Put Ruth on the Supercommittee

I'm dismayed that we have to be so concerned about our government sharing resources with those who may need them most.

I see hope in Ruth. I'm impressed that an ancient scripture models for us—in both law and specific practice—what it means for a society to practice sharing. Ruth did not have to ask for special arrangements; she entered a system with those who had long practiced sharing with those who did not have.

I don't know that sharing comes any easier for countries than it does for individuals, but I suspect that we can follow the same process: learn while young. We could also follow the Hebrew example: make it law and live in it for generations.

I suspect that societal sharing will take some practice, but it will begin like all other disciplines—one cookie, one lesson, one harvest field at a time.