My meditations on this first day of 2014 A.D.:

This morning Beverly and I were discussing what the ancients wrote of the pervasive corruption of the world heretofore and their visions of a yet future restoration. Our talk soon focused on the role of police in such a future world; a world without crime, death, or injury of any sort. We fantasized how the police would cease to be enforcers to become the source of aid and comfort for all citizens. 
Thinking along these lines brought back fond memories from childhood when I was taught that police officers are to be obeyed without question, and to be trusted to help in any possible distress I might find myself. I remember the awe I felt at the sight of a uniformed officer.

Sometime later, perhaps around age 7 or 8, I witnessed two SC Hwy Patrol officers mercilessly beating with billy-sticks, a drunk man, in full view of anyone who happened by. I later saw with my own innocent eyes, several Sheriff's Deputies work over a next-door neighbor on his own front lawn. I came to a better understanding of how the world really works for certain people.

(This isn't intended to bring disrespect or dishonor to any of the wonderful people who serve as peace officers. I intend only to illustrate the utter corruption of humanity, and the disheartening struggles we all suffer through.)

More than 50 years later, these bits and snatches of disillusionment still trouble me. Perhaps you can grasp the ferocity with which I hold the hope offered for the future time when fear is gone from the world and why someone like me would hold onto those ancient writings of long dead men at a cost of my very life.

Those childhood memories in which I saw, not just the police, but, all men as my friends and protectors form a moth-like, irresistible attraction to the light that shines from the source of this hope.
Sometime later, perhaps around age 7 or 8, I witnessed two SC Hwy Patrol officers mercilessly beating with billy-sticks, a drunk man, in full view of anyone who happened by. I later saw with my own innocent eyes, several Sheriff's Deputies work over a next-door neighbor on his own front lawn. I came to a better understanding of how the world really works for certain people. 
(This isn't intended to bring disrespect or dishonor to any of the wonderful people who serve as peace officers. I intend only to illustrate the utter corruption of humanity, and the disheartening struggles we all suffer through.)
More than 50 years later, these bits and snatches of disillusionment still trouble me. Perhaps you can grasp the ferocity with which I hold the hope offered for the future time when fear is gone from the world and why someone like me would hold onto those ancient writings of long dead men at a cost of my very life.
Those childhood memories in which I saw, not just the police, but, all men as my friends and protectors form a moth-like, irresistible attraction to the light that shines from the source of this hope.