Little or Nothing

With the knew ruling that gay marriage is legal all over the country, it makes one wonder. What now? Or maybe, so what? With this new ruling, it won't save lives, it won't make you richer, it won't help America get out of debt but rather the opposite. Furthermore, it won't even stop people from homophobia or anti-homophobia vigilantes. No, for the average American, this ruling is a very expensive argument that probably won't even be solved today or tomorrow.

 Many say that love has won. A great victory. However, it would seem that the journey for "love winning" has been paved with violence, anger, deceit and everything few and far from love. In this war for equality, love was the first and foremost causality. Like truth dying in a typical war so has love died. While both sides have engaged in heavy fighting and pathetic attempts at arguments many have been forced to choose a side regardless of how they feel. At the tune of losing not only reputation but actual way of living if they did not meet the demands of radical same-sex-marriage advocates. The cheap media intimidation, the yelling, the hunt to find homophobia in real and imagined slights. For what purpose? To what end?

So after spending a lot of money in a battle between two beliefs while people die of starvation, abuse, rape, and all kinds of atrocities, what now? And who has really won? Certainly not love. Not now, not ever. She fled the room a lot earlier in this argument. Rather the lawyers and courts have won. When the same-sex-marriage couples line along with other heterosexual couples for divorce you'll see equality, but also you will see who has won. Not love, but those who have advocated same-sex-marriage to fill their coffers.

Anger the Red Signal

Anger is an emotion. It's probably one of the most famous emotions, and probably as well known as happiness. With anger, it has its own misconceptions surrounding it. Many believe it to be a very negative and damaging emotion. In sense, that would be true. But no at the same time. The reason so would be due to the fact that anger is more of a signal of something deeper. Like a warning sign. Furthermore, anger is just an emotion, it is not to be feared. Being able to feel anger is important, it shows that you are healthy. If you cannot feel anger, it can usually mean that one has buried it so deeply that you can no longer feel it. And that, is the problem with anger.

In a life where we see so many people so very angry, it would seem that anger is a massive problem. Humans just seem to be angry. Angry: on our roads, angry in our homes, and angry at work. However, what people need to realize, is that this anger is like a massive bill board saying something is wrong, this is not normal this rage. You need an oil change. Anger is not the cause of a problem, rather it is a symptom.

Contrary to popular belief, anger is okay. Rather it's what you do with anger that is the problem. A lot of people think that it's bad to be angry. That is not entirely true, anger isn't bad unless you blow up on someone else or try and push it down and let it fester. If you let it grow it will be a problem. If you keep on pushing it down it will all fly out one day. Sadly, most us know that anger usually come out in the most inopportune times. Furthermore, our anger usually explodes on the one's we love most.

The cure for anger is not to control it better. Rather it is channeling it out in a healthy manner. Let anger out in a controlled environment. Now, when I say this, I don't mean on letting it out on someone. No matter how amazing that person is, they can only take so much from a person. Instead, what I'm suggesting is that you let it out by punching a punching bag, screaming it out, running, heavy exertion or something. Just find a way for it to come out. Whatever it be, never let it just stay on you. Otherwise, like a wound that is not addressed correctly will turn toxic.

So whether anger is a major problem for you or not, talk to friends and family. Ask for their help while you go through this journey. This just doesn’t have to mean you have serious problem with anger. Rather, we all have anger issues, asking for help is no shame. Furthermore, it's just another thing in life that you have to make better. Like a leaking tap or a hole in the roof, you can live like that, but it would be so much better fixing it. So, talk to someone. If the problem is very serious or you feel that talking to a councilor would help, go for it. Choose the better choice in life.

To Be a Man

It's rather confusing what being a man means. With stories of very masculine men being suddenly something very different from men, men acting more beast than man, and grown men acting like children, how does one find about being a man? With father figures few and far between and only broken heroes, how does someone become a man? It would seem that it is impossible. However, to be a man is not impossible. To join they're ranks, is a very interesting path. Not all are willing to sacrifice to be one. However, it is attainable, and very possible if one is willing. In the following is is a small description of what it means to be a man. It will not cover everything, but it will cover some parts.

As a male you are not entitled to call yourself a man. While you may be born a male your not born a man. Height, size, and physical appearance have nothing to do with being a man. Rather it is about those who are born with male parts and then forged through pain, responsibility, and the decision to be one, that are men.

 It's a hard road, and the journey to being one is really what makes a man a man. It's about picking up yourself when you fall. You know your goal, and you go for it.

