Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Social Media and Censorship

 If 2020 has taught us anything it is the power of popular opinion can sway most anyone into doing things and taking action when they should not. Should we exercise restraint in speech and the written word? Sure. Am I always capable? No.

That said, the silencing of conservative voices by leftist social media sites is unfortunate. They do so under the ridiculous guise of racism (at this point everything is racist), homophobia (do people really fear homosexuals or homosexuality?), or something written that is taken out of context and been made into something "offensive. It is sad that half a country disagrees with certain positions and screams at the sky to silence their counterparts.

I, for one, will continue to voice my opinions and concerns in spite of those who are so easily offended. Taking offense to something is not necessary mutually exclusive to being offended by something legitimately offensive. At some point, I believe Americans will revolt, outright, to this censorship. Their pocketbooks will be sealed and investors will continue to grow wary about lost revenue. 

Additionally, I shall not fear repercussions from my words. Generally, I think about what I say and how I say it. Do I post some controversial things in order to generate conversation and thought? Yes, I certainly do. Do I regret some things I've said or posted? Absolutely. Even I get caught up in the emotions invoked by some topics. 

It would be pretty wonderful if people could get a grip on free speech, what the phrase means, and how it should never be avoided...even when someone is offended by it.

Peace, love, and free speech.

~h

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

It's been a while

 Yeah, I know. I haven't written a blog in some time. The world is upside down and I haven't been in the mood. My wife and I have suffered through a second bought of COVID-19, but this time around I wasn't concerned. I figured if I died, I died. I've lived a good, fulfilling life and offer no regrets for my past.

As (mis)fortune would have it, you are still stuck with me.

In America, we find ourselves in another presidential election cycle. All the hate and vitriol is boiling over the rim, while those who find reason to be offended about EVERYTHING are out protesting, looting, rioting, and acting like unemployed turds in a toilet that never gets flushed.

Around the world, I watch with interest as other countries battle the Chinese virus in their own way. Some are successful, but most aren't. The virus will be with us for the rest of our lives, so we should prepare ourselves, rather than rely on our government to offer up some ill-rushed vaccine. 

What else has been going on with Howard during these trying times you might ask? Like everyone else, I'm trying to maintain my sanity and live my life as normally as possible. We have some family strife like all families have (well, maybe ours is a bit different), and our grandson is living with us mostly full time (we love having him with us).

My writing has once again dropped off because of life's demands. Perhaps I'm making excuses, or maybe I'm right. Neither really matter, because the words haven't been flowing and my mind hasn't been on the craft. I allow my mind to drift to the words that would befit a story, but time hasn't afforded me the opportunity to type them into a Word document. I know that eventually I will get back in the groove, but like I said earlier...the world is upside down.

All of this said...my stream of consciousness notwithstanding...I hope you are in great spirits, amazing health, and continued prosperity. May your life be filled with happiness and laughter!!!

Thursday, June 11, 2020

The World in Crisis

Have we all sickened of the strife meted out by social and mainstream media yet? Are we tired of a group of social justice "warriors" holding us hostage because we are too scared or tired to stand up to an angry mob? And why do we stand idly by and watch a bunch of crazed idiots destroy our cities, businesses, homes, and vehicles?

I don't know a single person who believes that Mr. Floyd wasn't murdered by a rogue cop. Let me say that again: NOT A SINGLE PERSON. If you know me, you know I am an uber-conservative politically inclined layperson. I involve myself in local and national politics and attempt to persuade others to understand the grand benefits of capitalism, small government, and fiscal responsibility. With all of that comes personal accountability, but it would seem the leftists of the world have chosen to make themselves a victim, even when statistics prove them wrong. Never allow facts to overcome your emotion! Isn't that what we are witnessing?

I want to touch n a subject that will be unpopular for some, but it's in my heart and on my mind to write. The Black Lives Matter movement was born on a noble front. Their mission, initially, was to bring attention to what they (the movement) perceived as racial injustices perpetrated on black Americans on a largely disproportionate scale. From a percentage perspective, they were and are correct. When looking at absolute numbers, unarmed Hispanics and whites  die at the hand of police more so than blacks. 

The BLM movement caught fire and grew when the media sensationalized arrests and killings of blacks by police. A small fragment of the killings were unjustified, such as the murder of George Floyd. No, I don't care what his rap sheet says, and it doesn't matter if he had a criminal background. That does not justify placing a knee on his neck for almost nine minutes causing the man to asphyxiate. 

All that said, BLM moved beyond a grassroots movement and became a full-fledged organization. A website was developed and a hierarchy implemented in the upper echelon of the group. An organization requires funding, and the anarchist left answered the call. Antifa, the righteous fascist organization created in the Pacific northwest joined forces with the BLM, and voi la...here we are today. Looting, rioting, inciting violence, and demanding that police forces be de-funded is all the rage; all of it taken from the Anarchist Cookbook. It's all so predictable, and has taken the place of presidential impeachment.

