KNOCK, KNOCK

  Typically, the response would be "Who's there?". However, I wonder if there is a proper response to that question these days. Do any of us even know any more where we stand and why? Have we got our priorities straight? Or have we all fallen into a fantasy world where neither logic nor understanding or proper motivations have any place within. 

I have long felt a scientifically unproven theory, but pretty accurate, that has to do with the best seller lists of various sites. It is this: when fantasy books are in a majority or respectable minority, and the rest are soppy romance novels with little imaginative change of formula writing, plus a representation of popular authors, the country is in deep trouble. Reality must be replaced at least partially by, with, the relief of fantasy.

That trouble usually presents with a sense of malaise, of disconnection, and a focus on lesser important issues along with a deep dive into fantasy. Games become more violent, real sports follows that path with people investing their personal selves into results and standings of assorted teams. 

The vitriolic level, the insults, - i.e., those directed at the women's soccer team are unbelievable. What the hell is the matter with people? Any team member goes out there and plays their best, all in the public eye. If they are off one day, it is not a capital offense nor to be taken personally by a fan or couch potato. It is human to have an 'off' day, to not be perfect. We all have those days. Get real. The nasty invectiveness following a defeat is unacceptable and sets a bad example to any kid watching with you.  

We seem to be floating right now in a sea of anomie, of disconnectedness and selfishness. Yes, it is okay to indulge of fantasies of winning the crazy lottery but real life, the decencies of life, the realities of life must take precedence. The cruelty we inflict on others, on purpose or from ignorance is so very wrong. We forget that we are all the same and discover that truth too late when tragedy strikes.  It is a common denominator and compacts us all, together. Money, fame, count for naught when oppression strikes, when a worldwide shortage of food or fuel or even proper air to breathe, when weather turns on us with a vengeance. 

We have seen the truth of that over and over again throughout history. It is a tragic flaw and bodes no good for humanity. Understanding can come, sympathy can evolve into a stronger empathy. Too bad it takes so long and/or for tragedies to strike. 

The other day a person told me an interesting story.  A lifetime 'conservative', opposing social safety net programs, decrying the need for them, found himself in a bad situation and he needed help to put food on the table and keep a roof over the heads of family. Suddenly he understood the needs of others, the role, the lifesaving role of social safety net programs. They saved him. They kept food on the table and a roof overhead until he got back on his feet. Now he understands. Now he votes in support of these programs, realizing, knowing firsthand the need for them, the benefits they provide, the humanity they express. 

But why must we have to suffer before we realize and accept the truth of shared humanity, to know the answer to "Who's there?"

We are there or are supposed to be there. Without question or doubt. 

It is a cold life when we have no one with whom to share, with whom to laugh and to cry.

To be a human.

A caring one.

One who knows that to separate oneself from the community is to harm the individual and the community at large. Fates are always shared.

Togetherness, recognition of a shared humanity, shared needs and fates is the only way - the ONLY way to improve the world and correct its dangerous flaws - many of our own creation.

Together.

can heal the nation.

HEAL THE WORLD.

HEAL YITZY!

Yitzchak Elimelech ben Chana Sarah

May he be granted refuah shelaymah bimheyrah beyameinu. 

 AMEN. AMEN