I think it is damn hard to have a conversation with yourself and say, this is who I am. We are put into boxes in this world. People tell us that we need to act and behave a certain way. Love a certain way. This is society and the importance to fit in has always been something to strive for just to have some peace in your life.
But we are not all the same.
-SailorJ
We come from different backgrounds, genders, races, ethnicities, cultures, identities. And yet we are funneled into the homogeny that says we all are the same.
I have lived the life of conformity. You learn to speak in a certain way. Walk in a certain way. You are focused to get married, get a house, have kids, the dog and cat and goldfish. I escaped from some of that, but something inside me has always said that I’m different.
I believe that we all go through moments in our lives when we think maybe our calling, our direction should be one way. When we look back as I can do now, it is crazy to think how my life would have been different if I followed another path. If I did not have the burden of society and what others said and thought driving me away from my authentic self.
Acceptance is so important to allowing people to be their authentic self. We are living at a time in the world where people have had the opportunity to explore and be themselves and in a blink of an eye, the world changed and tried to take away the individuals right to be who they are and love who they want.
Society plays a role in an individual’s ability to be who they were meant to be. Even just allowing someone to exist without fear is a very important thing. People need to be able to exist in the comfort of their own skin and in their own mind. When they are, they are the most productive and their love is at its highest.
There are a lot of people who are “losing their minds” over this election. Personally, I am impressed by how many people voted in this election. There were around 150 Million Americans that participated in the 2020 Presidential Election. This didn’t just include electing a president, but also congress and most importantly, so many local elections and ballot initiatives.
But here we are, in a divided country. As I see it, the country is split between Trump Republicans and Democrats of many different flavors. By some slim margins, Biden won a few states that took him over the top, such as in Georgia, which went Democrat or “Blue” for the first time in over 30+ years.
What is different this time has been how the current President is treating this election. He is fighting the results, unlike every other President and Presidential candidate before him. We are seeing just about every challenge to the election process squashed and courts siding with election officials as there simply is no evidence of election fraud.
Our Country needs to get together. We have spent a lot of energy on both sides saying things like he’s not my president, regardless of party for at least the last 25 years as I know it. Bush wasn’t your President, neither was Clinton, or Obama, and Trump. So Biden isn’t your President either. You may not like the person, but that person IS The President. And yes, while I write this, the electoral college still has to cast the official votes for President, those electors are selected through a process that is from the victors of each state. So basically those electors have an obligation to vote for whom their State has decided to cast its ballots for. If they don’t they are faithless electors and there are consequences possible for doing that.
At this point in history, I’m ready to move on with a new vision. If the Democrats can bring all the factions to the table and work as a team, they have a real chance. If they use a bully pulpit, like Trump has done, they have no chance.
I know a lot of people think that we have been standing on the precipice of history, and I agree. There are a lot of people with hate in their hearts, and I do believe that Love did Conquer Hate during this election. Decency beat misery. The problem is, it only barely beat it, and we are all left scratching our head asking why. Over the next 4 years, maybe minds can be changed and we can return to normalcy. If we can’t, the world may become a much darker place. I’m going to look forward towards the light.
It is June, 2020. The United States of America and the World are going through some fundamental core shake up moments.
The Corona Virus or COVID-19, has been a world wide pandemic causing people to social distance, work from home if able, and millions have become unemployed as a result. This has led to diminished incomes, and increased poverty throughout the world.
Many businesses won’t come back from this, while new opportunities will reveal themselves as we get moving into the next year.
George Floyd
In late May, a black man, George Floyd, was detained by police officers in Minneapolis, pushed to the ground, handcuffed and an officer placed his knee on his throat an kept it there for over 7 minutes while George pleaded for mercy and his life. All of this was photographed.
The outrage has been felt like a shot heard round the world. People are protesting and marching in the name of George Floyd, but also the many other Black lives that have been killed in police custody. The Black Lives Moment is actively drawing attention to this in a way that sadly, Colin Kaepernick could not do.
#blacklivesmatter
You can not hold up a bible and claim to be a good person. Love your neighbor as yourself is fundamental to scripture, even with all the horrible things that is written in that book. It takes more than standing in front of a church with a book in your hand to bring people together. After all, it is written, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The really story about that passage comes many verses before that, because Cain kills Abel due to his jealousy. This issue is about how we treat our fellow human beings. This issue is how Black people are treated in our society.
Protesting
I have heard it said, or seen it written, that no one gets to tell you how to protest. I agree with that sentiment, and I agree with it because unfortunately the biggest changes in this world have come from violence.
Let’s face it. This country was founded on violence with a revolutionary war. Then we had a civil war. We fought in Wars around the world, in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East. Whether the violence is internal or external, it seems that violence is part of our history.
In one of the articles above, they explain that while Martin Luther King used non-violent protests as a method of creating change, he did it in a way to provoke violence from his adversaries, to create sympathy for his movement.