Yes, I went there. The continued funding and looking away from the anarchists burning and destroying property by the left isn't without thought. An uncontrolled nation is an opportunity to unseat a president they (the left) despise. The riots were not started by the left, but they are certainly embraced by it.

Our president has said that he will designate Antifa a terrorist organization. He should do the same with the BLM. They have become a brother of the KKK and Neo-Nazis. All are disgusting to me. To proclaim a racial supremacy is ignorant and doesn't align with the majority of peace loving folks who just want to manage through their lives. Get it together, people! 

Never in my life did I think I would see so much division in our country. A small fraction of it is justified, but by-and-large the majority isn't. There is an exceptionally small fraction of bad cops in our country and around the world. Cops live in our communities, pay taxes, and work to keep neighborhoods as safe as possible. Taking the terrible actions of one officer and destroying cities and murdering other people does not right the wrong!

That's my quick take on the subject. Y'all stay safe.


Monday, April 20, 2020

Y'all Hang in There

COVID-19. We are all sick and tired of hearing, reading, and talking about it. The stark reality is it will impact every single person in the United States, and probably around the world, at some point. That doesn't mean our way of life is forever altered; on the contrary, it simply means we have to adjust until we develop an immunity to the virus.

Yes, I believe we'll be dealing with this virus for the remainder of our days. It will mutate, and it will continue being highly contagious. The proverbial genie is out of the lab...er, bottle. The numbers we are seeing relative to confirmed cases, recoveries, and deaths are staggering. More importantly than all that are two things: 1.) recent models estimate that upwards of thirty-five to fifty percent more people than anticipated have had the virus and showed now symptoms, or dealt with the mild to moderate problems it posed; and 2.) We've proven as a species that we can be good and wholesome to one another (and I had my doubts at times).

I try to make a habit of checking on my family and neighbors to make sure they are okay and they have everything they need. I call many of my friends to do a check-in. Many return the favor. You see, we are creatures who innately desire for our species to survive--in the most scientific reasoning. On the human level, we want our fellow man and woman to be okay. As such, it is important that we check up on one another and help each other out when we can.

When you stop to think about things, we have it much better than most. Yes, we can argue about our civil liberties being taken at the expense of a little safety, but when I think about my global travels, most especially to third world countries, I realize how absolutely awesome this country is. I also know that my blog is read globally, so I want others to understand that as Americans we know we have it good and if you are an ally, we will stand to help you, as we always do when times are tough.

All that said, my friends, let's hang in there and keep being good to one another. Yeah, there are tools in this world, and it's important to let them continue being tools. I erase the negative from my life and focus on the positive. Help those who need it if you can...in any way possible, and know if you need help, just holler. If I'm in a position to do something for you, I will.

Lastly, y'all hang in there. We'll get through this.

Peace,

~h

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Rex Talks COVID-19

My miniature greyhound is confused and proceeded to ask me a few questions about the Coronavirus. Naturally, our discussions devolved into the obligatory verbose abyss.

Rex: What's up with the rush on toilet paper?
Me: I don't know, son...people get weird when things they can't control happen. It's a built-in human reaction.
Rex: I'm human, but let me show you how I manage this problem.
Me: Okay.
Rex: Open the backdoor.
Me: *opens backdoor*
Rex: *drops a deuce in the back yard* Also Rex: *runs back in the house* Also Rex: *drags butt across our carpet*
Me: Stop it, you nasty little bastard!
Rex: Daddy, I'm trying to save the world and you're cursing me.

Rex: Daddy, what is 'social distancing?'
Me: We have to maintain a one to two meter distance between two people to keep from getting one another sick.
Rex: Scratch my back. Yeah, yeah...right there...you know what Rexy likes.

Rex: I don't have hands so I am exempt from hand washing.
Me: Shut up.

Rex: You've made sure I don't bring home any sexually transmitted diseases because I don't have testicles.
Me: Dude, I've already told you I had nothing to do with that.
Rex: Whatever, Daddy.

Rex: Will this Corona-thing interfere with my wet food supply?
Me: So far, no, but I have no idea what the future may hold.
Rex: Give me "futures" address. I'll bite his penis.
Me: Dude, what is wrong with you?
Rex: A man has to eat!

Rex: Can we eat T-bone if food supplies get low?
Me: I can't believe you would consider eating your brother!
Rex: We ain't blood kin!
Me: Your backstraps are looking tasty.
Rex: Don't make me get the .380 and cap yo' ass.
Me: Boy, watch your mouth!

Monday, March 23, 2020

Take a Deep Breath--Away From People

Yeah, I get it...COVID-19 is here. Wash your hands, shave your face (guys and gals), shave your arms (Ibid), and keep the virus at bay. Folks, this is not the first time our country has battled an unseen enemy, but it is the first time we have seen it in our lifetime.

