Christine Smith's Blog

Discrimination Is Not a Bad Word

I discriminate all the time.  I bet you do, too.

But I despise racists, bigots, and liars.

To discriminate simply means to distinguish between and make decisions based upon differing characteristics.  To “segregate” implies a forced imposition of separation or isolation.

As a white, heterosexual female, I don’t fall into any “group” that has been particularly socially discriminated against. But if someone were to feel hostility or hatred toward me for any of these inborn characteristics,  I’d regard it as an emotional or spiritual problem on their part.  It would be their personal discrimination against me, and it would be their prerogative and their right to discriminate.  I would not want the government to step in to force someone to associate with me if they preferred not to do so.

Discrimination is not a bad word.  If you didn’t discriminate, all manner of people (and some you may find very disagreeable) would be in your life.  But you, and you alone, choose who you associate with based on all manner of your likes and dislikes.  You choose your friends, just as you choose what family members are allowed closeness in your life.  You choose who you get a cup of coffee with, see a film with, or go skiing with.  You choose who you pick up the phone and call.   Think about it, you choose which people you associate with and those your purge from your life or at least minimize communication with.  You choose who you socialize with.

You discriminate.  You discriminate based upon all kinds of things: people’s personalities, similar interests, values, morals, and behaviors that stem from those things. You decide who you’d like to get to know better, and those you’d rather not.

An intelligent thoughtful individual discriminates in many life choices, be it in their health decisions, foods they eat, what they purchase, places they go, activities they participate in, the music and art they appreciate, as well as whom they associate with.  Our values, culture, religious beliefs, and many other factors shape that which we appreciate. 

And while there are those who discriminate based upon characteristics you or I wouldn’t regard as important, it is their right to do so. 

There is a big difference between personal discrimination and legal discrimination. I’ve rarely experienced legal discrimination, but it is legal discrimination – discrimination by the government – toward anyone (no matter what “group” they’re in) that I reject. 

No group, no politician, no government bureaucrat, and no government program should force people to relate to others.

This is why I found U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s speech commemorating Black History Month to be filled with what I consider to be some of the most objectionable and alarming remarks I’ve heard out from a government official. 

Holder’s judgmental pronouncement  that we are a “nation of cowards” on racial issues seems racist in itself, and that we are “voluntarily socially segregated” (what a bizarre and inappropriate use of the word “segregated”)  and that “On Saturdays and Sundays America in the year 2009 does not, in some ways, differ significantly from the country that existed some fifty years ago,” followed by his ominous reference to”creating what will admittedly be, at first, artificial opportunities to engage one another…This will be, at first, a process that is both awkward and painful but the rewards are potentially great,” are remarks of what I perceive to be a man who intends to use big government, once again, to intrude into areas of our lives which should be left alone. 

I get the distinct feeling Holder intends to emphasize and try to achieve a tolerance agenda through public education, affirmative action, and other likely government actions. (This is but another of the many reasons why children should be educated according to your educational and ethical values, not by government.  When agendas, no matter how apparently benign, are sought to be imposed on children, free thought disappears and a dangerous precedent is established.)  Through education, or through other government interventions, race relations is not the job of government that Holder states it to be.  This does not bode well for liberty. 

As a libertarian, I focus on human rights and thus equal treatment by the federal government for all. I reject the government granting “special” rights to any group of people. Thus, I think in terms of “human rights”as I believe in individual liberty for all people, and focus upon greater liberty for all Americans.  I don’t divide people into groups.  I respect and will fight for the liberties of all people, whether they are similar to me or very different.  On principle, this has led me to stand up for the rights of those who differ greatly from me in their life.

I’ve opposed the smoking bans in my state, as well as being a strong opponent of the drug war.  But, I’ve never smoked or engaged in drugs in my life.  I’ve also gotten involved in fighting imposition of additional taxation of certain industries which would, if passed, had no direct affect on my life.  There are other issues I’ve gotten involved in because I opposed the unequal treatment of, and thus the legal discrimination thereof, by the government against people.  I’ve even been asked by a few associates, why do I take up such causes when they don’t affect me or when they are the causes of a group of people I have nothing in common with?  Because what is right should be defended by all, just as what is wrong should be fought by all. 

You don’t have to be a smoker to oppose smoking bans.  You don’t have to be an immigrant to oppose what has become a war on immigrants.  Neither do you have to take drugs to oppose the drug war.  Neither must you be within any minority group to oppose governmental discrimination against said group. The list of characteristics people discriminate against one another is long, and it isn’t an area government should be involved in trying to alter.  Rather, government should get out of the way and just end all of its rampant discrimination.  It is the rights we have as human beings, and those rights we have as Americans, that we must protect ourselves from government’s taking. 

