The protracted battle over Terry Schiavo was nobody's business except her family's. These situations have occurred for many years. They are gut wrenching for the immediate family who make decisions even in cases where a person attempted to clarify their wishes. The one clear message from this is, everyone needs to decide their preferences, outline them in writing, and discuss them with family. Even then arguments can arise but hopefully can be resolved without involving outsiders. I believe family matters should be settled by family instead of public opinion or government.
Most of us spend too much time following what the president is/is not doing and not near enough time following what's happening in our local city council. I don't think it makes that much difference who's president. Most of the folks who actually get far enough to actually have a chance to be elected will wind up making the same macro decisions when shit hits the fan. In the mean time local issues fly under the radar until we wake up one day and wonder what the hell happened to our sewers, schools, etc. I believe we as individuals need to focus on micro issues more so that macro issues.
I just read Deep Survival (who lives,who dies and why) by Laurence Gonzalez. It deals with the many factors that allow people to either survive or not survive in difficult situations. A very interesting read and there is a website: www.deepsurvival.com. It made me question how I made it to 59 when others didn't
I question whether there is a God or even an after life. It's nice that most people believe there's a spiritual being somewhere who is all loving, all forgiving, and yet willing to create some evil human beings who prey on very good people. I believe in the laws of nature. Some of us survive despite being reckless--others don't--sometimes it's their own fault-- other times it's being in the wrong place at the wrong time. What God would create people who become capable of taking all those lives on 9/11, let alone create all those lives to end so suddenly and through no fault of their own. How come Bob Breedlove, a well respected doctor, family man, a super cyclist always compettitive yet safety concious drifts across the road into a car during RAAM. I think it's because the laws of nature sometimes dictate that "shit happens".
Despite this agnostic view I do have morals and a sense of what's right and wrong. I try to live my life so that I'm considered an asset to the world over the course of my life. I've helped a lot of people and also received help from many people. I've also made my fair share of mistakes--the worst thing I ever did was to be unfaithful to my first wife (Pam). I was totally faithful to my second wife (Nancy) and that sure didn't matter. I believe that if there is an after life I'll be on the heaven side rather than the hell side--if I spend some time in purgatory that's OK, but I think the game ends with our last breath. I believe in nature, biology, physics and chemistry--not sure about the spiritual or the after life.
2 comments:
You are correct that people should pay more attention to local government. That's where we have the most say and the most interest in what happens. But paying attention to the president is also important. They can start costly wars that will affect those of us not killed for years to come.
Came back for a second visit when I saw the title in your archives. Having just written about my own beliefs, I thought it would be an interesting companion. You say nothing I would disagree with. My previous comment simply expands yours. I think we should watch ALL government.
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