LETTER: After the solstice, it’s time to put things in perspective

To the editor: Now we celebrate the turning of the Earth back towards the Sun. I think we should be thankful and considerate of our many relations. We forget how living is about relationships. We don’t acknowledge the role of the Sun and our special atmosphere that was developed by the forces of the Universe/God/Gaia/the Creator/whatever name you wish to use. Our twenty first century mind seems to belittle the role that everyone else plays on the planet and focuses only on our human tribe.

We need to acknowledge the role others play in maintaining our Earthly health and recognize the family bonds that connect ALL of us, even plants. We share most of our DNA with EVERY other life on the planet.

Our planet’s systems seem to be out of balance. We can see the evidence of violent storms, fires, droughts, bombs. Refugees are looking for a place to call home.

We humans have a hard enough time getting along with our biped neighbors. Just look at the state of our own nation (and then multiply that by the one hundred odd “nations” of the planet).

Our government isn’t coping.

Justice? There is no justice; just us.

Education? Schools are trying to respond to new problems with outdated solutions, including outmoded ideas of job security.

Equality? This is not possible in this competitive environment. Too many people want the same resources and the same space. There are just too many of us.

Health? We can’t be healthy so long as we accept the poor food, water and air allowed us by corporations (run by greedy people).

So how do we step forward into the future with hope?

We begin by accepting our role individually and as a species. We must stop playing god and stop anyone who tries to do so. Indigenous people around the globe can relate because we are the closest to our acceptance of the Creator/ Nature/ Gaia….. We must speak now of what our ancestors taught us about the seven generations. Hope for the future begins with hope today.

Please, speak for all our relations.

— Amara Johns

Wasilla