While many believe that they are men because of the manly things they do, it is not so. You can do heroic deeds but that won't necessarily define you as a hero. So in the same light, doing manly deeds won't make you a man.

As a man you may be tough, but you should never be rough. One should be a gentlemen to a core. This does not mean you wear fancy clothes and talk funny. Rather it is a state of mind and how you react to situations that would test a normal person. Being polite to everyone, even to those who are not.

Lastly, but not least, being a man is how you treat women and children. Do you use your power and bulk to get what you want? Or do you use it to lift up others and lend a helping hand to those in need? Those two will greatly define if you are a man or not.

I think in the end what it means to be a man is really that you are willing to pick yourself up. It's not about your past actions. It's about your future actions that make you a man. You may make mistakes, and do stupid things, but it's really about the journey. It's not striving to be a man, it's actually just living and being aware of your responsibility. Sticking to your guns even though others aren't'. Living up to your duty, even though it may be terrifying.Sacrificing to protect those you love, and taking the hard right path over the easy wrong path.

Humans, the Great and the Terrible

Sometimes, I am absolutely blown away by the force of humanity. It is such an outrageous thing. Its roaring, its quite, and its a force of itself. It can be a healer and the inflicter. There is so much about it that is really just overwhelming that I'll never get over.To see what we can do in a matter of years, and what we can undo in a matter seconds, is unbelievable. The things that splitting an atom can do and what simple words will set motion to. I'm impressed with what humanity has built.

 However, I'm in shock to what we do to each other, but at the same time I'm in awe at the same time what we do to each other. Shocked by the terrible atrocities that we commit from one human to another human. The very fact that we torture and murder another being in an orderly fashion is horrifying. On the other hand, I'm amazed at the compassion we have. The same hand that can inflict, can gently caress out the horrors of yesterday.

In a world where we see terrible things in our home and places we have never heard of, is disheartening. However, at the same time we must understand, although humanity is violent, selfish, cruel at times, there is hope. Though it may feel that humans are only vicious and horrible. That's not true. I will not deny that as beings we've have made mistakes and in a sense, have collectively failed. I still believe that we are just not heartless. I refuse to believe that. For as I know in the past, there are moments, they don't always happen every day, but they do happen. And in that, I find great comfort. I find comfort and take strength in moments I have seen in other follow beings that have made life for others happier and easier. While they couldn't get rid of all the pain, they helped ease it. They tried they're best to take others pain. They offered help to complete strangers, but with the love of a close friend, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to lift up others, and a smile to be remembered for years to come. In this I take hope in the good deeds of others.

Although we may hear frightful things,I believe the media is much to blame for the hopelessness in our faith in humanity. Though, I don't condone it, I understand that the media will always report on the worse. Whatever shocks us to make it, news worthy. Despite that, I think it's time that we recognize the good in us. It's really about time that we take the time to celebrate the good in us. 

In addition, I think it is important that we recognize the much good there is in our world. If we have a positive attitude, we can believe that the world can be changed, and that our kindness is not just a drop in an ocean, but a ripple alongside other ripples, which in turn causes a wave. Furthermore, if we perceive the world going to a path of destruction, it will alter how we treat others. If what we believe in our minds is actual reality, it will effect how we treat each other. The danger in that lies, is we believe that there is no hope in treating others right and that being rude is the new norm.

So, post about a time when someone blew you away with kindness or you saw someone do an act so touching you still remember it. It's time that we report on the good and not the bad. Celebrate the good in this world of ours. It doesn't necessarily have to be much, maybe it's how someone gave a bus seat to an old lady, or something. Whatever it be, post about the good, it's time we saw the great in us and not the terrible.

Some Facts About Edward Snowden

While I won't claim to know everything about Snowden, I do know some facts about him. Furthermore, I feel that people have too quickly put him on a pedestal. It seems that his actions are still not fully justified in the amount of praise he has received. If someone told me someone was spying on me, I would not feel eternally grateful to them. In the same sense that is really all Snowden has told us. Do I feel warm and toasty for that? Not really.


1.Edward Joseph Snowden, is a thirty something old male born in North Carolina and a former worker of NSA.

