Oh, maybe that isn't exactly right. ;)
So even you, when you put your mind to it, thought of some good things to celebrate. Sometimes when it looks like the whole thing is going to hell I remember that I could have been born 500 years ago in Europe and would have lived and died without tasting Mexican food. Cheers me right up. We are actually incredibly lucky in ways we take for granted. Those elites and power mongers have been the flies in the ointment from the very beginning, though, eh? A historian cannot be surprised (or can he?) that no matter what great start is made, money and control seem to drift (a lazy term but you know what I mean) back to them.
At least we have a system that is suppose to work to keep them in check, an idea which previously would have ended with someone's head on a pike.
Thinking historically and globally is my favorite way to counter the constant drip of depressing news.
Completely agree with you about the smokers.
As a woman and the mother of a daughter I can think of another thousand or so reasons not to jump off a bridge today:
The epidural. That could just end my list right there.
Not having to have half a dozen children hoping a couple might survive.
Hair color. Just saying.
The fact that my daughter is educated and can basically do whatever she wants as far as work, education, or travel.
You point out that we have more comforts and note that Gibbon would think this a weakness (among elites). I'd agree with him on that and research shows that the affluent are actually less compassionate than others. But that tide is turning, while not among the 1% necessarily, certainly among others. People are becoming aware of how materialism impact their lives and are taking efforts to learn to be happy with less and focus on what makes a profoundly fulfilling life. #notstuff
We mentioned healthcare already but in my city there are two amazing children's hospitals dedicated to research on diseases that use to be death sentences just a few decades ago. St. Jude provides free care to children with cancer and also provides housing for families and local airlines provide free transportation if needed. Le Bonheur is a world class facility as well.
So much seems wrong every day and just when we think progress has been made in one area we seem to slip somewhere else. We need to keep pressing on those corrections that are needed but not at the cost of recognizing all that has been gained.
Another bleak week here. Seriously. Need. Sunshine. Hence the second post on this subject! :) And you thought it was for you. ;)
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