Working the problem
Astronauts are taught to “work the problem” and to put off concentrating on the dozens/hundreds/thousands of problems that lie ahead. They learn to work the current problem, which is, as often as not, a matter of life or death.
Think about the very real problem and outcome of the Apollo 13 “failed” Moon mission. Three astronauts, (in mortal danger), made it back to Earth alive because they, and countless other people at the Space Center, worked a thousand problems, one problem at a time. It was one of humanities greatest moments in the triumph of science and thought.
In the Matt Damon film, “The Martian,” he survived by working the problem.
In the Sandra Bullock film, “Gravity,” she survived by working the problem.
Whether in reality or fiction, facing facts, using one’s mind and common sense, are the only sane course of action. It’s the only possible course to survival.
So at this point, I’ll drop the NASA analogy.
Our politics today have gone off the rails and has little to do with what sane people consider to be “reality.” And repairing this aberration has everything to do with working the problem.
A man, who is universally considered to be unfit, for a variety of reasons, is in charge. That’s a problem.
A minority of voters adore him and that gives him leverage over the party he “leads.” That’s a problem.
The rest of us, and most other sane people on planet Earth, are behaving as though we are helpless. That’s a problem.
What’s wrong with us? Why are we, -- the human species, -- allowing this insanity to continue?
Here’s my take on it:
The agendas, plans, ambitions, fears, and countless quirks of wealthy, powerful and, unfortunately, uninformed and ignorant people, override any sense of fairness, human dignity, and the interdependence and survival of the human species.
So to all sentient human beings who are paying attention, I have one request.
Let's work the problem. Together.
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