What Are We Thinking?

Several world events have caused me to start thinking more about what we all think about all day, every day. Whereas I used to look at events such as violent acts and disasters or tragic events with sadness, I have begun to think very differently about them. Now, I look at events such as the Minneapolis bridge collapse and the senseless murder of three teens and wounding of one other in Newark, NJ, and I wonder what we are all doing. There have been so many convincing statements that things will now change since these things have happened, but why would it take the things happening for our brilliant breed to realize that some action is required? Are we not smart enough to see with every new invention, there needs to be plans to help ensure safety and improve on the original ideas as we continue to study the inventions evolution? Are we not smart enough to devise plans for violence prevention, especially in those areas most prone to it? Why does it take death and destruction for us to shape up?

Another tiresome example of this theory would, undoubtedly, be our post 9/11 behavior. Okay, so we create this brilliant task force for Homeland Security. However, I read on a news ticker last week that very few, if any, of the state programs are indicating success in their programs. So, will we wait to come up with an alternative after some other disaster of epic proportions hits? It's as though the human race has decided it does its best thinking during crises. I am pretty sure this theory has been proven wrong, however our eternal commitment to progress seems to be lagging in this particular case.

So, if we are doing our best thinking during crises, my only question left is what are we thinking about the rest of the time? It seems a huge waste to me to spend all of our time reacting and none of it preventing. It's along the same lines as only appreciating something once it's gone. Brings to mind the saying of "Too little, too late."