duty

[ironymaiden]

recent reading has reminded me of the importance of acting on one's convictions. i can't just think positive thoughts about a person, cause, or situation and expect them to have measurable effect.
i know part of this comes from growing up in a family of active volunteers, but i can't help but consider certain things my duty as a citizen. i suppose they're minor, but i'm sold on incremental effectiveness.

i vote, and i believe passionately in doing so when you're eligible or shutting the fuck up.

i'm donating blood tomorrow, and feeling terribly guilty that this will be the first time i've done so in Washington (and i'm O+, so shame on me).

i recycle.

i buy from local businesses and sources when i have a choice. i spread word of mouth on good experiences as best i can.

i don't give money to businesses if i disagree with their politics, even if it hurts. (and i loved Red Mill burgers.)

i donate to things i care about whenever i've got the money.

what's your duty?

Comments

[mrdorbin.livejournal.com]

What's up with Red Mill?

It can be hard to admit the good stuff you do. Either it's bragging or it's being excessively earnest, which has become a social crime these days. But in the interest of solidarity...

I try not to let shitty statements fly, even though I kinda suck at stepping up and doing it a lot of the time. Telling someone they're being a racist is HARD, especially when they're someone you know socially.

I keep a full Catholic tithe. 5% to the church (I'm debating changing that to Catholic Relief Services, except that about 2/3 of the money collected by our parish goes to pay the salaries of the people who actually work in the parish, and I'd hate for them to get laid off because I'm mad at the Pope) and 5% to charity (doubled through MS, a combination of United Way-type things and ACLU-type things).

I take the bus instead of driving everywhere I can.

[ironymaiden]

yeah, i don't want to brag...i don't know that any of those things are stuff to brag about, it's just stuff you DO. i used to have trouble with the theatrical tradition of thanking technicians - i don't expect to be thanked for doing my job.

Red Mill in Interbay was a suppporter of the initiative to can the monorail. i suppose they can now say that they were right; i'd still like to have some gorram mass transit.

good works

[(Anonymous)]

I teach first aid. Hundreds of people handle themselves better in an emergency because of me. For about 15 years I brought more beauty to the world by singing in a chorus. leff

Re: good works

[ironymaiden]

bringing beauty. i like that very much.

[bhagwanx.livejournal.com]

I stopped driving, lessening both environmental and emotional pollution.

I campaign against >excessive< pottymouth.

I open doors for people, and allow them to piss me off, instead of automatically hating them.

I air dry dishes, and occasionally lather with the water off (I definitely shave and brush teeth that way).

I used to give blood, until my blood became ungivable.

I read, and more importantly, I understand.

I care, even when it hurts.

[ex-tawneelyn258.livejournal.com]

donating blood... the act of giving life. thank you. I have to get blood transfusions, and am so grateful for people like you. Don't feel guilty about not doing it before now, feel awesome that you are doing it now. Maybe you needed that blood. Now you have some to spare, and you are doing it. Thank you so much. So much things to give, when the most needed things are love, communication, nourishment, and rest. If you give that everyday, to anyone, then you are giving back. The rest of the things are materialistic, and are needed, and you are wonderful for sharing them.


Hold your head high and don't worry if you are " not giving enough". You are giving enough, enough to help others at the same time helping you. Many others have a problem balancing that, I know I do. You are my role model, and again I am grateful.

My duty?
My purpose in life is to guide others in their pursuit of healing and life.

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

I buy books from independent bookstores, avoiding the big chains whenever I can. Small booksellers are underappreciated in the publishing business, but they handsell books, do it because they love it and often start the trends that chains latch onto later. They Matter.

I teach people about writing and the publishing business mostly by speaking at conventions. I have, in the past, taught classes in same and tutored an underpriviledged kid fer nuthin' but because he was smart, interested, and needed the support. Did this for a year several years ago and never talked about it until now.

I vote (I'm almost never missed an election unless illness got in the way). I recycle. And I, too, donate to things I care about whenever I've got the money.

[writersweekend.livejournal.com]

I give writers a chance to make their dreams come true. Also, I give away booze, whenever possible (spiritis sanctum)...