We've all heard the stories about migrating lemmings jumping off cliffs to their death.  The stories are false.  What really happens is that when the front row of lemming reaches a cliff they stop, but the vast, migrating heard piling up behind them pushes many of those in front over the cliff.
    The same is true for people.  None of us lives in an isolated environment these days.  We all affect others and they affect us.
    When Britney Spears becomes a "train wreck", as some reporters have described it, how much of it was her own doing and how much was a case of being pushed?  Pushed by the "fans" who love to see people make it to the top, but love even more watching them tumble back down?  Pushed by the Paparazzi following her every move with the hope of getting a picture of her in an unflattering position, or doing something stupid (as if the rest of us never do anything stupid).
    A mother in Washington kills her four daughters and lives in the apartment with the bodies for months.  No one notices.  The people removing the bodies had to wear masks because of the odor, but no one noticed.  Her children hadn't been seen outside for months, but no one noticed.  In this case, some social services people have been fired, but are they really the only ones responsible?
    A pregnant marine is murdered by the man she accused of raping her.  Why didn't the authorities have her in protective custody?  Why was the accused rapist running around free?
    Brad Renfro is the latest former child star who's fading career led eventually to his death.  Today hundreds, if not thousands, of parents will be lining up at the stage doors with their children to try out for acting, singing and dancing jobs.
    Some Athletes have died from using steroids.  Others are heading off to jail, while more wait for trials.  What is happening to the doctors, trainers and coaches supplying this stuff, not just to pros, but even college and high school athletes?  What about the drug manufacturers making them in quantities far too great for any real medical need?  And what about the fans who continue to spend millions on tickets to games while claiming to be opposed to using performance enhancement drugs?

The lemmings are not jumping.  They are being pushed.