Bits and Pieces

Priorities for US: Survival is priority one for any nation, ours included. So, it is understandable that we engage in foreign affairs and military preparedness at the same time. However, survival also requires a focus on our planet’s health, its ability to continue to support human life. Global Warming is the issue that will dictate our future. It should be engaged internally and with other nations. Time is running out on this issue.

Meanwhile, what do we do? We argue about politics, ideologies, political districting maps, voter fraud, abortion, gay marriage all the while allowing gun violence to consume our country.

What does this say about our priorities? And what does it say about our governance structures when legislatures and Congress cannot get their work done because they are playing cat and mouse with issues that are of lower priority?

It says much about our maturity. It says much about our collective intelligence. 

Global Priorities: Global warming is real. This is not a political gimmick. It is not ideological. It is pure survival. It should be the world community’s priority one. The second one should be clean drinking water everywhere. Third priority should be proper sewage collection and treatment. Fourth priority is access to appropriate healthcare. Fifth priority is world peace. With the earlier priorities well managed, peace should be a snap. But how do we work together on these priority issues?

Civility: It is evident nearly everywhere. On downtown sidewalks, store counters, commuter trains, social media (of course!) and in hospitals, schools and homes. Civility. Being pleasant to one another even when we don’t feel like it. A smile, a nod to acknowledge someone’s presence, a thank you for service, information or for holding a door open for you. These are little things. we appreciate receiving them; others appreciate getting them.

Selfishness and preoccupation with our own thoughts leads to mindlessness in public matters. Under such circumstances it is easy to be rude and uncivil. Don’t be. Work at being pleasant. Brighten another’s day and brighten yours at the same time. It is easier than it sounds.

July 21, 2022

 

 

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