Ellen Wetzel's Page

Do you believe we're now in a global emergency?

Yes, I do, although I believe it is still possible to have a positive outcome if we wake up.

What does climate change mean to you?

I see evidence of it here in the Midwest (USA) with an unusually warm winter through mid-January, as well as melting of the polar ice cap, severe weather patterns globally. There are far reaching consequences and we need to take whatever corrective action we can as soon as possible.

What does peace mean to you?

Peace means an end to war and violence. It means learning to live cooperatively with each other, respecting differences and understanding that we are all interconnected on this planet. Peace means shifting our mindset -- birthing a new mind, in a sense. Peace means learning to communicate and interact more respectfully on a personal level, as well as on a larger scale. Peace means letting go of always having to be right. Peace means the possibility for life to continue on earth, the possibility of a future. Peace is our one hopel

What does community mean to you?

Community means sharing, understanding, caring, learning, being together, and respecting the need for solitude. Community means joining together for mutual assistance, for creating new ways of interacting and living, for ensuring that all are able to live well.

What does politics mean to you?

I am in no way an expert on politics and my very basic understanding is that politics entails the working of governments at all levels; the form of government, the selection/election of government officials and representatives. Because I don't see many (any?) examples of enlightened and effective governments that are truly interested in the well being of all, this is a subject in which I have lost interest of late.

What does money mean to you?

Money is a means of exchange and fuels the global economy. There are other means of exchange, but money certainly seems to be the primary means at this time. Like politics, I am not an economist, or even close, so my understanding of money is fairly rudimentary. What I do know is that money seems to be collecting in a few great pockets of wealth, while poverty (or lack of money) run rampant. Definitely an area where there needs to be some thought, innovation, fairness and improvement.

What makes you truly happy?

Being alive on this planet at this time; being conscious and able to live a decent life and share my life with family and friends, and finding ways, however small, to be of some service to others and to the world. Helping in some way to move us forward into a new era of understanding and consciousness makes me feel hopeful (in spite of everything) and happy.