Man's Inhumanity to Man (and Woman)

[Cloud]

I want to thank everyone for their support, here. I don't know why I woke up on my birthday so depressed. It may be hormones (as detailed elsewhere!), or may be an overload of news stories, but I wanted to make some further remarks. (Now that I'm on my desktop--hate typing on my laptop!).

I talked this over with my wise, level-headed BD#1. Her first comment was, "you can't do anything about it so don't worry about it." This has merit, but I objected, because--isn't it our duty to make positive changes in our world? (i.e., all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Do not allow evil to triumph. Do not do sit by and do nothing). She said, I am doing something. I'm concentrating on my own family, and making sure that I teach my kids right from wrong and give them the tools to make good decisions.

How's that for leaving a positive legacy?

As to the question of whether it's been worse in the past, or better or worse now--ultimately it doesn't matter much. If we can learn from our past mistakes (as human beings), that's great, but I think such change takes a long, long time. Certainly more than the lifetime of one person, and most likely generations. (Here's where "teach my kids right from wrong").

I find Dana's comments relevant and helpful, on the whole, buy I find it interesting that where she is angry, I am depressed. This is a pattern in my life.

People are brutal, mean, and despicable, and as I grow older, I find myself wishing I can unlearn things. I do realize, however, that people can be kind, selfless, and wonderful, too. I've decided to go on a news fast. But I am also looking for ways to contribute to the causes I feel strongly about, such as violence against women. Not there yet, but I am looking for options.