Books, advertisers, and others don’t have the information. We each have a part.
While taking a stroll along the mountains, take a really good look.
Considering what you see. The wonder of it all. And you’re here.
From here to there. A reason. A purpose. Appreciation.
While reading Ben Carson’s book, he shared something I remembered, but seem to forget from time to time. Here it is. I believe each and every one of us was created for a purpose. I don’t know what it is for each person. As I see it, for one it’s to be a mother, working together with a husband to raise their children. To another, it might be leadership in a certain arena. Then, there are skillsets, understanding, and communication that we might not be able to draw a box around, but that’s not important. However, with time, I think more and more people, when they realize this, increases their faith. They know we’re not just a jumble of atoms, molecules, and cells. They know all the universe isn’t the result of an explosion: a big bang if you will. And that’s cool.
That’s it. Like I shared with a couple family members and some friends, we’re given to understand. And sometimes, when looking at birds, or watching a leaf grow, or see a neighborhood kid helping an old lady or man, we see this. And that’s it. That’s the meaning.
I’ll share one more thought, then maybe another. Tiger Woods. When I look at Tiger Woods, I think he was given something wonderful. However, I think the messaging got mixed up in the world. Certainly, a game wasn’t the reason. However, I think it’s wonderful that he doesn’t seem wrapped up in being the best golfer anymore. That never meant anything anyway. It is cool to be able to do that. But that can’t be the meaning of life, nor his life, or anyone’s life. Something else. And I wonder if he’s now on the right road. That would be wonderful. Well, that’s for him to discover. But we think he’s on his way.
**Perhaps, we get to see a man who found the better way: the best way. And when we look, we see what’s best here, there, wherever we go.
Looking back at previous articles, deleting some, I noticed one that needed addition. While reading, I remembered another writing some time back that I never really considered to any length, and it helped with the article.
Absolutely do I believe in the U.S. Constitution, supporting our individual freedoms, and holding reign on our government, as many will agree is out of control. That was something the founding fathers worked to prevent, telling us the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. We see what happens when we don’t continue to watch, monitor, and hold those in office to the highest responsibility regarding our nation. We see what happens when we don’t continue to follow the rabbit of reason down the trail of understanding. We see all the problems we have today, the corruption that has entered our lives, the causes of which are all the choices “the people” have made. Yes, we (When I write “we,” we’re only referencing to those this applies.) created all the problems. Where I didn’t do my part, I could have done better. When I could have done better, and didn’t, sometimes that opens the door for what we shouldn’t allow.
Here is where this article is moving. While following the rabbit of reason, I must admit I also see my own shortcomings. The rabbit leaves no leaves unturned. In life, when given choices, sometimes I didn’t make the wise choice, but not only that, made other choices when inside, I knew the better decision. And of course that came with excuse making, internal reasoning, and looking for support. **Yeah, a bit intellectual. I’m just trying to communicate clearly.
So, when I look back, and wondered why some things didn’t turn out well, I also realize I had much to do with that. There’s a part in Ben Carson’s book where his mother says we only have ourselves to blame. I agree. In part, I also believe she meant we’re not perfect, but we do what we can when we can, choosing the good part.
We want freedom. But all too many work so very hard to be enslaved. For instance, one may know by setting aside the immediate, saving his/her money (Dave Ramsey anyone?), that when times are more difficult, he/she won’t have to stress, the resources available. Then, having the resources saved, we won’t need a loan shark, and we certainly won’t find ourselves voting for terrible candidates who cater to excuse making. We can also see what happens, as in Pinocchio, if we continue to not listen to what we know is right in our hearts. The more people that do this, the more a “drag” on society they become, and more will elect the “wrong” leaders who promise what they cannot deliver, at least, not in the long run. In other words, they support the wrong or misdirection in others.
Without going into a long article, which would be easy to do, I’ll leap through in completion. The above works with allowing the “wrong” friends into one’s life. It works with allowing others to convince us of what we know internally is wrong or ill-advised. It works with obtaining more credit cards. It works with not pondering, considering, and thinking through the ramifications of directions. It works with wanting too much when you don’t have the resources, but also not living by principles. Nice sports car but do you really need it?
You see, whether it’s us or the government, the principle stands true. If the government were filled with people of a thoughtful, selfless, responsible, considerate nature (Remember. We elect them. So what’s in us is them. So, if you elect good people, then you’re part of the solution.), they would refuse to coddle us, to cater to our every whim, and support our wrongs. Only a dictator does that, because he/she knows they’re weakening a people to needing them. Good politicians would instead set us back on ourselves, requiring that we make wise choices, and wouldn’t help us individually until we demonstrated a propensity to morals, responsibility, and consideration of effects. So, in effect, they would help, but only with the assurance that we demonstrate morals and responsibility. There’s another way to say this. They would help us to not need them.
So, the question is, given the best country in the world, the best framework in our U.S. Constitution, why have the people (which includes us) continued to make choices leading to the ruination of our country?
Here’s the next part of this article. Do we really want freedom? I believe we do, but also do not (This does not apply to everyone. Only the ones it does apply.). I’ll try it this way. Perhaps others might see the same or provide their own insight and thoughtful consideration. I’ll try it this way. Has anyone seen that sometimes it’s like there’s two of them? One knows what’s right, wants to do what’s right, but finds themselves doing the wrong thing?
I’m going to bring the Bible here for a part. It’s been awhile, but I just remembered something I read a long time ago. If I remember correctly, I believe the point was that while Paul finds himself wanting to do the right thing, he finds himself doing the wrong thing. Then, he said something along the lines that if he can’t control himself in doing what’s right, though he wants to do the right, then sin has made a home in him. But if he is not in agreement with the sin, then it’s not him but sin that lives inside. He prays.
I believe the choices we make, when we can choose, if we choose wrong, then that grows in power over us. Like taking candy from a store. While thinking about it, wanting to, the candy becomes a wrong power over us. However, if we go through and take the candy, now we have a bigger problem. But I guess it starts in thought. Perhaps someone “testing” us, like someone we ought not to hang around with. Then, I suppose, the question is why are we hanging around with someone we ought not to, or why are we not being a good example to them? Of course, then the excuses arrive. And that reminded me of something I read in Proverbs about what we ought to have in our minds: thinking about good and thoughtful things.
