Per recommendation from Susan - Maudlin public display follows:

My energy (such as it is) goes first to family, then to friends, then into the environment and the sustainability effort and civil rights. (the last three not always in that in order). What goes well is that there are, still, people who care, that I have friends and family who have a strong sense of community responsibility, whether rooted in ethical (philosophical) values or belief in God. That are "good" people.

Less than well is the growing idea in our society, abetted and encouraged by conservatives and liberals alike through laws and regulations, that responsibility lies outside of self. The list of good is not a what, but all the "whos". Friends, acquaintences and all the unknowns who are compassionate, concerned and involved because they believe that's what they have to do as a matter of honesty to self. The indifferent I can (usually) tolerate, the bad...no general rule there.

My mother and father taught me that charity (in the sense of helping others) and self respect are required, as part of being a "good"man or woman. It's what you do. But that you do charity without strings. (simplistic version, we all need to consider and accept consequences of our actions). You don't do it to look good in Church/Community/Newspapers. You don't do it with ulterior motives. You do it because its is the right thing to do and that should be its own reward. That without self respect, there can be no expectation of respect from others. Self respect is about who you are. Not what.

Regards John