All Americans must be treated equally under the law. There should be no “special” groups of people granted “special” rights, protections, or advantages. There should be no federal discrimination (or favoritism) in regards to any group of people.  For example, government does not create marriages.  People do.  And if you believe marriage is a gift from God, it is a holy union.  Marriage, such an intimate, personal and private part of one’s life, is being discussed as if it is a government invention and as such to be defined by.  We each have our beliefs about morality and sacredness of marriage,  those beliefs and our lives are interfered with to the degree we allow government to intrude into what once was a personal, social and religious decision between two people.  Marriage predates politics, and should not be an area where government grants and withholds benefits upon, that in itself makes so many problems.   The sanctity of this religious and social bonding or institution, important as it is, is becoming less so regarded in societal perception the more government intervenes into it, most especially when governmental economic benefits come into play.  But because government has wrongly and deeply involved itself in what should be a personal and/or religious matter, it now rewards or sanctions some relationships with its approval through advantages over others.  But why is government that involved in the personal lives of people and the relationships they enter into?  This in itself makes the problem. 

Another example: I oppose laws making some crimes worse than others based on assumed motives– every crime must be judged on the law broken not who committed the crime, who the victim was, or why.    Those calling for special hate crime legislation are looking for government to discriminate, saying one group is more special than another.  There are no “special” circumstances when it comes to violence; existing laws need only be enforced.

But government likes to focus on differences.  It’s the way they gain much power.  Sadly, many who consider themselves unfairly treated socially, see nothing unjust in asking government to step in to supposedly make things right for them.  They are unable to distinguish between the right every individual has of personal discrimination versus the unjust legal discrimination.  Ironically, they often seek and agree with the imposition of discriminatory practices upon others just to vindicate the persecution they’ve suffered.  But two wrongs do not make a right.

It comes down to this, when government is doing the hiring or firing, when government is paying the wages, when a law is being enforced, when it’ a public facility, or when government is giving a tax break, it should be administered equally across the board.  No preferences, no quotas, and no “affirmative” programs.  Just equality.  But when it’s private sector employment, or an apartment up for rent for example, I believe anybody should be able to discriminate for any reason.  Government discriminatory practices, no matter what form they take, should be abolished.  Private decisions, even amongst organizations, clubs, and groups as to who may have membership should be respected, just as each of us make decisions in our own lives as to whom we associate with.

“Through its work and through its example this Department of Justice, as long as I am here, must – and will – lead the nation to the “new birth of freedom”…” Attorney General Holder stated.  Neither is it the rightful “duty”  or “solemn obligation” he cites of his government agency to do any of these things. True advances or “progress” as Holder states he wants to see in this area of relating to one another will not be forced upon us as he seems to advocate, but will come from the free will of a people as they grow in understanding personally. 

I think a quote from a letter I received last week from a man, Lec Zorn, in response to one of my articles sums it up well, “Libertarianism is loving in that love can not come through force, only free will, and in that it combines maximum freedom with maximum responsibility.”  A society whose government was required by its people to simply abide in respect for that thought would be a freer society indeed!

As a libertarian I simply want government to stay out of every area of our lives that we have not constitutionally authorized it to be involved in.  Leave all the rest to the people to do as they will based on their spiritual consciousness.  That is respecting the freedom of every individual.

Fear – Enemy of Liberty

From Obama’s February 7, 2009 weekly address, “In the midst of our greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression…Legislation of such magnitude deserves the scrutiny that it’s received over the last month, and it will receive more in the days to come. But we can’t afford to make perfect the enemy of the absolutely necessary….if we don’t move swiftly to put this plan in motion, our economic crisis could become a national catastrophe. Millions of Americans will lose their jobs, their homes, and their health care. Millions more will have to put their dreams on hold…”

So easily manipulated into thinking the world as they know it will collapse unless a savior appears, they are more than ready when – surprise! – one appears.

Obama, Jan. 31, 2009 address,”… my administration is dedicated to alleviating your struggles and advancing your dreams…”

What nonsense!

One with “dreams” defies fear, rejects control, and is repulsed at the suggestion that another can “advance” that which can only be achieved by personal accomplishment and thereby experience personal fulfillment and gratification.

If Obama actually believed there was such an emergency, a crisis, why would he wait 4 days to sign the economic stimulus bill which was presented as so critically important it had to be rushed through?  Widespread acceptance of Obama’s fear mongering is nothing to be surprised at since most people allow their lives to be governed by fear. Many want others (including but not limited to government) to alleviate their “struggles” than to live up to their responsibilities.

