What can we do about it? -reply

[Sabina Swift]

Thank you, Linda Stathoplos.  You spoke my thoughts.  Since we are already in
the midst of the "masses," we got to do something.  Sure, advocating
governments of developing countries to adopt the planned parenthood
strategy of developed nations; give incentives to couples with 1-2
children; show the example of China's one child per couple, etc. are good
additional measures, but I think individual efforts to alleviate the
problem is what really count for now.  Living a simple life (I'm not
talking voluntary poverty here) and having a life tuned to the principle
of stewardship are significant steps each of us can do.  We have to
remember that all we possess - ocean, mountains, trees, fish, oil, gas,
are gifts of God, nature, of whatever you believe in.  As individuals and
as inhabitants of this earth, we are obliged to use our time, our
abilities, our money, our material possessions and other resources in
a spirit of humble stewardship, committed to the right sharing of these
resources among people everywhere.

So, the questions we have to remember each day or occasionally are: 1) what
am I doing to work toward right sharing of the world's resources; toward a
balance between human life and the limited resources of our earth, so that
all have an opportunity to fulfill their lives? and 2) how do I cherish
and protect the natural world, of which people are a living part?

If a religion advocates "ye go flies and multiply", another religion
advocates "ye go friends and be good stewards of nature's gift."

:-)  Sabina

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Sabina Fajardo Swift            E-MAIL:swift at bishop.bishop.hawaii.org
Bishop Museum                   PHONE: (808) 847-8217
Department of Natural Sciences  FAX:   (808) 841-8968
P.O. Box 19000                  "Time is nature's way of preventing every-
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817  USA     thing from happening at once."  -Anon
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