominee. Some of you thing that the country deserves four more years of Bush, just as a punishment for our past sins, and to make the economy and other issues even worse than they are now. (Rub raw the sores of discontent.) I disagree.

Next Saturday I'll be marching with Women In Black, then more canvassing and passing out literature.

You folks who are spending all your time in the forum, blasting other folks for their opinion, need to get out in the real world and DO SOMETHING to make a change. If you have mobility problems, write a letter to the editor or send emails to your friends. If you can't find something, you haven't looked hard enough.

See ya' after November 2nd.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 03:12 PM

"What've you done to improve the world?"

I've decided that it's best to leave it alone, and let it do what it's gonna do... Cause there ain't nothin I can do that's gonna matter a tinkers cuss...

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: mg
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 03:23 PM

I wish I could do it once a month, and have only done it once at all, but I did build a water system in Chad once. I also once was able to sponsor a number of children in various countries.

mg

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 03:33 PM

Planted 5 trees and raised two fine children - not necessarily in that order.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Kim C
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 03:35 PM

I sing.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 03:39 PM

Gregory, Geoffrey, and Rebekkah.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 03:40 PM

Chocolate Heffalump with baileys.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: DougR
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 03:44 PM

I'm expending a lot of effort to help ensure George W. Bush is our president for the next four years.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Kim C
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 03:53 PM

The Chocolate Heffalump! I made that once. Would you post the recipe again? It sure was tasty.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: greg stephens
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 04:03 PM

My children, the tunes I've passed on to younger people, the work I do with refugees, the water I recycle and the turf roof on my house. The support I give to traditional industries like organic farms, guitar makers and breweries. As to the merits of Bush v Kerry...it'll all be the same a hundred years from now. I'll leave that to those who have a vote in the USA.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 04:06 PM

Isn't ALL water recycled?

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 04:12 PM

Given birth. Maybe the next generation won't be war mongers.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 04:17 PM

Yes, Clinton...eventually. :-) So is all matter. Eventually.

Hmm. I've contributed various music and writings that have inspired or moved various people in a worthwhile fashion. I've rescued numerous bugs and other small creatures from various unpleasant fates. I've helped individuals here and there in various ways. I've provided a useful product to some people through my business. I've been a good friend to many people along the way. I've mostely treated others as I would hope they would treat me. I've contributed money to certain worthy causes. I've tried to vote responsibly. I've obeyed the civil laws and enouraged others to do so. I've avoided being violent, even when I felt violent toward someone else. I let people in in traffic, I return grocery carts from the parking lot, and I have successfully resisted the impulse to mail Clinton Hammond a live skunk.

Half reasonable, I guess. I could certainly have done a good deal more...but half reasonable.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: greg stephens
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 04:23 PM

Clinton hammond: all water is recycled,over and over again. It's the little bit that I recycle that I am pleased about. And I think it does a bit of good.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Peg
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 04:36 PM

canvassed for Greenpeace

written many essays and articles to promote understanding of paganism to counteract right wing and fundamentalist prejudice

promoted recycling, organic gardening and other modes of environmentally-friendly living through writing and networking

taught many students about writing and creativity and had an impact on some of them (so they tell me)

planted bulbs in the empty lot near me to persuade people to stop throwing trash in the area

Cut down invasive plants in Franklin Park to help the trees survive being strangled by non-native parasites

various random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 04:43 PM

Good for you, marie-aine! I've got one of the few, in western Colorado, Kerry/Edwards bumper stickers on my car, plus one from the Friends which says "Build Democracy...VOTE!" I've also got yard signs up for local Democrats. I do a lot of emailing re' the issues, etc. and urge everyone to VOTE!

I also tried to Keep on the sunny side. Maybe you'll have more luck with this thread.:-) Unfortunately, I think fear-mongering has a lot of folks so on edge, they either get silly or mean, in order to cope. Sure hope we can get some balance back.

I just self-published a small book which some folks say has inspired them or brought them comfort and I am grateful.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 04:45 PM

What've you done to improve the world?

I've been honest (with a lapse or two); I've been tolerant (almost all the time); I've been kind (mostly); I've loved my wife (unreservedly and continually!) If everyone would do as much, it would be a better world.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 05:03 PM

Greg...
I'm honestly not being facetious here...
"It's the little bit that I recycle that I am pleased about."

Do we even have a choice about recycling water?

Isn't it actually kinda impossible to stop it happening?

