There often is a tension, and generally it is useful, between the urge to maintain the known and to embrace the new. In one's personal life this can manifest as habits versus new behaviors. In politics this is classically demonstrated by the conflict between the left and right, liberal and conservative. The end result of these conflicts inevitably moves the individual and body politic forward.
This process is not without it's problems however. Everybody needs to play their part and realize that slanting too much to one side or the other presents dangers. It is also true that times vary in the proportion of change versus conservation that is inherent and/or required.
These are times requiring a new vision of ourselves and our realtionships with others. Catabolic forces are acting rather forcefully on all our internal and external structures. This is fear inducing and reactions occur.
It is odd to witness the president and his cabinet holding views of reality that clearly bear little resemblance to reality. This is most apparent in Iraq. In some sense this is the tip of the iceberg. the entire situation in Iraq is the manifestation of a world view which has gone well beyond its usefulness.
How far in the future lies the point where technology puts in the hands of millions the capacity to destroy the world. I don't think it is that far off. In that world can the pursuit of one's own parochial interests with no concern for the consequences make any sense? It makes very little sense now let alone in that future.
A new way of being in this world and with the earth itself and all its creatures is needed desperately for us to survive. Reactionary forces will not assure safety at this time. Their actions in the world continue to fail dramatically. We must move forward, and quickly.
