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My Big Wish

Today, hundreds of posts will populate this forum, each one trumpeting the greatness of our nation. The patriotic nature of this holiday spawns a passionate fervor. And it almost never feels like prejudice. Instead, it seems befitting of our eminence, of our central position in the social universe.

Such arrogance astounds and saddens me. Not because I don’t love my country, but because I view patriotism through a broader lens. I love my country, yes. But I truly love my planet. A lovely cerulean rock suspended prettily in a lemony sunbeam… this is my home. This is where my patriotism truly lies.

Celebrating independence is fine. But we are not independent anymore. We have never been more dependent on our fellow planeteers than we are in this era. To persist in this belief that somehow we are a nation standing alone, standing above, is not only arrogant, it is an exercise in self-delusion. The intertwining of our planetary co-existence is so vast, it overpowers my imagination to even ponder. So the question is, have we evolved to a place where we can celebrate our inter-dependence?

Our nation was formed by wanderers from the beginning. Wanderers, thinkers, and fighters with a collective idea. A good idea and one I truly cherish. Let us not forget though that together, by cooperating, they were able to accomplish what each man fighting alone, could not. Working together paid off. THIS is the gift they left us. Listen carefully to the whispers of our ancestors, there is a beautiful lesson in their accomplishment: We need one another.

Shall we set aside our self-important posturing long enough to spend the gift our ancestors left us and elevate ‘freedom from oppression’ to the next level? By discovering what else is possible, by coming face to face with alternative fates, we might forge a new and grander alliance. Our nation is but one stage on this vast and glorious earth. True independence will come when all of us can share in it.

When I see images of the sparkling mote of dust our planet reveals itself to be from afar, it simply takes my breath away. Everyone I have ever known, loved, admired, feared, or even heard of, has lived out their entire lives on this lonely island in space. It is our responsibility, our soul’s collective mandate to deal more kindly with one another, and to ensure the freedom of all earth’s children, so that they too, may flourish upon the wan blueness of this precious little world. The home we share. The only home we will ever know.

Our Sparkling Home

Posted by Allentown PA Real Estate Broker * Jennifer Monroe * on 07/04/2009 12:27 PM

Comments (51)

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51 Comments on My Big Wish

JUL

Jennifer, I love your more global take on this. We are all part of humanity and our human nature does span country boundaries and cultures. We all can laugh, smile and cry and have families that mean a lot to us. You have a great 4th Jennifer!!

Jennifer - I agree! We are all branches of the same tree! Thanks for the great post!

Jennifer - yes, we are a large cog on a small planet. Having been, literally, around the world, and seen first and third world countries, and those in between, we do have a lot to be proud of, warts and all, that separates us from the rest. But we should not be trying to bring us to the level of the rest of the world, but, encouraging, and I emphasize the term encouraging, the rest of the world to elevate themselves.

It is not arrogance to recognize something different, something better, in what we have. It is not arrogance to wish the growth and prosperity we have, and have attained through struggle, for the rest of the world. Yes, we are inter-dependant, especially in this global economy, but we are still sovereign, still an independant nation, not subject to the laws and whims of some other, let's say, like a cruel Iran, or a benign Malaysia, and we should remain so. And so should all of those other nations/states out there.

Think of how disparate we are here in the U.S., in culture, desires, etc. and multiply that by the rest of the world.

Yes, true independance will come when all of us can share, but only as individuals, and, as sovereign nations. I don't know if we could ever successfully be a "one-world" and still remain as free as we are today, even though that is being challenged regularly.

We will never truly be independent till we are before God explaining what we have done and how we have lived.

What can I possibly say? You've certainly placed a smile on my face. :-)

Featured @ Club Chaos

This was an extremely well written and thought provoking post. Thank you Jennifer! You have a talent for sure . . . :)

You are wiser than your years, Jen. Must be why you and Jason are a soulful match. Thanks for the reminder that without each other ... we are but one.

OH WOW! I have so missed you!

"I view patriotism through a broader lens"

You always have such a wonderful gift for expanding on the obvious in an intelligent and compelling manner. And it's so nice to hear a view that leaps beyond the dualistic nature of opinion that seems to dominate the country these days!

Oh and thanks for the Cat Stevens song, I'll be humming it all day long!

True independence will come when all of us can share in it.

