Just a hint of preface:  My grandmother and I were returning from the airport.  We had a solid hour in the car to catch up and discuss familial events and recent happenings.  As it always is with my family, the conversation took an inevitable turn toward current events--think North Africa, the Middle East, illegitimate Spanish adoptions the news has been discussing.  My grandma and I reflected on all of this.  We shared disappointment in the cruel behavior of others, and ultimately I asked her this question:
"If you were to try to balance all of the evil in the world--specifically, evil action between people (exclude environmental/wildlife destruction)--could our collective goodness counterbalance this evil?"

If you would respond, "Certainly."  Then I would love an opinion, and I would also ask what your thoughts might be if we consider our malicious treatment of the Earth and the ecosystem.

My grandma and I must be pessimistic.  I just think that our selfish behavior far outweighs our ability to empathize and help others.