Morality and values seem to decline so rapidly that it is even surprising at times to observe. A few decades ago, it was shameful if someone had a divorce in their family, and respect for authorities was a given in practically all aspects of life—toward parents, teachers, police officers, and politicians—attitudes that seem to be outdated in our society today. However, as a general attitude of criticism toward authorities steadily increases, the public makes it more and more a hunting game to find fault in prominent people.

“Nigerian authorities were putting emergency measures in place on Thursday [22 December] to prevent an oil spill from a Royal Dutch Shell facility, the biggest leak in Nigeria for more than 13 years, washing up on its densely populated coast.”  The oil company used airplanes to drop dispersants on the slick before it reached the Nigerian shoreline.  “A U.N.

It's not uncommon today to see talk and debate about the conflict between male and female interests in the workplace, in education, and in the home. The so-called “battle of the sexes” rages, if you are to believe the popular media. Of course, there are differences between men and women, and there is no doubt that in various ways—and in all strata of society—there are inequities that result in conflict and ill feelings.

New intelligence suggests that Iran could have a nuclear bomb in a year or less. Because of this, U.S. policy toward Israel and Iran recently shifted.  Israel’s Defense Minister noted that “the mind-set in Washington was ‘different two years ago,’ and that the US position vis-à-vis Tehran’s nuclear agenda today mirrors the one held in Jerusalem.”  Further, “the Iranian threat is ‘militant and nuclear and only the naive still believe it is peaceful… [the US] completely understands this now.’”

“What the World Needs Now Is Love,” a popular song by writer Hal David and composer Burt Bacharach, is well known for its wistful lyric: