Thursday, October 18, 2012

A Fundamental Question

At this time close to a major election when we pride ourselves as a nation in regards to our democracy – in our apparent ability to direct our own government, it is of utmost importance to assess the state of our nation and use our collective intellect to project into the future in regards to what kind of country will it become given the decisions that are made now.  To the degree we have impact on our own destinies, the future, after all, unfolds based on what transpires in the present – every choice has its own particular set of consequences.

In my view, any sane and viable civilization must constantly assess its own condition.  The fundamental question in this regard is, "What kind of future will result from the worldview and policies that we choose to embrace in the present?  This question represents the ultimate test of our political and social systems, for it requires reasoned judgment based on an understanding grounded in science and an essential trust in human ingenuity, resourcefulness and ability to grapple with real problems. 

This is a critical area in which this nation is failing.  As a people we have collectively "bought into" a life style that demands immediate satisfaction to often trivial and inconsequential problems, where relentless acquisitiveness plays a central role and the real living conditions of our people, the actual state of our natural resources and even a basic understanding of truly democratic principles become of secondary importance.    

There is a necessary corollary to this fundamental question and that is – "Do we want a society where the lives of all of our fellow citizens are regarded with the quality of  love and compassion we so readily demonstrate to members of our immediate families, or do we choose a future where there is no room for personal misfortune; where there is no provision made for personal tragedy or grievous illness; where there is no consideration made for those who suffer from mental and physical defect; where poverty and needless suffering is ignored and where there is no acceptance of our undeniable role in the deterioration of the natural environment that sustains us all?

These are questions that we should, in my estimation, pose to ourselves on a daily basis.  Our collective answers will ultimately determine our fate as individuals and as a people.

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