So much has happened in the world over the past few months – actually much of it stems from issues that have been around for far too long – that I felt the need to use my voice and engage some folks in a dialogue. Big money is ruling the country to the detriment of ordinary folks and the environment. Having these conversations is especially important with politicians lining up to make a go of the presidency.

I am a member of the demographic that tends to favor Republican candidates for political office but my politics lean much more to the left. I have taught in public and private K-12 schools and for the past 27 years have taught at the university level in fields of psychology, counseling, and education. I have investigated and written about social justice initiatives in urban education and have also been involved in a number of ways to improve the lives of urban people of color who have been historically underserved and marginalized. I have also had some involvement in environmental issues and happen to live on a river that is rather polluted.

I call myself a Professor on the Path because, as I examine issues, I am aware that I do not have many answers but find it important to raise some of the issues that are causing damage to far too many people and to the environment. I find myself on the path searching for ways to bring about change. My Buddhist and Christian studies tell me unequivocally that change has to come from within – that selfishness and greed need to be transformed by compassion and love.

I will say more about this another time but one item that really rattled my chain was a recent article written by Chris Hedges called The Pathology of the Rich White Family that appeared on Truthdig on May 17 (www.truthdig.com). This article gets at the core of some of the problems that we face.

Peace.