Karen Baxter

“When we over consume the Earth's resources, we create an economic imbalance in societies and in the world. Affluent people and affluent societies can afford to buy everything in large quantities. They have an abundance of wealth and think they have the license to waste. They use a great deal and leave others with very little. It is this imbalance between rich and poor that gives rise to crime, violence, prejudice, and other negative attitudes.

When some people cannot get what they need through honest hard work, and see others wasting what is so precious, they feel justified in taking it by force. The Earth can only produce enough for everyone's need, but not for everyone's greed. Our greed and wasteful habits perpetuate poverty, which is violence against humanity.”
― Arun Gandhi, Legacy of Love: My Education in the Path of Nonviolence

“Prison is, simply put, the bottom rung of the welfare ladder.”
― Stephen Reid, A Crowbar in the Buddhist Garden

“We live in a system that espouses merit, equality, and a level playing field, but exalts those with wealth, power, and celebrity, however gained.”
― Derrick Bell, Ethical Ambition: Living a Life of Meaning and Worth

“For any marginalized group to change the story that society tells about them takes courage and perseverance.”
― Sharon Salzberg, Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection