READINESS
Each day, I read in the papers the papers about our wonderful accomplishments as a nation among other nations of the world. I read of our envied role in business affairs, in commerce, social life, the arts and stellar living qualities on all sides assuring a glowing future filliped with grandeur and blessings for one and all.
I don't have to even change to another page. or shift to a different channel to read, even see, the stupid things we have done today. Very little of it makes good sense. Even when seen as comic relief from the serious tedium of many of the tremendous variety of our lives.
I read, for example, about the completion of the signing ceremonies of the agreement whereby there may eventually be a constitution written by which the people of Iraq may have a proper government. Just a day or so ago, that was, seemingly impossible because five religious leaders refused to sign. Either they simply reversed their view or some of their demands were met. We may never know why they changed,but that sudden turn shows how active the United States influence is for good. A better world for the people of Iraq means a better world for us, as well.
That item made me feel good about our role in world affairs, but on the same page, I saw an item from Covington, Georgia which explained a curious activity at the local Wal-Mart store. A lady made a purchase of $1,745, I think it was, and the credit card she offered in payment showed a balance pf $2.36 remained. Without hesitation, the lady opened her purse as if she intended to pay cash for the purchase. She held out some currency. “ Here” she offered,”can you cash a million dollar bill?”
The young clerk explained that she may nor be able to do so able to do so since no such bill existed in American currency. She alerted security people nearby who came over there when the lady set out to prove there were such notes She did so my showing two more she had in her purse...novelty store playthings deceptively authentic in appearance.
Such contrasts are quite evident in the news about our culture and our willingness to participate in world affairs. At the moment, at a time when our presidential election fever is getting near the boiling point, we have to wonder if charges, counter charges and accusations are anywhere near to actual facts.
I question our, oft times, rather eager readiness to rule others. It appears, far too often, that we have some home work still to be done.
A.L.N. March 9, 2004 [c453wds]
