A long way to go...

I'm disappointed. In us.

In 1607, the English established its colony at Jamestown. Many earlier attempts had been made by Europeans in the 16th century, but none took. (And, of course, what would be come to be called our "Native American" population established civilizations well before that.)

But, for the purpose of this discussion, let's begin with Jamestown. Since that time in early 17th century, we've come a long way by some measures. Big cities, huge skyscrapers, interstate highways, airports, and trips that would take many months to make by ox and wagon now take but a few hours by air.

While we've come a long way in structures, mechanics and, obviously, technology, alas, we still lag horribly in the real measure of progress: being truly civilized.

Throughout the world, bigotry still exists.

Look through history (and, even, religious texts), and bigotry is a central theme -- with the urging that we rid ourselves of it and treat others as we would treat ourselves and as we would want to be treated.

And here in Kansas, bigotry and the abandonment of civilized approaches raises itself again.

Rep. Virgil Peck, a Republican from Tyro, suggests -- he says he was joking -- that we should treat illegal immigrants like feral pigs by shooting them from helicopters.

He, and others, serve as an important reminder of just how far we have NOT come. And, as important, how far we still have to go.