I find myself infatuated with the human condition and at the same time, even more so depressed by it. Each and every time I turn on the news there is a large fractional difference between those who do for others and those who hurt others and let me tell you the scales tip in favor of the later. How many more shootings, bombings, kidnappings, lies, cheating in a day can the human race endure? When you can turn on the news and the fact that the reporter has just announced that there has been yet another shooting or a child with a bomb strapped to them for religious purposes, is the norm THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG.
I went to a book signing a few days ago. The author's name is Barry Eisler. Very likable guy and an excellent author. We got into the ever present subject of politics (as his books are about an assassin by the name of Rain, and as such, the character deals with political situations). One of the main topics was the blatant lies used by the governing officers in our political cluster used to cover up simple things. Another was why would anyone follow George W. Bush after some of the things that he and his cabinet have done. There was even the question of why people are either on one side or the other of the line, black or white, love or hate, no in between when it came to voting and sticking with a presidential candidate no matter the consequences.
These brought several thoughts running through my head. For the first:
The question was stated, "Why did do governing officers of any Presidential cabinet or Government office put up smoke screens rather that tell the truth. Why come up with a pretty story?" There were no riffs in the room, no one was abashed by the statements or offended that politics were on the board. As a matter of fact it was the most "adult" atmosphere I have ever been in while politics are being brought up (no one yelled or anything). I think part of the answer to the questions such as these and the other cover up stories through out history and all of the unspoken questions out there is that if you are in the public eye, the slightest slip up will "kill" your career. There is no real way to tell what is covered up at all times. Who can you trust? The truth of the matter is that if they (meaning Government) are covering something up, there may be a way to tell that they are lieing but in all honesty if someone that high up wants something kept quiet, it will stay quiet. You may see the smoke screen, but what really happened may never truly surface. I must agree with Barry when he said that no matter the situation, most people would much rather appreciate the truth.
On the second:
Why would anyone follow Bush after the things he and his cabinet have done? Let's broaden the question, why would anyone follow most of our Presidents with the things the have done. In Bush's case many people follow him simply because they wonder what they would have done if it were them in office when 9/11 happened? He was face with a very tough situation and responded by trying to end terrorism, a noble cause no matter how you look at it. Though many people don't agree with how, what would you do? Smoke a peace pipe with the guy who has a bomb strapped to his chest as he blows you up because his religion says to kill all people who don't share the same beliefs as you? Would that help? I don't think so. Now I'm not saying I agree with everything Bush has ever done. Trust me the man has made a joke of himself with his public speaking abilities, and no I don't like that our boys are still over there. I am haunted by the images of our fellow countrymen, our heros out there fighting for us, in return they are sent home in a box with an "I'm sorry for your loss letter", but I appreciate what they are doing. But what would you or I do? Is pulling out and hoping that the terrorists got the picture a smart thing to do? Lets look at Clinton, though he may have done a few good things here and there in office...he was a terrible role model. Monica Lewinski...need I say more? Yet there were people who followed him all the same. For that matter, was the war during Clinton's rule somewhat of a smoke screen for his affair? It doesn't matter whether you are a republican, a democrat, a liberal there will never be a perfect person in office. No, I don't think it is a good idea to have a robot running the country (we have all seen the movies on that). I don't believe the creator should be governed by the created.
On that note question 3:
Why are people so definite on whether they are on one side or the other? United we stand, divided we fall people. The truth is that it seems that the civil war, aside form abolishing slavery, didn't teach us too much, we are still picking sides against each other. THIS IS WHAT HAS MADE US AN EASY TARGET. I understand saying that you do or don't believe in abortion, trust me I do. Where has "One Nation Under God" gone? Aside from the eccentric few out to get money because they don't believe they should have to say that phrase. What are we pushing ourselves as a nation into being?
For Now,
Lauri
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