Maybe I'm Just Getting Old.
I think sometimes we flounder around a bit... everyone gets off track ..at least that's what I tell my students.. what matters most is that we can get back on track and put the past behind us... not saying that the past has no importance in our lives... or that we should ignore it completely... but I am saying that it shouldn't be a burden to us. If we've made mistakes... just don't do it again. I don't know how many times I've said... or heard the words "I'm sorry" ....it's just a phrase. Sure it might be something that makes someone a little happier that it is said... but it carries no meaning if you go out and do it again. I'm not a Catholic, but something I can't wrap my mind around is confession. I know it doesn't give someone a license to go out and do bad things because they know they're going to get absolution for it... but subconsciously those people who have somewhat addictive behavior they know is wrong... it's like... I did bad... Ohh.. I'm forgiven... all is well again... When we do that to our kids, they learn they can get away with doing things they shouldn't do because they're not in as much trouble as they thought they might be in.. I can't judge anyone.. as I've done many bad things in my life, but I don't like the idea that all is well once I tell someone else about it and say a penance prayer... if that's even how it works. I don't think a person should be doomed to an afterlife of eternal torment because of a mistake... but it just seems like an easy out. I think our conscience keeps us from doing things over and over if we truly are a good person. I like to think there is good in everyone.... but there is also bad.
At the moment there is so much unrest in our world... and then someone sees something they don't like and jumps in to get upset about it... adding to more unrest... and it escalates... more and more... until the reactions become more of a problem than the problem was in the first place. I'm not saying that everyone should let everything slide and never take an active part in trying to change things.... but once it gets violent... once you start infringing on another person's rights... even if that right is to try to make it to work on time... YOU have become a problem. I can say what I want for the most part... and I believe in the right of anyone to say what they want... as long as it doesn't carry a viable threat that makes another feel as though they may be in danger... people speak out against bullying... but isn't that a form of bullying in itself... just because someone doesn't believe the same way you do. This is why there are so many wars in the world. There are always going to be a difference of opinion... and there are many people who will die... or kill.. for what they believe in. I do know that's not a Christian standpoint... I don't even believe it is the viewpoint of civilized people. The military is an embodiment of killing for a belief. There are times where I wouldn't be civilized... if someone threatened my daughters... I would kill for my belief that they should be left alone.. so I suppose I would be adding to the problem. Sometimes I do believe that drastic measures need to be taken in the name of protecting oneself or loved ones.... but I also believe that all other resources should be exhausted first. Sometimes there isn't time to resort to non-violent tactics.. but for those that partake in a violent demonstration... this is pre-meditated. If I killed hurt someone while protecting my daughters... I would expect to be reprimanded for it... and accept the consequences... just as if I were to throw a trash can through a plate-glass window... I wouldn't hide what I've done and cower away... I would stand up for what I believe in... although I can't ever see me throwing a trash can or destroying someone else's property on purpose. I don't understand the mentality... you either believe in something... or you don't... and if you do... be responsible for your actions and accept the consequences. Rosa Parks many years ago... didn't run away when faced with incarceration.... The true heroes of any "movement" don't hide behind masks.... they stand up for what they believe in... and that means being prepared to face those consequences that result. There are groups throughout history that hide or run away after making a statement... like the KKK... the hoods they wore.. I'm not certain why my thought pattern has taken this direction today, but I think maybe I just get tired of all the cowards and bullies that pretend to be speaking out for a cause... even if I stood up to a bully.. I'd face him... and not throw rocks from the shadows. It is a shame that the people in our country have become so fearful of who they are and what they believe in... or perhaps there are a multitude of people that enjoy inciting anarchy.... That would be a more reasonable explanation. I am growing less and less proud of what our society is becoming each day. ...or maybe I'm just getting old.
At the moment there is so much unrest in our world... and then someone sees something they don't like and jumps in to get upset about it... adding to more unrest... and it escalates... more and more... until the reactions become more of a problem than the problem was in the first place. I'm not saying that everyone should let everything slide and never take an active part in trying to change things.... but once it gets violent... once you start infringing on another person's rights... even if that right is to try to make it to work on time... YOU have become a problem. I can say what I want for the most part... and I believe in the right of anyone to say what they want... as long as it doesn't carry a viable threat that makes another feel as though they may be in danger... people speak out against bullying... but isn't that a form of bullying in itself... just because someone doesn't believe the same way you do. This is why there are so many wars in the world. There are always going to be a difference of opinion... and there are many people who will die... or kill.. for what they believe in. I do know that's not a Christian standpoint... I don't even believe it is the viewpoint of civilized people. The military is an embodiment of killing for a belief. There are times where I wouldn't be civilized... if someone threatened my daughters... I would kill for my belief that they should be left alone.. so I suppose I would be adding to the problem. Sometimes I do believe that drastic measures need to be taken in the name of protecting oneself or loved ones.... but I also believe that all other resources should be exhausted first. Sometimes there isn't time to resort to non-violent tactics.. but for those that partake in a violent demonstration... this is pre-meditated. If I killed hurt someone while protecting my daughters... I would expect to be reprimanded for it... and accept the consequences... just as if I were to throw a trash can through a plate-glass window... I wouldn't hide what I've done and cower away... I would stand up for what I believe in... although I can't ever see me throwing a trash can or destroying someone else's property on purpose. I don't understand the mentality... you either believe in something... or you don't... and if you do... be responsible for your actions and accept the consequences. Rosa Parks many years ago... didn't run away when faced with incarceration.... The true heroes of any "movement" don't hide behind masks.... they stand up for what they believe in... and that means being prepared to face those consequences that result. There are groups throughout history that hide or run away after making a statement... like the KKK... the hoods they wore.. I'm not certain why my thought pattern has taken this direction today, but I think maybe I just get tired of all the cowards and bullies that pretend to be speaking out for a cause... even if I stood up to a bully.. I'd face him... and not throw rocks from the shadows. It is a shame that the people in our country have become so fearful of who they are and what they believe in... or perhaps there are a multitude of people that enjoy inciting anarchy.... That would be a more reasonable explanation. I am growing less and less proud of what our society is becoming each day. ...or maybe I'm just getting old.
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