I really wish you would write more Jennifer....I miss your deep and sensitive yet poetic writing that stirs the mind to awake into a broader sense of whatever you write about.

Definitely on the same wavelength with you today, Independence Day. Thanks for the "reality blog" :-)

Great perspective. And brave of you to share it.

Many a sad event has taken place as a result of mis-placed Patriotism. Patriotism has been used to justify many evils in our time and in the past. Patriotism has been used to discriminate, to steal, to start wars.

Love your country yes, but keep it accountable, ask questions, protect your rights and freedoms.

That is true Patriotism!

Jennifer-what an inspiring post. If only more out there shared your views than this world would be a much happier place. Beautifully written!

I swear to somebody's God that the next time you plagiarize what I write, I'll reek in the monetary benefits of such an act. Until then, pretty damn good post...

Bravo, my dear Jen... You have been sorely missed-:-) A happy free-thinkers' 4th to you and Jason!

Jennifer,

Rodney King ask :"Can't we all just get along?" He had an excuse, he's a spaced out drug addic. Windrow Wilson had no such excuse. He was simply naively optimistic.

I wish I could sit you down for an evening with Brenda and me to discuss this, alas I'll have to try and put it into a few written words.

There is no prejudice in American patriotism no bigotry! Despite personal prejudices America has answered the question "is it nature or nurture?" It's nurture! In America every race, people from every where in the world have succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. American independence has allowed any one and every one a chance to succeed. American independence has provided a standard of living for our poor that is the envy of most of the world.

Celebrating independence, is second only to celebrating God. For those that don't believe in God it should be their biggest celebration, for no where is the freedom to believe as you wish more acceptable than here!

If we are to be "planeteers" are we to live in squaller like Obama's brother or are we to lead and inspire? If we give up capitalism who will provided food and medicine to the rest of the world? Who will provide hope?

Arrogance is only self delusion when it's wrong, when it replaces accomplishment instead of celebrating it.

Jennifer, my dear if you get your wish please remember:

"Each evening, from December to December,
Before you drift to sleep upon your cot,
Think back on all the tales that you remember
Of Camelot.

Ask ev'ry person if he's heard the story,
And tell it strong and clear if he has not,
That once there was a fleeting wisp of glory
Called Camelot.

Camelot! Camelot!
Now say it out with pride and joy!

Camelot! Camelot!

Yes, Camelot, my boy!
Where once it never rained till after sundown,
By eight a.m. the morning fog had flown...
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment that was known
As Camelot."

Thank you Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe how wonderful your vision of Camelot. How sad if America is only to be remembered!

America in all it's flawed glory is to be experienced.

Uncle Bill

Uncle Bill's comment is damn near as good as this post. I like it.

Now, it's time for me to stick a sparkler up my ass, light it, and whistle the theme song to Mash along my merry way.

This was an extremely well written post and I admire you for putting it out there. I myself am arrogant and I always have been when it comes to my form of patriotism. I would love to see world peace and a race of humanity that deeply concerns themselves with their fellow man, I just don't want to see it at the cost of all we have fought so hard to achieve. If there is a way to achieve this, then I am on board.

Good post Jen! You need to get back in the groove and KEEP WRITING

Arrogance, like many other adjectives, is in the eye of the beholder. I happen to think that what many consider arrogance could also be seen as self-confidence (either regarding an individual, country, or way of life.)

There is no doubt that Americans, as a rule, are pretty proud of our country. This is a turn-off to many in foreign lands, and to a certain number of our own citizens. But America, with all its faults, has shed more blood, and treasure, to support freedom at home (Revolutionary and Civil Wars), and abroad than any other nation.

And this is not just in wars-look at the amount of support the US government and private citizens provide to each other and foreign nations in times of disaster relief, and medical support missions.

The global map, above, shows bright lights in several areas of the world, as well as several areas of darkness. I see no chance for Utopia on earth. But of all the areas available to live on earth, and under all the forms of government available, I'll take a self-confident America, with its flaws any day of the week.

Happy Birthday, America.

Gary... I have never been one for narrow thinking. My imagination even takes me far beyond the confines of this little rock. But I won't go there today. You have a terrific Fourth as well!

Lisa... Yes we are! So why are we, as a nation, so pitched in battle as if we are somehow different at our core? Thank you for your comment.

