ROTARY MUSINGS
by Michael Figgins
For over half a century, I have championed the causes of the poor throughout this nation. As a Catholic, I come by this honestly. It is not just a question of giving one’s surplus to those in need, but of helping people, excluded or marginalized, to enter into the sphere of economic and human development. The protection of justice is at the heart of a true culture of solidarity. I was told by an articulate man that to him, “it is not being poor in itself that holds any meaning, it is seeing all the relative wealth in others and our nation, that makes you feel poor.” Maybe more efforts like Rotary to champion peace, fight literacy and poverty, and protect our planet is the answer.
Not long ago, I saw a person leaving a homeless encampment. We exchanged greetings. I noticed a sign attached to her possessions. I read the sign and the words sounded familiar if not downright musical. My mind recalled the words as lyrics. The lyrics I later learned were from a song from a band known as The Traveling Wilburys. It was a hit song. I took the time to write down the lyrics and thanked my new friend. Here are the lyrics:
Well, it’s all right even if they say you’re wrong
Well, it’s all right, sometimes you gotta be strong
Well, it’s all right as long as you got somewhere to lay
Well, it’s all right, every day is Judgment Day