01/11/2021
if we do not realize the danger and vulnerability to which we have descended in our country, we need to wake up. we are quick to spout all the sayings we grew up with but if we do not learn from our history; if we do not accept and own our history and learn from our experiences we will repeat them and they don't get better.
Anyone who understands PTSD knows the flashbacks and memories never end up differently. what is worse we may not survive repeating our same mistakes the next time around. what is also scary is that we do not know our history and we have not acknowledged nor accepted it.
further we do not understand the democratic process. the only way democracy works is with an educated electorate that participates and studies and learns and applies what we have learned and votes and forces out the bad through that process and rule of law. also we do not realize that none of this works without integrity, values, ethics, mores, solid beliefs systems in what is right and true.
we also need to realize that we are not a healthy society. we are not well and there is no quick fix. an evil tree can not bring forth good fruit. also if we do not follow through on the lessons we have learned and been forced to realize and begin admitting to as to our foundations we will make it even more difficult to address bigotry, hypocrisy, prejudice, racism, inequality, hate and corruption, disinformation, misinformation, don't be fooled by words that come out of our mouths such as transparency all the while living a lie. saying and doing can be very different. we must begin making the changes that are so long over do and understand that change is not easy. happy new year!
remember it is hard if not impossible to parent when you were not parented; if you were not taught what was right and true and if you are not willing to put in the work required of a parent. i think I thought I was priding myself in thinking I was being a father to a child on my terms and wanting the joys of being a parent but not understanding the responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements and hard work time and attention. My dad was career military and was often deployed or away.
I am ashamed to say that I did not invest the time I should have and needed to, with my children. and just telling them I love them does not "get it". that does not absolve or excuse or undo the damage that has been done due to my neglect and failure as a parent, my ignorance and lack of insight, awareness and understanding.
At 74, I am tired and don't want the hassles and feel like I can not give the time that each of my children needed then and need now. I want life on my terms and want to say my children are adults now and they can fend for themselves. however that is not reality, if we don't pick up the gauntlet or raise the flag, (the legitimate flag) then who will.
we are already leaving our next generations a world that has been shamefully laid wasted, used up, deteriorated and poisoned. again shame on us but shame does not change the inheritance we left our children. we will be gone.
I wish each of you the strength, the courage, the commitment and integrity to rise up and do what we must for those who we brought into the world as well as those we have mistreated and were unfair and unjust to.
btw if we want to complain about ignorance, laziness, incompetence, lack of intelligence, mental illness, addiction, lack of morals, lack of skills, attitude issues etc. guess who is responsible for all of that? we are. we did this. these are the fruits of our irresponsible behavior and attitudes and behaviors. One of the component modules of the Great Expectations comprehensive readjustment transition and re entry program focuses on the the democratic process, how it works and what it takes to be successful
beginning with an educated electorate and you have to participate and voted
