Editor,
It seems appropriate to say that our world is collapsing around us. Our relationship with the Middle East has been shot to hell, political tension between Mexico and the U.S. is continually fermenting, the economy is in shambles, corruption (at least the corruption that has been made apparent) is unprecedented, and global warming still remains a very valid threat that's only getting worse.
Pathetic recitation of prophetic Armageddon comes to mind, but in truth, it is only our world that is collapsing. Any way you spin it, we have built this great nation on the backs of the oppressed, and we continue to do so with utter neglect of the implications it may have. We dress up capitalism under a liberalist guise and hold on to it with a death grip while it slowly increases the disparity between the wealthy and poor. Is it any wonder that we see so much corruption, brutality and acquisitiveness in a system that not only promotes, but rewards it?
We love to bring up our economy as a hallmark of our greatness, as a testament to our progression over the past 30 years, yet it falls like a house of cards in a matter of months. Economists say it's our consumption that keeps us great, but for some weird reason, we aren't quite sure what it is we need more of. All we know is that we need more of it, and we need it now. This mentality is a byproduct of this system that perpetuates this paradox.
We actively practice imperialism, and we do so under the false pretense of globalization or spreading democracy. In many instances, corporations influence policy more than people, but we sit contently with our Wal-Marts and our gas-guzzlers just begging to be left to our poisons.
Suddenly, the repercussions of our ignorance now stand at our front steps, and we are taken aback with complete bewilderment asking, "What happened?" Meanwhile, more young men and women are sent to their deaths overseas. It's a sad day in America when I can't have an intelligible conversation with someone without seeing their face cringe with fear at the thought of confronting the demons we created.
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With all this said, there is still hope. There is hope that we may rebuild this system to more adequately meet the needs of the many and not just the few. Survival of the fittest is a primordial concept fit for animals. If we wish to continue living like animals, then we will die like animals. What separates us from animals is our ability to change and to understand worlds beyond our own. What many may deem a radical concept, I see as a realistic alternative to a failing system. "Be the change you wish to see in all the world," seek understanding and realize that to understand is to transform what is. Only this way can we reach our full potential, because frankly, this isn't it.
Matthew De La O
UNM student