Edward Snowden use to work for the NSA, we all know that, until he felt that what the organization was doing was wrong. He believed that the government and its allies spying on normal people was wrong. While uncomfortably true that your government is spying on you, it does make sense. It is the price of multiculturalism we face. How can we really believe that our country is being protected when we let in so many different people in our country? How do we avoid another September 11? When you naturally let in immigrants you will naturally have spies among them or terrorists. Those who wish to destroy our country are not easy to find. Furthermore, how do you protect your country when you can't check out people to find the bad guys? While I can see individuals in the government abusing surveillance, which is highly unpleasant. But, by revealing that the government is doing mass surveillance, will it really stop them from doing it? Will it do anything? Won't they just get better at hiding it? And thus all accountability that could have been, is all loss. Also, what Snowden fails to mention is whether all other countries are doing mass surveillance on there people to protect they're countries.     

2. Snowden fled his country and ran to Hong Kong.

 Hong Kong is a lovely place that was leased out by the Chinese to the British for about a century. However, that lease ended in 1st of July 1997, almost two decades ago. While the people of Hong Kong are not very happy about being owned by China again, effectively they can not do anything about it. Moreover, more importantly is the fact that China has reclaimed Hong Kong for more than two decades. This means the place is very much they're property and can be counted as part of the country of China as much as Alaska is America's or Hawaii. Furthermore, China is arguably USA's rival and competitor. So interestingly enough, Snowden runs to Chinese lands even though he claims he is revealing information for the people.

3. WikiLeaks helped and assisted Snowden in his journey.

 Wikileaks is organization that believes in the sharing of information freely regardless of the consequences or harm it may do to country. Also, the extremism group called Anonymous supports Wikileaks. Furthermore, Wikileaks founder and arguably the life breath of the organization is being investigated for sexual charges.

4. After fleeing to Chinese held lands Snowden left to Mother Russia.

 There is much to say about Russia and Americas' relation with each other but not enough paper. So a few words are better--- Cold War enemy and very real threat. A nation that was known for brutality that could only be rivaled by Mao Zedong and Hitler. They're a country steeped in death and lack of freedom. Also, Russia is accused of shooting down airplanes and invading Ukraine. It does seem strange that someone who believes in freedom should go to two countries that is lacking in that spirit and also somewhat enemies of America, who would pay top dollar for information about her. Information that the said Snowden has.


5. Lastly, no one really knows Snowden's real intentions.

While many may hail Snowden as a hero, do we really know the guy? Mind you, we never hired him to reveal such information. At the end of the day, he is just a glorified whistle-blower. His actions at best seem very strange and do not seem to add up. I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but, his actions are very confusing. All his actions up to now could be taken as a fool, a hero, a traitor to his country, or a genius who plans to destroy innocents for his benefit. Either way, it would seem that Edward Snowden is a danger to America. Implicitly and explicitly. The reason so, is that he is living in Russia with very sensitive information either on him or in his brain. In addition, history tells us that the Russians don't really have much qualms about breaking ethical codes.

So in closing, Edward Joseph Snowden's actions can only be found out in time if what he did was right or wrong. Hero or Traitor. Fool or Genius.

Unrelenting Change

Change is the step for the next stage in our lives. In many senses it is undeniable and unavoidable. It is like a crucible, you will either be burnt or be benefited by the challenges of it. Change is like a river, it has calm parts that allows you not to change for so long, but sooner or latter, change will sweep you into the deep end. Change can be very painful for some. They are so used to living the life they have lived for so long, they have forgotten what it is like to do things differently. It is scary for them. It is the great and terrible for them. However, for some, they embrace it. Because for them, it is the herald of new beginnings. Yes, it is painful, but it is the thing that molds and shapes us. Like gold must be refined so our lives must be. While not in every case is it evolve or perish, it is sometimes very close to that. With a world that is changing faster and moving faster everyday, we have to constantly adapt to situations that where not there yesterday.

The thing about change it can appear as small changes and large changes in our lives. Either way, change is healthy, it keeps us alive. While it may not feel so when things are in disarray with the moment of change upon us, it is only a moment. Ironically enough, our brain lights up the same way under torture when undergoing change; It is hell, change. Despite that, it is for the best. The reason so is that the body is made about sixty percent out of water. That is a very large amount of water. Furthermore since that much of our bodies are made out of water, we react similarly to water. For example, if water stays the same, has no input or output, it goes stagnant. In the same way since our bodies are made out sixty percent of water, we will grow stagnant too. So, if we constantly avoid change, we will die in a sense. We will be cranky and stale and we will be left behind in the wake of a new tomorrow.

