On the Nature of Liberty Versus Abstinence

Sometimes, truly valuing "freedom" is actually a kind of self discipline. It is a genuine civic responsibility. Because we are all responsible to one another, in the end. It's knowing that, yeah, there's a big candy store right there in front of you. And you've got a pocket full of change.

And you're one happy kid. But real "freedom" comes with responsibility to your fellow man. Oh, sure, you could go in there and put yourself on the way to losing all your teeth in a drunken, sugar coated orgy.

I mean, they're your teeth, right? So who cares who may have to chew your food for you when you lose 'em all, right? Or what kind of "public assistance" you may have to sponge off of because of your own selfish actions.

But you indulge, because it just might kill the pain of living just a little. Just for today. But then again, hopefully, you just plain don't; you abstain. Because life can't be lived in one day anyway. And there are always consequences in this life. And besides, "no man is an island."

Ode to the Fox

They dress all in their jack-booted finery, mount their battle steeds, and aided by their duty-bound dogs of war, do give chase. But what did the fox ever really do to those equestrian brutes in their fancy coats? Ah! The fox, you see, is clothed in beauty bestowed by nature. S/he may appear diminutive, but is illusive, ever so quick and surpassing in intelligence. Catch her/him if you can. A crafty one, that fox. Forever challenging fools to abandon their careless errands. But at what price comes the coveted trophy pelt? The murder of beautiful things for mere sport is never rewarded with the kind of wisdom that is ultimately robbed of the world when the primitive ones slake their thirst for innocent blood.

To thine own country be true

Before you "dis" (or let anyone else disrespect) your own country, you may just want to shut your mouth, and learn a little about what's really going on outside (or even and especially within) your own borders. There's never any grass greener than what you can take your shoes off and walk in, right smack dab in the place you were born. Because as always, there truly is no place like home.

The Edification of Friends and Foes Alike

Sometimes friends are hidden enemies. Sometimes enemies are hidden friends. Be grateful to all for the lessons that they may teach you.

Don't Be a Bully

 Might does not always make right. Sometimes it just makes you a self-righteous bully.

On the Nature of Intimidation and Ever Bigger Fish to Fry

Those who rely on violence, or the threat of violence, and intimidation never really win. They just create more enemies and even a host of imaginary potential foes. Being too obsessed with self protection doesn't necessarily make one more secure, but usually increases the likelihood of attack from without; not to mention self defeat from within. In other words, if you're always painting targets on others, then you yourself may inevitably end up becoming the biggest mark of all. Remember, there is always someone out there with a mightier sword. There is always a bigger fish, and eventually, even the biggest fish can end up being consumed by a superior number of smaller ones.

On the Nature of Pain

Whatever you do, don't hurt yourself today. There are always people out there who are just waiting to do that for you. Because they too are in pain.