by Lucas Redekop
The Globe and Mail newspaper runs an informal daily online poll asking readers various questions. A recent question asked “Do you think you will resume your old spending habits once the economy rebounds?” At the time 41% said yes and 59% said no.
Underlying this question, although not spoken, is the question “What is an appropriate income?” or “When are we making/spending toom uch money?” Interestingly, with all the talk of the economy, bank failings, job lay-offs, government bailouts, I have yet to hear any discussion of what is a justifible income or how much money do we need to live.
There is currently outrage at bonuses given to AIG executives; however most of the outrage is directed at rewarding failure. Opulence itself is not targeted specifically, but rather undeserved opulence. I think as a society we still have hestiations to put limits on our own potential earning ability.
But maybe we should consider putting limits on our own earning ability or at least reflect on what constitutes a living wage. As a society we have spent beyond our means even as incomes increased. And now as the economy crumbles we are having trouble giving up what we are accustomed to. Computers, diversified pension plans, yearly foreign vacations, are all considered normal despite being unheard of a geeration ago.
Not only have we lived beyond our means financially but also environmentally. And, as we see now, we can only run up debts, financially and environmentally, for so long until repayment. Thomas Friedman of the New York Times calls this repayment the “Great Disruption” where we, as a society, must finally face our mistakes and work towards a more greener and just society. Not simply becasue it’s the right thing to do but becasue we no longer have a choice between yes and no.
link: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/opinion/08friedman.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
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The irony of questioning what is a respectable income is that many of our highly touted Mennonite Institutions/organizations (like MCC) along with many other non-profit organizationss depend on large financial donors and corporations.
The question is where does this money come from?
Is it helpful if the places, organizations or corporations where we work and earn our incomes or that support Mennonite Institutions are strong contributers to the very systems that are furthering oppression, inequality and destruction locally and globally?
Whoop-de-do if I work for a nice little NGO peace and justice organztion that works for change but then went saved $100 by shopping at big box land, bought copious amounts of international produce from a food provider superpower.
Or, good on me if I work hard to gross $100,000 in my job building houses for people who really can’t afford them but give my %10 to the church or MCC.
Life really is about lifestyle choices, at least, that’s what Jesus seemed to convey.
Maybe we also need to consider where we choose to earn our incomes?