John McConnell 

Guest Editorial Columnist

9-11 Anniversary - What To Do

The destruction of the World Trade Center by terrorists has affected the global state of mind and become a turning point in history.  It killed over 3,000 people -- people of every creed and culture.  There was a feeling everywhere that the crime was against all of us.  The shock brought a sense of our shared humanity.  Paradoxically, the violence of 9-11 united us in altruistic concern about the future and a desire to take action. 

In 2005 the question is still "What shall we do?"  Can we in our diversity of creeds and cultures find an agenda all can warmly support?

DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON THE STATE OF THE WORLD AND WHAT TO DO

Overview -- The Human Adventure

When I was a young man my preacher father wrote a tract, "What's Life All About." In the present global crisis many people are asking that question.

In the last century we became more aware of the many different cultures and religions that cover our globe.   Then our venture into Space made us know that we had only one Earth and that the future would be largely determined by the human family - which now covered the globe. 

Today we have incredible knowledge and technology.  If it is used for good the whole world benefits.  Misused, it will destroy civilization.

In this brief article, I want to provide different perspectives on the human adventure.  I want to call attention to important matters in which we agree and how we can unite in a common cause that will provide a sustainable future.  (At the same time we must recognize our differences and how to accommodate them.)

RELIGION

Many people feel their religion holds the answer to a better future.  They view life from the perspective of their religion.

The religions of Earth (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism etc.) are an important factor in what people think and do.  Unfortunately, mass media largely ignores this fact.  In the newspapers and TV programs you will find far more space for football than for religious news and events.

Most religions teach the Golden Rule and profess to favor justice and fair play (though many times their words are not followed by actions).  However, we are conditioned to focus on differences.  We need to find and focus on a great common cause all can support.  The solution is a compelling agenda that will appeal to all and leave room for differences. 

Awareness of this led to my efforts to make Earth Day the Great Day of Earth: A global event that could bring together the whole human family on one special day each year.

This day calls attention to the Earth Trustee Agenda, which on several occasions at the United Nations has fostered peaceful resolution of conflict, justice for all and environmental actions for a sustainable future.  The Earth Trustee vision and agenda provides a key solution to our problems.

EARTH TRUSTEE AGENDA

"Let every individual and institution now think and act as an Earth Trustee, making choices in ecology, economics and ethics that will eliminate pollution, poverty and violence, awaken the wonder of life and nurture people and planet."

POWER PROBLEM

Lord Acton stated, "Power Corrupts."  All around us are examples of this.  While motives are mixed and many altruists seek financial success with the idea they will use their wealth for good, they repeatedly push up the amount they need for themselves before they give.  There are exceptions.  I knew George Pepperdine who practiced what he preached and gave 10% when he was poor and kept raising the amount as he prospered.  When he sold his auto supply business he formed the Pepperdine Foundation -- and the Pepperdine University.

Most of the time money power is misused to obtain more power.  The solution is a heartfelt sense of responsibility on the part of the individual and an open, fair economic system that would reward honest service and eliminate the drones who on Wall Street and in the banking business make money without rendering an honest service. 

We need to restructure the Stock Market and the banking system.  But until that is done, let us try to invest money in ventures that are aiding the environment, health, education, home ownership, etc. -- even though the returns are less. 

WHO OWNS THE EARTH?

There are many different perspectives on what life is all about and what we should do.  There are the perspectives of the scientist, the scholar, the saint.  They may each look at a different aspect of what life is all about and have differences on what is important.  But I have found that almost everyone agrees with the Earth Trustee Agenda.  It provides a common cause and leaves room for differences.  The more people think and act the Earth Trustee way, the better our future will be.

Think about it, talk about it, pray about it.  Look at our web site: www.earthsite.org, and take from it what you feel is best.  Let's all think and act as Earth Trustees in a global effort for Earth's rejuvenation.   The March 20, 2006 Great Day of Earth, can then turn the 9-11 Crisis into a new beginning for Planet Earth.

John McConnell
4924 E. Kentucky Circle
Denver, CO 80246

Phone: 303/758-7687www.earthsite.org

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