What Honest Planet Would Look Like
If Signs Didn't Lie, There Would be Less Road Rage
What would the world look like if all the lies and deception were gone? What would the world be if instead of cowardice and people who have been taught to "cya" (cover your a&$) at all costs, we actually were told the truth? I don't know, and maybe we will never know, but I suspect that if courage could bring honesty up, real human evolution and civilized progress could occur.
It's been 53 years since the band (5 Man Electrical) released their song "Signs". (Here is a link to the lyrics, if you've never heard the song: https://genius.com/Five-man-electrical-band-signs-lyrics) That song has been running through my mind severely for at least the past 30 years. Maybe it's because it was released the same year I was born. Or maybe it's because I know that song is screaming of righteousness. Some will argue that we have the right to personal property, and I've been on that side of the argument all of my life. Yet the song "Signs" haunts me every day.
I see "signs" every day, all different kinds. I see road signs, sale signs, hiring signs, and natural or mystical signs. I've been looking at signs my whole life. Sometimes they guide me and sometimes they mislead me. People who are hooked on GPS, don't know how to read the signs. They think that GPS is more trustworthy than the signs. They are no more right or wrong than someone who thinks the signs are more trustworthy. I tend to think deception can be found in any guide if the intention is bent and not honorable.
For example, a simple "Now Hiring" sign can have good intentions and/or bad intentions. How many people saw that "Now Hiring" sign? How many people walked in and asked to speak to the hiring manager? How many people filled out a paper or online application and heard nothing back? How many people actually got hired? Nobody knows and it seems like nobody cares. I care. Because I've been the person who responded to sign after sign that read "Now Hiring" and the majority of them led to rejection, a waste of time, a feeling of dejection, and hopelessness.
It could be so simple. If the planet was simply honest. The sign reads NOW Hiring. NOW a person walks in and wants the job. NOW the hiring manager puts the person to work and removes the sign. How simple it could be if the planet was honest.
Or better yet, what about a "Not Hiring" sign. That would be even more honest. Save the poor souls sleeping on the sidewalk another ten miles of walking with a heavy backpack and worn out sneakers the trouble of asking or wasting time, simply by putting up an honest sign like "Not Hiring". You could save lives with that honest sign.
Parking signs are a headache too. Recently, my friend got a $20 parking ticket. We parked about six blocks away from the restaurant we were going to because there was hardly any parking around the beach area. There was no sign where we parked saying we could not park there, yet when we returned to his car, there was a $20 parking citation for parking there without having paid the meter. What meter? There was no meter anywhere near this parking spot. There was no sign directing us to pay a meter. We were just supposed to know that you can't go to the beach for free. Free? Believe me, there was nothing free about that restaurant where we ate.
Also, there was no sign that said I could not smoke in the outside area where we were dining. I lit up a cigarette after our meal, and was told by one of the restaurant staff that there is no smoking at that restaurant at all - not even in the outside area. Where was the sign? How was I supposed to know that? Missing signs are almost as bad as lying signs. Is that a form of bullying or disrespect to a person or their money? Or is that just a right? Maybe we need another sign to tell us.
About the Creator
Shanon Angermeyer Norman
Gold, Published Poet at allpoetry.com since 2010. USF Grad, Class 2001.
Currently focusing here in VIVA and Challenges having been ECLECTIC in various communities. Upcoming explorations: ART, BOOK CLUB, FILTHY, PHOTOGRAPHY, and HORROR.
