Darwin got it right. Minor mutations occurring over a prolonged period, selected according to the fittest for survival, will result in the development of intelligent life out of more primitive species. Earth has seen this happen twice already, once with human beings - who arrived perhaps 200,000 years ago - and the other time with ants - which arrived maybe 100,000,000 years ago.
Both have used their intelligence to develop complex societies, which gave them superior living. And in this regard, Darwin understood what prominent Harvard biologist E.O. Wilson has recently confirmed, that survival of the fittest is not necessarily the best approach for building a society - that cooperation and self-sacrifice are key components in the ultimate good of a society. Altruistic behavior in individuals is motivated by the desire to see society benefit. Individual desires often conflict with the best interest of the group, and need to be regulated by the group.
During the past 40 years, right-wing political news media, TV and radio, and Republican pundits and politicians have pushed the concept that what is best for the individual is best for the country. This is clearly contrary to fact and history, but enough people have embraced the idea to create political deadlock in our society.
In fact, people who succeed are mostly just lucky - they were born to the right parents, or in the right neighborhood or society, or went to good schools, or hit the jackpot at some time. And if they believe right-wing propaganda, they are motivated to benefit society only when they will get credit for doing so.
Altruism is not a widely spread characteristic amongst the right wing. In this democracy, we commit to give one another individual rights in our Constitution. But that's not all. We also reserve the right to make laws for the public good. Think about it.
John Bush
Parkersburg
