Harsh ? Perhaps. But irrefutably true. We inherited a world where protection of nature's creatures and the environment were taken for granted by all but the most unthinking among us. A world where wars were something fought far away from our shores and only after all else failed. A world which was kinder, had respect for your fellow man, and where family was a focal point of our lives. 

War was a last resort when those of our generations were growing up  as our leaders showed restraint and  a real hesitation to send youngsters to die in their name. The years of the Second World War were hard years but that war was unavoidable and everyone  knew and supported the effort. There was no other answer. Somewhere along the way that caution  went missing. Perhaps during the Vietnam years. That war ripped a country apart and since that time it seems values and morality have been eroding at a steady pace. 

If animals can be taught to co-exist without violence what in the name of God is wrong with we humans ? We are supposedly the one species capable of reasoned debate and negotiation. Why then, is it so much easier for man to resort to bloodshed and horror than to look for solutions which heal rather than destroy ?  And before you jump to the conclusion that I am a pacifist I respectfully ask that you consider what I am saying. I am in no way suggesting surrender or meek acceptance of  a way of life which is foreign to anyone. I am advocating the acceptance of the irrefutable fact that all God's creatures have a rightful place on this earth. 

We all accept that there is a Higher Power to whom we will all answer one day. Why is it so impossible to believe that those who choose to show reverence to a Power which differs from our perception of Him are any less blessed in HIs eyes? Until  humanity recognizes this, and deals with it, I seriously question our worthiness to one day be welcomed into His realm. 

 With world events progressing as they have in recent years it is difficult not to express thoughts which are deeply ingrained in my mind and my heart. I would apologize  for imposing my opinion on others but to do so would be the height of hypocrisy as I believe speaking one's mind is a right  we all should protect, respect, and honour so long as our words are not direct attacks on others. Even those with whom we totally disagree. 

 More and more these days  the right of free speech is threatened whether because it is not 'politically correct' or because it does not agree with current government positions. Now, more than ever it is important that this right be upheld if we are to honour the traditions for which so many have laid down their lives throughout our history. 

 The mindset which seems to prevail these days quite frankly frightens me as I see more and more animosity even amongst those  who should be our most trusted allies and friends. It goes even further than that extending in so many cases even to friction ever closer to home and family. The division among us is seemingly encouraged as it works to the benefit of those with an agenda which requires support and where calmer minds might question their actions.

Modern advances have made day to day living easier but at what cost ?  With each year that passes our demands for oil, increasing industrialization, and ever expanding urban sprawl, cause us to continue depleting our available resources and increasingly look to previously protected lands or farmland to meet our needs. Protection of natural resources becomes an anachronism as 'progress' replaces prudent planning. Pre-emptive strike becomes the order of the day as our lifestyles demand more fossil fuels to maintain our standard of living and replenish our dwindling available supply. Morality becomes a victim of greed.  Someone please show me the morality in attacking other countries who have done us no harm, with no thought of the carnage we are bringing to the children of those lands.  And with no thought of the hatred we are breeding which our children and grandchildren, because of our actions, will be forced to face in years to come.

I pray God will forgive us, for I very much doubt they will.

At the rate we are going there will be no clean air, no national forests or animal preserves, and nowhere  to luxuriate in the glory of nature. And they will face a world filled with hatred and violence which will ultimately destroy this planet as all restraint and resolve in the use of the weapons of annihilation are discarded because we didn't care enough to lead the way in  making their world a safer place in which to live.

The horror we bequeath them may well be irreversible despite their desire to right the wrongs we have done.  And we are all responsible. We didn't stop those who chose these paths. It was more comfortable to go along than to buck the system. It took too much effort to  stand up and speak out at the ballot box and in the streets to demand that our countries live up to the principles and standards we claim to revere. WE , each and every one of us, allowed the decisions of those holding the power to shape our destiny. And to create the scenario for the future we leave to those we claim to hold most precious. 

 Am I angry ? Yes. But more than that ... I am  thoroughly ashamed and infinitely sadder than I ever thought I could be for we all share the guilt for the failure to protect that which we are honour bound to hold most dear. Our children's heritage.

 We owe the children of this planet the 'Promise of Tomorrow' and we are utterly failing to honour that obligation. Could there be any greater failure ?

"It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result."
                                                              - Gandhi