Trust is an element of life that we don't often think about directly. It is, however, something that we cannot exist without. A certain level of trust is, I believe, necessary in order to survive.
None of us are self sufficient. We depend on other people to deliver food to our local grocer, grow that food, and to package it so that it is healthy. We depend on that truck driver to keep his or her eighteen wheeler on their side of the highway. We trust that the teachers at our schools are not perverts but are people who care for our children and teach them the knowledge and skills necessary to be productive, successful members of our society. We trust that our legislators are honest and interested in doing what they think is best to govern our separate jurisdictional bodies. Most of the time we trust that news organizations are giving us full, unbiased accounts of activities around the world that affect us. We trust that our medical professionals are well trained and capable of using their skills and knowledge to help keep, or return us, to health.
Each of us have literally thousands of daily interactions that depend on trust. When trust turns out to be misplaced, it is painful; our very security and peace of mind, sometimes our physical health, is threatened.
To me, it seems that there is increasing evidence that our trust is often misplaced. Too often we learn of incidents in which it has been violated. Such violations tend to make me feel helpless, unable to continue to trust anyone, thing, or institution. Even though I know it's impossible to function without trust, I try to protect myself by reinforcing barriers built to protect me.
The trust I most want to believe but that has been smashed too often is that of our government, at every level. I've become convinced that no politician is honest, none do what is best for their people. They are only interested in making themselves more powerful and richer, and us more dependent on their giving us something. I really do not like or enjoy feeling that, but as I observe the political leaders of my local city, county, and state, I know I cannot trust them. The same is true of the national politicians, Congressperson, Senators, and higher. I have some level of hope for President Obama and his administration, but watch them with wary, distrustful eye.
That isn't a proud admission, but it is accurate. I hope that my pessimism is not warranted, but so no evidence yet that it is. I also hope that I am an outsider, that most people aren't so negative.
That's enough rant for this evening. I will be away for a day or two taking care of some personal matters. I hope I am in a better mood when I return.
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