This is civilization?

Three rich, interconnected religious traditions, ancient philosophers and modern scientists, astounding global communications, all the miracles of modern medicine, and yes, the lessons of history.

So where have we arrived with all this help?

Gazing at this dangerously warming and ecologically devastated planet, we can zoom in on the lands that those three religions call holy. Israelis flee south, another Israeli dies. Lebanese flee north, 10 Lebanese die. Politicians argue over the timing of a cease-fire, and more children are buried, sometimes in mass graves. Three quarters of a million people are suddenly homeless.

In Baghdad, people kill one another in the name of God at a rate of 100 victims a day. (Tell me again, how did this all start?) Distant politicians argue about whether Iraq is already in civil war. (Everybody else knows it already is.)

Back in the capital of the Empire, a president makes a fool of himself, still delivering proclamations of great achievement in front of an eye-rolling world. In the halls of Congress, way too many are worried about stroking the lobbyists and bringing home the pork. Schools rot, teens drop out, jobs ship out, health coverage runs out, bridges and roads deteriorate--and the elegantly-suited illegitimate sons of Paul Revere cry out, "The gays are coming! The Mexicans are coming! The flag burners are coming! The Rapture is coming!"

Civilization. Right. Now pass the Prilosec.