I think our brain, or thoughts, what we spend our time thinking, leads the rest of us. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. I think such a person has their own agenda. If we follow them, then we’re also listening to the wrong agenda. Then both of us are guilty.
I think this works with the movies we watch, the programs we view, the books we read, the articles we look up on the web, and the talks we engage. I’m not telling people to be prudes, if that’s a word we can use. I know what goes on in the world. And some good books, even movies, have aspects in them to remind me the world has problems. But it’s the motivation. Am I reading the book because it has an excellent story?
For instance. The recent Gunsmoke show I wrote. There were some bad themes in the show. But the bad themes were used to bring in the good themes. But the overall message was doing the right thing, helping your fellow man, and family. And there’s no excuse making in this. No guilt. If someone were to walk in while I was watching the show, I would gladly enjoy having them watch the show with me. It was excellent.
I believe we become free through responsibility. We become slaves by irresponsibility: by what we want which isn’t good. When we do the right thing, vote for the best candidates, choose to watch or read quality stories, then we’re in a better place. If we watch shows we know we ought not to (and that explains the horrible commercials I keep muting because someone is watching them and buying their products), then we’re becoming slaves. Then, throughout our lives, the “wrong” people have a power over us. **And here’s the kicker. A person who keeps choosing wrong eventually can’t stand up to those wrong in power.
I’ll try one more thing. It might be kind of scary. I wasn’t going to, but I think it’s necessary. Remember Pinocchio? Remember what happened to the characters that wouldn’t go to school (Of course, that was when school was good and ran buy thoughtful and moral teaches and staff.), do their chores, listen to their parents, and be responsible? They became donkeys (the movie used another word). I do believe that Walt Disney was serious about that analogy. I do believe he was referring to what happens inside a person who keeps choosing wrong.
How do I see this is when people choose wrong, they “become” the wrong. That’s a tough one to explain. I think guilt is a good indication. Guilt is also necessary. We need to know when we’re wrong. I would never want a psychiatrist to give me medication to take away memories of when I did wrong. And it can take a long time, even years, to undo the past, but then patience occurs. Perhaps, we learn to be patient with others.
That’s why parents being good examples, then discussing and correcting their children, and even corporal punishment when needed, is good. As a kid, I wasn’t spanked much, but usually I worked hard for those moments. And if my parents knew other things I had done, I don’t think I would have been able to sit for weeks. I really deserved the punishments I got. And when parents are there to correct, that’s love. It doesn’t feel like love. Tough love, I think, doesn’t feel like love. But it corrects. The parents must be good examples. At least as best they can, and correcting themselves when they see it.
**We have freedom because so many set aside their own comforts for what is truly right.
**I believe, see, that whatever road or path of principles and observation one travels, they always lead to God. Every single time. Like studying cells and discovering the complexities, then reading that scientists of the past already knew the simplest of life forms couldn’t self-create. Or studying the cosmos, seeing order, everything revolving, even in analogies, principles, and such, but also realizing explosions never lead to order (at least, none of which we’ve seen). Or seeing human beings, that we’re all born with the same understanding, knowing principles. Or even when I’ve listened to those purporting atheism: there own words always acknowledge God. I remember one person saying there are no absolute truths. I asked them, are they absolutely sure? Or when someone says “What truth?” I say, “Is that true?”
**In all things, if one follows the rabbit of reason down the trail of understanding, we see and understand. I remember asking where does understanding come from. How am I to believe, that if all I am is a conglomeration of atoms and molecules, that I could perceive understanding, even some truths? We’re given to understand. And that leads to the principles that keep a nation safe. But we all have to be living by those principles. The more that do live by real principles of thoughtfulness and responsibility, the better a nation becomes.
**Here’s a thought that caused me to return to this article. It came while I was reading Ben Carson’s book, “Gifted Hands.” Understanding happens in different ways in people, but it’s there. One person understands words and meaning better. Another has certain insights. Another can conceive of ideas without any picture. One person has the gift of leadership. Another can brings ideas together in a useful form. But for all these people, we’re given to understand. It’s wonderful. May we be forever grateful.
A pretty good Gunsmoke episode. Yes. The above was the subtitle.
A family finding some real values.
The story begins with an estranged son finding himself in dire straits. After being shot, being where he had no business, he comes home, finding his brother and a father who’s very hard to live with (The father believes in hard work, never asking for help, and doing everything together.), and while deciding to leave again, with a bullet in his shoulder, he falls in a well, thankfully surviving the fall. The father immediately sets about to save his son. Through it all, the father’s loving mother and son work together. Actually, with time, we realize the father is simply misguided, trying to be the strong provider (That part is good.) but without ever asking for help, even when needed. He has a heart of gold waiting to be opened.
The story continues with Marshall Matt Dillon, Festus, and most of the cast bringing the townspeople in to help. They can’t just dig the young man out. They have to dig another shaft, then go to him sideways, which has its own problems. The work is grueling. The people take shifts. But everyone is helping to save the young man, sometimes risking their own lives.
The dialogue, story, characters, and all worked very well in this episode. Like the previous article, the difference between two movies from different times, or in this case, a very well-considered and written program that reflects the best in society versus otherwise. This show was very well done.
Well, towards the end, Matt Dillon and the others find out that the young man, and two others there were involved in a crime. However, the young man they saved was trying to do the right thing. The others were not. However, towards the end, one of them had a change of heart, willing to take the punishment.
The young man that was saved didn’t have to remain is jail for very long, greatly due to Marshall Matt Dillon’s letter to the courts. The story ends with him thanking Matt for everything, but also returning to his family, he and his father reconciled and on a good road.
I was just so incredulous how well-written a story.
***One thing I would add. The father was a very good example of a man. He was responsible, hard-working, stood by his family, but as we considered, might have grown up during very difficult times and learned to only trust himself, doing all the work. And this way of thinking he probably wanted to teach his boys (young men). He wanted his boys to grow up strong, hard-working, and responsible, but never asking for help. However, life showed him more: trust and friendships.
Billions of people all around. What do we see? What do they see? What are we looking to see?