Another thing about change is that it shakes us up and challenges us to greater heights. Without it, we will stay the same, talk the same, and be the same. Changes provides diversity in us and the spice of life. It wakes you up to a greater tomorrow. Furthermore, change is a test if you are ready for the next things in life. It checks if we are ready for the next things. It literally opens new doors if we successfully allow ourselves to be tested. It hurls us to reach places we would never have found before because we are changed and see so much more.

So how can we learn from change, how can we initiate it? Sometimes, it happens on it's own. Other times we start it. Whatever it be, we should always be ready for it. Furthermore, a great way of letting it happen is by thinking differently: rearrange the furniture, go a different way to work, say hi to someone you never said hi before, look at life from a different perspective, see people for who they really are, and not for what they have been.

Although the winds of change may look painful and strange, embrace it. It forges us to be better. At the time it may not look pleasant, it will sometimes look like all is loss. However, if you are able to beat the obstacles that change presents to you, you will be all the better for it. So whether you are engaged with change or just beginning the journey of climbing that great mountain, persevere. It's not over, rather life is just beginning for you.

Consumerism to a Fault.

In a day an age where we buy constantly and consume things at a rather alarming rate it would seem that are lives are moving very fast. So fast, it can be arguably said that when things break or don't work we just replace it with something new if a little bit of it doesn't work. This ideal of consuming and consuming of consumerism seems to be spread over every aspect of our lives including in the way we treat each other.

What has happened to the culture where we could just fix things? If things broke, we just rolled up our sleeves and got a little dirty. And if we couldn't get it fixed, we would call up a friend up to help. Things that we bought or signed the contract we would keep for years, and the one's that really counted we would keep to death do us part.

Nonetheless, it seems that culture has been lost. With when things break, we may recycle if we're good, or mostly likely just chuck it away. When this or that does not seem to being working it is replaced with something new without much attempt to make things work out. The constant search for something new, maybe this will fix the problem or that.

Probably the most deplorable fact about consumerism in our lives is that we have let it come into our ideals of relationships.While searching and dumping people seem to be the natural thing in our lives to do, to fine the one. It almost seem that we have evolved in such a way, that if there is a little problem we realize that it's not working for me. So we dump that relation and well, buy a new one. However, I pose this question, did it ever occur that the search for Miss Lovely and Prince Charming was futile? And rather that Prince Charming and Miss Lovely needed help to make their appearance in the person you were planning to give up on?

 I always remember talking to this couple where they have had been married for fifty years. When I asked them how they did it, they joked and laughed saying that while divorce was never mentioned murder was. I still laugh at that. In a ironic light, I guess you could say that they really took they're vows very seriously---- Death do us part.

 It would seem that, it seems that we are no longer willing to tough it out. Something that the older generation seem to mock us for being a strawberry generation, because we look pretty, but are so fragile. In that light, I believe we have excuse for being so fragile, with some many broken families, and pressures of our lives we are very much fragile. Howbeit, most humans are fragile, whatever day or age.


Anyhow, it feels that while searching is a good thing, it would also seem that we should be less of a consumer with our relations. Relations is about giving and getting. Two halves don't make a whole. Yes, sometimes things won't work out and relationships can be destructive so parting is safer than staying, but sometimes giving things another shot might help and realizing that the light at the tunnel is at the end. Also, I know things have changed over the years and our lives are very different, but at the end of the day love hasn't changed, it is a constant thing. It may be buried under hurt and pain, but if you really love someone, don't give up on them.

Innocents always get hurt

I've always tried to not to end up as collateral damage in the argument of same-sex-marriage. It's a messy thing, people yelling at each other, public shaming by the media, and the feeling if you say anything both sides just start screaming. When all you asked for at McDonald's is, "Can I have a vanilla ice cream?" Instantly, your anti-lesbian, anti-gay, anti-transgender, and anti-love!.

In fact, it works both way. If I ask for vanilla ice cream with colorful sprinkles that slightly resembles a rainbow... Gasp!

It's an ugly world out there, and these people are making it worse. There are other more worthier causes out there. While people use our money on useless bills to make people happy about their insecurities, children are dying and terrible things are happening in our country because your love is selfish.

 On the other hand, I believe you said your God was loving. You sure as hell don't look loving with all that spittle coming out.

While people may believe they are right, the means will never justify the ends. If love is truly right and strong, it will always triumph regardless of the obstacles. Also, if your truly being loving like your God, they might not just look for love in so many different forms.

