11/21/2009 Human Observations
There is confusion afloat.
The prevalence, and even popularity, of economic, social, sexual, and racial oppression has brought our United States of America to a point where these blatant demonstrations of mental weakness have caused us to lose the self respect that once made America the standard of freedom among the nations of the earth. We rationalized our negligence by noting incidents of discrimination (for any reason) as exceptions to the rule, declaring our national devotion to freedom for all Americans. Especially today, with a sitting Black President of the United States, many declare that racism no longer is a major issue in our country. Of course, such a declaration can only come from those whose lives are insulated against exposure. The problem, however, is neither racism nor sexism, nor social or economic oppression. These are but viruses intentionally hydrated by those whose standards are void of parity.
The blatant lack of respect for the other human inhabitants of the earth originates in the intentional refusal to recognize and acknowledge that every human has an equal right to live on the earth. Some sit alone declaring that their racial, economic, or social status “entitles” them to a better life than other humans. Some join forces with folks “of like thought”, believing that they are more worthy to live than others who are not a part of their group. Some folks are simply motivated by greed, exploiting everyone with whom they come in contact, to feed their lust for acquisition. There are many other excuses for the disregard of human respect, but they are just that: excuses. Yet, many have justified, to themselves, their acquisition of power, wealth, or social status by such blatant disregard of the lives and freedoms of their co-inhabitants of this, our planetary home. They did not believe that there would be repercussions for their oppression. Their belief system did not include the word “ramification”.
Today, such worldwide acts of exploitation have not only changed the political fabric of our American government, it has also created an uncertainty amongst the nations of the planet, causing the many to question the ethics and integrity of the few “who would be king"; so to speak. Until now, our financial and political leaders have led us to the brink of worldwide economic collapse, a greater gap between the “haves and the have nots", and an actual choosing of sides concerning who might have access to those elements that make modern living “comfortable”. Many of us are searching for a better way, a way that is better for all of us, and not only for those who misguidedly feel “entitled”. There is a better way, by the way. The doorway to that solution is composed of respect. This does not imply building into our minds a vulnerability to divisive schemes. There will always be those who choose to exploit, rather than live and work with, others. Planetary co-habitation begins with respect. Productively sharing the planet with its other naturally born citizens is the next step. However … one step at time.