Helpless

There is nothing more frustrating than being in the middle of a disaster and being completely helpless to stop it. It would be an understatement to say that I am upset about the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It makes me physically ill. I have nightmares about it. Maybe I shouldn't let it affect me personally to such an extent, but being affected is appropriate and human. Remaining ignorant and silent on matters such as these is cowardly, to say the least.

We have become way too comfortable in our isolation. We have become weak in our boundless pursuit of individualism. In our shameless pursuit of personal comfort and "happiness" we have become hardened to anything that does not have a direct effect on our personal lives. We may feel a twinge of guilt or pity when we remotely observe disaster, but rarely do we take action to incite change.

America was once known as a revolutionary nation. A nation of pioneers, bound by our common struggle for a place in the world. We have become complacent in our global leadership; cautious, cowardly. We are afraid of making any move that would cause an offense or step on a toe. Hurt feelings will fade, bruised toes will heal. We will never be able to amend for our omission of just and proper action.

We have a responsibility to each other, and to the planet on which we live. In our selfishness we have neglected that responsibility.

In many ways, today, I hope the world ends on December 12, 2012. That may be the only end to the misery we are creating for ourselves.