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It's a cliché expression, perhaps, but I believe the human race is really at a crossroads. Of course, the space enthusiast within me likes to visualize a wise and mature human civilization expanding into the solar system and outwards. I also like to visualize other scientific and technological advancements, such as eradication of diseases and further improvements in transportation and communications. But along with all this I like to visualize a human race where our old hatreds have been left behind on the rubbish pile of history where they belong, and where every person is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of skin color, religious belief, sexual orientation, and so on. I visualize that this future, with its many wonders, is open to everyone, not just to the handful of those who are fortunate enough to live in the "right" parts of the world. But while such a future is within our grasp, at the same time we have the power to destroy ourselves with our weapons and our hatreds, and to ravage our planet's fragile environment with our devil-may-care recklessness.
The choice is up to us. If we are to pursue the higher road, and avoid the pits into which we can so easily fall, then we must make the conscious choice to do so, and have the courage, and perseverance, to overcome the obstacles we face. Are we up to it? I believe we can be. But are we worthy? When I see pictures of the dead bodies of innocent people lying around after yet another street battle somewhere, or observe our ostensible political leaders refusing to see how their self-interested decisions are harming the rest of the planet, the temptation is strong to say "no." But then I see my sons playing together and I think of their hopes and dreams for their future, or I remember the outpouring of friendship I received from the people of Iran, or I think again of that Iwo Jima photograph, and I want to utter a most emphatic "yes!"
Which shall it be?
YESTERDAY: Updates For April 6 Reports
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