(no subject)

 September 11. A terrible day. I remember the shock and confusion, not knowing why it happened or who was behind the attacks. I also remember the amazing spirit of the people. The communities coming together to help and mourn and comfort one another. The outpouring of love from people around the world who felt compassion and empathy, who shared our sorrow and lent a hand.

There are more good people in the world than there are evil ones. We have so much in common with one another.

Then, as today, we did not have leadership that was intelligent, experienced, or capable enough to meet the moment with grace, spirit, and kindness. We have leadership that wants us fearful, angry and divided against one another.

I remember September 11 as a day we stood united with all the good people and all the love and goodwill and caring of the planet focused on the city of New York and the people of the United States, and I want the world we could have had if our leaders had risen to the moment and built something good with all that love. We still can.

The Oligarch, billionaires, robber barons, the wealthy and evil and powerful among us, tell us that Empathy is a Sin, that kindness and compassion are despicable, weakness, errors to be rooted out.

I've heard that shit before--from narcissistic abusers who have no capacity for empathy or kindness or full human emotions. I didn't believe them, and I don't believe it now, coming from the wealthy and powerful rulers of the earth.

Empathy and kindness and compassion for one another will save us and heal us and make a better world for everyone *except* the narcissistic abusers. Terrorists. Evildoers, as Dub the Shrub would say.