Finances, Education, Health & Other Areas

As a self-employed individual, I’ve always maintained my own health insurance, retirement account (Roth IRA), as well as investment in gold and silver. I’ve never let fear guide those decisions. Long before I was even as aware as I’ve become in the past few years, I studied and made decisions which I felt would stand the test of time. I’ve never been a typical investor – I’ve always thought for myself.

Even in the midst of recent stock falls, I weather the storm relatively well because of my personal decisions to diversify into areas outside of conventional investing. And even within the stocks and funds I purchased years ago and currently, they are those those I thought would significantly increase in value due to the very type of economic situation we now see in this nation. (My financial adviser even admitted to me, that though I go against what he thinks is best sometimes, it has served me well and that I did well to choose certain investments over others even if it was against his advice. He also knows stocks and mutual funds aren’t always my first priority when I have money to invest, since I also invest in commodities). I know much of what I own will remain (or gain) in value even when losses do occur in other of my investments.

But I know people who actually are going to trust that they receive a “retirement” and health coverage from the government. After all they’ve paid in they tell me. Talk about (totally misplaced and undeserved) “trust”! Others who do maintain their own retirement also frequently appear to me to be fear-based based on how they talk. That’s their prerogative, but not one I follow.

To me, areas as one’s investments, healthcare, and retirement are not things to depend or rely on government for. Neither are they areas in which I merely follow conventional thought. They are areas to study and learn from others, but ultimately to make personal decisions upon. I may gain or lose, of course, but I feel completely well knowing I decide for myself. As the economy falters if not fails, I personally think it will likely be those who made what is considered unorthodox choices who will not only survive the financial storm but thrive. But come what may, I have always been most comfortable making decisions based on the knowledge and research I do. I trust myself, and I’m more than happy to reap the consequences.

Yet I’ve heard people say they are far too afraid to make decisions in such matters. They actually use the word “afraid.” They prefer to do things “by the book” so to speak. They let fear make their decisions, and with each turn of the financial markets and fluctuating economy, they complain and either make rash decisions or remain stagnant because of fear.

They are the same ones who actually speak about taxes paying for the necessities of daily life they enjoy and use.

They are also the same ones who would rather the government provide “universal healthcare” rather than letting a free market of health care exists from which we each can decide what we need.

Another area where fear rules the people and is completely politicized is education. Now why in the world would people willingly trust their children to a government they’ve seen fail at just about everything it attempts to do? And more so, why would anyone wish to abrogate such a personal and incredibly important task and responsibility to government anyway? The several homeschooling mothers (and two fathers who did the homeschooling for their family) I’ve met have been some of the most impressive people I’ve ever encountered. And the children, by far the most intelligent, bright and creative.

But when one suggest an end to mandatory public education, one is met with one fear thought after another: What about those who can’t afford to send their children to private schools? Doesn’t everyone deserve an education? Or, we can’t trust children’s minds to the parents (or something to that affect). Despite all agreeing that public education has failed miserably, the people still cry out to government to “fix” it rather than being willing to explore how they must and should take this critical area into their own hands. It’s again fear; they’d rather not have the responsibility for something so important. But it is precisely those areas which are so critically important to one’s life and family that should be their own responsibility.

Obama Gets His Stimulus Bill

On a couple recent nighttime talk shows (on 50,000-watt station), I called in and shared my rejection of this stimulus package. One man got so angry at my opposition to the stimulus package that he began shouting that I must be someone who isn’t about to lose a 20-year mortgage. Well, he’s right. I’m not. And that’s because I make decisions and budget my earnings, and all major expenses including home ownership and all its associated expenses, better than that. He accused me of “not caring”  and then his rant turned into an Obama worship scenario claiming it’s wrong to hold Obama accountable for anything since he’s been in the office for only a few weeks – the same rant which is quite common this past week, as Obama supporters cling desperately to their “hope” afraid to admit it was all hot air. They are so afraid of admitting there’s no change in their lives for the better and there will not be. They really wanted someone to provide a “bailout” for them.

Such people sadly prefer others to make basic life decisions and supposedly offer provisions rather than do it themselves. For this, they fork over their liberty, self-determination and money. Is is they who put blind trust into a “stimulus package” promising to aid states, schools, health programs, banking & lending; it is they who think big government and its big spending will solve their problems. They want to be rescued and saved, rather than work it out themselves.

