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I usually try and take in as much information as I can, and sometimes I end up bottling my reactions, thoughts, and feelings. This, although allowing personal insight, does not necessarily promote the personal and human growth nor the spread of ideas and discourse. It is for this reason that I am writing this diary entry to be able to get my thoughts down and invite discourse, feedback, criticism, and what have you.
The following is going to be a kind of brain and heart dump on a number of points. I stress that much of this is based on my own personal thoughts, feelings, and biases. Maybe something I write will hit a cord with some out there or maybe not. I appreciate any feedback that anyone may have.
Therefore:
--My first area of focus has to do with the LGTR issues that were greatly affected by California's Proposition 8 and the contuinuing struggle that many face day to day.
I, myself, consider myself straight but am greatly against the idea behind Proposition 8, as well as many other restrictions that are put on L, G, or T couples. I feel that the passing of Proposition 8 is an abuse by a misunderstanding majority of voters-----which may be compared to how a white majority keep many African Americans/Blacks in a false subordinate position for so many years.
I believe there was a story covered by the AP (sorry no reference) in which a lady was fired for writing her opinions that sexual-orientation was not the same as a civil rights issue because it is a "choice." I also had great issues with this. By preventing the EQUAL PROTECTION of law in marriage (namely by preventing loving, consenting adult same-sex couples from enjoying the recognition and rights that straight couples have) the system has done something horrible and short-sighted. A similar offense would be to deny these rights to a couple of a certain religion just because of that religion (note: I am not including polygamous or underage marriage).
I personally do not understand the threat many groups are feeling by this recognition. I am not saying that if your religion says that it is wrong that the church, or whatever must recognize the union, but the government protection of and the rights associated with the union should be guaranteed.
It is a shame when people use their rights to prevent the rights of others.
--My next topic is that of the greed and self-serving nature that we see. The "trickle down" economics, golden parachutes, deception for the sake to take others' money, and all this material focus hurts us all.
I am not necessarily a communist, Marxist, or whatever, but I feel that the focus and priorities that are pushed in this society, are negative and suicidal for society as a whole.
Now I am willing to say that some of the framing of "capitalist" social groups does allow some so-called "freedom." However, it is for naught if this "freedom" is marred by the addictive and aggressive pull of the material focus.
Maybe through this economic hard time some of us will be able to grasp more important aspects of life.
--My final area of focus for this diary entry is one that has to do with compassion (even perhaps a "spiritualness").
I am not what you would call a religious person (though I believe I do have a deep spiritual nature). Everyday it is common to hear of violence, distruction, war, rivalries, and hate. This may be due, in part, by religion, philosophy, politics, race, gender, sexual orientation, language, semantics, theory, money, "human nature," or something else, and this will most likely be a steady fixture in life.
I want us to try and understand eachother, and if not be able to reconcile all of our differences, at least show respect, empathy, compassion, and a willingness to grow and learn. I know this has been said by many, but it is something that I try to hold close, but: we are all part of the same energy, we have many similarities that outweigh our differences. In giving and producing balance and nurturing we nurture our world and eachother as a whole.
Just in signing off I would like to end with this affirmation (use it if you want or don't):
I will look to increase my understanding; I will look to focus on the good while working to fix what is negative; I will question my perceptions and the information that is fed to me; and I will strive and act to improve myself, the world, and lives of others.
Thank you for reading.
"A truly wise man realizes that he knows nothing."---Socrates
