The idea that we are lone individuals and yet also many making one society. I was, and still am to a lesser degree, a very angry individual. Closing bars every night. Flunking out of college only to return a dozen years later and graduate. And still angry that much of what went on was weeding out for corporate preparation. And now clean and learning about politics. Always a Democrat.

It seems to me that much of this (whatever "this" means) revolves around respect. And yet this respect on an individual level can be violently abandoned when society as a whole decides to change. It's this very thing which I have spent so many years watching. Wear a seatbelt, or else. Don't abort a fetus, or else. It's ok to smoke a highly addictive poison, but don't grow cannabis.

Somehow respect can get lost. And sometimes it it tossed. In the name of change. I believe there is a core center which must always be obeyed. And yet we cannot even agree on what IT is. The ashtray is an example of flagrant violation. But which may not have even lodged it's importance in the head of he who violated. And so respect is part of awareness.

That statement by Martin L. King is simply prophetic. I remember hearing it many years ago. He even mentions petroleum companies, if I recall. And so we throw yet another wrench in front of awareness and respect. Our logical hierarchy of that which is supposed to make us civil is blinded. By ignorance and greed.

How do we all get on to the same plane? After all we are all the same. Humans. Sentient beings. It seems to me that until that time, we are engaged in tug of war. Which goes nowhere.

It may be that this is why the bible has had such an effect. A set of supposedly universal principals. Like a universal field theory which may begin to explain everything. It may help to put us on the same page. But even that has not done so. And in fact has even divided.

Unique beings, yet only a component of a greater one society. We want to organize and unify, and yet we want to succeed at our own rate, and even compete.

My only answer is that there should be a level below which a human being should never be allowed to fall. Financially, physically, mentally.

I'm afraid this doesn't happen through thoughtful preparation. And maybe this is one significant aspect of our condition. To act before it is necessary. One example is that in which we presently find ourselves. As individuals we are all living a lifestyle which will, if continued, kill us all. Or at least future generations.

The truth should be a highly sought after possession. After all, the things we stand for should be self-evident. Yet we live in darkness. One thing at a time, we must peel back the layers of lies and reveal that which is valuable in life. It is very simple. We have complicated it all. All in the name of power. Not love.