Providing for myself is something I’ve made a priority and as such it affects how I budget – making sure personal provision for now (and my future) are taken care of first before other expenses. Sure, the government takes big-time from all of us, but what remains is yours to spend or save exactly as you decide. The most important areas of one’s life, and that of their family, demands personal responsibility. I am a homeowner, and my home ownership, just like my retirement and healthcare, is something I take full responsibility for and I would not desire it any other way.

One can understand the financial difficulties others face, but also reject government intervention to rescue them.

My point is that all the reasons and excuses for not taking hold of one’s own future is always because of fear. Some want to be told what to do, and when and how to do it. They are so fearful of thinking for themselves, making decisions, and reaping the consequences of those choices. But to pay attention to the world around you, to read and to make decisions is part of life. Doing otherwise – escapism. If you truly identify something as being valuable to you life to acquire, you had better be the one you rely upon…and really, deep down, why would you want it any other way?

It appears fear has become so powerful a force in this nation, that the majority of people hardly begin to grasp the idea of exercising their individual liberty much less take personal responsibility for their actions. They want everything planned and controlled by others. If things go well, they live their lives day to day – never experiencing joy – but existing. If things become difficult, well they can simply look outside themselves to blame others.

Obama using fear, accomplished his agenda, and the majority of the American people, rather than expressing outrage in huge numbers nationwide, passively sit by to let their economic futures be devastated with the addition of an enormous amount to the trillions of national debt we already have. Lobbyists will surely have a field day with this. Everyone (but the people who fearfully sought their own “bailouts”) will get their greedy hands into the public coffer. 

And as Obama lackadaisically gets around to the “emergency crisis” this Tuesday, signing this “Declaration of Dependence” (as I’ve heard it called accurately), many will hail the publicity stunt, even as this nation will suffer for years to come.

I’ve even heard people here in Colorado who say they oppose the stimulus package expressing gladness that Obama is coming here to sign it, saying a presidential visit is something our state should always be pleased with. But in that regard, I view it only as unfortunate to have it take place here, as it will be but a stain on Denver to the degree a celebratory atmosphere is given something which will later be proven to be so harmful.

Give them jobs. Give them healthcare. And give them a retirement. Protect them from repercussions of their poor financial decisions. Cover them from cradle to grave. Is this what America has become, a nation of weaklings? 

The American people do not revolt but accept more government intrusion, planning, and reckless spending.   How long will it take for the American people to realize what they are losing?

Fear is the reason the people of this nation are so easily manipulated both by government as well as by others in their lives.

How has such fear developed? Is there no limit to it? Better yet, is there any end to it?

(to be continued)

The Crucifix

I want to share a distinct change I’ve been acutely aware of in myself for the past four-five months (perhaps longer, but it’s really getting my attention): I look at the crucifix and can maintain that connection, that literal eye connection, gazing at my Lord on the cross, without turning away.

The crucifix I view not with my physical eyes any longer, but with spiritual sight. I used to not look upon the crucifix as I do now (which I believe must have been caused by some sort of fear inside myself). I can now look and feel when before I would turn away. It’s hard for me to put into words, but it is very significant to become aware of such a change in one’s being.

All I know is that this is a realization of myself I’ve become aware of both in Church (and its larger crucifixes) and at home (on the rosary). It is so amazingly different than the way I used to be, so much so. Now, I can rest my eyes on the crucifix, and allow myself to feel…a deep gratitude, knowledge, affirmation. Words are hard to put on this, and I’m not really sure my attempt to write about this change will adequately convey the experience.

Before I think, or I speculate, I must have rationalized my fear, my reluctance to meditate upon what Jesus did for us, for me, through his crucifixion, by trying to excuse my not looking at the crucifix explaining to myself that one need not focus upon the violence and suffering and cruelty such an image conveys. But now, I literally see it all so differently. It gets to me inside. Now, when looking at the crucifix, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude, an awareness inside of grace and mercy, and I see love for me, for all, in its purest way, in love’s truest meaning. I feel, too, love, and a need to give love. The focus is no longer only upon the cruelty, but the endurance of suffering He experienced for the love of us by accepting that cruelty in His sacrifice. But even those words don’t convey what I experience.

Something freeing has happened inside.

Whatever was once keeping me from this meditation is gone.

The crucifix, with the realistic depiction of Jesus’ death, touches me inside with what was suffered for me. Yes, Jesus rose from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father, and yes Jesus will come again, but one must never try to distance themselves from the gift in all its totality given us.

