“My soul cannot find any stairway to heaven unless it is through the beauty of the earth.” Miguel Angel. Of course, one of the greatest painters in all of history was well aware of the abundant beauty of the land. It is in nature that so many people over the centuries have sought refuge and inspiration, but sadly, over time that abundant beauty is disappearing.

It is this Michelangelo quote that humanity must address today. If we don’t, the reality is too horrible to even contemplate. In the 20th century alone we have almost completely polluted our oceans, destroyed millions and millions of acres of forests, and accelerated one of the most sudden climate changes in Earth’s history. All because we have not paid attention to the true meaning of Michelangelo’s astute observation of the natural beauty of the earth. Whether we have considered everything we have done in the last 150 years or so as progress for humanity or not, it is something that we should all consider. We continue to endanger our future with the most blatant assault on the wonders of nature. It is the natural beauty of the earth that should sustain us all. If we continue our assault in the name of progress without regard for the delicate balance of the earth, the fate of humanity is in question. This is the most important scenario facing humanity today.

The green green grass of our home has now turned a gloomy brown in many parts of the world. Lack of sufficient rain, massive impurities in the oxygen that we all breathe or the sewage that is dumped into the streets and into our waterways due to a lack of sewage treatment facilities or adequate sanitation that for millions of people around the world still do not have access to are just some of the realities that continue to affect all of humanity.

Recalling a television commercial from not so long ago in which a tearful Native American observing the contempt of all men for nature is as moving for today’s times as it was when it first aired. seen on television many years ago. Still, many have such poor respect for the land, water, and air that we all breathe. However, we will continue to destroy the environment that is meant for all living things unless society enforces current safeguards while implementing new technologies to protect the only home known to man.

Like the pollution that continues to attack our environment, there are those who commit unspeakable acts of terror and violence in societies. The unprecedented terror, chaos and unjustified hatred directed against man and animals echo that the beauty of our world is fading. In the past 16 years alone, there have been more and more horrendous acts of deliberate destruction and terror that have led to unspeakable crimes against humanity. This inflicted terror is another form of pollution that is permeating the whole world. Today, the random acts of those who are about to commit a horrible slaughter, be it against man or against animals, are as catastrophic as the deluge of pollution that is invading our waterways and our entire planet.

Gun violence continues in the United States. Unnecessary deaths occur weekly, and yet it is as if our public officials seem powerless. We have safeguards to stop pollution and yet the assault on our environment continues. We have gun laws and technology, and yet the carnage continues. These safeguards, which are all in place, but not universally accepted or applied, keep pollution in the midst of death camps where innocent lives pay the highest price.

Our world how beautiful it could be. I don’t know how many times we’ve all heard “Hopefully”. If only there were more guns carried by more people, it would be a wonderful deterrent to unwanted chaos. If only there were more landfills to handle more of all our trash. Well! These solutions only create the conditions for more unwanted chaos and more garbage. It is time for us to take a hard look at where society is heading today. It seems from all the rhetoric that we are heading back to Dodge City instead of the 22nd century and beyond. To safeguard our planet, there are many technologies already available to ensure that further pollution does not disrupt the environment and protects the innocent lives that are entrusted to the care of the humanities.

No final decisions have been made yet. Do we accept only the reality that pollution is far from life, not to be completely eliminated? However, do we choose to implement currencies and technologies to deflect pollution in all its forms for the benefit of all humanity? Today’s wonders are the answers. Too often, our elected officials who are entrusted with making decisions that will improve societies are unable or unwilling to make those decisions. In the end, we are only regressing rather than progressing and flourishing. Whether it is about implementing and enforcing technologies that will improve society, it is now often overlooked, considered unworkable, or simply appears to be just plain unworkable. Once again, our illustrious leaders of state have yet to realize that there really are alternatives. But they still lack the conviction and moral strength to make meaningful legislation a reality using what is already available. Yes, we really do have the coins on hand to ensure the safety and health of all living things.