Sometimes I wonder if I have too much time on my hands to think. Perhaps I have not matured enough to understand the nature of things – or maybe I’m just too stubborn to accept them. At what point does a person stop being curious and stop asking questions? Why are things the way they are? I find it difficult to truly understand the whys of the world. 

For example, nationally, why has 

our two-party system of govern-ment become so combative and downright nasty? Unfortunately, this self-serving and contentious divisiveness has taken priority over serving the American people. It’s also difficult to understand why high-ranking politicians and feder-

al employees found guilty of committing crimes and abusing and misusing their government office escape prosecution and never go to jail. 

Why do government officials give credence or credibility to anyone, man or woman, who makes criminal accu-sations against another human being without proof, witnesses, credible col-laboration or the slightest evidence of a pattern of behavior? The case of Dr. Christine Ford versus Brett Kavanaugh comes to mind – especially since her allegations are coming 37 years after the claimed incident. If this were attempted locally, the person or persons making such an accusation would be either sued for defamation of character, laughed out of the police station or charged with filing a false police report. Or, if the case got to court, the judge would rule that the case was frivolous and throw it out. Why would they even allow themselves to go down that rabbit hole? Try it your-self. Pick any date 37 years ago and try to remember where you were and who you were with. 

Has our nation become so politically polarized, insensitive and irresponsible 

that we have abandoned our pride, honor, integrity and common sense? 

Here in North Carolina, with all the computer technology, GPS and mapping devices at our disposal, why can the state lawmakers not create congressional dis-tricts that are fair and equitable? We see blatant, unapologetic partisan politics hindering the state’s ability to effectively address and solve problems. And it is all at the expense of our citizens – especially when it comes to poverty, education, attracting economic development and protecting and preserving our environ-ment and natural resources. 

Why is it that the elimination of pov-erty here and throughout North Carolina is basically considered a Democrat-in-clined initiative? What? Really? Repub-licans don’t care about the poor and underserved? I doubt that. I was invited to a reception next month sponsored by the NC Justice Center, honoring one of Fayetteville’s most respected and re-sponsive citizens – Dr. James Anderson, chancellor of Fayetteville State Univer-sity. Anderson is a great leader and is de-serving of recognition. I appreciate the invitation, and I intend to be there. How-ever, reading the invitation and seeing 

who the event organizers and spon-sors were made me wonder: Where are the Republicans? Are they not in favor of creating an economy that works for everyone? Are they not for economic and social advancement that endorses inclusive policies that advance equity and opportunity? Of course they are. So why are so many prominent Republicans not part of this recognition? It will be interest-ing to see who attends. 

Why is it that only in a time of extreme heartbreak and tragedy like the devastation of the Twin Towers on 9/11 or Hurricanes Matthew and Florence do we demonstrate our natural instincts for charity, toler-ance, love and compassion for our fellow man? Why is it that American 

compassion, cooperation and resilience only emerge in times of desperation when help, patience, love and generosity are in the greatest demand? In situations like these, it does not matter what race, color or sexual orientation you are or what political affiliation you champion. Yet, without such tragedy or disaster looming over us, we seem to care little about the virtues of humanity and think mostly about our self-serving and politi-cally charged selves. 

So many whys and so few answers. Maybe we have some answers but no real solutions – at least none that would be politically prudent. One thing is for certain. In the end, we will all come to understand the importance of the contributions (or lack of them) we have made to humanity. Our children will live with the consequences, good or bad. Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Photo: Brett Kavanaugh with family