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One
Just a little while ago, I was reading through the Web site of One.org (the campaign to make poverty history). There is some information there that gave me pause.
-72 million children around the world can’t afford to go to grade school.
-1 in 7 people has no access to clean drinking water.
-Every year, 10 million children under the age of 5 die, mostly from preventable diseases.
-Every year, 500,000 women die from complications during childbirth.
-1 in 7 people goes to bed hungry every night.
-18 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS. (12 million of them live in Africa.)
-1 billion people live in substandard housing, including more than 14 million refugees.
Wow.
So I was thinking, the next time I find outrage welling up in my chest over an opinion voiced here, I’m going straight to Google to search for something really outrageous. And then, I’m going to take action. Nothing too strenuous, mind you. Maybe I’m make a small donation to an organization doing good work. Or send off a quick letter to the editor.
Then, I’m going to come back to TPM and continue reading. Maybe I’ll leave a civil response to the offending remark, maybe I won’t. But I’m hoping it will help me to keep things in perspective.
Today, I signed the One declaration, committing myself, “one person, one voice, one vote at a time—to make a better, safer world for all.” Will it ensure that one less person goes to bed hungry tonight? No. But it’s a step. Maybe if I take enough of them, I’ll make an impact.
Comments (11)
Beautifully said, Orlando. I'll check out One.org.
July 21, 2008 6:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
ONE works hard and has been very successful. ONE members across the country just convinced the Senate to pass $48 billion for PEPFAR, a program fighting AIDS in the third world. Harry Reid himself took the lead in pushing for it. In fact, his chief of staff, Susan McCue (I think) used to work for ONE. For all of those who say that the Dems aren't doing anything in Congress, here is a huge counterpoint. ONE is bipartisan, with prominent GOP supporters, although the most vociferous opponents due tend to be a few GOP Senators, in the tradition of anti-foreign aid Sen. Jesse Helms.
ONE is an easy group to get involved with, and they have local chapters in most major cities, as well as really great college chapters and events. Volunteers organize grass roots events to sign up more ONE members, to inform people about the issues of poverty, AIDS, debt, and trade, and to encourage cities to pass resolutions supporting the goals of the Campaign and to become Cities of ONE.
July 22, 2008 11:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
If we all took a step together, the ground would shake. Great point, and post.
July 21, 2008 6:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Orlando iz my new hero!
July 21, 2008 7:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Link to site
http://www.one.org/splashad/googlesplash6.html?gclid=CJbLuO-W0pQCFQVvFQod024AlA
Thanks Orlando. Recommended.
July 21, 2008 7:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's phenomenal, really, that one gets, over time, an accurate sense, or measure of the person posting. Long before this particular post of Orlandos's, it was clear that she is a woman of genuine integrity. Precisely because it is not praise that she seeks, but only collaborative support for something she sees, clearly, as a no-questions-asked priority. She could be the woman Maya Angelou was thinking of when she wrote:
"Phenomenal Woman
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me."
Maya Angelou
July 21, 2008 9:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
wwstaebler, those might be the nicest words anyone (except my mom) has ever had for me. Maya Angelou was my college commencement speaker and on that day she moved me in a way that few have since. Thank you.
July 21, 2008 9:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lovely, Orlando. Yes, if we each do what we can, as one person with incredible powers, the world will surely get better. Thanks for this. Just lovely.
July 21, 2008 9:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great piece, thanks.
July 22, 2008 12:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
One is a great organization. Their TV spots were really moving - like this one from April 07. It was amazing that so many celebs have joined the cause as well. Truly heartbreaking yet inspiring.
July 22, 2008 1:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
As always O, outstanding post and message. Thanks for the link and the reality check.
July 22, 2008 12:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
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