The Outliers
If you saw any of these types of Memes on one of your chosen social media platforms, understand that this isn’t coming from the black lives matter groups. Trust me, there are a lot of people who are using this protesting time as an opportunity. There are rogue players out there that want to see us all at odds with each other.
To think that Black American’s are not veteran’s, and equal members of our society is the problem. The meme above disgraces Blacks, Whites, Asians, Hispanics, and all other ethnicities and creeds. But this meme was meant to divide us. Don’t be fooled.
The Biggest Change will come in your Heart.
There is a reality that many of us live in a semi segregated society. Sure we encounter people who look different than ourself on occasion. But how many of us have neighbors that are People of Color? What are your experiences with Black people, or if you are Black, of White people? People who live in more densely populated areas probably have more regular interactions with people of all ethnicities, and that is a good thing.
We have to remember that people are individuals, Love each person for who they are. Get to know your neighbors. Get to understand that people have different life experiences that have brought them to this moment in time and you may very well be fortunate enough to make this friend.
It’s not easy to change decades of prejudice and hate over night. But we can do it.
BLM, Kaepernick and the Police
Just in case you thought I missed it, let’s highlight one important thing. This issue is about institutionalize racism in police departments nation wide. This is the problem that the Black Lives Matter group is trying to solve. People are tired of police officers killing Black people. There simply is not video after video of other minorities that have been brutally mishandled by police officers in the way that Black people have in the US, nation wide. Kaepernick tried to highlight the problem protesting in the NFL, but audience which tends to be Conservative White men couldn’t hear the message, and just saw him spitting on their beloved flag, which of course he did NOT do at all.
Was this the catalyst to bring the change in America that is needed? I hope this is it. I really hope we don’t need another Black person to die at the hands of police to fix the problem. Police should be there to uphold the law. They should protect and serve. We need police in our society, just as we need firemen, and all other public servants. But they work for us. When I was in the Navy, I remembered that it was an honor and a privilege to be a member of the Armed Forces.
There needs to be a national code of conduct for police. Treating everyone fair and equally under the law. Should be part of it.
This moment in time
It’s hard in this moment in time. There are so many moving parts to the world happening. It is not just this one thing and sometimes it is just one thing. But the barrage of imagery showing violence can bring you down. The barrage of imagery of people losing their jobs, and masks and isolation can bring you down. We are more divided than ever.
In this moment in time, say no more.
In this moment in time, say I will not let hate divide me. In this moment in time be the best human being you can be, and bring about the positive change in the world that helps the betterment of all humankind.
So it’s Taco Tuesday. I had tacos for lunch, then couldn’t think what I wanted for dinner, so I had tacos again. I made them at home, so it wasn’t like I went out to eat. The truth is I’m not eating out all that much. I have leftovers for tomorrow as well. I could make Mexican, but I have baked pasta that I will be making. I also picked up a few things over at the store today and so I’ll have good things to make at home.
I’m getting my runs happening and trying to get outside as much as possible. Even a few minutes at the beach is worth it. Tomorrow its another great beach day I’m sure, and hoping to get more sun. Staying active is what it’s all about.
Well hello Monday. Here is the Rabbit hole of things happening right now.
The Corona Virus aka COVID-19 Shitshow continues.
The market ironically is doing better now, even though America hasn’t reopened.
14+% Unemployment in America
Jerry Stiller, Father of Ben Stiller passed away, he was 92.
The weather in central Florida is partly cloudy and 74°F.
If you haven’t gone out today. Get out of your place and walk around. The air is not toxic. The world is still a great place. We can do all the right things and still not live in fear. Some times doing the right thing is about helping others so they don’t get sick.
OK, I promised Memes and things. So here we go.
And here are some inspirational thoughts and thoughts about relationships and love.
It’s Monday… Let’s make it a good one! ?. I’ll get this blog figured out with consistency soon enight.
The art of war, by Sun Tzu is a great work of strategy. I recently gave a speech on the topic for Toastmasters. Here is a run down of what I learned from his writings, and maybe it can help you too. Written 3-Sept-2002
War! What is it good for?!
Sun-Tzu said in Calculations – Warfare is the way of deception. Therefore if able, apear unable, if active, appear not active, if near, appear far…
In other words, don’t let your competition know what you will do.
Sun-Tzu said in Doing Battle – When doing battle, seek a quick victory. A protracted battle will blunt weapons and dampen ardor.
Set acheivable short term goals and use them to attain your long term goals.
Sun-Tzu said in Planning Attacks – in warfare, keeping a nation intact is best, destroying a nation second best…
In politics or relationships, it is better to win without destroying your opposition.
Sun-Tzu said in Formation – Those skilled in warfare make themsleves invincible and then wait for the enemy to become vulnerable.
Create a situation were you can protect yourself and be on the ready to attack when your opponet becomes open, like in Chess.