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 05:08 PM

True, Clinton. It's just that there are intelligent and downright stupid ways to recycle water, that's all. Have you considered, for instance, that peeing on your living room carpet would be less than the best solution to that particular water disposal problem?

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 05:13 PM

LOL!!

I'd be more concerned about the smell in the living room than the paltry amount of water (when compared to global reserves) in my average pee...

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 05:30 PM

Yeah...me too. :-) How goes the gigging these days?

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 05:40 PM

Don't clutter threads with off topicness LH

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 05:41 PM

I've spent my life combating intolerance and racism, (including time on the front lines in Mississippi when I was younger)....I have worked for the Environment, both directly (EPA) and in daily life, and I have been a 'pretty good guy' most of the time.

My declining years seem to be spent in Mudcat, explaining issues about careless thinking habits...*grin*

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: lady penelope
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 06:12 PM

I haven't reproduced. Those who know will instantly realise the wisdom in that last statement.

TTFN Lady P.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 06:15 PM

Me either. And ditto.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Teresa
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 06:36 PM

Listening, learning.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Don Firth
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 06:58 PM

Learning, discussing, writing, pursuading. Multiplying my influence by working with other like-minded people. Not just working to get Kerry elected, but working to get liberal and progressive local candidates elected or re-elected as well. Pushing for Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Jim McDermott.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: GUEST,GROK
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 07:17 PM

I have thrice voted for a winning party in elections. The other twenty or so times I voted for a party that lost. TTFN.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: kendall
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 07:24 PM

I'm doing all I can to help get rid of Bush

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Ebbie
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 07:28 PM

I keep myself happy and thus add to the happiness in the world. That's better than being miserable and adding misery to the world...

Grok, I too have voted for the 'winner' three times. Jimmy Carter and twice for Bill Clinton. I think it's time I vote for the winner again.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 07:44 PM

I let a friend know how much I appreciate her support right now. Does that improve the world? Maybe not, but it improved both hers and mine.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Cluin
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 08:28 PM

Made some people happy and pissed off others. But the vast majority of the planet is indifferent to my existence. So I guess I'm not doing too badly.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 08:38 PM

Most of the good we do is done a little at a time. It may be nothing more than talking to the check-out clerk at the local supermarket who has a lot of health problems and was really hurting yesterday. Or, cutting my neighbor's hedge because they can't do it any more because of bad health (our other immediate neighbor cuts our side of our mutally shared hedge, which he loves to do. It's particularly wonderful when you can do something good by allowing someone else to do something for you. Sometimes, it's a phone call at just the right moment. None of these things may have much impact in Improving The World. But they sure improve this little corner where my wife and I live.

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 08:52 PM

Made a few people laugh - some in spite of their best efforts to prevent themselves. They were the ones who needed it most.

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: JenEllen
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 09:43 PM

Jeeze, if you have to ask...... *bg*

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Bobert
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 10:07 PM

Think global... Act local...

Oraginized a Sunday Farm and Flea Market in Leesburg, Va. which also has live acoustic music and a community information table...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Pogo
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 10:34 PM

I really don't know. I've just tried to be myself. But if that improves the world somehow then huzzah for me {O)

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: CarolC
Date: 07 Sep 04 - 10:50 PM

I guess I don't think that's really for me to say. But I do think it's important for me to try to see the ways in which the world can improve me.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 01:30 AM

For sure...

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 03:50 AM

I've smoked, drunk to excess, over-eaten and cut out exercise in the hope that we will eventualy evolve into a race of fat slobs that can no longer be bothered to fight with each other...;-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: mooman
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 04:22 AM

I've tried to be tolerant, helpful, positive and humourous...as best I can.

Not much but every little helps I guess.

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 04:28 AM

I've done my little bit, but I did it in a way that only the recipients knew, thus retaining my modest and self effacing nature.

I hope I'm passing some of my ways on to the Limpit. Only time will tell.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Jeanie
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 05:21 AM

Just been writing up my lesson plans for the coming 7 weeks: 8 year olds will improvise and act out scenes on "Being a good friend"; 9 year olds will be looking at how we are influenced by advertising and for the 10 year olds the theme is "Anne Frank in Hiding", looking at the history and relating it to present day discrimination. I hope what I do with them makes them stop, think and question and that by doing, through acting and devising their scenes, they will remember.

I also agree with CarolC's comment: this has to be a constant two-way street.

- jeanie

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 07:27 AM

Bought up two decent kids. Did some voluntary work until recent events put a stop to that. Try to recycle as much as possible. Do my job to the best of my ability.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: GUEST,Larry K
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 09:30 AM

I've given about 50 seminars training people have to save money on their energy bills, therefore using less energy and helping the enviroment.   Many in low income communities.

