Where will it end?

All around us, there are truly remarkable stories about people who care. There is much love in this world. In hours of darkness, we need to hear their stories and lift those values of compassion, dedication to humanity, and service. These stories are not fewer but the ugliness has grown larger.
What have we become as a nation?
Instead of being a nation of innovation and moral leaders, we are becoming a nation of defenders - warriors.
In the 70's a deranged person tainted a bottle of medicine. As a result, every container we buy with consumable product is now double sealed.
Shoplifters steal millions of dollars worth of items and now we have product packaging that requires heavy duty scissors to open.
Deranged people used airplanes to kill masses and now flying requires body scans, luggage scans, shoe removal and long lines at check points.
We've suffered through dozens of mass shootings in multiple settings. Now, public buildings, schools, and hospitals have guards and scanners. Worst, is a call for armed guards in places of worship.
The nation once viewed as the world example of compassion and welcome for immigrants - exemplified by the image and words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty - has a leader calling for building a giant wall and who continually attacks immigration.
What have we become?
Where will it end?
We cannot get angry enough to overcome the forces of evil.
We cannot build big enough walls or fortresses or weapons to overcome it.
We cannot react as defenders to change it.
We have to stop magnifying dangers to a point of ridiculousness.
We have to start thinking differently, speaking differently and acting differently.
The answer is to think bigger, talk softer and determine to understand deeper. What we need to build are broader relationships not bigger defenses. We need to be better problem solvers not bigger, louder bullies.