THE OTHER EARTH

Somewhere out there in the vastness we call space, is another solar system exactly like ours with an Earth like planet with the same water and land properties. But the water there is clean, the air that the inhabitants breathe is without pollutants and crops and livestock grow in abundance. True there are natural occurrences like earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes and the occasional volcano eruptions, but as soon as it is safe to go back into those areas, peace is restored and rebuilding begins. And it gets done because it is what needs to be done, not for profit. You see, the difference between the two Earths is that they don't know GREED. No one goes to bed hungry, when you are ill you get the attention that you need and the people there are much happier then they are here.

Some would call this Socialism or maybe even Communism, but whatever you call it, it works for them and I dare say that it could work here as well. As a child I remember my mother telling me that greed was the killer. I didn't understand what that meant back then but I do now. And if there was a way that I could erase greed from our planet I certainly would, before greed does kill us.

WORLD AIDS DAY

December1st each year is WORLD AIDS DAY, a time to remember all of those who have perished because of this disease and to celebrate those living with it today. Around the world the day was marked and remembered as it was here in St. Petersburg, Florida. A good friend and artist who works in metal artistry, Mark Hester, created bronze plates with inscriptions of those of us living with HIV/AIDS in our own handwriting and they were displayed locally at The Flamingo Resort. People were invited to not only read but also run their fingers over the words that were transformed into art as a living memorial. It was a sobering experience for me and others and our minds were reminded of the great quilt that started with one square in remembrance of one who had passed. The names of those who wrote their feelings are not reveled to anyone other they themselves and the artist but I and others witnessed first hand the solitude of those who read and/or felt the words. But the best thing that could come out of this World AIDS Day and others would be for a cure to be found or at least kinder and gentler medications that right now are causing as much pain as the disease it self. Your comments are welcome.