I’ll try it this way. When we look at people, what do we see: them, their reactions, ourselves, the “image” we have of them, or someone else? Over the years, I’ve found myself listening more carefully, noticing expressions more, but also being more aware of “what” people are saying rather than impressions, for lack of a better description. Sometimes, or often, we see an actor/actress behaving as they would have others react. I’m listening to what they’re communicating. But often see something behind the communication. But I also see my lack of communication from time to time.
Like watching Fox News. Not much anymore. Actually, rarely. Image. Often seemed the same show time after time. One can even turn it off for weeks, and upon returning, the same show: the same issues. Often, lack of real substance, for what’s covered in one show is also covered over and over. So, why watch? Why do people watch? What do we see when we watch? What are we looking for when we turn to certain stations? What are the people on the show presenting? I will say, sometimes I turn to Mark Levin for some thoughtful words. Tucker is pretty good too.
But there’s something that has nothing to do with real communication, real substance, and words to put people back upon themselves where the real responsibility for listening, reading, learning, and consideration reside.
The media has it. The commercials have it. Many stores have it. People behave by it. They learn to be of it. We’re surrounded by impressions, commercialism, and molded thinking. Even as I walked through our neighborhood, we see it. And often, the one who does sees simply, isn’t very popular. Perhaps, there’s a reason for that. Forget popularity.
Okay, here we go. Often, I find myself enjoying more the older movies, but certainly those with better stories. Like Lawrence of Arabia. For instance, I much rather the old “Pride and Prejudice” from Europe (6 hours or a 6-part show) than the more current America version (No. I’m not anti-American. I’m very pro-America and love our U.S. Constitution. I love our history. We have a wonderful history.). The first one has a fantastic story with well-thought dialogue. The second seemed more “made,” more “designed,” again, for lack of a better word. The first one was like a life story set in history past. The second seemed more of a show.
If you (“You” refers to whomever this applies and not necessarily the reader.) see a “commercially” handsome man or beautiful woman, as television and many think of it, what does that mean? Is a person “special” if they could be on a model magazine? Have you noticed appearances are never the true indication of what’s inside a person? But there’s something else. To the person looking for “impressions,” they’re not being truly honest themselves. In other words, it’s like the blind and the blind. One can’t exist without the other. In fact, I remember someone saying it might be better being born average-looking (Whatever that means.), or less than, so when you talk, people listen to your words. Then share their views, whether in agreement or contradiction. I count myself fortunate. I can never impress. Not for long. I think it’s because, in the past, I felt something odd about the whole thing. I’d much rather be blunt and to the point. Like I said to a friend, it’s just me.
I remember something C.S. Lewis, that fantastic writer, said. He shared that, due to his looks and expression, people often did not “take” to him. Apparently, if I remember right, he thought he appeared not happy and not one people would like to hang out with, or something to that effect. I wonder if that wasn’t a blessing. Because, I think, in this way, he got to know people better, but also see them as they are, if you know what I mean. I wonder, though he read a lot, often in one story or another, because he wasn’t caught up in appearances, well, not totally, but was looking to understand, if he wasn’t one of the more fortunate people in this world, in a sense.
When I see a car, I see a car. I see metal, plastic, an engine, and parts that will one day need repair or replacement, some more expensive than others. But others see excitement, image, pizzazz, and so forth. The first is real. The second is not real. And there’s a whole dynamic to those conversations. **Yes, when I was younger, I was more “into” cars, but time changed perspectives. Of course, I still like a nice car or truck with power and good design, but I also know it’s just a vehicle. But of course, I’ll wash, wax, clean the interior, and so forth.
When we talk to people, do we really listen to their words, read their expressions, looking to “see” where they’re coming from. Are they for real? Are they really talking about what they really are thinking, or is it a show of sorts? No. I don’t always think that. It just happens to be there from time to time. But I find myself pondering from time to time. What is a person communicating?
And the same goes for books, articles, and blogs. What is the person communicating: both in one article, the short run, and the long run? Is it for popularity, a need for popularity, or so forth? Is it so they can feel good about themselves? Is it real pondering? Is it thoughtful information? Hmmmm….
If I were to say, get some “work done,” perhaps something for the chin, nose, and such, get a trainer so I’d look more the athlete, then go to Bloomindales and Nordstroms for the best in clothing, perhaps a touch of facial stuff, then talk the talk (I could even get a speaking coach as some people I’ve knows have done.) while walking the walk (Maybe take acting classes.). Would people suddenly see me differently? If I became politically correct and people followed me, would I be better? I probably would feel like an as#. Hmmm…. But, if people suddenly paid more attention to me, because of how I look, act, talk, and perhaps with others setting the stage, as if I wrote a successful novel? Because people do that. A lot of people have become convinced that others determine who they are.
But I can never get away from listening to the person, watching their expressions, and looking to see if anything real is being said. Are we having a real conversation? Because if it’s put on, at some point I’m going to see myself walking out the front door looking for a McDonalds or checking out a nearby lake to fish. It’s just too exhausting being plastic.
**Fortunate have I been to know real people. Though I might not have realized it at the time. I can look back and smile.
**While I’ve never bought into monkeys in my history past, or for anyone else, given the secular efforts, it’s fun to put it on display. But also, “they” encouraged me to learn about cells and dna.
According to one site:
Humans to humans share 99.9% likeness. And the rest?
Chimpanzee: 98.8% (Other more detailed sites have it at 85%). Pigs: 98% (Notice, they never point that one out.). Cat: 90%. Cow: 80% (Some friends say this one is possible. Perhaps we can do more testing on them.). Mouse: 85%
**One interesting share, from a book and an article was a foundation of similarities for creatures, which had some fascinating thoughts and comments.
**A DNA strand, longer that we are tall, coiled inside that nucleus, telling the body and all the parts what to do: all of our lives. How did that 7 foot strand, with billions of information, come together in the first place? Then coil up into our cells: each and every one of them?
**I know. They’re just finding out a chicken scientist thinks these guys might have humans in their ancestry. Now, they can’t look at farmer Bob the same way anymore.
**Some time back, we were watching an old Star Trek, Next Generation show in which an injection Dr. Crusher gave Barkley led something to enter the crew’s bodies, causing them to regress to earlier forms. I believe the captain was becoming a lemming. Another was taking on arachnoid features (his ancestor, apparently, were spiders). And third was becoming amphibious. And other crew members were becoming other creatures of their apparent ancestries: many different. And somehow, if we are to believe such shows, all those creatures had mutations resulting in human beings. *Never mind that the walk from amphibians (or spiders, hens, or monkeys) to human is so long: far longer than a walk from the Sun to Pluto several times over.
Yes. People buy into such things. Just like they believe in man-made global warming. And I’ve never talked to one person who believed such things who understood the warming happens before CO2 increase, nor what to do with clouds and fog. But looking at the site I saw, which correlates with other sites, apparently we’re close to chimps and pigs. As the joke goes, we believe the cows are possible, perhaps sheep, because that would explain so much. But if we follow their logic, then some of us have pigs in our history past. Maybe mice.
For those reasons and more, for I already knew what I understood, I wanted to research cells, DNA, genes, and more. Not that I’ll become a geneticist, but for those who are easily confused, led, or bullied into believing propaganda, I think it’s important to have information to counter lies, deceit, and simple rhetorical devices. And that’s where following understanding leads. And in following, encouraging others to read, research, and really think. **Not that we’ll all agree on everything. I never cared for that. Just that people think and realize, honestly, for themselves. Then, we can have wonderful, hopefully thoughtful, discussions.
**You know those DNA testing sites? Like I think ancestry dot com or other? I’m not yet buying into all of that. Something, for me, hasn’t passed the smell test. I can’t explain it. But as I continue to learn, read, and ponder, something just doesn’t sound right. I guess time might tell. But I suspect, since so many are easily led, these companies found something to make money. **But there’s something there. People are talking about these web sites and DNA matching services like it’s a forgone conclusion. Why? Where are the questions? I’m sure they’re there, but no one talks. Or are reported. Why? Because it wouldn’t be popular? When do I bring up popular subjects? It’s not a contest? Just follow the rabbit trail wherever he leads.
**Here’s a question to ponder regarding the above: How exactly would they find Napolean or Genghis Khan was a long lost uncle, or that family were on a voyage with Christopher Columbus, or they shook hands with Queen Elizabeth? How would DNA show that?
**Look. Encourage one another to think for ourselves. However, that comes with responsibility. That means saying “I don’t know, but I’ll get back to you if and when I know more,” is a valid statement. Also, “Those MRNA vaccines, never used population wide before, no real track record, and problems galore we’re hearing, causes me to question commercials and people who make statements with no background. I’ll wait thank you.” That has to be okay as well. Well, if it’s not, we’ll still think for ourselves.
**The world has always been, or for a very long time, filled with people who say things without merit. Often, those people are leaders because they have the energy. **And here’s a very strong observation: When liars at heart get on the bandwagon, and are able to get a following, perhaps federal funding, they are energized, and to many, that looks like hope. Yes, some of the nicest and thoughtful appearing people are liars and propagandists. Actually, they’re not nice. That’s a tactic. But they glow with the energy they get from other people who don’t think for themselves.
And people who go along to get along. I’m only beginning, in a sense, to realize how widespread propaganda, deceit, and lies have been around. I think it started with eating a fruit off a tree. And that people actually believed the world was flat and that monsters waited at the edge. I mean: c’mon. Where would the water go? But when I look back, from time to time, I see it. I see that, from time to time, I went along. However, something didn’t sit right with me, so I had to follow the rabbit. Sometimes, the rabbit showed I was wrong. That’s good. And I see half-truths, distortions, lies, and propaganda is everywhere today. Thankfully, by following the rabbit, we also see the honesty among many. **That’s the beauty. If you see the lie, the half-truth, and/or propaganda, that means that which is real is showing you this. The rabbit is waiting and leading: down the trail of understanding.
**Let’s me be clear here. None of us have chimpanzees in our DNA history. All of our ancestors were human beings. And if you do the reading, the research, and listen to honest scientists, you’ll see the leap from chimpanzee and pigs to humans is far too long a distance to travel. Actually, by random chance, even over billions of years, it’s impossible. Not even trillions of years. We’ve always been human beings. Yes, I do ponder on the Neanderthal thing from time to time, because some have suggested that the possibility of very close DNA relationship, but I can’t agree on that one yet. I’ve put that one in the “hmmm…” column.
**Let’s say it this way, which we used regarding cells spontaneously forming when the world had no life. The chances of a monkey, or cow, ever becoming human is far less than 25 metal folding chairs, with those little plastic cups for the legs and rivets for the joints, in a cave, on a distance uncharted planet, spontaneously forming in rows of 5.
Sometimes, it’s just not in books…. Actually, it never is….
You have to see… Books can encourage you to the real, like seeing nature.
While growing up, some things we learned we had to try. For instance, while building tree forts, we got some cups and string to make phone calls from one tree fort to another. The idea that words, as sound, travelled through the string, was fascinating. And later, the fuller understanding of molecules bumping together from a sound source (i.e. tree falling, someone calling, a dog barking, etc.) all the way to our ears required some research, and that led to understanding why our ears are shaped as they are, but also why bats’ ears pick up the smallest of sound waves, even to little insects flitting through the air: in the dark. The practical brought understanding, which led to reading. Then more observations and reading. Like how kites fly, which led to the realization that birds must be very light compared to their wing spans.
Last night, while fishing, when we saw that bit of moon brightness, we realized something was going on (We had not heard the lunar eclipse happening on that day.). On the drive home, we’d look up from time to time, seeing the bit of shining moon getting smaller. Well, of course, sometime in the early morning hours, I had to get up and take a looksee. Sure enough, the other side of the moon was brightening, for the Earth was passing by. **You see, it’s not the same reading about it, then looking at pictures. Better when going outside and seeing for yourself. Kind of like, years ago, when walking at night, I would track the moon, but also see the slow changes from new to full, then back to new, then looking at diagrams after. From real to reading. Sometimes the other way. But the “being there” is always better.
