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Beating the System – Religion and Politics
I know it seems cool or good to find a way to beat the system. I get there’re times when you may be able to accomplish good things doing so. All I ask is, please keep such activities to times of need where possible. One never knows who might suffer the consequences otherwise.
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The Means of Production – Religion and Politics
So, you may think the concept of ownership by “the people,” of the “means of production” to be a good or proper one. If so, my challenge is that you go back, reread what I’ve said, and give answers that would satisfy not just my trepidation, but the consternation of both the people at large, and those who better understand these difficulties than do I.
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On Propaganda – Religion and Politics
So in the long run, people yelling “Propagandist!” may not be something you should totally ignore, but it is something you should be wary of. People doing so likely have a vested interest in your not believing what the supposed purveyor of propaganda is saying—whether it’s valid or not.
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Area of Expertise – Religion and Politics
I’m running a little long, so let me wrap things up. There’re a lot of folks out there, who’re talking well outside their area of expertise on a variety of subjects. COVID-19 just happens to present an excellent example of this. You can continue to listen to voices who should have no reason to expect you to do so, or you can look at the data yourself and work to draw your own conclusions. Much of the time, if you’re willing to do your due diligence, chances are, you’d be better off.
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Life Doesn’t Stop – Religion and Politics
So, the question must be asked, “Should the current president nominate a replacement for a Supreme Court Justice no longer able to perform his or her duties in an election year, close to that election?” The answer, it seems to me is, “Unless someone can give strong reasons not to do so, yes.” You may disagree; that’s your right. Keep in mind though, it appears precedent is on my side.
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Benevolent Selfishness – Religion and Politics
Bringing things all together, remember that benevolent selfishness is really a pretty wonderful thing all around. Don’t know what that is? It’s doing things for others, so your life will eventually be that much easier for everybody. Try it, see how it works for you. It’s done wonders for me in the course of time.
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Overreaction – Religion and Politics
I’m not saying you should necessarily “count to ten” before you take action (as maybe your mother or father told you was wisdom). Then again, I’m not saying it’s a bad plan either. One way or another, we must seek to ensure we don’t make matters worse than they are already, by overreacting to that which occurs around us.
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Doomed to Repeat It – Religion and Politics
So remember, if you don’t want to relive the disasters of the past, if you wish to replicate the successes of history, you should seek to understand that which has already occurred. History is not always a sign of what’s to come if you travel a well-trodden path, but at least you’ll know what’s happened before, and maybe how to make things as good or better than they’ve been.
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Role Models – Religion and Politics
It’s not so easy being the kind of person others won’t be let down by, assuming they try to follow in their footsteps. You’d be surprised how many choose people not worthy of their admiration, much less their allegiance. If you can’t imagine yourself being happy to be like that person as they are in later life, perhaps they aren’t someone you ought to count a role model.
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Even Handedness – Religion and Politics
Summing up, if you want people to consider you a useful, truthful source of information, you need to understand being even-handed—treating people with fairness, no matter their perspective or identity—will go a long way toward that end. That includes making sure those from whom you get additional information take the same approach. If you fail act impartially where facts are concerned, count on people not being willing to trust what you say, barring corrective action on your part.