Climate Change

- Our Climate is Changing -

What will tomorrow bring?

 A HEAVY HANDED CLIMATE?   

The climate is changing in our world.  In more ways than one. Our environment has changed - and not only in terms of nature’s beauty and our need to care for it.  

A heavy handed threat is creeping into our daily lives.  One that destroys a sense of safety we in this country have long enjoyed.  I know the seed of it has been here all along. Many have suffered the fear and pain of it.  Mostly the poor, the disadvantaged and those among us who still live with the degrading echoes of the shameful hand of slavery.  

One difference today though, is that while every generation brings forth those who work to role back the fist,  it seems a climate of heavy handedness is now increasing.  Bit by bit it is rolling over us.  The dread of it is oozing little by little.  Each time we read of travelers detained for hours and then denied entry to even visit our country, the thought creeps in - could that be me next time I travel?  Could that be my friend, coming to address our conference next fall?

We who travel, now have one more burden to consider.  What if I am ordered to leave the seat I’ve paid for and never dreamed was not secure?  Will I refuse to be bullied, as did the Dr. on United the other day?  There is always the chance of delay and missed connections, but this latest visceral reminder of manhandling as an acceptable pattern of doing business, is a worrisome trend.  A disturbing echo of stories heard from third world countries or those living under the thumb of a  dictator and his strongmen.  

I wonder how much further we will travel down this path, how much deeper we will descend into this climate before arriving at a better sense of balance, a healthier climate for our children and grands.  

JoMae
4/11/17