Category: Philosophical Ramblings

A Nation Divided

We are a nation constructed from the ashes of revolution and built from the blood and sweat of patriots. From that firey beginning, a country forged with liberty and justice sprang forth to lead the world as a shining example for the everyone to follow. The founders in their infinite wisdom formed the Constitutional Republic, fearing a democracy would lead to tyranny. We would not be ruled by a mob, where a simple majority allowed one group to dominate and tell those lesser in number how they must live. This grand experiment was fraught with uncertainty but eventually led to the development of one of the most powerful countries on earth. Today, we see a nation divided by ideologies seemingly as numerous as it populace coalesced around two teams, red and blue or right and left. Continue reading “A Nation Divided”

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What does liberty mean to you?

We are fortunate enough to live in a part of the world that professes it’s love of liberty and freedom. Yet, the inescapable conclusion that anyone can’t help but reach is that liberty and freedom are eroding at an increasingly fast pace. We are told that racists and nazis are poised nearby ready to pounce upon our lives and destroy them and turn everything on its head.  Certainly, when such people present themselves they must be dealt with in a swift and uncompromising way. However, at the same time, the equality we all strive for has been circumvented by those we have installed in power. We exist as guinea pigs in some antiquated experiment operated by a sniveling corrupt leadership.  Continue reading “What does liberty mean to you?”

The Diversification of Delusions

Diversity seems to be the darling of pop-culture. It is encouraged in everything from fashion, leadership, hiring policies, and even the choice of personal relationships. Diversity isn’t extended to thought, however, if that train of thought happens to diverge from the narrative espoused by those in control. The media and government officials tell us we must accept that which they deem acceptable even if that choice disagrees with actual reality. We are to believe that choices made on our behalf are deliberated and agonized over until the best route for future existence is chosen. In reality, though, such decisions are made in an attempt to mold our existence into one that the political elite and those that bribe them believe are better than traditional values such as family, faith, and most importantly the ability to question power. Continue reading “The Diversification of Delusions”

Religious Cloaks

Religion has been the foundation of societies around the world, both pre-modern and what we call modern society today. This in itself is not a weak bedrock for a community foundation. However, as we’ve advanced into recent times, the litmus tests that were previously administered to members of any religious sect are no longer equipped with any real teeth to malign hypocrites that are pervasive in virtually every religion today. While this is blatantly true in the southern United States where I live, it goes on in various corners of the globe. People cloak themselves in righteousness, and if their iniquity is found out, the religious leaders prevaricate to cover up the sins of those that they consider upper-crust. They point to a passage in the bible for example and explain away the trespass as a mental aberration brought about by the devil’s temptation, simultaneously crucifying those that they deem less critical to their financial well-being.  Continue reading “Religious Cloaks”

Visions

We live in a world where appearances are everything. Sadly, many people still believe that seeing is believing. A society focused on fabricating an illusory reality around every aspect of their existence still manages to fall for carefully crafted distortions of that reality.  Contrary to our designs of manipulating the perceptions of those around us we are still bound by our biological imperative to trust our senses. Our senses deceive us more often than not, for if that weren’t the case, the utopia that many people dream of would be manifest before our eyes. Instead, we inhabit a world besieged by violence, a cruel and uncaring wasteland of discarded dreams and ruined souls. We need to develop a new level of perception, a way to sift through all the lies and traps laid out for us by the merciless denizens of the world. Continue reading “Visions”

Umbral Display

You hear the phrase you only get one chance to make a first impression. Such a statement conjures up images of the result of failed attempts at being everything to everyone you meet. If one ever actually becomes everything to everyone then at that point they have lost every connection with their souls. If we must parade about haphazardly placating all we meet then at the end of the day we have been crucial to all and destructive to ourselves. We betray ourselves each day of our lives when we put on facades to perform for others. They never learn the real you, and likely they spend most of their time crafting the perfect face for the world that is equal in self-betrayal. How does society function in a world of shadowy figures that never reveal their true nature? It doesn’t appear that it does with a significant degree of success. Sure we all have basic needs met in most cases, but our hearts turn to stone within a world of lies.   Continue reading “Umbral Display”

Identity: Defined by you or Society

We like to consider ourselves independent and free from the labels of society. However,   passive stances upon the designs of others have led to some of the most significant tragedies of history. Governments, for example, take freedoms a little at a time and perhaps because their encroachments don’t affect us directly we ignore it. Eventually, as is often the case they wind up at our doors and demand our servitude. Having ignored the persecution of those not within our click, we are surprised when the same abuse is brought down upon us. Principles are about standing up for someone that can’t stand for themselves. This should be second nature to men within any society. Today our world is populated with men that are controlled by an overarching and insidious political agenda designed to malign and disenfranchise men as a segment of the population. Men aren’t allowed to be men and are told that they are what is wrong with society. While it is true that men populate the prisons and commit violent acts, it is but a symptom of a culture that no longer encourages men to be men.  

Continue reading “Identity: Defined by you or Society”

The lost art of Friendship

Friendship is the bedrock of any society. Strong connections with others that have similar goals in life are instrumental in leading a productive and healthy life. As we have become advanced in so many ways, the societal norms have changed dramatically as well. There was once something called social contract, a series of unwritten rules that everyone followed that made for a more harmonious existence. This construct has become muddied over the decades until we are left with isolated pockets where they still exist but in ramshackle form. Other areas are devoid of any social construct, and society has seemingly reverted to its roots of tribalism and dog eat dog.  Continue reading “The lost art of Friendship”

The Season of Renewal

It is that time of the year again! The grass will become green, flowers will bloom, and mother nature will embrace us with its warmth. This is my favorite time of the year because everything that was once devoid of vibrancy will blossom into radiant beauty. It is also the time for all of us to take stock of our lives and renew our sense of purpose. This time of the year has no room for negativity and only a positive outlook on the future. I am infused with a purpose and strength that I never feel at any other time of the year and am looking forward to the challenges ahead.  Continue reading “The Season of Renewal”

The Resolute

Existence is challenged by the persistence of time. Its passage ravages all things and grinds them into dust. However, examples abound in nature that proves that resolve can lessen the deteriorating effect and allows some objects to last for millions of years.  The mountains we see today are the product of plate tectonics and receding glaciers that carved jagged peaks that have existed long before any human being was on earth. These mammoth structures do erode over time, but they have been in existence long before us and will remain long after we are gone.  Change is a constant that there can be no dispute. The earth is made of sterner stuff those most of its inhabitants. Many are all too happy to be carried away by whatever external force prods them. Like leaves upon the wind, they glide through life with no discernable self-control. This form of existence is the easy path in life, and more often the easy route isn’t the correct one. 

Continue reading “The Resolute”