What can you do to help? Stay away from people. Wash your hands and arms frequently. Wear gloves to cut down on cross-contamination. Don't be a douche-hoarder. Yeah, that's important. Our elders and medical brothers/sisters need our support, not our ebay/Amazon has-beens.

Check on your neighbors--this is critical. Be leaders, not sheep like most I know. The flock is heavy today, but it struggles to find the cream that rises to the top. Don't be the assberry that hangs behind hoping for a solid wipe and promising prayer.

I love you all. I don't want to attend your funeral. I don't want to contribute to your chosen charitable organization because you are on your deathbed. Don't put me in that position. No...I prefer to see your political posts that are contrary to mine, your manbun that I laugh at, and your skinny jeans that I wished I fit into.

Guys, I want you to be here because I hate your point of view, and because this world needs your perspective and mine.

Much love to you all.

Monday, March 16, 2020

Forget Coronavirus For Just a Minute

As the virus gained momentum in the United States, and was no longer an Asian or European phenomenon, I was on a series of airplanes traveling up the east coast with stops in Charlotte, NC, Baltimore, MD, Philadelphia, PA, and Boston, MA (oh, and I started my journey in Atlanta, GA). Each of these airports are major hubs, and home to a vast number of international flights. To say that travelers buttholes were puckered tighter than a baby's mouth after sucking a lemon would be an understatement. The Coronavirus seems to have us all rather distraught at the moment!

People are nervous, and for good reason. We are being bombarded with growing death rates without valid testing and recovery data. Most understand that the virus is more hype than dangerous, but there is still a significant amount of concern to be given to this twenty-first century plague. Before I move on, allow me to say this: I have never seen passengers so courteous, aware, and cognizant of their surroundings. At no time in all my years of air travel have I seen airports and airplanes so clean and sanitary. It is truly a shame it took a global pandemic to get us to this point, but as the saying goes, "It is what it is."

The reason for this entry, however, is one that has remained with me the past thirty-six hours. On my return flight from Boston to Atlanta, I had a layover in Philadelphia. I noticed an older woman whose head was held high; her face a haughty facade. I notice these things about people and make mental notes of them as I move about public places.

As luck would have it, the lady sat across the aisle from me once we boarded our flight from Philly to Atlanta. She quickly ordered a Bloody Mary (it was bloody 10:30 AM and I was astounded!) and drank it down before boarding group six was seated. She and I were seated in first class (upgrades were available for forty dollars, and I could not pass that deal up), and were in boarding group one. American Airlines has made remarkable progress in the expediency of seating airline passengers--thank you, Southwest Airlines for the model!

I was battling a cold and cough and attempting, rather feebly, to mask my cough as the hypersensitivity of winter sickness ran amuck through the plane. If you dared cough or sneeze, the consensus was you were infected with Covid-19, do not pass go, do not collect $200.00. I am currently on the mend if you are wondering. :)

About forty-five minutes into the flight, and three or four Bloody Mary's later, I noticed the haughty woman crying. I watched tears roll down her face as she stared blankly out her window, the bright morning sky reflecting on her shiny face. Not wanting to touch her, or anyone since I was sick, I leaned closer to her and asked if she was alright. The next few minutes rocked me to my core.

"Yes, I'm fine," she lied. She then followed with, "No, I'm not."

"Well, whatever is bothering you, I hope it turns out okay," I responded.

The tears really began flowing after our exchange, and I noticed her hand as it shook the empty cup that formerly held her drink. She spun the ice clockwise then counter-clockwise, her mind lost in thought. After a few minutes she looked at me and said, "I bought a one-way ticket to Atlanta. My daughter has cancer, and I'm trying to get all these tears out of me before I see her. I've never dealt with anything like this before."

Whew! I thought back to my original impression of her and realized how wrong I was. This poor lady was trying to maintain her composure in a chaotic environment.

"Where are you from," I inquired?

"Central Jersey," she replied.

For a few minutes, this glorious lady went on to tell me that her daughter and her daughter's husband had moved to Atlanta less than a year earlier. It was then that she was diagnosed with cancer in her adenoid and tongue. She showed me a picture of her smiling daughter lying in her hospital bed, a smile on her face, but beneath her chin a cut in her neck from her right ear to just past the midway point of her throat.

"How old is your daughter," I asked?

"Thirty-one," she said.

"I'm so sorry," I told her. "That's way too young for these kind of problems."

The lady wiped another tear away from her cheek, as she told me about how strong and wilful her daughter is. She was obviously a distraught mom going to a new city to provide something only a mom can give.

She and I talked for the remainder of the flight, and I helped her to baggage claim and to the location where her ride would find her. I let her know that she and her daughter would be in my prayers. It dawned on me after we parted that I never asked her name, nor she mine. But what she did do was thank me for letting her cry on my shoulder.

For that I am forever grateful.

Be good to one another, y'all.

~h

Social Media and Censorship

 If 2020 has taught us anything it is the power of popular opinion can sway most anyone into doing things and taking action when they should...