WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD?

 

(Letterpile.com)

   There is so much bad news now circulating, i.e., the ongoing war in Ukraine; the devastating hurricane in Florida and another currently looming; the famine in Somalia displacing millions, with hundreds of thousands already facing starvation; the brutal crackdown on protesters in Iran and Russia; the severe drought and flooding caused by climate change; the world's largest active volcano in Hawaii rumbling and threatening to erupt; recent seismic activity in California predicting that a large 7.0 earthquake is possible; wildfires, also brought on by droughts, destroying millions of acres of forests around the world; the warning of another pandemic of three different viruses happening at once this winter season, with pediatric beds throughout U.S hospitals already overflowing with sick children; states like Texas who are allowing guns to be openly carried without permits; and on top of all this, the current mid-term elections going on in the U.S. that are filled with lies, vitriol, and hatred. 

   "The evil tongue can be compared to nuclear weapons: its destructive force spreads in a powerful chain reaction and remains in the air for a long time, slowly killing off the possibilities of a healthy Market [of existence]." - Nilton Bonder

   

It is no wonder that some religions are positing the idea that we are fast approaching the apocalypse as prophesied in the Bible. When Putin threatens, even slyly, using nuclear weapons, he appears to encourage the likes of Kim Jon Un and the Iran theocracy to rattle their swords as well. It brings to mind Albert Einstein's quote "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." STORIES WE TELL

   But then, as today is mid-term election day, America may be facing annihilation without waiting on foreign enemies. The results of this election may determine the future of Democracy and the freedom it affords us.

  "DEMOCRACY The death of democracy is not likely to be an assassination from ambush. It will be a slow extinction from apathy, indifference, and undernourishment.”- Robert Maynard Hutchins 

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   Some might say that one should avoid the "bad" news and focus on the good that is also occurring. Usually I would agree, but as Hutchins points out, ignoring the bad news can and often does lead to "apathy and indifference". Time is running out and we cannot afford to do nothing about the fearful happenings. So many of these happenings are due to climate change, and I have heard nothing or very little about this from the candidates on either side. Money and cheap gasoline will be of no use when droughts, hurricanes, wildfires, and floods have destroyed the earth's ability to grow food and have clean, drinkable water supplies. Crime will be even more rampant in our streets if the gun lobbies are allowed to support certain candidates. 

   I want my children, grandchildren, and now my great-grandchild to have a life free from all the lack and danger that is currently growing in our country. I pray everyone who voted shares some of my concerns.  I guess we'll see, won't we?

Until next time,

Marilyn