Illusion: There is No High Class or Low Class

The word ‘class’ is interesting I don’t know how many times I have observed perceptions that perceive people as their class, upper class, working class, business class etc. Those who are like them or different. There is nothing wrong with difference, it is the idea that no-one in truth is better or worse than anyone else. Each has the same capacity for love, wisdom, friendship, intelligence, beauty when one has the eyes to see. I’ve had partners that were of a different culture, the feeling of love ensured I no longer saw their nationality. When I clown I deliberately connect with everyone to take down the artificial walls created by society’s fear. I felt a sense of oneness.

I am reflecting on the people in the horn of Africa and in particular the deep suffering of the people of Darfur. As I was eating I was reflecting on the children that are starving and the fact that there is enough food in the world to feed everyone. The other aspect was the worst drought in 60 years, no different from the volcanic eruption in Chile. I reflect on the Africans and how often that continent was ravaged by colonialism, resource exploitation and dictators. I reflect on how what is termed ‘blacks’ are starving, what if it was Australian’s, or American’s, would there be outrage? Of course. If you wish to help the people you can donate by going to Unicef http://www.unicef.org.au/Donate/One-off-Donation/east-africa-drought-emergency-appeal-famine.aspx?gclid=CO7Jh_-Mo6oCFWJMpgodHDFyWA

I always remember a nice friend of mine living just north of Sydney telling me that when New Zealand had the earthquakes he was moved because they are ‘like us’. He is not racist but he just noticed that he didn’t feel the same with other different types of people. Yet indeed they are all just like us. I have friends who are African and I see their incredible courage and passion. I just spoke to a Congolese woman at the University of Queensland yesterday. We spoke of DR Congo and she said to me ‘we believe in god because we suffered so much.’ I told her about my friend who’s driver was shot in her drive. This happened because she attempted to have the youth engage in peace activities to end the bloodshed. She was smuggled out of the country to save her life. I told this Congolese lady her story then she told me the authorities will kill your family, your friends so that no-body stands up. Such oppression with no rights. Now they have to deal with famine, we in the West can’t imagine such hardship or hunger.

So I will work for peace and encourage children to respect people who appear different, to learn to open the heart and love others, to express themselves with honesty and to work for a better world. That inspires me and keeps me going with little money. But I find I don’t care at all, I don’t even think I would accept donations from those wanting to be seen to work for children. I am only going to accept money from those who feel they are choosing a new future.

So I send love to all those in Africa, respecting the diversity of all the countries there where they are struggling to live. I do believe the future will be different.

CLASSES APART

Why is it that we are a class apart?
Winners and losers,
Success and failure,
Those accepted others rejected,
Those in the know others in the dark,
Why must we be a class apart?
When we can be together,
A high class where there are no losers.

The entrepreneurial spirit,
Leads us to climb mountains,
The incentives of wealth,
Lead us to try new things,
To take a risk,
To imagine we have the world at our feet,
These are great aspirations.

But what joy can one gain,
When the world is crying,
When poverty is so oppressive,
That the greatest mountain climber languishes in the slum,
That a mother must sell her kidney,
Or indeed her child,
To survive,
Where is the equity in equality?
For all were born equal and free,
Yet some have an advantage,
Before birth.

Gandhi started the long march,
To help the British establishment see,
That there was no inferiority,
That no-one should crawl in the presence of a white colonialist,
That no-one should travel second class,
That the colour of one’s skin is not the mark of the beast,
But the grace of natural selection,
For each race has greatness,
Each individual has dignity,
And to serve is noble when one is filled with great love,
Service becomes slavery when one is owned and unquestioning.

The gap in our humanity,
Pre-dominates the distinction of class,
To become a name,
And open doors,
When all are names that open doors,
But why is one name more important than another?
What is it that we value?
Why is money so important?
Why is heritage identity?
Why is conformity respect?
Why can differences not be embraced with good humour?
Why must we separate into suburbs?

Why…
Separate by position,
Separate by income,
Separate by family,
Separate by education,
Separate by status,
Separate by culture,
Separate by colour,

Why not…
Join in harmony,
Share our inherent treasures with love,
Admire such unique distinctions,
Explore the experience,
And be thankful for our hidden wealth,
That is generous with time.

For money never buys happiness,
Money can never buy freedom,
Money can never control another’s humanity,
Money just leaves a paper trail,
As many mask their true identity,
For to be seen to be is more important,
Than just being who you are.

The true wealth of nations,
Is visible when one speaks the truth,
Honours justice,
Lives with integrity,
Answers the call,
Listens with empathy,
Helps you up when you fall,
Respects all with purity,
Observes the true bounty of life itself,
Which is generous in its bouquet,
Releasing aromas of peace and tranquillity,
For the flower of creation is blooming,
The solar power of sunshine illuminates our lives,
The fruits and nuts are abundant for all to share,
When we see ourselves in each other,
And join in a new class,
Where we are same same,
Yet different,
And each has a splendid voice,
In the choir of perfection,
And that my friend is the reflection of inner peace.

With that… the truth sets us free to enjoy this beautiful life.