Three Stories

I read three stories this morning. About as disparate as could be but, somehow, struck me with a common relevance. They are stories that each point to our society today, our society that is more and more driven by neediness, greediness, and the promotion of self.

The first story appeared on the NPR newsfeed today. It pertains to labor practices and abuse within the construction industry in Texas. Although the discussion is solely concerned with what goes on in that industry in that state, it is a story that, to me, emphasizes so much the hypocrisy and selfishness that is America today. It's not everyone. It's not all of us. But it's enough of us to infect the whole organism. It strikes me as the central cancer that is rapidly metasticizing and eroding the foundation of this land of freedom and opportunity, eating at everything from healthcare, to religion, to education, to construction.

The second story addresses what I think are the very core issues in the first story: honesty and a sense of responsibility for others. This is a great read, as insightful and uplifting as the first is discouraging. It speaks to raising children with a sense of social responsibility and responsibility to oneself.

Finally, I read my friend Carol's Blog from the 9th. It is a wonderful story of dignity and humility. It's the story of  doing all things with grace and self-respect. And, it is a story to remind us that not all things go well, even when they should. That's life, lived well.