Blurred Lines

It’s hard to know if one is in Iraq, Syria, Gaza or Ferguson these days, the images look alarmingly similar.

What is abundantly clear; since 911 America has adopted a combative stance in all streams of life.

CNN’s Wolf Blitzer has a show called the ‘Situation Room’, even his bloody name is threatening! (Although he looks like a senior citizen teddy bear)

The TV media on all sides are awash in exploding, swooping graphics that font large the words ‘Terror’ every second.

Embedded journalists look like members of SWAT teams, with the only distinguishably difference being the word ‘Press’.

Even some celebrities have entourages the size of football teams, and who are armed to the teeth.

This bunker type mentality creeps in like a thief and leaves us shell shocked, too numb to realize the change. 

A product of ‘Right to Bear’ arms gone haywire and cancerous killing cycle that is never allowed to end.

There are thousands of Ferguson's percolating all across America, a sorry lament to the neglect of failed cities that warrant more help than Baghdad, Damascus and Kabul.

American foreign policy worries more about foreign failed States (and Arms sales) than its own domestic States.

We care more, it seems for tribes and cultures that we can barley pronounce, than the mixed culture back home that is in dire need for harmony and respect.

How can America be the beacon of light when its own population is in ruins?

What example to the rest of the world can we set if we are drowning in social divide and cultural inequity?

The Pentagon military budget for tactical weaponry must be colossal, why not trade in those dollars to resurrect communities and provide jobs, a future and to help ourselves and others. 

Why can't we cross the blurred lines of distrust to the transparent lines of hope ?