There is an old Nigerian quote that says, “If you won’t share your wealth with us, then we will share our poverty with you.” The fact of the matter is this, the United States and other rich countries need to lend a
helping hand to the world’s hungry. According to statistics, 50% of the world’s hungry live in India, this is about 35% of India’s population. In addition, 38.2 million Americans suffer hunger and food insecurity. Instead of these people preoccupying themselves with getting a quality education and a decent paying job, they must worry more about where they will get their next meal. People need to recognize that they can do their part in helping to fight hunger and food insecurity. It does not take a whole lot to go to the grocery store and pick up canned foods, noodles, or even snacks that come in a box. There are many organizations that can help ship those foods to places like India and Africa. This has to start one person at a time.
U.S. corporations seem to be looking after the self-interests of their CEO’s, rather than the people whom they are supposedly serving. Corporations need to take responsibility and be held accountable for what they do that kills or harms people. Many companies today are more worried about how much profit they can make, rather than how they can make a difference in the world that has been so good. These companies need to realize that power does not bring peace in the world. The main question that every individual should ask his or herself is whether they want another world than the one envisioned by the World Bank, Wal-Mart, W.T.O., Disney, and Monsanto, or do they want strong countries with a strong democracy?
The time has come for people to step up and declare human rights. This is a challenge that people cannot back away from, it is about governance and self-determination. Most important, this is about being fearless for what they believe in. We as a nation cannot be afraid to step up to the challenge, or sink on the day of adversity. After all, “Fear is the cheapest room in the house,” as quoted by Hafiz.