Those of you who are Avett Brothers fans will recognize the title of this post as the the title of one of their songs. As I listen to the song again tonight, I am struck again by the profound truth of their lyrics. That phrase, ill with want, is an accurate description of what plagues us here in America. We have a nearly insatiable appetite for things. Our happiness seems to depend on whether we are able to accumulate as much stuff as our neighbors. Because there is always someone else with more, we are never really happy. Meanwhile, our more distant neighbors around the globe are suffering from exposure, hunger, and oppression.
We are unhappy if we can't get away for a round of golf once in a while. Many in this world are hoping to have a full plate once in a while. We NEED the latest iGadget (I am guilty here, myself), the latest fashion, or the latest adjustable driver that corrects for our uncorrectable slice. Meanwhile, a large minority of the world NEEDS food, clothing, and shelter. We plan to retire at 65 and hope to retire earlier. They hope to be able to work until they die so they can feed themselves and keep themselves clothed.
We are indeed ill with want.
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