General Discussion

In a healthy society, there can be a sense of shame for anti-social behaviors. There is shunning and banishment of dangerous people. Greedy individuals are viewed as having weak character. But as you note, both sides of human nature have long existed. In our unhealthy society, too many feel no shame, the defenseless people are marginalized, and greed rules.

The good news is this can be reversed. It requires a great effort, though likely less than survival in this society if that effort is not made. There are times when my family and friends question how I remain positive that "we shall overcome." Tuesday provided part of the answer!

My younger son reads the essays I post on other internet forums. He suggested that I focus more on exactly what Douglass recommended on building strong children. At least once a week, both sons and I discuss this for hours. It doesn't require being a "perfect parent," as they do not exist. But it does involve mastering the art of reaching one's positive potential -- for both the child and parent.

Economics are not my strong point, but I do question if the current service economy allows for the level of strong family systems a society requires to be healthy.