Three Examples - One Story

I have been heart sick, and I can't quite shake it. Perhaps it is one of my "global depressions," and perhaps things are as insane as they seem. I want to share three events with you that all seem to spring from the same source ... the same story. One is the story of a wolf, one a story of a people, and one a casually uttered threat.

Example One:
As you may know, the endangered species designation for the Yellowstone wolves has been lifted. In the month since the protection was lifted, 17 Yellowstone wolves have been killed. Among the first was "Limpy" and two others of the Druid Peak pack.

Limpy (pictured above) was a much loved and photographed wolf. He was getting old and was limped from damaged hind legs. Now, another 14 wolves have died to join the first three. (Your donation can help the legal battle to restore protections for the wolves).

Example Two:
Israel has imposed economic sanctions on Gaza. They were warned by the UN Works and Relief Agency (UNRWA) that the UN was going to have to stop food relief to Gaza if it was not allowed access to fuel. Israel decided to ignore the request, so UNRWA had to stop food and supply deliveries. Two-thirds of those in Gaza (860,000) are dependent upon the supplies from UNRWA. Israel has retaliated in an effort to stop Hamas. In the process, they are collectively everyone in Gaza.

Example Three:
In an interview on Good Morning America, Hillary Clinton threatened to "obliterate" Iran if it launched a nuclear strike on Israel.

"In the next 10 years, during which they might foolishly consider launching an attack on Israel, we would be able to totally obliterate them," she said. "That's a terrible thing to say but those people who run Iran need to understand that because that perhaps will deter them from doing something that would be reckless, foolish and tragic." (CNN)

So what is the single story behind these very different stories? One party's interests supersedes all other interests or consideration of consequences. One party's interests are more important than the obliteration of an entire people - or an entire species. It makes no difference to the EPA (and the interests behind them) is every wolf in the United States is killed. It makes no difference to Israel if over 1 million people starve to stop a relative handful of "enemies." Hillary Clinton would "obliterate" over 66 million people in retaliation for a strike on Israel. (In the name of "deterrence" of course)

The depth and breadth to the illness that is reflected in these three examples is difficult to embrace. Quite frankly, it is impossible for me to understand. Maybe I am the one that is ill, because I cannot fathom the level of self interest and disconnection that any of these examples demonstrates.