Stress Reduction through Political Activism
We want to present a nonmedical remedy for better health. This is not a quick fix but a major investment in your community and in your mental and physical health. Research on empowerment show that people who do something about a problem they are facing fare much better than people who remain silent victims of it.
As members of the human family, we must gather our forces as concerned citizens and reduce the polluting of the air, food, and water and the power of corrupt capitalism. Your political activism regarding these issues may become an important component of your commitment to honor your body and relationships.
One of the very best things that you can do for yourself is to exchange ideas and feelings with other people who are similarly challenged. Because of the often invisible, insidious, yet pervasive and multiple effects of our economy, people who suffer from it find tremendous benefit in joining together. If possible, meet in small groups. Internet chat rooms and online discussions allow for useful exchange, as well as providing access to the most recent positive action needed to successfully thrive during life changes such as unemployment and underemployment. There are so many sites on the Internet that you cannot go wrong. Start with one watch word and go from there. Be sure to explore many different websites.
"Should any political party attempt to abolish social security, unemployment insurance, and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again in our political history. There is a tiny splinter group, of course, that believes you can do these things. Among them are [a] few other Texas oil millionaires, and an occasional politician or business man from other areas. Their number is negligible and they are stupid."
-President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 11/8/54
LETTERS
Every time I hear that this administration has changed political policies to balance the budget I see red. Opening our borders to immigrants is just one example. Our neighbor, who enjoyed seven years of not paying taxes, enjoys the income produced by housing she has back home, while enjoying free housing, food stamps, a free vehicle, free education, free dental, vision, health, and mental health coverage for herself, her mother, and four children. She works under the table and sends the money home for family to put into more real estate. She uses the local food and clothing banks. Her children have pianos, violins, the latest video games, cable, bikes, etc, etc, etc. She lives better than most high, middle class families. She has spent the last four summers setting out by the swimming pool and has just come back from her second international vacation this year. I have heard this is not unusual for foreigners who have been welcomed by Bush. How can this be making our budget better?
Jina P., CO (2006)