civilized

What does it really mean to be civilized? I asked myself this because of an email sent by a friend. The email describes in graphic details the horrors of the crucifixion of Christ. This was done by Romans who thought of themselves as civilized and thought of others as barbarians. Think about this, a people who thought themselves above others brutalized a peaceful man who harmed no one and threatened no one.

Are we so different? We speak of "liberty and justice for all" I can think of no higher or more noble creed, and I mean that. So why did we take land forcibly from the original owners? And murder them in cold blood? Why do we have people who argue that they believe in "family values" and call for either the reduction or repeal of a minimum wage?

As I see it, the only way we can avoid the mistakes made in the past is to try our utmost not to create new ways to make similar mistakes. It’s not easy, but when I read tonight that Wall Street again was going to award itself billions of dollars in bonuses I had to ask, what is it these people do that can possible justify such avarice?

I choose not to support this behavior and to speak out against it. I can change myself. If you think there is merit in this thinking I ask that you do the same.