The paradox our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrow viewpoints.

We spend more but have less; we buy more but enjoy it less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.

We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, but not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.

We've conquered outer space but not inner space.

We've done larger things but not letter things.

We've cleared up the air but polluted the soul.

We've split the atom, but not our prejudice.

We write more, but learn less.

We plan more, but accomplish less.

We've learned to rush, but not to wait.

We build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication.

There are the times of fast food and slow digestion; tall men and short character; steep profits and shallow relationships.

There are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.

These are the days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes.

These are the days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw-away morality, one night stands, overweight bodies and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet, to kill.

It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

A time when some have forgotten that reading is fundamental while reasoning and rhetoric have almost become lost arts.

The battle of the books was won by TVGuide.

Any constructive suggestions?

Constructive suggestions.
Only the basic, simple type of stuff such as individual behavior issues comes to my mind. Like:

Becoming less selfish.
Being content and grateful for things that I do have, not overly concerned with what I do not have.
Accepting responsibility for one's own actions.
Exhibiting common courtesy.
Utilizing common sense.
Having more of a sense of community and not viewing our neighbor or the guy in the car next to us, as an enemy.
Let us not forget that we are surrounded by real enemies who would take us down in a day if they could!

Is it just me ? Or do most of these attitudes and qualities seem in short supply (at least as evidenced when out in public)?

GlenD
P.S. - That was quite a post, Nums. Bravo!!!