We the People Are Born For Greatness

We are all born for greatness, it's a fact. However, another fact is that everyone feels that, but then feel that is no longer true. Did you know that in a statistics taken that everyone believes that they will change the world when they are young, but then live a normal life and forget that dream when they grow older?

However, we should live our life with greatness. Like a man once said, to live an inglorious life is to die daily. While glory is a messy subject. I say this, look at your life and be the great man or woman that you know to be true and don't be surprised what it is. This greatness in us could look very different from what we believe to look like. It does not have to look like saving the world from certain destruction, it could be raising that son or daughter you have and letting your greatness live through them. Or it could be helping that random person through their great trial, holding someones' hand through their darkest hour, or walking the path that you tread this very moment without faltering. Sometimes it may go on for months or years the trials that we face. Howbeit, the choices we make today will define us in the history books. We can not afford to no longer live our lives as we did.

While I'm not saying that we should stop smelling the flowers for they are ever so sweet, or be come busy. What I 'm saying is this, greatness lies in us. How can we let it lie? While it may seem impossible, we can be so much more than the sum of our parts, if we hope and believe for more. While hope can be heavier than despair and harder to lift than every weight. It is better. The path to living is not always easier, but harder. However, it is certainly very much rewarding when achieved.

So I say this, to you who have once believed and let that dream die, why not start with the first step. If that dream you still cherish is there, why not take it out, breathe a little fire on it. On the other hand, if you feel that dream is no longer you, why not look around you? Find that calling that you know has always been waiting. That great destiny and do it. Start with the little, and know that you cannot be stopped. The first step can always hardest, but the first is always the best toward a better life. So when greatness calls, will you answer her call? Will you let hope let and die? No, rather that when the time comes, if you have believed and hoped and are ready, no matter how insignificant or small the things done you will follow the greatness that was in you all a long.

Some Reasons not to go Galavanting in the Middle East

Fighting against ISIS good. Fighting for ISIS bad.

Now that it is done, I think that sets the tone straight for this article. While fighting in the Middle East against some very bad villains alongside down trodden people who have women in their army sounds great. There is more than meets the eye.
 
Firstly, when you go off, you will be most likely be breaking the laws of your government. Governments usually don't like or let their citizens go off on a hunting trips in the Middle East for terrorists.

Secondly, you could die. Or worse you could be horribly maimed. While dying quickly is quite bad, it is more likely that you may lose your hands or other parts of the body for the rest of your whole life. On that note, the medical facilities in the Middle East aren't that great, and if your not with a proper army, you could die also on a medial table rather than in a blaze of glory.

Thirdly, you could help commit atrocities. When fighting with organizations that aren't in the army, discipline can be lax, and with that discipline, fighters will be more open to torture, rape, murder, and senseless violence. This is so, because they don't have to be upheld to any law and the fighting is ugly. While this might not happen with the set of fighters you join, there is a high possibility of this happening. Furthermore, it should be understood that their actions while are not right can be forgivable because they are fighting for their lives and live in crazy land. You on the other hand are not like them. Being born in civilized nation with laws and so and so forth. So while they might get away, you can't.

Lastly, while I know it may sound like a great adventure and a chance to do something worth while and save the world, it is not worth it. Although, the idea may sound romanticized, wonderful, and even a spot of fun while doing good, there are to many things that could go wrong. Furthermore, you could be tricked into fighting the wrong people, and in the end you could be fighting the good guys instead of the bad guys because they all look the same. Additionally, if somehow you could avoid the reasons not to go or most of them, when you come back, mostly likely it will be a welcome of chains from your government. While this may sound unfair it is very realistic, because the authorities probably won't be able to tell who was fighting for or against ISIS because you did not exactly sign any proper papers.

In closing, while the fight against ISIS is important, it is not everything, and most certainly not worth your life or liberty. Furthermore, if you want to do something worthwhile, there are always the children in Africa. Or if you don't want to travel that far, why not your local charity organization? Volunteer. Instead of fighting with knives and guns against something overseas, why not do it right at your community, but armed with a cup of soup and a smile against poverty? Moreover, if your still gunning to fight, why not do it with a pen instead of a sword? And if you still really feel the itch to kick ISIS why not join the military?

Basically, there are many options, but fighting illegally against ISIS is not one of the choices to make. Also you should really ask yourself, why do I want to leave my home and go fight for a cause?  May be talking to friends and family might be a good idea, they can remind you what you may lose if you go off to war.