Beach Relating

Here's a philosophical observation we've made about the beach.

Itís a universal leveler, and most everyone gets along.  Looking around from our spot, you could see people in every direction.  We counted at least half a dozen different languages being spoken, and lots of people were talking to individuals next to them through a variety of languages and gestures cobbled together.

And here's the kicker -- everyone was getting along.

Nobody was really concerned about anyone's political party or religion or even where they were from.  Most people smile and nod as you walk by and make eye contact (unless they're napping).

So what causes the ruckus when we get back home?  If individuals can get along, why can't the governments they make up do the same?  Is it because the individuals running those governments are promoting their own self-interests, or those of their friends?  They've decided to put themselves and their party first as opposed to simply doing the right thing?

We're not talking about issues where people legitimately have a difference of opinion on what the right thing is, especially when it's a coin toss as to which truly is correct and most actions have both positive and negative consequences.

It would seem that if governments could behave a bit more as if they were at the beach and don't play your radio too loud, don't get drunk and be obnoxious, control your children, don't shake sand from your towel upwind of your neighbor, etc. --  the world might be a better place.