SUFFERING

Why do we suffer?  

Why do we inflict suffering upon others?  

Can we change this pattern in our world?

I believe we can.  

If we lived in a world that abhorred suffering in all its forms, suffering would no longer exist.

I speak of all manner of suffering: that which is self-inflicted, that which occurs because of accident or random violence, that which is purposely imposed by courts and tribunals, that which catches us unawares, such as illness.

We live in a world that is not only filled with suffering, but also constructed about a system that guarantees its perpetuation.

We have 16,000 nuclear weapons stockpiled in world arsenals.  We believe in the maxim "an eye for an eye", and mete out so-called justice accordingly.  We wish to impose the greatest punishment upon those who inflict the most grievous pain.  We strive mightily to design a retribution that is equal to the act inflicted upon us.  We call this Justice; the law agrees.

In our anger and pain, we cannot see the lasting implications of all our hatred and vengeance. We choose not to see that it has changed nothing in our world.  It has not made it safer, more humane, or more loving.  It has, instead, created an "armed camp" waiting for the next terrorist to strike us down on some unknown day, in some unknown place, at some unknown time.

We believe in guns and armaments, the more sophisticated the better, until all our battles are fought by drones and robots.  The innocent will still die, while the "soldiers" will simply fall apart or into disrepair.

What have I done today to make a better world?  A less painful world.  What is behind my anger and my pain?  

The core of the world's pain is rarely examined.  James Holmes committed a heinous act. Innocent people died and were maimed.  James Holmes suffered from a brain disease that influenced his actions.  One juror held out for life in prison instead of the death penalty.

Our mental health system is in shreds.  It is poorly funded and lacking in trained professionals. Burnout is high.  There is rarely any intermediate recovery care for those released from acute care.  They either go home (if they have one), to the streets, or, too often, to jail.  This is one of the single most distressing issues facing mentally diseased individuals.  The majority of such individuals do not kill; we must be clear about this.  But some few do.

Beyond the failing system, is the stigma of mental disease, which often keeps families and victims from first, admitting it exists, and secondly, taking action to get help.

The U.S. is awash with guns.  The more the President and various individuals try to reign them in, the more they proliferate.  

We must get rid of our guns.  Now!  Of course this is drastic, but it is absolutely necessary.  We must get rid of our bombs as well.  All of them!  Nuclear proliferation treaties are like putting a raincoat on the ocean.  It is too big, too powerful and too unpredictable.

We must replace judgment with trust.  Now!  Once you judge a person, you eliminate the chance to ever truly know them.  

Suffering exists because we feed it daily on an international scale and locally on a personal level.  We often do so unknowingly by a snide remark or gesture.  Every action, be it internal or external, ripples across the globe like the flutter of a butterfly's wings.  Throw a handful of dirt into the wind and it will blow back at you.

Tomorrow is too late!  

BELIEFS

It is perhaps time in our human history to  pause and take a serious look at "beliefs"...in some circles, the term is capitalized simply by the weight and power afforded to it by its holders.

Some beliefs are standard practice.  Do not harm a child.  Do not kill the innocent.  Do not steal another's possessions.  Do not cheat.  Do not lie.  

Some beliefs are subjective, i.e., personal views of the world--beliefs that are often contrary to that of a neighbor, colleague, or family member.

In America, there are many different beliefs.  Even individuals with similar beliefs might express them in different ways.

The reason I am writing about "beliefs" is because the world we live in is ruled by them.  One of the most profound of all being religious Beliefs--the capital word is most suitable here.

The question I pose to you the reader, is why are religious beliefs given more weight than most any other belief?  Why do they garner so much power?  Why are we ruled by them, cursed by them, and too oft, destroyed by them?

When personal belief's become societal beliefs (not that all of society abides these beliefs), do they become more true?  Are they not still subjective beliefs held by a great number of people?  And as such, should they be given any more than respect?

A prior Blog looked at beliefs in respect to gay rights and suggested that one is entitled to believe anything he or she chooses, but draws a line at imposing (and having the law concur) them on others not so inclined.

This blog is here as food for thought.  In a pluralistic society, the unfettered power of one is contrary to democracy.  Religion is a belief system.  And I propose it is no more nor less than any other.