In the introduction on her new book (The Law Of Divine Compensation) author Marianne Williamson shares a report from economist Jeffrey Sachs stating that one-sevenths of the annual military defense budget (one hundred billion dollars) could eradicate deep world hunger within ten years. Two things immediately jumped out at me - eradicate - the complete elimination of a global catastrophe in a decade. The second was what a slim figure one-sevenths actually is. With a simple paradigm shift deep world hunger could be on be on the path of global elimination in a moment - a single moment. Many may claim that we cannot possibly shift our priorities (even by one-seventh) away from home defense in a dangerous world where many seek to do us harm. I won't make the argument other-wise. It's not for me to debate an issue that clearly has merit on both sides. I have seen facts and statistics that show we can indeed spare such a figure without a compromise in security and I have heard counter arguments. The debate goes on and people - children - continue to die. I will make this one statement though and leave it for each to workout on their own - imagine the esteem and gratitude heaped upon a nation that eradicates deep world hunger and the suffering that ensues. Yes, we may still have enemies that wish us harm - yet maybe many, many more that sing our praise. With gratitude comes one less enemy.
For what we can do please visit
http://www.results.org/
Peace,
Eric
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