getting in our own way

Probably the very characteristics that made us the dominant species are also the ones that will bring about our demise. 

We certainly have proven that we have the capacity to study the problems confronting us, and to design some theories that should make life better for all people

But we just can't manage to put any of them in place. 

We get in our own way.  When California, Washington State and Iowa had been outplaced by the NFB, a number of blind people met and discussed beginning a new organization.  The United Blind, it would be called.  A true people's movement.  We were convinced that we had learned from the oppression of the NFB's ruling class, and we had looked at the disorganization within the ACB, and we could now develop the True Way.  And before I knew it the jockeying began.  Several individuals began to squabble over who would be the new leaders and who would determine our new direction. 

Now we had moved beyond developing a new, progressive organization, and were at that old familiar place where we were fighting for control.  Enough of us walked away from it and the whole thing fell apart. 

My mother belonged to a large garden club.  Now who would think that a garden club would become a political battle field?  Several dozen ladies meeting to discuss gardening and share tips.  But wait!  One woman decided that the garden club should become responsible for tending to the run down city parks.  Good idea.  Some ladies supported this idea.  But wait!  Another lady reminded the group that they had been founded for the specific purpose of teaching people how to care for their own yards and gardens, not to become a cheap labor source for the city.  And so the battle lines were drawn and the name calling began. 

My mother-in-law, a devout Catholic lady, belonged to the Wild Flowers.  This was a group of Catholic women who raised money each year to support an orphanage in Mexico.  Christian ladies, worthy cause, non political.  And yet, two strong willed ladies began to disagree on how to raise the money.  Before long the group was scattered to the four winds and no money was ever raised again. 

We are our own worst enemy. 

Forget all the great theories.  Until we figure out how to channel this human need to control,  until we can actually develop mutual respect and understanding, the greatest theories are going to fail.  We keep looking for some sort of global solution to a problem that is close at home.  It is within each of us. 

My own personal belief is that we may not be able to solve it.  And if we can't, it will take us down. 

 

Curious Carl