This May Truly Be a Sign The World is Ending

The earthquake in Haiti is horrible. Unfortunately, that small nation has allowed itself to degrade to the point that, and earthquake can be so devastating. It is one of the many signs that things are going badly in the world. Unfortunately, it is not the only instance that I have observed as of late that is really making me question the human condition.

As I was driving to work this morning, while I was still in the downtown area, I was stopped at a light. I noticed a police car ripping down the street I was about to cross. His lights were on and his siren was going. It was very clear they were on their way to a call. The police were headed somewhere to help people.

Shortly before the police cruiser reached the intersection I was at the light for my direction turned green. I waited to let the car thought the intersection, however two pedestrians started to cross the street in front of this police car as its lights were on and siren going. They didn't speed up. They continued to walk at a leisurely pace across the street. delaying the police car from continuing to the call they were responding to.

How can anyone be so self absorbed to not wait on the curb and let an emergency vehicle proceed to an emergency. At one point we, as a society decided it was a good idea to let certain vehicles to proceed quickly but carefully in response to emergency situations. You must not care about others to delay aid to someone who may need it.

Not caring about others is what allowed Haiti to decompose to the point it could not withstand an earthquake. I hope no where else in the world we ever get to that point, but it looks like we could.

If People Would Just Drive the Speed Limit Down Main Street, There Would be World Peace

Many years ago when I was still living with my parents, I was returning to town after a long drive. I really needed a bathroom stop but I decided to hold it until I get home. It was a Sunday afternoon and traffic in downtown Russell Manitoba would be quite light or possibly non-existent. As I left the highway and started down Main Street I caught up to a car going about 25 km/h, half the posted speed limit. There were only two cars on all of Main Street. Myself and the other car. The other car did not speed up. My bladder felt like it was about to rupture. When we finally got to my turn off I raced the rest of the way, home. I ran into the bathroom and relieved myself. When I came out my parents asked why I was rushing. I replied, "If people would just drive the speed limit down Main Street there would be world peace." I continued to rant about this point for several minutes.

There is more truth to this than may first meed the eye.

I realize that even if everyone drives the speed limit down Main Street in Russell Manitoba it will probably not have an effect on North Korea's nuclear testing program. But, if you look deeper at the idea the principle may have an effect on the world as we know it.

I was not insisting the other driver speed or break any other traffic law. I was only asking the other driver to make it easier for me to arrive home quicker. It would have been a significant gain for me without any drawback for the other driver. The other car would not be a danger to any other car on Main Street since we were the only two.

Too often people, groups, organizations, or nations do what they do without consideration for the full impact of their actions. Generally their response is it was within the rules so it can be done. They were not concerned how their actions affected others.

I realize no one is perfect and it is nearly impossible to act in a manner that will please everyone all the time however, if we take the time to consider the consequences of our actions and adjust our behaviours if we see they are not well received, the world will be a little bit more tolerable for a lot more people.

It is not the entire answer but it should make the world a happier place, which is a step towards world peace.