Here in Texas wildfires are running rampant all over the state. The air over Central Texas is now an amalgam of dust, ragweed pollen and smoke - our respiratory systems are suffering. Is God angry with us, as some would have us believe? Is climate change to blame for our having to suffer through a bitter, blistering summer and now the burning of thousands of acres and homes? Is the earth our mother from which will suckle our children's future? Do we see ourselves as entitled consumers or thoughtful and reasonable stewards? Does human life really matter beyond tired old rhetoric and platitudes? If one believes in God, does his/her creation deserve as much protection as Free Market Capitalism? Was it a prudent, sound policy decision for President Obama to shelve tougher smog regulations? What do we really believe?
I don't think we collectively know anymore. We have become a lost civilization like so many before us. We are fat and drowning in comfort like none before us. We must not forget that we are "exceptional" and as "the first new nation" we are entitled to expect to feast on the fatted calf and drink from the cup that "runneth over".
What President Obama did by not getting tougher on environmental regulations appears to be pandering Â- pandering to the "American Exceptionalists". American Exceptionalism is an absurd and dangerous notion. It tacitly defines the rest of the world as provider states to the United States Â- colonies. Do we really believe this to be true?
Yes, we are in hard economic times, but, compared to what? What is the yardstick by which we measure our pain? At what point does our "suffering" become ridiculous?
I was raised on stories of victory gardens, rationing, saving chewing gum to chew another day, etc. I grew up around small business people building houses, mowing lawns, cutting hair, repairing engines, painting, etc. Â- none of them thought of themselves as "exceptional" or deserving of something at the expense of someone else. These were good, hard working folks and they lived without guilt, cynicism or anger Â- they lived without a sense of deficiency. They lived this way because they saw themselves as part of something bigger than themselves. They had lived through something that required shared sacrifice and discipline. They were small parts in an endeavor that was ultimately successful and they were very proud of this. I knew what they believed. I don't know what we believe.