And while I know I’ll never be anything close to an Einstein, I appreciate what got him started. Looking at that gift: a compass, and wondering why it always pointed north. That started it all. He had to know. And I would believe, every step of the way was real to him. He would have studied, observed, did experiments to test, and so forth. The real world was leading him to concepts. And along the way, following his rabbit of reason, little breadcrumbs kept beaconing him on. And he went. What an adventure!
Reading about things. Watching on television, even the computer. There something about not being there that’s just not the same. Hard to explain. Kind of loses the interest factor. Last night, when we saw those kids in the back of a truck, the parents taking them out to see the eclipse, I thought that was cool. Seeing is believing. Kind of reminded how we were as kids, wanting to be where something was happening. Reading was never quite the same. Nor seeing on the television set. When we understood that someone landed on the moon, though we were very young, of course we had to play act. But how much more we would have loved to land on the moon. We wanted the real.
For instance, I grew up mostly in cities. I still remember, on a drive, passing a ranch, thinking I would love to have grown up on a ranch. Imagine being outdoors all of the time, save when in school, taking care of the land, animals, and riding horses when time availed, fishing after all the chores. So when I saw that advertisement to work at a zoo, in between stints at college, I had to go. Seeing those animals (i.e. deer, goats, chickens, tigers, brown bear, miniature horses and zebras, and more…), actually working around them, cleaning their cages, face to face with an emu, and more… Ah… well… It was well worth taking a couple years or so away from the university. Can’t learn everything from books. The books are there to supplement real life, as I see it.
That’s why a friend will have the bathroom or den ripped up. He wants to put the tiles in himself. Or why we grow our own vegetables. Just like to see them grow, but more so, to enjoy when the crops have ripened. Always better than store bought. But then, we have a little better understanding of fruits and vegetables in the supermarket. But then, when curiosity sets in, and books are available regarding topics of interest, then those books say more because we have some personal experiences with those topics. Not just reading to read.
Here’s a funny joke. I do believe people can think this way, and many do. But it’s always funny, but also sad in the sense so many have no practical comprehension. Explains, in the blogging world, how people can believe so much nonsense.
Well, the article was about hunting. A lady (and I’ve known a couple men that think this way) was “not happy” with hunters. In that article, she was known to have said something along the lines of why hunters don’t just go to the supermarket to get their meat. That would be more thoughtful. That would be humane. I laughed so hard. Yes, there are people that truly don’t understand how the meat got there.
Seeing is understanding, or the beginning. Making phones out of cups. Attempting to talk to each other in a pool, while under water. Just don’t breathe in. Made me really appreciate how whales can communicate over great distances: through the water, so we had to learn more about sound waves in water. What exactly are whales doing that allows such extensive communication? How does sonar work? I could barely hear my friend. Building tree forts. Tracking the moon, then reading about it. Questions leading to answers. But real.
We encourage people, if they have the time, to fix things in the house on their own. Small things if they don’t have much time, or more tools. Maybe, if the curtain rod stops working, attempt fixing it before buying a new one, if only to see how it works. Do your own oil changes, perhaps read about things under the hood, so the next time a mechanic tells you you need this, you have some knowledge.
In college, we had an old joke. Tell a friend their car needs a new Johnson rod. That way, they’re at the auto part stores and the sales people have a good laugh.
On another occasion, my friend went to the mechanic who told him he needed a new tie-rod. Hmm… I thought, then asked what the cost would be. He said over $500, and that was decades ago. I nearly fell out of the chair, laughing so hard. I told him $200 tops, if that, and we might even be able to do it ourselves. I think that got him a little more interested in learning about his car, for later, I believe, he changed his own brakes. Of course, he would have to learn about disc resurfacing should he need arise. But again, from practical to learning.
Ahh… the days when some of our friends were found working with their dads on cars. Ahh…, the days when the outdoors was our video game: real-life.
Discover. Wonder. Try. Learn. Share.
Seeing is very different from pictures. They are incredibly strong.
Sometimes, we can discover from others what we might have not known or forgotten.
This may turn out to be my favorite book of the year, perhaps of the last couple of years….
**I was talking with a friend. I don’t remember all the subjects, but I’m pretty sure I was referring to education from time to time, and might have on that day. It’s interesting. Sometimes, if you follow the path your on, and it’s a good path, never mind the opinions of others, bread crumbs to follow happen when you’re not expecting. And it’s encouraging. You just have to pick up the crumbs, and they lead.
**I no longer teach. I did for over two decades, but also in other arenas, which some readers might remember and they’re probably in some of the saved articles. Early on, I had already realized what was happening in public propaganda camps, but when things worsened, on steroids, I knew my time as an “instructor” was coming to an end. For a long time, just being honest, getting the students to learn with high expectations, and through quality material, to think for themselves was becoming more and more difficult to downright impossible. “Administrations and other teachers” weren’t going for that anymore, and the parents didn’t want their children working too hard due to the propaganda given to them (We heard some schools no longer required homework, and some wouldn’t allow teachers to give any.). Good teachers were being encouraged to leave, put on “reeducation” duties of a sort, and left out, and much, much more, but I won’t go into that here. And with the politics in Washington doing what they did, I knew.
That didn’t mean I stopped believing. Absolutely not. So blogging, encouraging others to think for themselves, talking with those who would listen, is a part.
But while talking, my friend referred to Ben Carson and some of his writings. So, along with another of his books, I also picked up this one. Now, several chapters into the book, I know I’ll probably end up reading it a second time down the road. Maybe sooner.
To anyone who wants the best for their children, this is one book to read. He and his brother, Curtis, had a mother who never stopped believing, and though few in resources, she made do with what she could, but always thought of them. And because they saw the love in her heart (and eyes), her determination as she worked two or three jobs at a time, they believed even more. And of course, with the rest of the tale, we now know the history. But it’s a tale worth reading, perhaps more than once.
**One thing I’ll add. If there is a public school that is still of high quality (with truly high quality teachers, more so traditionally), then parents can send and monitor, but seriously monitor your children’s behavior, attitudes, and asking them what they’ve learned each and every day. Even sit in those classrooms from time time. And keep your eyes open, for if you’re honest, you’ll know what’s what. That back and forth dialogue with your children is very important. I say this because the subtlety needs to be understood. Parents cannot allow the garbage out their into their children’s lives.
