Preoccupation

A slogan appeared in my mind recently in response to yet another no response by a fellow human being: "My preoccupation trumps your preoccupation," a self defeating stance if there ever was one. As I've said elsewhere in the BLOG, my background was more concerned with response to others and a sense of obligation in that regard than the present necessity for instant gratification and return.

I don't mean to say that I am blameless in the regard to being self preoccupied, I've certainly been there, and will undoubtedly be there again. But this is almost always mitigated by a concern for the other person, and I would like to suggest that our bewildered World might be a better place if we might return to more concern for the other.

"Better said than done," I hear that old saying straying around in my addled brain, wondering how we might in the present and future get beyond a dilemma which is undoubtedly taking an enormous toll on personal communication. Part of the problem is undoubtedly the "informa-

tion in the flood stage" one, too much "overload" to realize the possible affects of our own information responsibilities. Another is the increasing dependence upon digital electronics in the mix, and I realize that these can also be a possible solution to problems as well.

Would it be too much to ask that those who would communicate with us be clear about what they intend to do? But how to sort that out, ask and answer the questions involved. Awhile back a counselor I consult every once in awhile said that I needn't be concerned any more with unresponsive people, that I should simply avoid them. But, as said above, that is "better said than done."