Why I once couldn’t look for long at the crucifix in the past I can only wonder about, but most importantly is the fact I do not now turn away. On the contrary, it is good for me. It is of the spirit. And my mind recognizes that my feelings and behavior, the entire experience of viewing a crucifix, has become powerfully meaningful inside my heart.

It is a meditation itself. I’ve just become so aware of this in my Church and at home when I pray.

I don’t know if words here have conveyed much, but it is such an amazing change to realize has happened, I sense this change is significant to my life.

Love

True love is not in word only but also in action and truth.  – St. Columban, Irish monk and missionary, Memorial of St. Cyril and St. Methodius

The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.  – Pope St. Gregory the Great

For love does not seek a joy that follows from its effect: its joy is in the effect itself, which is the good of the beloved. Consequently, if my love be pure I do not even have to seek for myself the satisfaction of loving. Love seeks one thing only: the good of the one loved. It leaves all the other secondary effects to take care of themselves. Love, therefore, is its own reward.  –Thomas Merton, No Man Is An Island

What Have You Done for Liberty Today?

Approximately every few weeks I receive an inquiry from a libertarian who feels discouraged about the way the country is heading and asking what groups, organizations or activities I would recommend to support and volunteer with that will promote true liberty.

I am so very encouraged when I hear from such individuals! I think for every person who writes, there are many more out there sincerely eager to work for liberty, but sometimes they just don’t know what avenues to pursue which would be most effective. This means there’s much potential for liberty work yet to be done and many willing to do it!

When it comes to organizations, it need not be a group that identifies itself with being “libertarian” or “liberty” to actually be so. Think about it. As libertarians, we focus upon personal responsibility which often means trying hard to keep or repeal government intervention into areas which should be served with private means not “public.” Thus many humanitarian, charitable, and religious groups which directly help those in need using private donations and volunteer work are doing things consistent with libertarian principle.

It is through privately funded and supported organizations which help people, such as homeless shelters, child mentoring programs, young mothers needing help, clean-up groups, food pantries, animal welfare, or any number of other causes which offer plenty of opportunities for the libertarian to practice what they preach. Think outside the box – most work done in this nation which we could call “libertarian” probably is done by organizations that may never even think of themselves as “libertarian.”

One of the main arguments I’ve heard in rebuttal to my opposition to welfare is that “There’s not enough people to care,” implying that government should force people to help those who have less less through taxation so all those government programs can do the job people otherwise will not do. Well, I don’t buy it!

And though I believe such argument to be bogus, I will say that even if (and that’s a mighty big “if”) what they fearfully state were so, it still does not justify forcing people to give what they have earned for themselves. Giving must always be freely done (though much giving is done in this society for less than altruistic reasons, still it is given), and when freely given whether from goodwill or other reasons, good is achieved and it’s accomplished purely through libertarian principle in practice.

If you believe there should be no government assistance to “good causes” then consider being consistent by helping what believe in. Volunteer for local privately funded organizations which are doing work you appreciate. Remember what you privately do which makes someone or something better off than it was before is putting your belief into practice. That is libertarian.

Every community (city, county, state, even one’s local neighborhood organizations for property owners at times) is constantly being faced with proposals for increased taxation, legislation limiting personal freedom, or other measures which you as a libertarian may oppose. For example, even if a proposed tax will not affect you directly, get involved in fighting it. If you examine a proposal, and determine it to be wrongful, focus upon all the positives of not having it pass, identify the negatives should it pass, and if it falls into an area which should be and would be better served by private support – show how it is so.

One of the best examples I’ve seen of such work is the Houston Property Rights Association. Creativity, armed with the facts, has brought them much success and there’s much to be learned from their battles. They do the research and then they communicate it through flyers, community meetings, business cards (used as mini-billboards – an effective, convenient means of communicating ideas and can be given out freely), and by making a name for themselves by readily communicating with media on issues affecting private property. They are bold!

Those principles of communication are what you, as an individual libertarian, can do right where you are right now. Often there’s no group to join, but you can make a mighty difference by being bold in communicating your libertarian approach. Write letters to the editor, call in to local and national talk shows, learn enough about a particular subject and offer to appear on local talk shows or offer to speak on a particular topic at local community groups. Bring up the real solutions to all those crises amongst your friends when talking.

In any situation where your internal libertarian voice is activated because of what you’re seeing or hearing, express it! Don’t just talk to yourself about how wrong something is or how false what you are hearing is, talk to others. Don’t be afraid of what others think; don’t be afraid of ridicule. Issues of individual liberty, personal responsibility, private property, free markets and economy, are being discussed all the time. Express the truth.