Mr. Saunders... I should have known you would issue a semi-intelligent (!) comment :) But you say "...that separates us from the rest." And therein underscores my allegation of prejudice and arrogance. Why must we distinguish ourselves by our differences when we can be distinguished for our bringing together, sharing, and helping all of humankind to elevate themselves through our common bonds? I said nothing of bringing ourselves down to any other level, but simply suggest that we take our accomplishment - that which we celebrate on this day - and use it as a stepping stone to greater independence for all.

I, too, have seen much of the world. I lived for some time in Switzerland, a place I admire on many levels. And I regret that when I returned to the US, I felt I had stepped into a third world country by comparison. So to presume that we are great is to presume that we don't need to continue to raise our own bar. But raise the bar we must! And while we still have the power to make a difference for the entire world, we should be doing so. Anything less is short-sighted.

MWA!

Charles... You are entitled to that belief. But whatever it is you believe, keep in mind that we need to make the grade right here, right now. The future judgement of one entity pales against the liberties that should be afforded to all who live out their lives in this realm. As a collective, a greater good will come of that.

Carolyn darling... You have put a smile on my face as well. Thank you!!!

Candice... If I made you think, then now we're even. You do the same for me with your posts and I'm happy to have recently discovered your writing here in the rain. I'm even happier to see you here on my post. Have a wonderful day!

Carolyn... And how many years do you suppose that is? :) Indeed, Jason and I are a very soulful match and we lie around pontificating on ways to save the world and such - but then we get distracted and end up making out for hours. Or so the rumour goes... ;-)

Russell... Well thank you! As the most misunderstood girl I know, it's refreshing to find someone who gets my message... "so nice to hear a view that leaps beyond the dualistic nature of opinion that seems to dominate the country these days!" This is the underpinning of my entire diatribe!

Don't just hum that song, sing it to your wife! I must admit that one of my very favorite things in all the world is when Jason sings to me. I just love it!!! Big hug to you!

My Sally... That is high praise and I genuinely appreciate your support of my writing. I confess that Jason got in my face the other night and told me to sit my little (ok, he really said BIG) ass down and write. So I did. And I'm so glad you found it worthy. Mwa!

Mara... More of us are on this wavelength than most wish to imagine. I hope this idea finds support as time passes. Have a wonderful holiday!

Jenn, A few weeks back I was feeling really down. It's been a difficult year and I have had to over come some pretty "big" challenges. That particualr day it just got to me. Then I opened up my mail and received a letter from and a picture of a little 8 year old girl that I sponsor in the Sudan. She was telling me about her good grades in school (2nd grade) and how happy she was that her family had recently received a goat.

The goat enabled her family to have milk. The picture was her standing by a pipe coming out of the ground where she got her bucket of water everyday. Having the well near her hut kept her from having to wander too far from the village where she risked being raped and killed by the rebels.

My "big" challenges were created from my greed. I have been struggling with this a lot lately. I long for the simple life but I don't have the balls to make it happen. My freedom has become my bondage. And I don't know how to escape.

Hi Jen-I love your post and I love the richness of your writing and thinking. I hope to see more of it and tell Jason to quit saying you have a BIG butt. YOU don't. Hope you have a great 4th, <SMILE>

Jennifer- I absolutely love you and your writing even when I have a different opinion. That is yet still one of the great things about our country and I will NEVER apolagize for it. FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

My friend Loreena is an immigrant from Malay. Loreena is Chinese. The bigotry towards Chinese in Malaysia is more than you will ever imagine, even in getting into college. In Malaysia there is NO freedom of Speech. IN order to keep the peace you are NOT allowed to speak your mind.

Using our country as a light to the world is not a bad thing, IMHO. Using our country to spread freedom to other countries is not a shameful ideal. It is not that we are superior as a people, but rather that we have something in our country that people from all over the world flock to, wish they had and run to our country to get.

We are the only country in the world that you can be sleeping with your child in a train station bathroom one day and be a millionaire the next. Chris Gardner- The Pursuit Of Happiness. And for that, I am patriotic and proud. TO one person that may symbolize arrogance but to me it symbolizes being loyal to my country and I will stand and fight for freedom of speech til the day I die. Katerina

Hi Jennifer,
As always your beautiful writing evokes many emotions and thoughts.

