Thinking about London

Words cannot express the sorrow and anger that I feel about the London bombings. My thoughts go out to the wounded and to those who lost loved ones in the attacks.

Terrorism is insidious in its effect on people's lives. But so are the conditions that create such despair, fear, and hatred that make some feel they have no other recourse than to take up terrorism.

At the core, every one of us, whether we be Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jew, Mormon, Bhuddist, atheist, or pagan, black or white, gay or straight, no matter our nationality, every one of us is the same. We have the same physical needs, we have our dreams, we want to not suffer.

Extreme poverty creates extreme despair. Extreme religious factions create hatred. The combination of the two is volatile and often leads to violence against those who are perceived as the oppressors or non-believers.

Each one of us has a responsibility to make this planet a better place for each other. We can do this by little things...smiling at people on the street, saying hello, opening doors, helping others. We can do this by being open to differences, by learning about those who are different than us rather than fearing them.

Every one of us can make the world a better and more peaceful place.

Namaste.