Do Your Part!
NEW MILLENNIUM OPPORTUNITY
By John McConnell – The man who started Earth Day.
As we stand on the cusp of a new millennium, we see the
culmination of humanity’s evil tendencies – division,
violence, injustice, poverty and despair. Is there any hope
for the future? Can we somehow tap the world’s
attention and provide a pregnant answer?
I’m 84 years old now. In the brief period of my life
span there has been incredible changes in the human
adventure. When I was very young my father bought a crystal
set radio – a sensational little device that enabled you
(with earphones) to hear radio; then a recent discovery. My
father, who was a minister, explained that the air around us had
music and voices in it. He put his fingers together and
said, "Right now I’m holding a note between my
fingers. You can’t see it – but a crystal set can
pick it up an let you hear it."
With all that has followed – TV and now Internet – I
can say that between my fingers I am holding millions of books
from major libraries. They are on Internet and a laptop
computer can pick them up right here.
Our new technology for production and communication opens the
door to a great opportunity. Our common goal can now be to
assume our rightful role as custodians of Earth.
We have an amazing planet with raw materials and natural
resources. But human folly and greed have hindered efforts
to foster commitment to the stewardship of Earth. We must
now win global support for a moral equivalent of World War II --
an all-out effort for peace, justice and the care of Earth –
the only way to a viable future. The problem is how to get
attention for the agenda that will best override evil
tendencies. A powerful vision of our Earth Trustee
opportunities and responsibilities is the answer.
Thirty years ago, when the Cold War was at its worst, Moscow
launched the first man-made object to circle the globe.
Called Sputnik (Satellite), it was launched (unintentionally) on
the Feast Day of St. Francis – October 4, 1957.
That event stirred the world with a new awareness of our planet
and human destiny. "We set out to explore Space and
discovered Earth." (It also caused great fear because
of the military possibilities.)
St. Francis and Sputnik point the way to a peaceful prosperous
future. Discover Earth with the eyes of St. Francis and you
will feel the love of neighbor and nature we as Earth Trustees
now need. Then every day will be an Earth Trustee day as we
put aside our differences and work together for Earth’s
rejuvenation.
(Note to Editor: Put this on the front page and see what
happens.)
www.earthsite.org
April 6, 1999