Kaire... Well,... once in a blue moon I can be a brave girl. But it is fleeting. Some things are worth the risk however, and I find that gamble worthwhile when greater things are at stake.

Scott... So very beautifully articulated! Thank you so much for really reading my post:)

Debra... Thank you. Not because you agree with me, but because you see the same light. If enough of us did, well then...

Jason... Or you could just let me spoil you rotten with the proceeds ;) One way or another, it all ends up in the same bank account. We're shameless capitalists with altruistic ideologies. Do they have a word for us?

Uncle Bill... Don't you see? It is merely a moment in time - whereas spreading our beneovence and love has the power to be truly timeless. Though we exist in a mere speck of time, we do posess the power to do greater things for so many in a lasting way. Why then do we not? Camelot has come and gone. And so has our fight for independence over two hundred years ago. What excuse do we have for resting on the laurels of the dead when we can further their noble mission on a much grander scale?? Do we not owe them that honor?

Jason... Now where did I put my lighter??

JL... Yeah, me too. Silly of me to envision a world without the bloodshed ignorance will likely chuck into the ring. Holy crap! Now I'm using wrestling analogies. Somebody help!

Erica... I am in a groove. Just not a writing groove. But I will be. I promise.

Wayne... Hey, a little pride is never a bad thing. Nor have I asserted that. What I was hoping to impart is the idea that when you've hit the jackpot of ideologies, you spread that love - take it to the next level. Why leave anyone behind? What makes a border relevant to the myriad souls sprinkled across this lovely planet? It's arbitrary, this idea that 'we the people' are any greater than any other people. We are just people man. And I know this for sure: my hand fits nicely into the hand of every other hand across this whirling orb. What makes one warmer, any more worthy, or more entitled to freedom than another?? I just don't see it. I would rather reach out and feel it. Wouldn't you?

Jennifer: Great post and thank you... alot of the same reasons this 4th I'm spending the day quiet and contemplating...

BB... That kind of makes my point. It may even be a blessing,... this rearrangement of our priorities. Let go. Then reach out.

Sharon... I've pretty much learned that 'telling him' anything is an exercise in futility. That said, I don't have a big you-know-what and he doesn't think I do either. It's an old joke and one I that will always make me smile. <SMILE> :))

Katerina... "Using our country as a light to the world is not a bad thing" - Ummm... I think I was saying just exactly that. We are a beacon to be sure, but we can also be the hand reaching out in the dark that this beacon alights. For the record, we are NOT the only country that offers opportunity. Because we've become so complacent, our opportunities are dwindling exponentially. If we continue to blindly celebrate our accomplishments without achieving more, we will be blindsighted. Finally, no one should have to flock anywhere to find freedom.

Cynthia... Then tell me yours...

Rene'... Obviously, I'm doing that as well. But why not have a little potato salad too? :)

I sailed around the world while in the Navy and went to many 3rd world countries as well as very developed countries and it was a huge eye opener that made me appreciate even more both the freedom we enjoy in this county (due to the extreme sacrifice of many now and before us) as well as the interconnectedness of everything.

I don't find anything in the definition of Patriotic or Patriotism that is a synonym or assumes to arrogance.

Patriotic

Pa`tri*ot"ic\, a. [Cf. F. patriotique, Gr. ? belonging to a fellow-countryman.] Inspired by patriotism; actuated by love of one's country; zealously and unselfishly devoted to the service of one's country; as, a patriotic statesman, vigilance.

I don't usually do this, but because it is you... I will... I love you.

The written word and the meaning behind it can be more subjective than a sexual gesture from an early eighties Michael Jackson video. Is it too early to poke fun? I didn't think so...

Some folks got this and some folks didn't. That's fine and expected. Katerina mentioned Chris Gardner in her comment, which is a classic case of why this country is great. Kudos, Katerina. Good call. I thought and think this post is a wonderful example of not only what makes this country great, but a wonderful opportunity we are afforded. The whole damn world should have such an opportunity.

Isn't that the point?

I'll go to the grave with two things in mind:

-I will go to the grave.

-There's a higher power and I'm not it.

Jennifer happens to be the most articulate writer around here, in my opinion. Read closely and think deeply. If you can do those two things, you're ahead of the curve.

Chris... The disparity can be disturbing and it lends a great many questions as to why it is so. But after all the contemplation, our charge is to spread the love and close the gap. Wouldn't you agree?

