Re: some recent blog posts by other folks

A revolution is needed, the time is now...all that is true. It is.

Here's the problem: no one is willing to sacrifice the things that must be sacrificed in order to fundamentally change antiquated politics (both national and international), malnourished social programs and the dog and pony show that is a US presidential campaign.

I'm one of the worst culprits. I like to hear myself talk about things I know nothing about and scream passionately for change, but am I willing to put my life into a cause? Looks like that answer is NO.

What angers me most about watching the news is that it doesn't make me feel powerless, it makes me feel ashamed of myself, and guilty that I've allowed the stigma to seep in that anyone anti-establishment is one of Cartman's dirty hippies. (or an Oliver Stone sucking Red like Ken)

We can't let go of those consumerist, greedy fears that were nurtured into us by American society. We need to be secure and surrounded by empty convenience, transparent success and faux luxury.

Don't get me wrong, I really do love our country (for reasons I won't list here--that's a whole other blog), but have a self-loathing complex that we all sit on our asses waiting to accumulate more STUFF. We steadfastly refuse to dump it into the harbor.

Remember AMERICAN GODS? I promise this is the last time I'll mention it, but there's a fantastic quote I'd like to share with you. It hit home recently especially as I'm becoming more familiar with what's changing in Japan:

"America has invested her religion as well as her morality in sound income-paying securities. She has adopted the unassailable position of a nation blessed because it deserves to be blessed; and her sons, whatever other theologies they may affect or disregard, subscribe unreservedly to this national creed." --Agnes Repplier, TIMES AND TENDENCIES

At the same cynical moment, I remain an optimist. Optimism is NOT naiveté, nor is idealism. As I keep having to remind myself, working passionately for change is not a symptom of wackiness, pot-smoke or self-promotion. The leaders of my country have won the battle of depriving us of our empowerment. They have shown us how easy it is to take away freedoms (if they were ever there) and distract individuals from fighting for their rights and the health of the international community. It's also clear that bringing that kind of empowerment back is as difficult as forgiveness at a party in Shimane. However, I have faith that compassion, resolve and open minds DO have a chance.

Now that I've indulged in this preachy excuse for a blog entry, I'm going to watch more Ron Paul videos on Youtube.