SUMMUM BONUM

Summum bonum is the highest good, especially as the ultimate goal according to which values and priorities are established in an ethical system.  We see examples of the avoidance of Summum bonum and the subsequent outcome in our society.  As I write this article, there are several riots in two large cities, Minneapolis and Los Angels, that started as peaceful demonstrations but have since escalated.  My concern is that these riots will spread to other cities.  It all started from an arrest of a black man by a white law enforcement officer which lead to the death of the individual arrested.  There were several videos that captured the incident.  From my experience as a police officer in New York City and a current attorney, I was and am unable to defend the indefensible.  The video was excruciatingly disturbing. Some have called this incident an example of systematic racism.  And, I can see why they would come to that conclusion.  specially in the minority communities.  
 Although, I see this differently.  I see this as a breakdown or erosion in summum bonum.  Society's higher ethical standard.  Society is all about people.  We the people have made horrible decisions because we have lost our connection to who we truly are.  The true self of our soul.  We see this everyday.  Just look around when you're out.  And, see how individuals interact with others.  Most individuals see themselves as separate from others but in reality we are all one.  By callously standing by while your neighbor is in need is contrary to our highest ethical obligation to each other.  This is not about a dichotomy between black and white,  male and female, young or old.  That is part of the problem.  This labelling game that people play.  We are all one.  The evolution of the human race, in my opinion is dependent on a movement that enlightens us all toward our spiritual source of pure love.  Love and hate can not co-exist.  If we truly love our neighbors, we would feel the connection to our source.  
 Those who use a tragic incident, as what occurred in Minneapolis to promote an agenda are as much the blame as the police officer who made a terrible decision.  I look at George Floyd, the person who lost his life, as a part of me.  That's because he is!  He is a part of all of us.  We should not pour hatred into a situation that by all accounts and common sense is indefensible.  We should extinguish that kind of behavior with nothing but pure love.  The unenlightened want us to continue this never ending labelling and dichotomy because it's the easy way out.  It's an easy excuse to either justify such bad behavior or to hide behind a fake belief that, that can never happen to me, or in my neighborhood.  By waking up and tapping into our source, we can all live how we are meant to live.  With true love and peace in our lives.  I leave you with a quote on point.
 "I did not come into the world to prove anything.  I came into the world to love everyone and everything."
         Sri Chinmoy
  Just a thought.
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