Make the majority rule

How can so many people be doing so much good and there still be so much hate and violence in the world?

I look around Hendricks County and the metro-Indianapolis area and I see individuals, organizations and businesses stepping up to lend a hand, a few dollars or at the least, a kind word and smile. And yet, the news in the media and so much conversation centers on all the problems and devastation.

There are problems, I understand that. Just look at the economy and the behavior of people we have put in Washington to “lead” the country. I agree we need to focus energy to solve those problems.

However, I have to say that the people centered on doing good, being happy and positive outweighs – and outnumbers – those who are the haters. At least here in Central Indiana. I think we should simply let the majority rule in this case.

The cynics are the sores that fester. One day, the topic of philanthropic giving by organizations came up and one person in particular came to mind because he had led his organization to be a primary giver and driver of new initiatives here in Hendricks County. Someone said, “Yeah, it’s easy to give when it’s not your money.”

That conversation was months ago, but it has stayed with me. Not because I agree or disagree, but because the speaker discounted what compels a person to lead a push that benefits the community as a whole. It would have probably been easier to convince the decision-makers to direct the money and time spent to a program or initiative that would directly impact the organization’s bottom line. But he didn’t. Instead he chose to champion the community.

Indy Car’s Panther Racing’s primary sponsor is the United States National Guard. I get that that means money funds the racing program. However, Panther Racing,  led by owner John Barnes , is made up of individual people who give and do good. The team makes efforts to support troops and recognize them at races and as they are ready to ship out, but the team also supports local Indianapolis organizations like food pantries with food drives.

Do they have to do that? No. It takes time. It takes effort. It does good – and promotes good. They’ve gotten a few awards as thanks and have been mentioned in blogs – but you certainly don’t hear about it on the nightly news.

People who do good and make a difference in the lives of others may not care about that recognition, however, we all need to follow their lead. If we do that, eventually the majority has to not only outnumber, but rule.

Just think about it