Never doubt the power you as one individual libertarian possess. Your voice might be the lone voice at first, but make it heard…and watch others join. That is the power of ideas! Ideas do nothing as long as they only remain inside you – share them – make them known to the world. This, I believe, is the key to extricating this nation from its current morass.

Thirdly, finding organizations which are comprised of true libertarians and are committed to truly working for liberty is a natural desire and supporting them can make powerful work possible. Joining forces with others who share your principles is not only encouraging, but joining forces can be highly effective. A good libertarian organization can do things through the support of many libertarians that no one person can individually do. I trust the Future of Freedom Foundation because of their years of consistent commitment to true libertarian principle. They do great work! I also appreciate the work of The Independent Institute.

Educate yourself. Read, read, read! And listen to good libertarian speakers! You can learn much from listening to others who speak well. Then do it yourself. As my father often told me as I was growing up, “Practice is the price of proficiency.”

Link your work to your libertarian philosophy whenever possible. That might mean sharing how what you’re doing exemplifies your belief that libertarianism works (and fill in the blank with whatever issue it is). It can also mean writing a letter to the editor sharing about something you did or joined with others in your community to accomplish ending with the point that this is how charity should operate versus government doing it. (Note: Whenever it is a situation where I actually use the word “libertarian” to describe my political position, I always quickly also let people know I am not a member of the LP because in my opinion the political party using that word is “libertarian” in name only and I would not waste my time and money with hypocrites, I then proceed to focus on the issue at hand).

You may be the only libertarian another person meets, hears or reads. You might even reach many in one moment.

Be creative, and most importantly, be courageous. Don’t be inhibited. Live your life, what you say and do, without regard to what anyone else thinks.

To be libertarian in a society as ours should be looked at enthusiastically because there’s so many opportunities to share and to make a difference. Let your light shine. Because one light dispels the darkness…and it has a beautiful way of kindling other lights.

Never hide your libertarianism from anyone. Speak it and work it. Don’t doubt your efficacy, just do it and trust. By your example and work, by mine, and through all others who truly love liberty, this nation will one day be free. I believe that.

Ask yourself, “What have I done for liberty today?” If there’s no answer, you can change it right now.

Thoughts

“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” Proverbs 12:1 (KJV).

As I read and study, I often marvel at the minds and lives of those ancient writers and philosophers whom even now, through the gift of communication and words, you and I have the blessing of knowing what they thought and believed. Is it not wonderful to read the words of those who came so before us whether ancient or modern such as Epictetus, Confucius, St. Thomas Aquinas, Frederic Bastiat, Albert Schweitzer, Henry David Thoreau, or Thomas Merton? The list of those who have given me much to ponder is so long, as I bet it is for you, and in it I count those from philosophy, religion, and politics.

It is a delight to learn from others from the past, just as it is delightful to learn from people now who know more than I do in certain areas. We are all teachers and learners, and it is this many forget. Every person you know can be a teacher for you, just as you may be for them. It takes but a willingness to learn from all others. And the beauty, too, is that we actually learn what we teach as the truth we know is reinforced as we share it. This is a humbling realization.

It reminds me of that phrase, “We’re all ignorant, just on different subjects.” It serves as a good reminder that each and every person you meet has a unique story which has brought them to this place in life. To begin to judge (which none of us can do as we certainly haven’t the knowledge to do so in regards to any other person, why I don’t even think we can judge ourselves, for in doing so we often become confused and may even continue to pass harsh judgment and guilt upon ourselves for past mistakes not even recognizing the reasons we chose wrongly, not recognizing or even giving ourselves credit for the good we may have also done, when in the light of God and his fullness, we have been forgiven and it is as if we had never erred.)

Often, however, people are so caught up on the differences they perceive between themselves and others that they put up a blockade to receiving that which they could otherwise learn . If one looks at another through eyes of condemnation and judgment, one’s heart is certainly not open to receiving the lessons this unique individual has to share. I perceive every encounter, even with strangers whom I may simply interact with momentarily (as in a store or a few brief words passing on the sidewalk) as all moments for love to be expressed. Likewise, if one looks at themselves thus, in judgment for past deeds, they too build a barrier between themselves and others prohibiting themselves from sharing experiences whose lessons may be of great aid to others in their development.

Humility & learning

Humility, recognizing that as different as we may seem, we are the same allows one to look at all others through the eyes of love, in essence through the sight with which God sees us. But in Him there is total knowledge of us, and that is something none of us will ever have about any other. But the awareness that all are here because God wills us to be here stands to remind us that none is higher than another. Yes, some are more knowledgeable, some have achieved more in the world, some may have more worldly possessions than others, but none of those things compare with the reality that “…all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23, KJV).

