Which Way Is Up?

As the world continues to turn, it becomes a more confusing jumble of misconception everyday. There are many different facets of the 'normal' workings in our day to day lives that appear to be teetering on the brink of an immense abyss from which there is no return. The complexities of the system in which we live are too numerous to comprehend all at once, but the way in which it is all interconnected means that each dimension is able to affect the others in some form or fashion. 

Take the price of oil, for example. With the fields in Libya exporting at a greatly reduced capacity, the struggles and difficulties in the middle east, and the Ukraine upheaval, why is the price of oil falling? Logic would indicate a rise in prices, and if history is an indicator, prices should be up sharply, but they are not. Frank says, as the economy slows down we consume less. But if we consume less, the companies need to make the same profit, so the price goes up. On the other hand, if we consume more, there is more demand, and the price goes up. Either way, the price goes up, so why is it going down?

There is an outbreak of a respiratory virus among children that is spreading through our country at a phenomenal rate. It is not a brand new virus, but is highly unusual in that it is affecting the

respiratory system. There have been questions about where this virus originated. Did it come across the southern border recently? Was it intentional, or just brought by those that are arriving here in ever growing numbers? And speaking of that, why is it that the working people of America have to pay for the facilities and all the services being provided for people entering the country illegally? Why should anything be provided at all except a one way trip back to the border? Why should we spend one dime when there are so many people here who are law abiding American citizens that are out of work or under employed? I know there is a purpose in letting our borders leak like a sieve, and I don't think the intent of that purpose bodes well for We The People.

Speaking of illnesses, have you heard much about Ebola lately? No. You hear more about the new watch you can't live without, professional athletes making poor decisions and the never ending battle of the politicians. But, you know what? Ebola is out of control and spreading at an

alarming rate. There are countries that have exhausted all means of containing the spread of this disease, countries that will be devastated by the loss of life and infrastructure. And now we are sending military troops to these places to 'fight' this disease. Why? So they can bring it here in ever greater numbers? It appears that it will only be a matter of time before it continues to spread. One article I read recently described the spread as exponential. Where will it end? We have yet to see.

The rumors and stories about ISIS are numerous. The destruction they leave in their wake is horrific. The ability of a group of people, that appear to have lost their souls and compassion for mankind, to flourish amongst other civilized countries is unbelievable. How can the governments of the world, and especially those in that region, bear to let them continue to exist and continue their slaughter of the innocent? Why are they waiting around for someone else to do their dirty work? 

Religious persecutions abound. The persecution of Israel and Christians have risen to an almost fever pitch. I still don't understand why it is okay for a satanic mass to occur without protest, but a child cannot say 'bless you'

to a classmate that sneezes. Why is it every form of religion or atheism has the right to display/express their views, but when it comes to Christianity it is a hate crime? I guess I know the answer to that, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. And now we read or hear on the news that we have joined in a coalition to fight ISIS to the very end. But, guess what? Not one country in the coalition is going to put troops on the ground to fight. What am I not getting here? Are they going to beat the monsters back with hot air and wishes? Just how weak and pathetic have our leaders become?

There is an interesting editorial called The Great Unraveling at the New York Times. This is a very thought provoking article that won't take long to read. It puts together some events in the world with a different twist.

When we read the headlines lately, it appears that there are many, many things being emphasized that are just fluff, shocking or ridiculous, things that are just meant to distract, amuse or irritate. I can't help but wonder what is really going on behind the scenes that the powers that be don't want us to notice or be aware of. There is

the Scotland referendum, the erratic fluctuations of the stock market, the never ending bias against this group or that, the militarization of police forces, the frequent purging of military officers, the never ending cacophony of hate from one group to another that drowns out the real life changing events happening right before our very eyes. Sometimes the 'noise' is deafening. It makes it hard to see what is coming. It's kind of like a thick fog, or the proverbial smoke and mirrors, that smudges the edges of reality. With so many events and people vying for the attention of the populace, it can be dizzying trying to discern those things that stealthily bring danger to your door.

Try to sift through the onslaught of worrisome slop that is fed to us everyday. Discard the refuse, evaluate the validity of all else that is presented. Attempt to determine if it is of worth to you and yours. Above all else, don't get bogged down in the slime and filth that is passed off as entertainment, lest it woo you down into complacency. There may not always be tomorrow to prepare. Now is the time to prepare your future. If you don't, you may not have one.

Until next time - Fern