I've trained 200 case workers for THAW (the heat and warmth fund) on energy for their work with low income.

I've trained 50 FIA (family independence agency) on the same.

I've worked with legal aid socieity, society of the aged, and other low income groups on energy.

I did a tv show that ran on cable on how to reduce your energy bill and mailed out 700 copies to people who requested one free of charge.

I made a presentation to the public service commission in Michigan to bring in 200 million megawatts of renewable energy in the next five years.   That is enough to serve 300,000 homes.   They accepted my proposal and we are out for bids.   I can't think of a cooler project to be working on than in bringing in renewable energy to my state.   

I book the contra dance series in my area.   We provided a free dance for all our members as a thank you this past year.

Not bad for an "evil conservative"

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: GUEST,Larry K
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 09:39 AM

I wanted to talk about what my wife has done to improve the world. Her work far exceeds mine in this area.

Aside for her being Hadassa woman of the year (local chapter) president of the Friends of the Library, Secretary of PTO at our school, treasure and fund raiser for our Contra Dance group, I want to talk about her doll project.

The local hadassah (large fund raising group of Jewish woman) in West Bloomfield Michigan has made over 35,000 dolls which are donated to all Detroit area hospitals in the past 8 years.   The dolls are used for many purposes.   Children get the dolls to keep and often decorate them.   They use the dolls to say where they hurt or for Doctors to tell the children where they will operate.

My wife brought 50 of these dolls to Hadassah hospital in Israrel this past year.   This hospital is funded by Hadassah and treats 90%of both Isrealie and arab terror victoms.   The hospital was overwhelmed with them and wanted more.   My wife has arranged for over 500 more dolls to be sent there.   In addition she has taken on the mission of starting doll projects at other Hadassah locations around the country.   Several are considering it with Boston being very close to getting started.

Will this bring peace to the middle east? NO- but it will make the lives of several of the children a little better.    Wouldn't it be cool if other cities started a doll project as well.   In the meantime, she has started a new project of Kemo caps for cancer victims- an offshoot of the doll project.   35,000 dolls in 8 years- not too shabby.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 10:31 AM

"Bought up two decent kids."

Hope you sell them for a profit....

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 03:20 PM

Sorry Robin - typographical error - I'll swallow the dictionary next time.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Nerd
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 03:31 PM

Wow Larry K, you and your wife both should be commended! The Doll project sounds great.

I run a small non-profit folk arts center that has brought artists to a seriously depressed city, to work in schools and also do free concerts and performances. I have taught hundreds of students about the beauty of folklore and folk arts traditions. I have written many articles that people seem to enjoy reading.

I also sing.

And I've been working to get local and state-level Democrats elected, as well as helping the Kerry campaign.

mary garvey, as to your statement that

I wish I could do it once a month, and have only done it once at all,

sometimes I feel that way myself!

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Rustic Rebel
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 11:57 PM

Whoa Maire-aine!
Political motive is what rocks the world?
Political paticipation is an improvement on reality?
Thanks for clarifying that up.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Amergin
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 12:11 AM

I take showers every day....and wear deodorant.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 12:10 PM

Today I went with my friend for her sonogram. Everyone got to talking about cravings. The two sonogram techs both were wanting a brownie sundae.

Two hours later we walked into the hospital with 2 of the biggest brownie sundaes I have ever seen.....almost as big as the smiles we received. Does that improve the world? Nah...but it made a few people more happy and THAT improves the world!   :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: jimmyt
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 12:51 PM

I practice every day doing some dental work for free. I like to decide on when and what I do, but everyday I do some charity. I treat my patients every day like I would want to be treated myself. I always remember what an old dentist I used to work for said to a patient one day."Well, if I had your mouth, this is the way I would want it treated," he said rather condesendingly. "You know, Doctor," the patient retorted, " If I had your wallet, I would."

