On Greed

This morning, 12 adults, from a female fire fighter to a international banker, sat in front of a elementary school student body to explain what they do for a living.  There was a woman, trained as a hair stylist who founded a children's theatre, a camera man for documentaries seen on The Discovery Channel, a chef who opened his own oven roasted pizza restaurant after being an elementary school teacher, an architect designing affordable housing, a immunologist, a forester (me!), and a director of operas.  Each person spoke passionately about following the things in life that make you happy.  About giving to the community.  Not one student asked about how much money we made (although one precocious child asked if I got to shoot wild animals!).

And so, on this day, when Bernie Madoff was shackled and taken to a Federal Detention Center in Manhattan, when his victims cheered and clapped when he was hauled away, this piece by Tim Egan, says it all.   

I met Patsy Collins (referenced in the article) and worked with Bill Gates, Sr.  Both were and are amazing people.  We have a lot to learn from folks who understand commitment to community, family, and that following your passion is far more important that how much money you can make.  Greed was prevalent throughout our society, especially the past few years.  We're all in the mess together.  And it will take all of us to get us out of it.

Now, now it the time for us, in Patsy Collin's words, to "give forward."