A termite mound is a marvel, a complex of tunnels and rooms, exits and entries, chimneys for climate control, and even fungus âgardensâ for food. Termites are brilliant builders, but we donât typically describe them as civilized.
It is said that Margaret Mead was once asked about the earliest sign of human civilization. It was not villages, tools, or farming. It was an ancient skeleton with a healed femur fracture. Such a long bone fracture would kill most animals, but someone fed and protected this person as they healed. She said human caring is civilization.
Contrast that with a government that demands wealth, adoration, and absolute power; a president whose every deed is transactional. Contrast that with a country where masked thugs murder on the streets.
Things are bad, but the culture, diversity, intellect, and decency that we once embodied can be saved if civilized people work together.
This president can build a gaudy ballroom and feign strength, but without caring, human civilization will not exist. Termites build, too.
Teresa Goodell
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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