Sun-Tzu said in Force – Commanding many is like commanding a few… It is a matter of communications through flags and pennants.
Get the word out! and let everyone subordinate to you know that word so you can operate in a cohesive environment.
Sun-Tzu said in Weakness and strength – He who occupies the battlefield awaiting the enemy is at ease; the one who comes later and rushes into battle is fatigued.
Get ready to fight a war before your in a war
Sun-Tzu said in Armed Struggle – There is nothing more difficult than armed struggle.
This points right to a solid chain of command and breakdowns in communication. The real crux is, try to win without Armed Struggle, this is a last resort. Keep the hostle takeovers to a minimum.
Sun-Tzu said in Nine Changes – Do not depend on the ememy not coming, but depend on our readiness against him.
He really means, be ready for anything. That’s kind of like Murphy’s law.
Sun-Tzu said in Army Maneuvers – consolidate your strength, calculate the enemy and get support from your men.
United we stand, Divided we fall! Doesn’t that say it all?
Sun-Tzu said in Ground Formation – Know the enemy and yourself, then the victory is not at risk.
Know your battlefield! Knowledge is power.
Sun-Tzu said in Nine Grounds – If an enemy presents and opportunity, take advantage of it.
This goes right back to exploit your opponent’s weakness and keep at it.
Sun-Tzu said in Fire Attacks -If it is not advantageous, do not move.
But be led into traps, Be watchful.
Finally…
Sun-Tzu said in Using Spies – Enlightend rulers and good generals who are able to obtain intelligent agents as spies are certain for great achievements. This is essential for warfare, and what the army depends on to move.
The best information is what helps to win the war, and many times without firing a single shot.
Check out! Sonshi.com The Art of War Website for a complete guide. quotes were taken from this website, and I editorialized the meaning. 🙂
Ok, maybe the “Nerds” have a few days a year that they can take over. Today is certainly one of them. It comes right before Cinco de Mayo. Star Wars and Tacos, that sounds like a good mix to me. So let’s have some fun with the Star Wars Challenge questions.
Some Star Wars Answers
The original trilogy (Episodes IV – VI)
Rey and Ben
Obi-Wan Kenboi
Princes Amidalah
Luke Skywalker
Luke, Leia and Han
Luke and Han
R2-D2
Obi-Wan Kenboi
Gold then Green
Light
Jar Jar Binks
Boba Fett
Millennium Falcon
Ben Solo
I like them all, hard to really set any against another.
Some people will tell you, Monday sucks. They have a case of the Mondays as it were. I don’t know about that. Yes sometimes you aren’t quite yet ready for the weekend to end. Sometimes, you have actions and plans that only a work week can bring about.
I just came off of an intense weekend that was focused around a 1/2 marathon. Next weekend I’m going to do the same thing. It’s kind of the way of my world. Running. Of course it isn’t my entire life, but it is something that does help me focus. Like many things, it is as much a force for positive change as much as it is a metaphor for everything else that I aspire to do in my life.
People make goals. I’m going to run a 5K or a marathon or whatever distance. They reach the goal, and then they stop. But athletes do not stop. They keep at it. They use each event as a measurement of performance, and then they go back to do it again, with the hopes of improvement, and doing better.
That’s how life should be, it isn’t a goal, it’s a journey, and adventure. We strive continuously to do our best and be a better version of ourselves each and every-time.
The weekend is over, time to recover. Get your coffee cups at the ready and have a great week.
Hanging out in Costa Rica.
It’s a rainy day and I am on a rainforest tour. Not sure that as a Floridian that I’m as impressed as I should be. The walk was easy and the rain was light. I hate to walk in the rain. One pleasant thing was the expectation of insects was high, and yet, I barely saw a single one.
We went on a boat ride and honestly, having kayaked the Silver River in Ocala, FL showed me more bio diversity that unnoticed here and yet this place is the most bio diverse spot on the planet, as we were told.
I did see a few birds, some spider and howler monkeys, and a 3 toed sloth.
The weather really is nice. Even with a little misty rain it is hard to complain about it, when it could be steamy and hot.
Looking forward to getting some coffee, as it’s a local thing. And next we are off to the banana plantations.
That was the quickest drive by in history. Oh well. What can one expect… the final destination was a tourist trap… but I waited until I returned to the port area where I got a few souvenirs. I think there is much more to explore, but this port didn’t do much for tourism in Costa Rica.
As I travel in Cartegna Columbia I’m reminded as we passed by restaurants and shops that the world is a smaller place than we sometimes imagine. I see a shop for Fish N Chips and then one for Tacos. Every corner is a Juan Valdez, purveyors of fine Colombian coffee, like Starbucks in America.
What makes a city team with life? Do you stop and think about the green space in cities and the things that people demand for their homes?
Looking at sky rise homes with AC units sitting outside buildings that look fairly new is a surprise.
Some streets are flooded due the tides from the ocean and the bus moves on around the perimeter of the peninsula.