I believe that to truly see others correctly, and to truly view the real world, requires realizing that all is because God wills its existence. Accepting that, how then can we presume to ever judge another or anything? It is not our place to do so.

I know many readers may not share my religious belief, but I think many of you who value truth do share with me the realization or recognition that we all have made mistakes in life, why then should any of us presume to judge any other? Once we rid ourselves of judging others, we open ourselves up to really learning so much and rapidly.

I’ve been thinking about my life, all the experiences I’ve had, the people I’ve known. It’s a mighty lot each of us have gone through in our lives, and as I said, it is this we should always keep in mind when we consider others. We know not what experiences have made them the way they are at this moment. But what we do know, if even we look at only our own lives as an example, to express love to another is always the right thing to do. Love heals, it provides opportunity for choose again.

Commitment to truth/love

Love does not mean the ignoring and thereby condoning of evil someone does against themselves or others, neither does love mean accepting those who choose not to love (but who predominately choose fear instead to guide their choices in life) into close association (or any association) in our lives. But it does mean never allowing our emotionalism (which is based upon fear) to direct any actions of hate upon another. It may mean stopping the evil others wish to perpetrate upon others, or it may require for our own well being and sanity stopping all association with those who wish to victimize us with lies, deceit and manipulation. It may require courage to expose lies so that suffering can be eased.

For to passively accept commissions of any evil is to cooperate with it. Whether participating directly or not, to approve thereof or remain silent, is to give consent.

Commitment to truth, to love, does not come easy in a world that believes love is impossible. It is not a passive activity, but one which engages your whole being – for once your spirit chooses it, your mind, heart and soul are used to implement it. It does require strength to stand up for what is right in a world where so many take the easy (and often worldly rewarding) path of forsaking their conscience for what they perceive as some benefit.

Whatever form it takes, being committed to truth, to love, requires a willingness to view all as equals (thus not judging them on any scale of hierarchy), but allowing only those who share core values to become personally a part of your life. Trying to work with those whose fundamental basis is that of fear is a major mistake. One can readily share ideas, perceptions, and experiences with all, but only those who choose commitment truth can you actually join with.

libertarianism

Politically, these realizations shape not only my views on issues but also direct where or how I choose to be involved in sharing what I have learned. As I look back on various political activities in my life, I see that truth has been a guiding force. I was always seeking, and even when I was greatly mistaken (as least as I view it now) in my perceptions, I always had a willingness to listen to others (primarily through reading).

That was how I discovered libertarianism, at a time in my life when I felt so politically homeless, disillusioned with my previous political affiliations, I literally sought out reading about numerous political ideologies and approaches because I knew that where/what I had previously been associated with didn’t work and was wrong. It’s like creating a work of art, a drawing, a musical score, or even a piece of prose, you are personally compelled, driven, to keep at it till it’s right and you only know it is right when it happens – till then you just know it isn’t complete even though you’re not yet aware of what will make it so. But when it occurs, when it resonates, there is indescribable joy.

That is how I feel about my finding of and embracing of libertarianism…and it has created in a deep desire to learn and know, to read and listen, to grow and share. It is the only political belief consistent with my spiritual beliefs. It is the only political belief system consistent with love. In it, I found no inconsistency, no immorality, no forcing upon others to conform to what another (or even myself) thinks to be “right.” It really entails absolute freedom – respect for oneself and others.

After all, the “problems” or “crises” facing mankind today are really nothing new. Sure, they may take “new” forms in that they are presented in different scenarios and even technologies, but the real problem is not of any recent development, it is only of the human heart. We are faced with crises of our own making, and rather than take responsibility for ourselves (and admit our own weaknesses) people often seek to look outside themselves not only for others to blame and but also others to solve such problems.

Take the war on drugs in this country. On a recent radio talk show on a 50,000-watt station, there was a discussion of the drug war and the host pondered aloud what role personal responsibility might play in it. I called in sharing my opposition to the drug war entirely. (The question posed to the audience seemed to equate “personal responsibility” with the government’s role in keeping youth safe from dangers of drugs). The violence and suffering, I explained, and even the addictions to far more harmful (but cheaper) substances now than in years past, is caused by the criminalization itself. I even shared with them about a proposed resolution I had read about in which some members of the city council in El Paso, Texas were trying to stop (or at least discuss ending) the federal government from enforcing its federal drug war in an effort to curb violence. Discussion and debate on the legalization/decriminalization issue by a city council such as El Paso shows that those in the midst of it are not looking to more law but less. This was not because they thought drug addiction was good, but because they know drug laws and their enforcement are harmful to the community. It is the prohibition itself which makes the situation of high costs and subsequent violence.