Katerina Katerina Katerina... If Patriotism is about making the distinction between US AND THEM, then I say stop the fucking separatism already. I embody patriotism, but as I clearly stated, my patriotism incorporates our entire earth. MY, OUR and EVERYONE's world. My heart cheers for each and every one of us. This is one place. One. And when I allow myself to think otherwise, I begin to feel small and petty.

But I'm not. I am part of a greater collective. My/our only greatness is achieved when my beautiful brothers and sisters across every time zone are living freely, Then and only then can I make the claim of love. I know you get this. I just do.

My Jason... If only you understand me then I will sleep a tiny bit better at night. If you are tight against me, then I will sleep even better. If everyone were truly free, I will sleep like an angel :)

Freedom is a gift that can rarely be given. It has to be fought for... And now WE have forgotten the struggle and may have to fight for it again.

Lane... Why the fight? When I am the recipient of a truly wondrous gift, the last thing I do is fight it off. Am I that unusual?

Hmmmm. I haven't encountered this level of thought since I was in college. I'm glad to see that there are more than just a few people who can see to the heart of a matter and expound on it to make others think, if only for a moment. Sadly, moving beyond the boundaries placed on many hearts and minds by the rather narrow definition of patriotism is something that so few of us can actually achieve, and actually doing that will take more than words, but action. Are we really up to that challenge?

JUL

Jennifer - what is wrong with being different? It is not arrogance to recognize difference. Nor is it arrogance to want to set or maintain higher standards, loftier goals. It is not arrogance to want to bring others up. It is arrogance to demean those who "cling to their guns and religion", to be embarrassed because your countrymen and women "don't speak French".

Is it arrogant to believe that we have a better system than China? Than Malaysia? Than Mexico? Than Ireland? No. It is only arrogant to believe that we are inherently better than others, or that other people are inferior to us.

I have never been to Switzerland, (although it is on my seconedary bucket list) but I will say that I have found perhaps the most arrogant people I have ever met to be a couple of Swiss. However, I have been to, and spent time in, several third world countries, and I find the statement And I regret that when I returned to the US, I felt I had stepped into a third world country by comparison. to be if not arrogant, somewhat elitist and am very sorry that you feel/felt that way.

To presume that we are great does not mean that we are arrogant. To presume that we are great and have no room nor requirement for improvement does. I am continually raising my own bar (and often my bar glass) in order to improve myself, to make myself just a bit better, in almost everything that I do. That is also what I expect my country and countrymen/women to be doing. Continuous improvement is what a company that I worked for called it.

We have something that sets us apart from the rest of the world. We have something that makes us the "destination" of choice for immigrants from all over the world, including Europe. We are in agreement, that we should use that something to help others, that we should share that something so that others can enjoy the freedoms and the choices that we have. However, I will not mandate it upon the rest of the world, that would be arrogant. Nor will I deny it, because that would also be arrogant, or, at best, a false humility (is there a difference?).

William... I don't know if we're up to that challenge yet, but we should be working towards it rather than resting on our laurels. Wonderful comment.

Mike... We agree more than you realize. I'm simply advocating for expanding our patriotism to include the whole world. Yes, we do have a better system than most, but that still clings to a seperatist view. I'm not Pollyanna here, I just don't see celebrating our greatness as a step towards bringing independence to the rest of the world. Noting that we seemed less great than another country wasn't intended as elitism, but a suggestion that our greatness has room for 'continuous improvement' and I wish that we, as a nation, would look upwards rather than backwards. I hear your heart Mr. Saunders, and I raise my bar glass to it :)

Jen, I love your writing, you know I do and I agree for the most part and understand where you are coming for. Just want to point out that love of country doesn't have to mean arrogance.

That being said no other nation in the world. NO OTHER has given as much to charity both here and internationally by individuals and our government than America.

We open our hearts and pocket books to helps those in need all the time, we take the cause of Liberty to foreign soils all the time. Our Founding Fathers laid a foundation of liberty and freedom that has become the envy of the world for many to follow and desire. Immigrants flock here to be apart of this great experiment. They risk their lives by getting on make shift boats to leave Cuba, they escape under tunnels from Mexico.

No other nation does that happen in?

Proud, yes, arragant No, humbled to be born here, Yes.

