Maya Angelou often told us that when someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.

I've been thinking an awful lot about that lately, and it's little wonder, considering the reactions we've seen to news coming out of Minnesota and elsewhere.

When the first thought when someone is killed is that they had it coming to them, we've lost sight of our humanity, and that should worry us.

When it's easier to lie than admit the truth and the evidence of our own eyes and ears, that's an indication of morals in decline.

When cruelty is the point, we've lost the plot.

There have been a lot of horrible things that have happened over the centuries, but basic humanity has tended to win out. Through war, famine, and economic despair, people have come together to survive and thrive. Bad things always linger, but usually at the margins, where they're somewhat easily managed.

The margins, though, seem to be closing in. It's hard not to feel helpless and hopeless when so much cruelty, avarice, lies and hatred are about.

Growing up, I was taught the importance of empathy and compassion. The Beatitudes were what we aspired to, because we truly believed that treating others as we wished to be treated was the way forward.

I........

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