To say that there is mystery in life is an obvious but often unmentioned fact. Until the reformation and the Industrial Revolution the only significant political forces were religion and the monarchy. Until various political freedoms became established (property rights, the press and legal institutions) the church had a significant, powerful and monopolistic place in society. At the heart of the church's power was the capacity to control personal behavior and be the sole provider of entry into the afterlife.

Religion was based on a very hierarchical and male dominated point of view. Only religion knew the right way to live your life. The power that comes from this position is intoxicating and irresistible - who would give it up? The Catholic stranglehold in Europe only ended when competition came into being.

The male dominated and power hungry Muslim leaders today have no competition. Just as happened in Europe, if change comes it won't come easily or quickly.

It also seems all too obvious that trying to impose our will won't work either. Instead, let us be patient - offering economic and educational assistance when possible, and understanding at all times. The Crusades didn't work a thousand years ago and they aren't working now.

Our true mission should be to provide the lessons that science(truth) can bring and to let people live their own lives. If both science and religion can coexist, then our behavior should exemplify that attitude. We need to demonstrate open mindedness, which is what we claim a secular society can do, while respecting various religious beliefs.

I remember the Berrigan brothers ( Catholic priests who were dedicated anti-Vietnam war activists) being asked: Why are you so persistent in fighting this war? You cannot stop it. Their simple answer: our commitment is to doing the right thing. The outcome is not the issue. Doing the right thing is.

I remember this response as demonstrating that allegiance to the highest truth is what gives meaning and value to life. Virtually none of us has the power to control much more than how we live our own life. The Berrigan brothers' behavior is the ultimate expression of integrity: where one's inner values and outer behavior are the same.

Will Powell do the right thing? Who knows. In the larger picture each of us should ask: am I doing the right thing?

We can only hope that Powell will stand up for the truth, and that it will actually make a difference. In the meantime do the right thing.

Perhaps in the distant past -but at least not in my lifetime-has there been more pervasive lying in an administration. Nixon and Johnson were bush league ( pun not intended but it works) compared to what we've been exposed to with this gang of incompetents. What is truly amazing is that Republicans have the gall to actually think that they are telling the truth.

Hillary is not the issue.

Caring for the earth is the issue.

Caring about the well being of all people is the issue - not just the haves and the have mores.

Not leaving any child behind - really - is the issue.

Being respectful, honorable and decent people and having those values reflected in our government's actions is the issue.

Being demanding and persistent in expecting the best of ourselves and our elected officials is the issue.

Standing up for what's right is the issue.

And being willing to humbly and consistently share these values with others is the issue.

It's not really very complicated. Do the right thing.

Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans should object to that.

Perhaps in the distant past -but at least not in my lifetime-has there been more pervasive lying in an administration. Nixon and Johnson were bush league ( pun not intended but it works) compared to what we've been exposed to with this gang of incompetents. What is truly amazing is that Republicans have the gall to actually think that they are telling the truth.

Hillary is not the issue.

Caring for the earth is the issue.

Caring about the well being of all people is the issue - not just the haves and the have mores.

Not leaving any child behind - really - is the issue.

Being respectful, honorable and decent people and having those values reflected in our government's actions is the issue.

Being demanding and persistent in expecting the best of ourselves and our elected officials is the issue.

Standing up for what's right is the issue.

And being willing to humbly and consistently share these values with others is the issue.

It's not really very complicated. Do the right thing.

Neither the Democrats should object to that.