May 24-A, 2023

We see things differently 
and strive to impose
the way we see things
on each other
and all others.

It's crazy from the start.

Whose idea about how things are
and how things ought to be
is the correct idea?

How do we establish who is right
and who is wrong
about how things are
and what should be done about it?

How do we know what we are talking about?

Ties generally go to the bullies,
to the wealthy and powerful,
to the belligerent and vicious,
to the wealthy and powerful,
in a "might makes right,"
"law of the jungle"
kind of way. 

Civilization was supposed to even things out
in a "majority rule" kind of way,
but,
wealth and power twist the system
and make voting an empty step
in a dance on a tilted table,
with right still going to the highest bidder
or the craftiest player,
and wrong winning the day again.

The systems are controlled
by those whose gain lies
in controlling the systems.
And The People suffer the will of the wealthy
across time and place,
while corruption carries the day.

Leaving us to make out as well as we can
in a world of sham and appearance
while the band plays on
and everyone knows nothing changes over time.

What can we get by with is the question.
How true can we be to the way
of liberty and justice for all
in a world where corporate profits
trump individual rights
and "Profit At Any Price" rules all?

It is a test of our endurance and character,
will and determination,
to be a champion of how things ought to be
on a world of graft and deceit.

"Do your work and step back,"
advises the Lao Tzu.
"And let nature take its course."

Our life is the work that needs to be done
and needs us to do it,
regardless of the outcome,
no matter what our chances are,
anyway,
nevertheless,
even so.

A cup of cold water here,
a kind word there,
the spirit of grace and compassion
in all places at all times...

For the joy of doing it
and the satisfaction of having done it
in each situation as it arises
all our life long.

–0–

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