I have a lot of thinking and feeling going on, and I'm not sure how to make it all come out neatly. Let me start with the easy part.

We have a 6 year old black Labrador retriever named Robin. In recent years, she has become increasingly distressed by approaching thunderstorms. We can tell there's a storm coming when Robin hides in our closet, partially under J's clothes. Generally, I close the blinds, give her a cookie, and leave her alone in there.

While talking with our vet early this week, I learned that there is a thing called a Thundershirt for dogs. The very stretchy material wraps securely around the dog like a sweater, hitting all the right spots for creating feelings of security. Yesterday, we had two big storms, and Robin proved that the Thundershirt works like magic. How we enjoyed seeing her walking around us wagging instead of in the closet hiding.

OK. Here's the hard part: Where's MY Thundershirt? Where is yours? We are "living in interesting times", to quote the old Chinese curse, and nothing feels secure any more. There's war, famine, pestilence and death aplenty. The Gulf spill is back at full volume, and there is a fear that it may not be possible at all to stop it. There's no guarantee that the relief wells will shut off the spate of toxic chemicals, when they are finally finished. And as the picture gets bleaker by the day, a judge rules against the moratorium on new offshore drilling; and BP plows ahead with Alaskan offshore drilling. Oh, wait. BP has built a little "island" of gravel and dirt on which they will plunk the well. That way, they can say it is not OFFshore. Aha.

In the HBO documentary, "Gasland", we learn that large companies in pursuit of plentiful natural gas deposits make loaded contracts with landowners, leaving them helpless when their water wells are destroyed by leaking gas and chemicals. People and animals are sick and dying. Homeowners can light the water coming out of their faucets with cigarette lighters. The chemicals in the water are identified as coming from the gas well companies, and yet, the companies do not stop the drilling, nor do they provide help to their victims. They hide behind loopholes and refuse to see.

In Congress, Republicans and Democrat Ben Nelson have sabotaged the effort to extend unemployment benefits in this economic wasteland. In justifying their opinions, they refer to the unemployed in libelous terms and imply that ensuring their emergency security only leads to their continuing to breed more indigent brats.

In my neighborhood, this evening, the officers of our electric co-op preened their fine feathers by bragging that they have managed to get hold of lots of fossil fuels and can hold out till 2025 against new government plans for energy policy. These people, who advertise their virtues in their mini-bios - several teach Bible study classes and Sunday school - chant their relief that they have been able to help to stop Congressional work on Cap and Trade. 2000 people who are part of this co-op nod their heads knowingly, humbly grateful that they will not have to pay more for their company's polluting. Without looking dissenters in the eyes, they say that, of course they believe in doing one's best to clean up the planet, as long as THEY aren't fined for doing so. I long to rise from my seat and say loudly to all of them, "Wait! What would Jesus do?" If ever "good" people needed to be faced with walking their talk, it is now.

I watch the deterioration of ethical behavior in my country, and I cry out for my Thundershirt. I am afraid.