If such schools are no longer available, and knowing what’s been happening I would move in that direction, private or home schooling, perhaps with vetted tutors, or trustworthy parents working together would be alternatives. And don’t worry about over-working them. The “too much homework” propaganda we’ve heard these past years, I believe, was designed to lower our youth’s education. They aren’t glass. They won’t break. They will rise to the loving and respected expectations you put on them. And most often, they need that. Yes, children need guidelines through trusted authorities. Parents are the first and most important.
A friend shared a story about kids in Japan. He was there while in the military. He explained that rarely, on his days off, did he ever see kids at play. One day, he asked someone. They explained. The kids don’t play. In fact, at a certain age, they come home from day school, eat and do some homework, then go to night school, preparing for future careers. Maybe some play on the weekends. But he indicated more like sports and other more organized pastimes.
Now, I don’t know this information first hand, but it makes sense. And as a teacher, I always raised the bar. That required some creative methods, sometimes with parents complaining, or the administration making that a thing. That was more in the latter years. But I knew the students needed the work, projects, and higher expectations. And as such, we were determined to provide what an increasingly inept system wasn’t. Otherwise, why were we there?
Whoever is reading this, if you haven’t yet, this is a good book to read. It reminds me so much of what kept me in the classroom as long as I did. Of course, I was working to complete 40 years, but that’s another story. But this book will mostly likely, for parents concerned with their children’s education, light a positive fire. The resources are everywhere. You just have to think outside the box, do what’s right, and set the future of your children in a positive direction.
**Our bible is very important. Every one of us was created, given life, and hope springs eternal.
** Mathematics, multiplication tables to memorization, writing with quality grammar and punctuation, reading good books vetted by the parents, science, science projects, museums, history books outside texts, reading the founding fathers’ own words and the federalist papers, reading good books to learn and for fun: good, clean fun, setting up story boarding and scenes prior to writing stories, creating menus and working the kitchen together, going to the ocean and watching the sun set, discussing, starting a small business outside the garage, starting your own gardens and trying this and that, monitoring growth, designing clothing, going to various businesses to learn what they do there, talking to people in those businesses, and always believing. I will say this. I always believed in every single one of my students, that if they wanted to succeed, they would. And they would do the hard work. It starts at home.
Throughout the generations, throughout history, we have seen problems come and go, but we’ve also seen what happens under certain controlling powers, but more how the people themselves decide.
The challenge in these posts is to “say it” in meaningful ways, hoping to bring awareness to as many people as possible, that they themselves seek their true rabbit of understanding. I’ve discovered it’s not so easy, for “programming” from infancy, then along the way, is very enveloping to the mind and people, as I understand.
**The difficulty, as was stated in the movie “The Matrix” is, once we have a set of beliefs, our core (Perhaps it’s who we think we are, or to disbelieve what we’ve always believed shakes our foundations. I think many can’t live that way.) is set and we won’t look to understand. Perhaps, another way to say this is, we’ve been given “A Rabbit” to follow: their rabbit, and we won’t move to the real rabbit. But, as I see it, that’s not a problem. Just be willing to keep looking, observing, and understanding, and those things become obvious to the mind of reason.
Here are some observations and questions:
Why is the media so intent (and coordinated) on degrading and demoralizing the audience: in this case, America citizens? Then, why do they continue to also degrade our heritage? Perhaps, a following question is how many people realize this occuring?
Why is the media so intent on defaming traditional family values, separating us from morality, and replacing what we truly value with the valueless? Why would they want what’s not best for us?
Why are the controlling groups in Washington so intent on destroying our economy? When they saw how the previous administration turned things to the positive, why did they immediately, upon entering their time, work to destroy everything? What do the people of this country think?
When I was growing up, even with the growing propaganda and changing curriculum (not necessarily all for the better), some statistics show America was still number one in the world: educationally. We’ve dropped so far, and science isn’t even a real thing anymore. Why have those in Washington sought to destroy our educational system, such that, the longer students are in those classes, they become less and less able to think for themselves and do real solid academic work that’s truly meaningful. **Just for fun, a few times I taught subjects from college, discovering my students learned faster than some of my university peers. What does that tell us about the system? What does it tell us about those making the rules?
Why are so many people so easily controlled? Why and how have they been separated from true American values and history. And even if they’re aware, why are so many afraid to point out the problems, sticking together?**
Why have television, politics, and more taken the importance of fatherhood out of the equation? Even in some decent shows, the father is made to seem ridiculous. What happened to shows like “Father Knows Best”? **We have many shows and commercials praising single mothers. While I admire most woman who can do this, I would think they’d rather the original father, their childrens’ father, was around to take care of the family. Why would any woman want to raise the children without the father? A good father? And be patient to find a good man?
Why, in many places, do we rarely see children playing outside? What does this do to our children?
Why has it become increasingly unpopular to think for yourselves? And why have “they” often labelled real thoughtful and critical thinking, when spoken, as hate speech? We are seeing an increasing attitude, among the controlled, to see thinking as uncool. **Why would anyone mistrust someone following the rabbit of understanding? After all, if we’re looking for real answers, that’s the way to be.
When those who truly understand gain momentum, with real insights and understanding, knowing the solutions, why are they destroyed, or why do so many attempt, many from Washington?
Why are we addicted to electronics? What does that do to our reasoning ability and choices?
**Perhaps, I’ve been aware of something longer than I realize, though I see bits and pieces from time to time. Of course, in any society, there will be some “rules” of the road, a people talking and acting certain ways with some idiosyncrasies and differences. And within a healthy society, those differences are okay. Actually, often very okay.
**What happens when we “see” the puppet masters, or the puppet masters techniques employed, and watch as people turn into puppets? To varying degrees of course. How do we respond?
**What happens when we see common sense, intelligent thinking, and thoughtful consideration being attacked in various forms, some not so clear. For instance, I’ve notice some people with very “good” ideas, with thoughtful suggestions and discussions, without being intrusive such that others can decide for themselves, become unpopular. They may be made to seem quirky. If they’re certain of themselves, they may then be seen as troublesome, and slowly, dismissed. This often then extends into the social world, for the workforce, even universities, are like training grounds, so it also happens everywhere. **One scene always remains with me, for it was a very telling moment. Someone new was in our work environment. The “boss” enters. When the “new” person comments, I could tell the workers looked to see if the “boss” found it acceptable. What kind of “bleep” is that? And what happens when this increases exponentially?
