We the people of the planet earth, are destined to eventual self-destruction unless we all realize the big picture that self-interest is destroying our only home. While Democrats and Republicans fight ideological budget wars here in California and the rest of the states, the economy and environment suffers. The most logical solution out of a budget mess is to increase taxes slightly (for additional revenue) and decrease some services (to decrease expenses). But since human pride and self interest is so entrenched in politics, the stalemate continues. There is also an ideological battle between business and labor. It seems many people do not see that in order for a society to survive business and labor need one another. Business is important cause it provides employment and creates goods and services. But without a loyal hardworking work force and customers, a business is doomed! Another group that should step back and look at the big picture are some Christian groups who feel a need to force others to conform to their personal beliefs. Religious zealots can often quote the words, but do not understand the intent. Galations 3:28-29 (King James Version) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. So do these two quotes mean all people are idiots in the eyes of God and not to be trusted. IMHO religious text should not be taken literally or selectively read out of context. With the Bible for example there are logical arguments which show that heaven is hotter than hell, and that we are all going to hell. Then there are insecure Muslims who do not understand that in the west the tradition of freedom of the press is an entrenched belief, much like the strict teachings of Wahabi Islam which began long after the prophet Mohammed died. Note to Muslims, freedom of speech is important because without it no other freedoms to are possible, like the freedom to worship Muhammad for example. Muhammad: "None of you really has faith unless he desires for his neighbor what he desires for himself..." so if muslims want respect and understanding from the world community, why do some imams issue fatwas and justify violent jihad over a Danish cartoon? Its a sad fact of life that small minds use regional black humor like this Nazi Swastika superimposed on the Star of David, to help sell papers. So what do you think world opinion would be if a bunch of jews used this cartoon from a Saudi paper to justify firebombing various arab embassies? Too often it seems people invoke the name of “God” to further their own agenda (this is true in all religions: Christians, Jews, Muslims, etc.) or market some BS. I actually wonder why God invented so many foolish people who do not see the big picture which is we all live on one planet, with finite resources. If political and religious leaders acknowledged that we all live on one planet with finite resources, then we might escape a fate of self-destruction. There are many religions and political beliefs pay lip service to the golden rule "do unto others..." but as it stands political and religious zealots do not see the big picture, democracy/religion only lives on when people tolerate each other's BS!