I completely agree with you. Again, I know of no solution other than to make myself- and hopefully my children- more responsible. We have been lucky in our opportunities to travel and to get to know other cultures at least a bit, but I honestly do not believe that it is just geography that limits us. Don't you see the same limitations in most nationalities? I don't believe that we are the only ones who are governed by these emotions, these needs, but of course, because of our powerful position we should be MORE responsible. Incidentally, I believe in national pride- just not ignorant pride.
You know, I can remember first joining SI in 1996 and being very intimidated by a lot of the postings; many were global in scope, big in criticisms and big in ideas for improvement. And finally, I realized that a lot was talk, and a lot was impossible, and I really doubted that any one was DOING much, and for most of us, (at least for me) our best hope was in the small daily attempts to change, to care, to learn, to do. Maybe that's all that author meant to say in his column.
I think all your comments have been well-considered and expressed, and I'm glad you took the time to explain and didn't just dismiss the whole thing. Especially since I find I agree with most of what you say.
(Hey, we are poster children for the Rules of Civility)
Don't get me started on Franklin Graham :) |
