Battlefield for the Mind ...

Whenever unthinkable tragedy strikes in the form of the senseless slaughter of innocents the shared nature of our humanity initially moves us toward sympathy and mourning.  What comes in the aftermath of the mourning, however, varies from individual to individual based upon personal experiences and core beliefs, with an added push that is often times fueled by the agendas of prominent politicians and a propaganda-driven media --both mainstream media as well as social media tech oligarchs.  While an open and non-judgmental discussion of individual's varied perspectives might actually help us to better understand the driving factors which allowed such tragedy to ensue in the first place we just aren't going there these days.  Such a dialogue would provide meaningful objectives for aiming to minimize opportunities for such an incident to occur in our future as well as providing a forum for addressing perceived grievances.  Sadly, we seem to be losing this ability to genuinely engage in meaningful, purpose-driven dialogue in our societies today.  Bringing this idea of "shutting down conversation" back to the beginning of any given senseless tragedy, don't you have to wonder if the shutting down of conversation, in and of itself, actually might be a, if not THE, contributing factor to individuals resorting to lashing out in violence towards those who they perceive to be the cause of their grievances?  The battle for our future IS currently being waged, and will continue to be waged, within the mind. The battlefield for the mind is where our WWIII will be fought, I truly believe.  More thoughts and ideas to follow.

But let me leave you with one closing thought to ponder:  Don't the power wielding manipulators, those pulling the levers and strings behind the scenes, have any notion of karma and the accountability of their individual SOULs?  They may not pay a price in this life, but the moral arc of the universe will surely collect its toll moving onto the next. And the assumption that "the people" are basically stupid and sorely in need of correction won't be a valid excuse for their behavior and manipulations.  To interfere, by means of subterfuge, with the natural evolution of a soul is perhaps the greatest 'sin' of all.

When the Angels Fall ...

1/22/2019 President Trump's Executive Order requiring Universities who take and use taxpayer dollars to fully support free speech across the spectrum will go a long way towards helping to restore meaningful dialogue on our college campuses towards the end of seeking truth and embracing a willingness to consider other perspectives.  From here conversations will likely spill over into our local communities in ever-widening circles that will hopefully broaden the larger national conversation.  This was the way things used to be, sad that we've gotten to the point where our nation's leader has to resort to issuing an Executive Order in order to restore a common sense balance where true freedom of speech is concerned.  One is naturally left wondering where the ACLU will stand on this most recent Executive Order?