**To live in a society, a blanket of lies, propaganda, and confusion covering, such that the new generations can’t even see it, for that’s all they’ve known. Consider the ramifications. There is suppression of thoughtful ideas and creativity, not to mention responsibility. What does that do to a society? To individuals? **I remember once commenting to a friend, when I started realizing more, that mental illness will increase dramatically. Why? Because healthy individuals will be labelled mentally ill or problematic, and some will become mentally ill because of continual anger. But also, because those “counselors” and psychiatrists, I believe many or most, are trained not to find the real answers, but more, to increase problems, perhaps without knowing the damage their causing. And as our society become increasingly dysfunctional, that’s all we have around. **Yes. I can “see” it when I’m looking. It’s like the people in my neighborhood are tightly bound by the invisible rules they’re still trying to understand.
**When people who see clearly, understand, find the field of commonalities becoming smaller?
**To answer and understand, but retaining your good humor.
**One more item… perhaps: True morality, following what we know is right in our hearts, which we were born knowing, is freeing. Moving against morality enslaves.
*All too many of us are products of current times: television, politics, social controls, and more. However, we don’t have to be. I believe what it takes is a growing awareness without an accompanying anger/resentment that makes us subject to their persuasion. Also faith.
I was uncertain how to I’d approach this, and it may be the earlier part won’t seem to have much with the latter part, but it does. Sometimes, what doesn’t seem to go together somehow does, and if not obvious to some, in others’ understanding, it is. But sometimes we just have to trust instincts.
This is on a topic I’ve written on before, however, since then, from time to time, the thought returns for consideration (for lack of a better word).
Let’s pretend for a moment, that two people, from a shipwreck, happen upon a deserted island. We can imagine there will be struggle, much struggle, and over time, they will have learned much about survival (If they survive.) and one another, including how each person handles being stranded. Perhaps, within a short time or longer, depending upon how they each “deal” with life and difficulties, and their personalities, they will get along quite well, even become good friends.
That might take place with the three survivors. What took time in a developing friendship might change with the third party. Perhaps we’ll now have three good friends, perhaps the friendships will change, or perhaps something altogether different, or something else. But with the third party, a new dynamic. It’s this dynamic I’m looking at.
Sometime past a year or so, another person finds their way onto this island. Perhaps this “new” person was from the same ship but had found his way onto another island, but because he was the only one there, took his chances in finding other more populated places. And here he has found two others.
The setting is set. What I’m indicating, and probably not sharing as best I would had I the words, was the changing of times. I have noticed, in times past, when two people are together (Perhaps not yet realizing someone else in the room.), as with friends, they behave a certain way “peculiar” to themselves (I’ve noticed this with others, but also with my own friends, and with others. At the time, maybe not so much, but over the years and looking back.). Then, upon the entering of a new person, depending upon who this new third party is, something happens. Behaviors change. Topics change. A whole new gamut sometimes.
Now, having shared the concept, I now go to so many people living “together,” as in smaller towns and larger cities. Yet, even there, I see the same scene, with varying factors, playing out over and over again. No, I’m not usually thinking about this at the time, but from time to time while say…, reading a book or watching the clouds change shape, the thought will return.
Here’s what I might say. We don’t always know who people are. Even those closer to us. Even friends of many years. Sometimes, we might discover something about ourselves that we didn’t know. And there are people I’ve known a very long time that I know I don’t really know them. And within a “group” of people, upon the introduction of another person, we’ll often see some dynamics changing. To some degree or more, I’ve noticed, people have difficulty being who they are, or appear to be, when the dynamics change.
I’ll try it this way: in one situation, with someone I’d known at work for years, as friends, a colleague, became a horrible enemy with the introduction of a new “boss,” who was very different from the first. I believe, had the first boss remained, a good friendship would have lasted, and I might never have seen this other side of that person (Perhaps they didn’t know this other side of them existed.). In another situation, with two good friends, I noticed a change when a third “friend” entered, and one of the friends wasn’t as “close” or friendly with the first as before. Almost as if the “new” person commanded a type of behavior by their very presence. But that imparted a question about the first friend. *Why, I asked myself, would this person behave differently with the first person by the introduction of the third friend? Embarrassment? Control? What?
There’s something else. As I can see I’m not as clear as I would like, I’ll close here. I’ve said before, if we observe something in the real world (as hens with hair styles that people share), we’ll see it elsewhere, repeats, even if only in meaning. Yes. Sometimes what we “see” with our eyes is also played out in behavior or situations.
People can behave like “benefactors,” helping out, and just by their being there, they bring order and peace (Good pack leaders, perhaps). There are also people who are like viruses, and somehow, can infect the population. Just by their being there. Something about them, perhaps in their nature (perhaps it was developed over time), has a quality of infection, and those who don’t follow the rabbit of reason (or are themselves no matter what) become infected (I believe the rabbit of reason is the antidote or protection.): some become just like the first virus, but owe their existence to that first person: as in the puppet master pulling the others’ strings. And it doesn’t matter if you (You refers to whomever is aware.) see it, that virus, parasite, or otherwise impacts those around, and with a growing majority, affects even you, because you have to work, live, or occupy that environment. And perhaps, to survive, you might have to alter your behavior to get along. And we see this playing out all of the time, each and every day, whether we’re aware of it or not.
Now, in simplicity, this explains some of the problems with society. And those who would seek to control a society, for their own ideas, work through people to control the population. To some degree, we’ve seen this on steroids in recent years. However, if we’re looking, we’ve also seen evidence of people who are themselves no matter what, or follow the rabbit of reason, and thus are unable to become infected or controlled. Which brings the question. What is it in some people that allows them to always be true to principle, always themselves, while others are always on shaky ground, modified by the advent of different people?
The Trial of Billy Jack from the 1970s.
One Tin Solier. Fantastic song. The other songs after not part of what I wanted here. Seems like tagalongs.
