I complain often.
I see a world filled with contradiction.
Rather than start another rant I want to outline what is good, what has value, what needs protection.
And for those that think they know me. These are my core beliefs.
1. Freedom, the BIG #1.
Ask yourself, What is Freedom? Politicians have told us for decades that we need to fight for our freedom. How many have given their lives, suffered horrible injuries to protect what makes the U.S. different.
I am proud to believe in Freedom, and today this labels me radical.
I believe the Government is usually wrong. It is shackled by ridiculous political speak and ideas of correctness.
Freedom of speech is an absolute. Yes, even shouting Fire in a crowded theater. Let those that hear me judge for themselves if there is danger. Placing any well meaning limits on Speech is more detrimental than anything anyone might say.
There is no such thing as Hate Speech. To criminalize speech is to outlaw ideas. Outlawing speech causes more harm than anything someone might say.
Now let me introduce a conundrum. I do not believe Freedom of Speech includes the right to lie. I do not believe that Freedom of Speech protects Institutional Propaganda. Speech designed to manipulate, like most advertising, does not deserve protection.
The idea that it is illegal to hate or discriminate is a violation to freedom. In many ways, the foundation of freedom is to discriminate.
2. The United States Constitution. I believe in the fundamental freedom outlined in the original Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I also believe that any additions or expanded understanding of these rights, that add too or expand our rights need protection. I also believe the opposite, additions or expansions that limit our freedom are to be resisted and ignored.
The weaking any of our Rights, weakens them all. The Government is adept at finding good reasons to limit our rights. Sure, on the surface, to pander to small groups about the social issue of the day, our non representing representatives pass laws to pretend that they are responsive. Yet by any metrix, these laws do not make any difference. Gun laws are a good example, all the draconian laws passed to stem what's called gun violence have done nothing. There is only violence and no such thing as "Gun Violence." Unfortunately laws are not ever evaluated for effectiveness. They simply repress without any advantage and make criminals out of good citizens.
3. Freedom of Thought. I believe that everything needs to be questioned. Our most fundamental beliefs need to be pulled out and dusted off on a regular basis. We need to ask ourselves why we have these beliefs and are they worthy. Examples might be Marriage, Life Goals, Justice, Political Systems.
Today we are warned off of certain thoughts. To ask some questions labels you in derogatory ways. Does the display of the Confederate Flag only announce racial bias? I don't think so. Should Homosexuality be studied to ascertain genetic or developmental properties? Sure. Are masks effective? Is racial diversity a strength? There should be no taboo subjects. Examination is not bias.
4. I believe in gender. I believe men and women are different but equal. I believe each person should be perceived individually. I believe much of what is called racial discrimination is simple culture bias. The more someone feels at risk of a social offence or the more difficult a social discourse, the more someone feels an uncertainty with interaction.
Example: You are walking down the street. Walking towards you is a group that is dressed like you. That looks like you. That is cognisant of the people around them. You feel comfortable with this group. If the same group does not dress like you, does not look like you and is loud speaking a different language, you feel less comfort. With one group your comfort stems from a likelihood of their actions. With the other group there is uncertainty because their actions are harder to predict. Tribal bias?
My example does not include race. Race is not the primary factor, it does play a part but it is the anticipated actions of the group that is being assessed. And even in a situation when race plays a more important role, it is the perceived unpredictability of the group at play. This is a hardwired survival instinct, not a denigration of race. This is more a cultural assessment, not the over used, (I'm better than you), racist defindment.
more later
