Introspection: observation or examination of one’s own mental and emotional state, mental processes, etc.; the act of looking within oneself.
It occurred to me today that what is lacking in our national discussion of the issues is a sense of introspection. It’s like my mother always told me, “point a finger and you have three pointing back at you.” Why all the finger pointing?
I think that the Great Recession has a lot to do with this. With so many people out of work and government that doesn’t seem to be responsive to the crisis, just about everyone is feeling like there is a huge weight on their shoulders. Even people with jobs are worried about their security because business seems willing make a profit on the backs of their employees.
So many people are so concerned with what others say or do in stead of looking at themselves first. They are concerned about how much taxes others pay, what kind of car others own, what god others pray to, and how patriotic others are. In turn, these same people are so cocksure of their own mores that they feel justified in minding other people’s business. If you were to examine them closely, I’m willing to bet that their lives are filled with fear and uncertainty. Feelings that they project on others because it’s easier than engaging in some introspection.
Of course, the more you point this out, the more defensive they get. They retreat into their insular world and hunker down for the duration. The problem is that the duration is an unknown and they end up breeding a new generation of societal misfits that only prolongs the agony.
It would be a miracle if the fringe elements of our society were to suddenly become introspective. All I’m asking for is that the moderate 80% of the population make an effort. It’s really not that hard. Just allow for the fact that you aren’t always right, that the other person may have a valid point, and that we’re all in this together. A little harmony isn’t a lot to expect if we just make an effort.
So That's Life? 
Bus Stop Blues
08/08/2012When I decided to ride the bus instead of drive to work, I knew there would be trade-offs. I had to leave earlier, couldn’t carry as much stuff with me, couldn’t easily run errands after work, and sometimes had to sit and stand next to some interesting smelling people. I knew all this but decided that it just cost too much for a parking space and gas. Plus, it was the environmentally-friendly thing to do. Until recently, I had only minor quibbles with bus service.
For those of you who don’t know, The Honolulu bus system (The Bus) has a long history of winning awards and providing excellent service. I used it as a high school and college student and it was great. However, in recent years, service has deteriorated mostly due to budget cuts which I completely understand. The price of fuel skyrocketed so they needed to alter, and even eliminate, some routes. I can see running the buses less frequently in the middle of the day or later at night.
That brings me back to my situation. I catch the #9 bus at the very top of Waialae Ave. and get off at what would be considered the other end of that street. This morning, and many mornings for the past 2 months, the bus was packed. It has nothing to do with school because only one kid got off at Kaimuki high school. I don’t know if they eliminated one bus from the morning schedule but I do know that it is a tinier bus that now picks me up! So, as if it weren’t bad enough to be standing, I’m standing in a cramped aisle.
As I was standing in the bus, I couldn’t help noticing the advertising placard for HEA, the bus GPS/locator application that is supposed to tell you when a bus will arrive at a stop. When I first discovered this service, I was actually ecstatic. A website that could tell me when to be where to catch a bus? What a concept! Then reality set in. When it worked, it was great, when it didnʻt, it was worse than a fraud. It wasnʻt just that times were off. Evidently, there are invisible buses and I donʻt have the special glasses to see them.
If you or someone you know is a bus rider, please let me know. Letʻs band together and demand better service!
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When I went to the Support Forum for HEA, I discovered that it has practically been abandoned. There are a few questions posted but no answers.
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