I know my limitations, because I know myself. I, like the cartoon character Popeye, can stands so much and then can't stands no more, paraphrased. That is generally how I operate out in my world. However there are some things that I will not tolerate from the get go. Racism and sexism are not given an inch of humor or dignified allowance in my presence. I also find that those who blame the poor for their plight get a quick smack down from me as well. To define my position almost to a tee is to take the Republican party vision for America and reverse it. I often get this statement from those who don't know me to try to dialogue or compromise with Republican positions. I respond with the wisdom I have accumulated over the course of several decades that dialoguing or compromising with crazy and wrong is not to be borne. I am either on the right side of an issue or I am wrong. There is no dialoguing or compromising with not doing something right, there is only dialoguing and compromising with doing something right, period! I have also learned that acquiescing in the face of force, intimidation or duress is a situational fear I have overcome. First, I just don't care what others think about me so there is no peer pressure for me to be guided or persuaded by that isn't my own noble intent. Second, I have taken the lesson of Nathan Hale, our great American Revolutionary hero, and made a stand to defend what is right, regardless of whether my death is a price I must pay. Did you get that? I am willing to die for what is right well before I grovel in front of what is wrong. It is that simple. Stand for what we all know is right and good and then let the chips fall where they may. Change is a fact of life and if we are going to effect the kind of change we know and deserve, we have to put all our money on the table and ride it out. Each of us is the change we were hoping for.
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I believe that doing the right thing is of the utmost importance! However, one has to watch out for one's own imperfections. There are certain things I don't waver on, such as bigotry, ethnocentrism, cruelty, torture and the like. However, I have to remember to remain a humble servant of a Higher Power, and that I am not infallible. So, I have to learn to turn to a Higher Power, the forces of love and kindness in the universe, and ask for wisdom and guidance. How can I constructively act in a way that brings good to the world and wins the hearts if people so that they will want to do good and participate in "change." And, I mean being an active participant in some way. Just my thoughts...
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