We must invest in affordable housing, quality education, safe

Come, O children, and listen closely to the words of Cori Bush, for they are a clarion call to action, a summons to build a world of justice, compassion, and opportunity for all people. She said, "We must invest in affordable housing, quality education, safe parks and green space, good paying jobs, comprehensive mental health and trauma services, and other supports that will help all of our people." In these words, Bush speaks not only of the needs of the present, but of a vision for the future—a world where every person can live with dignity, where the structures of society are built not just for the privileged, but for all. This is a vision of community, a world where the well-being of the whole is placed above the interests of the few.

Consider, O children, the teachings of the ancients who understood that a society is only as strong as its foundation. The great Greek philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, believed that for a city to thrive, it must be built on principles of justice and equality. Plato’s ideal society was one where every citizen had access to what they needed to live well—food, shelter, education, and health—and each person contributed to the well-being of the whole. In the same way, Cori Bush calls us to invest in the foundations that will allow each person to thrive. Affordable housing, education, and access to mental health services are the modern equivalents of Plato’s vision of the ideal city. They are the building blocks upon which a just and thriving society is constructed.

In the ancient world, Rome was built on the idea of providing its people with the resources they needed to contribute to the greatness of the empire. Public baths, public parks, and grain subsidies were just a few examples of how the rulers of Rome sought to care for their people, understanding that when the basic needs of citizens were met, they could contribute more fully to the empire's prosperity. Yet, even in Rome, inequalities persisted—there were those who lived in luxury, and those who were excluded. The great Roman statesmen, like Cicero, spoke of the virtue of caring for one’s fellow citizens, but often, this care was reserved for the few. It is a lesson for us today: in any society, the true measure of its greatness is how it cares for the most vulnerable, how it ensures that all have access to the resources that allow them to live with dignity.

Cori Bush’s words speak to the heart of this ancient wisdom. She calls on us to invest in the structures that support the well-being of everyone, not just the privileged. When we provide affordable housing, we give people the stability they need to build a future. When we offer quality education, we give them the tools to reach their full potential. When we create safe parks and green spaces, we give people places of rest and renewal, spaces where the soul can find peace. Each of these investments is not just for the individual; they are for the community, for the nation, for the world. They are the stepping stones to a more just and equitable society.

Think, O children, of the great leaders who understood the importance of such investments. Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his New Deal, sought to provide for the needs of the people in a way that would ensure lasting prosperity for all. His vision was one where the government was not just a distant authority, but a force that could create programs to provide jobs, housing, healthcare, and education to those in need. Roosevelt understood that the well-being of the individual was inextricably linked to the well-being of society. His actions laid the groundwork for a more equitable society, much as Cori Bush calls for today. It is through such investments—into the people, into education, and into the health of the community—that we build a future where all can thrive.

And so, O children, the lesson is clear: the true strength of a nation lies in how it cares for its people. Cori Bush calls us to invest in the basic needs of every person, recognizing that when housing, education, mental health, and jobs are accessible to all, the entire community is uplifted. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the needs of others; we must take action. This is not just a matter of charity—it is a matter of justice and human dignity. By ensuring that everyone has access to these basic supports, we lay the foundation for a society where all can live freely, contribute fully, and realize their highest potential.

So, rise, O children, and take Cori Bush’s wisdom to heart. Look to your own communities and see where investments can be made to build a society where everyone has a chance to succeed. Work toward creating spaces where justice, equality, and compassion are not just ideals, but realities. Let your actions be driven by the knowledge that when we invest in each other, we invest in the future of us all. For a society that uplifts its most vulnerable is one that is truly worthy of its greatness.