We live in uncertain times. It does not take an economist to see that our current economic system - which rewards the greedy and corrupt while punishing the honest and hard-working - is not only obsolete but is leading to the rapid destruction of our planet. Most of us know people who have lost their life savings, their home and/or job, who cannot afford medical care, or who don't even know where their next meal will come from. Perhaps you are one of them.


We all feel that something must be done urgently, at the same time, we wonder what we can do as the powerless "little guy." If you have been following the news, you are aware that our human rights and constitution can be revoked at any moment by one stroke of the pen, and that concentration camps to hold us - fully stocked with caskets - have already been built and staffed, under a law called "the Patroit Act."
What can we do as law-abiding individuals to encourage peaceful change? We can start from the simplest act, that is, to start weaning ourselves off of this consumption-based society. Take a look in your closet. If you are like most of us, you have enough clothes, shoes, handbags, and other items to last you a lifetime. Mohandas Gandhi, a yogi who helped free India from British oppression, once said: "There is enough on earth for everybody's need, but not for everyone's greed." The next time you go shopping and get an impulse to buy an item, ask yourself the simple question, "Do I really need it?"

Another thing you can do is to participate in barters. For example, doing handiman work in exchange for dental work. While the IRS would like you to believe that bartering is illegal, neighbors helping neighbors is the oldest form of trade, and if there is no exchange of money involved, it cannot be considered "income." Also, think about donating unused items in your home to the needy. That extra set of plates that you never use, those clothes that your kids have outgrown, or that old sofa that is taking up space in your basement can be put to use by someone who cannot afford such items otherwise. Other things you can do are to not be wasteful, to recycle, to grow your own food, to use alternative energy sources, to carpool, etc. It would also be a good idea to start building alliances with friends and neighbors so that you can help each other out if needed. There is strength in numbers.

Uprisings are happening all over the world, and the situation will undoubtedly get worse over time, as more people fall through the cracks. While change is always difficult, we must remember that this change is urgently needed for the survival of our planet. We should embrace the change and do our part to support it.

When doing so, an important thing to remember is to keep a rational mind, to not be overcome by anger, and to not direct this anger towards the wrong target. Human nature is that of wanting to blame others for our misery. In the U.S., Muslims are a convenient target, since much of our nation is Christian and Jewish. We must see that the average Muslims are hard-working, honest people like you and me. If you have lost your home, your job, your life savings, it should be enough to ask yourself, are Muslims really to blame for my misfortune? Chances are, your Muslim neighbors are from the same 99% of the population that you are from, struggling for survival.

With all the propaganda that we are being fed, we can easily be influenced and lose our sense of judgment as to what is right or wrong. If ever in doubt, all you need to do is to turn to the person whom you respect the most. Jesus Christ, Buddha, Krishna, your grandma, whomever. Ask yourself, "what would Jesus (or this other person) have done in this situation?" The answer should become crystal clear.

Tough times await us all, but we can overcome them through unity, compassion, and love.

- Anaamika -