As I see this movie, the main character (Billy Jack) was true to himself. He could not, nor would not, change for anyone. He was honest. He had incredible integrity. And it didn’t matter who was around him, he was always himself. Such a person anyone can trust. Not because they’ll hang out with you. They may never hang out with you (To whomever this applies.). Just because they’re honest with themselves and others. But they’ll tell you the truth. And this is becoming, as I see it, rare. I don’t know why. I guess the Marxists, different political and sociological influences, and other influencers have done their jobs well. All too many are programmed just by television, their Smart phones, and people around them programmed by the same.
In this movie, as one can get the book, see the film, and listen to the music, the words are pretty much there. This is one film that surprised me, more so later, that it got through Hollywood’s filtering mechanism. I think they had to make the movie on their own, but it’s been awhile since I read about that.
There was another message, akin to the above. Nothing that you can get on this Earth will ever give anyone peace. Not one thing. It’s not there. Cars. Nice house. 401 k. Another person. Doesn’t exist. I think it’s just honesty. Perhaps, as we’ve discussed, following the rabbit of reason down the trail of understanding. But I also think there’s something else. That’s for each person to discover.
In “The Trial of Billy Jack,” the main character helps people, and I think (as a movie) he eventually marries the lady, but she loves him for his honesty first. In other words, if he wasn’t who he was, ready to leave if necessary, ready to speak honestly even if he lost all of his friends, she wouldn’t know him. And they never would have been good friends.
**Here’s a question. Why is this movie, and other thoughtfully made films, not on television: more often if at all?
**The sources are available to share. One only has to look.
Here are the lyrics:
Listen children to a story That was written long ago ‘Bout a kingdom, on a mountain And the valley folk below On the mountain was a treasure Buried deep beneath a stone And the valley people swore They’d have it for their very own Go ahead and hate your neighbor Go ahead and cheat a friend Do it in the name of Heaven You can justify it in the end There won’t be any trumpets blowing Come the judgment day On the bloody morning after who One tin soldier rides away So the people of the valley Sent a message up the hill Asking for the buried treasure Tons of gold for which they’d kill Came an answer from the kingdom With our brothers we will share All the secrets of our mountain N’ all the riches buried there Now the valley cried in anger Mount your horses Draw your sword And they killed the mountain people So they won their just reward Now they stood beside the treasure On the mountain dark and red Turn the stone and which beneath it “Peace on Earth” Was all it said Go ahead and hate your neighbor Go ahead and cheat a friend Do it in the name of Heaven You can justify it in the end There won’t be any trumpets blowing Come the judgment day On the bloody morning after who One tin soldier rides away Go ahead and hate your neighbor Go ahead and cheat a friend Do it in the name of Heaven You can justify it in the end There won’t be any trumpets blowing Come the judgment day On the bloody morning after One tin soldier rides away
To some degree, I think I’ve always known I’m not an intellectual. I’ve tried it. Doesn’t work. Get headaches and such. It was later, much later, that I realized I can only learn anything through understanding. Even in college, I had to find a way to do this, for those two years of intense study wasn’t a viable alternative anymore. **Then, with time, I realized that might be good. For while I will never be on Jeopardy, debate on a team, or dazzle anyone, I will speak from understanding, which I think for me, is a far better direction.
While reading about DNA, which to some degree piggy-backs on previous readings and discussions, I started pondering upon things. One section of the book talked about cancer, and this I have seriously pondered. In part because it seems more and more people I know are getting tumors or cancer. Perhaps, while I’m pondering and sharing, others might be motivated to read and research, and who knows? Perhaps one might enter the research field, or encourage others, and help with understanding.
What I wondered what this: I understand, as the book explained, how DNA in cells often are damaged, as with UV radiations, and I suppose what we eat and put in our bodies (i.e. smoking and so forth) can affect our cells for the negative. I would also imagine too much stress has an impact. Thankfully, there is a correcting mechanism, I believe an enzyme or something (I’m already forgetting.), that uses the correct strand to fix the damaged one (Double-Helix you know.), then sends each cell back on their way. However, sometimes, that correcting mechanism is too late, and the cell, now growing independently of all other cells, no longer working in cooperation, begins a new life, but damaging to the person. If a tumor, it remains localized and surgeons can remove. If it spreads, depending, then chemotherapy and such come into play. **Thankfully, we all have these self-correcting mechanisms.
My current question is two-fold. Why does the self-correcting mechanism not always work in all people, for many never get cancer, even those who smoke like chimneys and drink strong drinks? In our family, fortunately, cancer never happens (Well, a couple have had skins cancers, but they have those frozen off from time to time. Too much time in the sun during their lives I suppose.). Then, in those the tumors or cancers do begin, why does the body not recognize the threat and destroy those dangerous cells? If the self-correcting mechanism that repairs all damaged cells is too late, or insufficient in some way, then why don’t the healthy tissues destroy the unwanted intruders, even if the intruders are produced by our own bodies for some reason or other (Perhaps, in that statement, is a direction.). In other words, healthy cells destroy other invasive elements, but why do they leave the cancer cells alone? Can our healthy tissue be made to “see” those dangers coming and destroy those threats early in their lives? Is it because those cancer cells are from the same body they leave them be? Or can scientists find a way? This will then lead to the question as how might scientists use this human ability to get healthy cells to destroy the dangerous ones. Or can they?
Are the cancerous cells simply to strong? In a sense?
**I will say this, however. Having the little information I have, from various sources, I gather the science is immense in study. Just learning a little about our DNA and genes is enough to encompass many years, and like the planet, will require many more years, and perhaps then, we won’t be close to understanding fully. But we do what we can.
**Perhaps, more and more people will turn to research, and with time, more will be understood and more lives will be saved.
**I might suggest that people learn about the predisposing factors, like too much tanning, that leads to tumors if not cancer. Under no circumstances do I encourage people to live in fear. Live your lives, responsibly. Like the NAASCAR driver who trains, gets the best car, and has quality equipment, so can we minimize with healthy diets, staying away from psychic vampires (Yes, there are people that come alive when they’re helping, but are sad when alone. I think someone once said because they don’t have a life of their own. Hmmm….), taking careers we enjoy, and doing what’s right. Gardening?
***There are those who learn very quickly, but understanding is always necessary.
Follow the Rabbit 