Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Same Old Song

     Normally I try to steer clear of examining any type of politics with anyone except those I know can be counted on to carry out a thoughtful and objective discussion.  I have had one too many experiences that ended in disputes, sometimes with individuals shouting obscenities and foaming at the mouth!  It seems there is no better way to rouse the heartbeat of a Republican by mentioning Obamacare or rattle the foundation of a Democrat with talk of gun ownership rights.  These issues have become so politically and socially charged that often individuals either become uncomfortable expressing their opinions or set in one way of thinking that any other viewpoints cannot be appreciated.
    Where I become caught in a trap is that I cannot look at such paramount and impacting issues as simply a matter of red or blue.  I find that often the individuals who become so infuriated and single minded when discussing any controversial topic are fighting not for the principal, but for the victory of their party. For better or for worse, their viewpoint is formulated through a we're right and you're wrong mentality.
     The problem becomes the fact that neither party is truly that different behind closed doors.  Both receive funds and support from the same groups of people. Both commit the same devious acts, whether right or left, and receive accolades from the party in power and criticism from the party being opposed.  When watching a political debate between two parties, I often wonder how much the sociological perspective of Dramaturgy applies, in which the politicians during the debate are putting on a performance, giving the illusion two different competing parties exist.  When the show ends, however, both parties remove their makeup and costumes to resume a business as usual in which profits and control become the overall theme merging both parties as one.  The show serves as a mere distraction to keep the common citizen from grasping the real agenda.
     I often find myself seeking the middle of the road so much, that I cannot formulate a final decisive view.  I share many views that would be considered left but also share many views that would very much be considered right as well. I find that doing so allows me to keep a balanced perspective and treat life objectively.  Recognizing that your views can encompass more than a two party system of government is the first step towards we the people taking back our power as citizens.



Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The Work is Waiting

     I couldn't wait to begin typing out my chaotic mess of a brain when I posted my first blog entry about x weeks ago.  I nailed down two more I felt....well....ok with......and disappeared.  Not a stretch for my personality at all really.  Lately I've been finding it more and more difficult to produce the quantity of work I'm used to.  Before, having a multitude of projects on hand at any given moment was the norm as I bounced between various crafts but now just sitting down to type these words took serious coercion.  It took an introspective afternoon after a particularly lack luster Technical Composition class that I realize my main problem.  I've been lazy!  If you expected better, more intricately presented prose I apologize, but the observation and subsequent answer was simple.  Don't be.
    I had been letting the loose ends from my life's work intimidate me into believing that the work had lost it's merit or worth.  Whenever my motivation would gather steam, by mind would flood my conscious with reasons, excuses, complaints, and distractions all to keep me from even beginning the task of finishing were I had started.  It's really an easy thing to do.  The mind is a powerful ally or adversary and only we have the power to decide how to use it correctly.  Sometimes, we must examine our actions and ask ourselves how much we are avoiding new adventures and opportunities all because we have convinced ourselves we're not good enough or it's not worth the hassle?  If you've decided you're not happy with how much you are accomplishing, I have simple advice.  Do the work.  Once stripped of the glamour and hype, any task, no matter how cataclysmic or insignificant can be tackled knowing your ready to do the work.
     Sorry this may come off slightly incoherent and rambling but writing this one definitely helped me.  I'm hoping to charge at my life's projects full force from here on out and make some progress.  I hope you have gotten something from these posts as I have enjoyed bringing them to you.  Please feel free to comment!  I will take all criticisms objectively and use them to further improve myself and my writings.