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By Shanon Angermeyer NormanExclusive • 3 months ago
Philippines: Rubbish Landfill Collapse Death Toll Rises to 13
A tragic landfill collapse in the Philippines has once again exposed the deadly consequences of poor waste management, rapid urbanization, and climate-related risks. Authorities confirmed that the death toll has risen to 13 people, with fears that more victims may still be buried under tons of garbage and debris. The incident has shocked the nation and reignited urgent debates about public safety, environmental governance, and the lives of vulnerable communities living on society’s margins. What Happened at the Landfill? The disaster occurred at a large rubbish landfill site located near a densely populated area. According to officials, a massive section of the landfill gave way following days of heavy rainfall, causing a towering mound of waste to collapse onto nearby homes and informal shelters. Residents reported hearing a loud rumble before waves of garbage, mud, and foul-smelling sludge swept through the community in seconds. Emergency responders described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking. Entire families were caught off guard, many of them asleep when the collapse happened. Rescue teams worked tirelessly, digging through unstable waste piles using both heavy machinery and bare hands in hopes of finding survivors. Rising Death Toll and Rescue Challenges As of the latest updates, 13 deaths have been officially confirmed, including women and children. Several others were injured, some critically, while multiple residents remain unaccounted for. Search-and-rescue operations have been complicated by ongoing rain, unstable landfill slopes, and the risk of further collapses. Authorities admitted that time is working against rescuers. Decomposing waste produces toxic gases and creates dangerous working conditions, making prolonged rescue efforts increasingly risky. Despite these challenges, teams continue their efforts, driven by the possibility that someone may still be alive beneath the debris. The Human Cost: Communities Living on the Edge One of the most painful aspects of this tragedy is that many victims were informal settlers and waste pickers—people who rely on landfills for survival. In many parts of the Philippines, impoverished families live dangerously close to dumping sites, scavenging recyclable materials to earn a living. For these communities, landfills are not just dumping grounds but economic lifelines. However, this dependence comes at a devastating cost. Activists argue that the deaths highlight deep-rooted inequality, where the poorest citizens are forced to live in hazardous environments while lacking access to safe housing and basic services. Was the Disaster Preventable? Environmental experts say the warning signs were there. Landfills are particularly vulnerable during heavy rainfall, as water weakens waste structures and increases pressure within garbage piles. Improper waste compaction, lack of drainage systems, and poor monitoring further raise the risk of collapse. Critics claim that local authorities failed to enforce safety regulations and ignored previous warnings from residents. Some community members had reportedly raised concerns about cracks, foul-smelling leaks, and minor waste slides weeks before the disaster. These warnings, they say, were not taken seriously. Government Response and Accountability In response to the tragedy, government officials have launched an investigation into the landfill’s management and safety compliance. Local authorities promised immediate assistance to affected families, including temporary shelters, food aid, and medical support. National leaders also called for a review of waste disposal policies across the country. The Philippines generates millions of tons of waste annually, much of it ending up in poorly managed landfills. Environmental groups argue that without systemic reform, such tragedies will continue to occur. Environmental and Health Risks Beyond the Collapse Beyond the immediate loss of life, the collapse poses serious environmental and health risks. Toxic runoff from the landfill may contaminate nearby water sources, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. Air pollution from decomposing waste and burning debris also threatens surrounding communities. Public health officials have warned residents to avoid contact with floodwaters and contaminated soil. Long-term exposure to landfill pollutants has been linked to respiratory illnesses, skin diseases, and other chronic health problems. A Wake-Up Call for Sustainable Waste Management This deadly incident serves as a stark reminder that waste management is not just an environmental issue—it is a matter of human safety and dignity. Experts are urging the Philippines to accelerate investments in recycling, waste reduction, and modern landfill engineering, while also addressing housing insecurity for informal settlers. Calls are growing for stronger enforcement of environmental laws, transparent oversight of landfill operations, and community-based early warning systems. Without these changes, critics warn, the country risks repeating the same deadly mistakes. Conclusion The rising death toll from the landfill collapse is more than a statistic—it represents lives lost to neglect, inequality, and systemic failure. As families mourn and rescuers continue their grim search, the tragedy stands as a powerful indictment of unsafe waste practices and social injustice. Whether this disaster leads to real reform or fades into yet another forgotten headline will depend on how seriously authorities act now. For the victims and their families, justice and change cannot come soon enough.
By Fiazahmedbrohi about 15 hours ago in The Swamp
Comments (2)
Excellent but the world is fcked up already, we can't change that
Hmm. Lol for your perspective.