Do we deserve this kind of government?

The less justified a man is in claiming excellence for his own self, the more ready he is to claim all excellence for his nation, his religion, his race or his holy cause. A man is likely to mind his own business when it is worth minding. When it is not, he takes his mind off his own meaningless affairs by minding other people's business.
- Eric Hoffer, philosopher and author (1902-1983)

Does this explain it?

Does this explain why thousands of Muslims are prepared to sacrifice their lives in battle against overwhelming odds or to blow themselves up so that "others" will be killed as well, all for their religion?

Does this explain why the numbers of extreme right wing voters in the USA are swelling at a shocking rate, those people who are willing to bully, to deprive and to emotionally harm those they consider "weak" because it's part of the principles of their political persuasion?

Does this explain road rage, office rage and frequent losses of temper in public places (including at demonstrations), as people lose control out of frustration with others who claim they can do anything they want and justify it as a constitutional right?

The militant Muslims, American bullies and insensitive boors say no.

In response, I would ask if any of these people have anything positive to contribute to the world, as proven by repeated long term and widely recognized successes. Given enough time, they all prove they have little of value to offer.

If they are indeed in a minority, then why is the large majority of good people remaining relatively quiet, such that it seems as if the loud ones are running things? They are. And the good people are lining up behind them as if they are great leaders.

We get the kind of government we are prepared to invest our time and talents in.

Bill Allin
Turning It Around: Causes and Cures for Today's Epidemic Social Problems, striving to show what effect minding your own business can have on a community, a country, or the world.
Learn more at http://billallin.com