Hey, golf. To answer your questions:
we need to be a positive influence for good.
I totally agree. I do my part every day. See my rant, below, which pretty well expresses how I feel about making a difference.
Evil surrounds us, what are people doing to make a better society?
I don't think evil surrounds us. Most people are trying to make a better life for themselves, just like us. I loved Blondie's example of walking through the park and asking yourself, who is picking up the doggie doo? Our local mental ward (which I familiarized myself with lately) has bingo every other night. My son tried to explain to me how enjoyable it was to pick out his own prize. Who runs that bingo? A volunteer. There are all kinds of people making all kinds of small differences all around us. Only thing, they don't make the headlines.
Are they going with the crowd or are they involved with groups who desire a better world?
Thanks to the WTS, I am a bit of an individualist. I don't think that any group will make a better world. I think it will happen with sparks of personal involvement. This little rant touched Utopian Reformist before his recent tragedy, and he sent a note of encouragement. He may have since temporarily lost his hope, but in his heart beats a survivor. I am glad JWD was able to help him stand up when he fell. There. See? Little changes. I believe in them.
Rant of the Militant Happyist
I avoid newspapers and search out eyes. I bumble my way on to hoarded subway seats. My plump bottom overspills it's share of seat, as I breathe warm and fuzzy greetings in to my startled neighbour?s face. I politely inquire on their book or the weather, whatever might grudge a smile. I boldly offer to shake a young man's hand. "I bet you go to the same High School as my boy - down this block, is it? Is Mister Grady still the Gym Teacher" Hiding behind a punk scrawl, I find the insecure boy yearning for a mother's care."I played flute in the school band, too," I comment to the slim dark boy clutching his scuffed case. We share a secret smile no one else sees.
I roam the transit with impunity, a forgettable motherly figure in a sea of humanity.
I have encountered the midnight hiding in the soul of man. That chilling blackness kills, and it nearly swallowed me. I ran, ran, ran from that vicious hatred. Now I fight, fight, fight to take back the darkness.