I try to do the best thing that can be done realistically, knowing that perhaps patching someone up so they can get school clothes for the kids is making a bigger contribution than doing a crown.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: open mike
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 01:06 PM

Bought up two decent kids. -- Where did you purchase them?
I hope they were the right size, etc. Was there a return policy?

oh an by the way. i recommend reading this little book...it
all started in a Sausalito, California, restaurant in 1982 when Anne Herbert scrawled the words "practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty ...

i am not sure if this foundation is connected to the author,
and there is some discrepancy, some claim she is from sausalito
CA, some say Berkeley, CA, one mention even says that phrase is
anonymous, but Anne Herbert definately wrote it.

http://www.yoyow.com/aherbert/

the book talks about keeping a clown nose in your car
for amusing fellow travellers when stuck in traffic,
and other ways to bring a smile, such as feedin a parking meter
that has expired, paying for an extra passage at a toll
booth, and treating the next in line to pass thru,
little things that help you and others thru the day.

here is another site: http://www.noogenesis.com/malama/kindness/

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: CarolC
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 01:47 PM

jimmyt, you are a saint.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: GUEST,Larry K
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 02:03 PM

Everyone contributes in their own way.   After one of my seminars, a woman told be a line that just floored me in how profound it was.   She said that if everyone just followed one of my suggestions and saved 5% of their energy- just think what a difference that would make on the world.

A year later and I still think of that line.   Every little bit that everyone does makes the world a better place.

Great thread.   I love reading about all the wonderfull accomplishments- both great and small.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: jimmyt
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 02:13 PM

CarolC surely you jest.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: CarolC
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 02:30 PM

Not at all, jimmyt. I think you are making a much more profound difference in people's lives than even you realize.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: freda underhill
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 02:45 PM

that is so inspiring jimmyt. i agree with Carolc.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 02:45 PM

I'm not surprised about jimmy, Carol C, although I didn't know it. My dentist gives me 20-30% off when he works on my teeth because I am a senior citizen with no dental coverage.

Or maybe it's because I look so down in the mouth.

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 03:32 PM

I have housed and neutered countless cats, birthed their babies, found homes for as many as I could and kept the rest. By my estimate, several hundred thousand homeless cats do not exist as a result of my efforts. And about 50 led healthy happy lives or finished out what time they had left in a warm safe home with lots of food and love. My tiny little corner of the universe.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 03:55 PM

jimmyt, good for you. It reminds me of the Delany sisters who co-wrote Having Our Say. Here's the bit it reminded me of:

Bessie Delany graduated in 1923 -- when she was 32 -- from the School of Dental and Oral Surgery at Columbia University. She was the second black woman licensed to practice dentistry in New York City.
      Bessie Delany became known in Harlem for never turning away a needy patient, no matter how poor or sick. "I remember a child with syphilis, and nobody else would touch her," she said. "I said, Well, somebody's got to help her, so I did."

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: GUEST,SueB
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 10:44 AM

Not nearly enough.

I know this thread should be inspiring, but...

Well, I haven't killed anyone. That should count for something.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Deckman
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 03:10 PM

... made a friend of my brother ... took twelve years ... many people are better off now! Bob

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 03:16 PM

Funny you should say that SueB....I was thinking the same thing! Although, I can think of a few instances where that just might actually improve this world!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: M'Grath of Altcar
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 04:17 PM

George had Downe's Syndrome and had very limited speech. He only knew a few words despite being in his twenties.

I used to sit down with him and we would have conversations.

In nonsense language.

Over the months and years that we did this, We developed a vocabulary of sounds, gestures and expressions.

We could argue! ( In a freindly playful way) The pitch and volume of our voices would gradually rise to a crescendo. And the conversation was regularly punctuated with bouts of laughing.

We both enjoyed it enormously. And while meaning wasn't present in our chats the freindliness that conversation imparts was there.

One of his carers pointed out that I was probably the only person who had ever had a conversation with him.

George died a few years ago. :o(

MofA

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 04:54 PM

MofA,

That is just sweet and makes my heart smile. :) Thanks for sharing that with us!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 06:54 PM

You just reminded me: my neighbor in NYC has a grandson who is autistic. When I did my laundry in the basement he would sneak out of his apartment to help me. He loved moving the wet clothes to the dryer and then he would run back home. One day, he came in, pulled on the neckline of an obviously new sweatshirt with a team logo and said "shirt". I said "Wow you have a new shirt. It looks great on you." He smiled, said "shirt" and ran away. A few minutes later his mother came in and I said "John told me about his new shirt". She looked baffled and asked what I was talking about. I repeated the story and she, almost in tears, said "John doesn't talk". He did that day. I don't know that I did anyting but listen.

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: robomatic
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 07:24 PM

My next car will be a hybrid. I will talk up energy efficiency and hybrids at avery opportunity.

Hey, anyone catch the new Prius? ;'>

Subject: RE: BS: What've you done to improve the world?
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 11 Sep 04 - 05:01 AM

I have not done enough yet to improve myself or the world but I am working on it.