Americans today are hell bent on rule breaking.

Trump’s lifetime of crime without consequences made him the ultimate role model for the “you can’t tell me what to do” crowd.

Educational institutions now teach “active shooter drills.

People on planes refuse to wear a masks, or take their seat, or turn off their cell phone.

Coordinated bandits loot stores during business hours.

Individuals carelessly spread a deadly virus in the name of “personal freedom.”

The community fabric that used to hold us together is splitting apart.

In the United States we shout about being the “greatest” country in the world, but many choose to forget (or never learn) what happened to all the greats who came before .

Spoiler Alert: Every other civilization holding the top title collapsed:

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Greece

The Roman Empire

The Ottoman Empire

The Incan Civilization

The Mayans

The Aztecs

Society is supposed to be all about working together to solve problems. When neighbors stop cooperating, society crumbles. Check out these outward signs of a pending demise:

*Central government stalls due to petty feuds

*Literacy falters

*Population declines (illness, natural disasters, and migration)

*Extreme inequality becomes evident  

Anything look familiar?

We haven’t fallen off the cliff just yet, but how can we step back from the brink and unite like we did after 9/11? How can we reinvigorate the spirit of mutual trust and support?

Here are a few ideas on where to start:

1. The Golden Rule. In case you forgot, it means treat others the way you want to be treated. Let’s start there and use it to rediscover how to act collectively for the greater good.

2. Open up your eyes, your ears, and your mind. Listen to scientists and other experts with years of education and experience. Follow their lead instead of putting faith in some TV pundit or loud mouthed politician.

3. Push out and shut down those intent on stirring up trouble (I’m looking at you, Tucker Carlson and Margie three names).

Because no one is coming to save us.

We have to save ourselves.