Write more, you are missed!

Jennifer - is it arrogance for Mexicans to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Is it arrogance for Poland or Lithuania to celebrate their Independance days? If not, why is it arrogant for us to celebrate ours?

Granted, we are probably more on the same page than not, but I would advocate that national patriotism does not equate to separatism.

Jennifer, I hope you can sleep like an angel one day. Such a beautiful, and thoughtful post. You might want to read "The Life You Can Save" by Peter Singer some time. He writes brilliantly about the importance for all of us to work together to end world poverty and why it is everyone's responsibility. Thank you for sharing again with us...you are missed but I can tell you are very happy:)

Morning Jennifer, This truly amazing post makes my day. I agree with much of what you believe as do so many responders here. How sad that a few insist on filtering everything through a political lens ! If what you say threatens their little sterilized version of reality then it should be attacked and " spun " into something totally different . Most here get it, my sympathies to those who don't !

Jennifer... excellent .... I am semi speechless. ;o) I agree that we need to be one as a nation in order to move forward and exist. But I also agree with Missy's comment. The problem with a lot of what is happening is that we use our resources, spend our money, some follow... but some fight us on this. It's sad, but so true. America does give so much in so many ways.... just wish that others would try and help with us and not against us. In any case, loved this one.

jeff belonger

My Jen - Forever the gentle soul. Which is why you need to post more often...beautiful, simply beautiful. MWA!

Jennifer... I grew up with a rich diversity of friends. And I noticed that the ones that were given everything they wanted didn't care for what they had. The ones that had to work for it, DID care what happened to their stuff.

Many are becoming the princes and prencesses that expect to be served, but don't feel the need to pay for what they recieve... That isn't a viable long term strategy.

JUL

Hi Jen - have always liked the Peace Train. Loved your post, and enjoyed all the comments it engendered. When I see the bumper stickers that say "God Bless America" - I think-- oh,does that mean just us, and not the rest of the world? Another thought is 'what about the people who don't have the same god as is being invoked - isn't the statement a bit exclusive. To me it plays into that kind of arrogance you reference in your post. I'm aware we can't survive alone, we must cooperate with each other and with our neighbors around the world. Your post reminded me of a phrase in one of the alternative prayers in the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, that refers to all creation --"the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home." It is a fragile earth, and 'borderism' doesn't work!

Missy... One of the areas of pride in our country that I do share with you is our generosity to the world. Now that is something to take pride in :)

Mike... Yes and yes. But I national patriotism inherently implies that we are somehow different and better. And we are better than some, but why not consider Independence Day a day of thanks to those hwo brought us this far AND make it a day for new aspirations to bring independence to everyone that shares the same sun? All I tried to say here is that this is my wish.

Diane... I am very happy :) I'm about to get my library card here and that will be the first book I look for to read. It strikes close to my heart and it's a topic we would all benefit from understanding much better. Thanks for the great suggestion!

Bill... Wow. Thanks! "How sad that a few insist on filtering everything through a political lens !" Some do, but it gives me hope that many do not. You make my point that if we can stop with the border mentality we will get much further in making a global difference for all people. What do you suppose would happen if every american forst born child were shipped off to another country to be raised for the first five years or so? Would their patriotic parents take a different view then? I wonder...

Jeff... Is that possible? Semi-speechless... really? Just kidding but I do appreciate your support. And you're entirely corect that we do encounter resistence - often from the very people we try to support. Perhaps we need a new strategy because I believe all people, as individuals, long to be free.

My Sandra... Awww... thank you :)) MWA back at ya!

Lane... How right you are. One of the reasons I enjoy writing here is that now and then someone will interpret my words with a unique perspective. Yours is a terrific example of that. We are so tied up in our expectations of what others have/will give us, we forget our mandate to reach out and help the next person. Thank you for a different take Lane :)

Alex... Gosh I sure miss you! I award you Best Comment for encapsulating my point perfectly. Borderism does not work, and, in this advanced age (or so we pretend), we should be thinking beyond such limitations. Territorialism is so deep-seated in our collective psyche that I wonder if we'll ever recover from it. As long as we view ourselves as different and better than the rest, it won't happen.

I am obviously late to this post, but I have to say I feel like I just inhaled some very fresh air. I agree with you entirely, though could not have articulated the point as well. Just beautiful, thank you!

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