Take the example of a lion pursuing a deer. From the individual view of the lion and the deer, there is a great difference in their moral judgment. The lion is looking forward to lunch and that is good. The deer is afraid of being lunch and considers the chase bad. Universally, it is something that happens a lot and is neither good nor bad.

How does all this apply to members of our Valley? Many of us, hopefully most, view things as they are and if we think they should be improved, we call somebody or do something, whatever is appropriate, to improve the situation.

There is another group, hopefully far fewer, who find fault with most of what they see going on around them. It seems that these folk feel it makes them look taller to be able to criticize others and thus look down on them.

What they don't realize is that most people listening to them verbalize their negativity don't see them growing taller, they're just being polite by not saying much. As a matter fact, they may lose stature in the sight of their listeners.

In summary, let's not be prisoners in the negative dungeons of our own thinking. Give others the benefit of the doubt and, if you can help, do something constructive to change things for the better instead of just criticizing and doing nothing.

People can generally work together in harmony when they are working for a cause greater than themselves. It is primarily when self interest is dominant that differences of opinion and conflicts tend to occur.

Let's all work together for what is best for the Valley!