The suffering, I explained ever so briefly, is due to the criminalization of drugs. And the suffering of addiction is an area for the family, the church, the community – not government – to address. Laws, I said, already exist to protect us from those who would use violence in service to their drug habit or for any other reason, we don’t need laws criminalizing a personal behavior. On the contrary, criminalization does not help anyone move from away from addiction. Alas, in about two hours of discussion on the show, mine was the only voice which opposed the government intervening in the matter. Others called in subsequently talking about the pain drugs cause to families and that stricter laws and government-funded help was the solution.

Were these callers callous and uncaring? No. They were compassionate but ill informed, and in being so, let their ignorance lead them to believe force and laws should be used to make others live as they choose.

Choose compassion, not arrogance

To those who sincerely empathize with the suffering of others, recognize that the only action which both respects free will and which is truly loving is to take actions yourself to help situations which your gifts can benefit. You must not fall into the trap of thinking that you have any superior moral authority justifying you to force others to abide by your ethics, morality, or compassion.

Spiritually one must take accord of one’s own actions in life, no other person on earth can do that for you nor you for them. You alone, whatever path you choose, will reap consequences for your actions. Denial of this is delusional, but nonetheless it will come to pass. The right to exercise your freedom in itself requires willing and ready acceptance of whatever results your choices may bring. Recognizing this free will in all others is just as necessary, even it means seeing them suffer consequences for their behavior.

Political ideology or philosophy, law, and thereby society must be consistent with the truth of this or, as we see generation after generation continues in crisis after crisis simply because people as individuals and as a group seek to choose for themselves and simultaneously (and hypocritically) want to choose for others, while escaping consequences for their choices when said results are not pleasant. I can’t think of any “crisis” or “problem” that doesn’t fall into that category.

Thus, at the most fundamental level of how you live your life day to day, if you feel something is not “just” in this society, look not to make laws which will make it “right” by supposedly helping some at the expense of others (even if those others have more), but instead make it “right” by how you choose to live and how you relate to people in need. For example, choose tolerance if you wish in your behavior and associations with those who differ from you, but force not others to behave the same as you. Give of yourself, but force not others to give. Abstain from behaviors you deem unhealthy or immoral, but do not attempt to arrogantly force others to abide by how you live.

Dutiful adherence to laws and rules is meaningless because it’s void of spirit, void of free will. It’s only value is where such laws or rules are themselves respectful of and meant only to ensure or protect the intrinsic rights of all from those who would infringe upon them using violence or fraud. As such, law must never arrogantly (though it often has) deviate into governing what should be the free choice of any other to live as they so choose as long as their actions harm no other.

One’s internal authority, conscience, is by far the greatest guide for one’s behavior not any external law. So free yourself from those designs to “make” things “right” through force or the threat of force which is what government is, and let your life be one of simply giving what you have to any person, persons, or cause. If you see a need, let your loving compassion or mercy guide as to how best help. If you so choose, share what you have learned and give what you have been given.

The Bible states to each individual, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it,” Proverbs 3:27, KJV. But no where does it state that you should force others to give as you choose or that you should force others to live as you do.

To respect the free will of all is to respect your own, and that I believe is living in true humility…or in other words, it’s living in freedom.

Denver’s Blue Mustang

I love it! The beautiful blue mustang with glowing red eyes greeting you outside of Denver International Airport is magnificent.

Now a sculpture I always look forward to seeing when I’m coming/going from DIA has become a national new story (even written about in The Wall Street Journal.) Why?

The mustang is unique, powerful, bold, daring…for me it embodies a spirit of freedom, a mystical quality, a wildness, and I think it’s a most artistic welcome for people coming to Colorado. Wow – what a great way to welcome people to our magnificent state. Even for me, who has seen it several times, I still look forward to it each and every time, and the darker the night all the better.

I’ve lived in Colorado for 23 years, and I not only appreciate this work of art myself, but consider our state and the city of Denver fortunate to have this magnificent work by renowned artist Luis Jimenez. Born in In El Paso, Texas, he was known for his unique artwork nationwide. Jimenez was actually killed at the age of 65 in its creation at his studio in New Mexico, as apparently a piece of/near the torso broke from a hoist and hit him pinning him against steel cutting a major artery, after 15 years of working on this creation he simply called Mustang. His sons completed the sculpture for the City of Denver which was installed at DIA in February 2008.

It became the talk of the town, of the state, and now it appears people are discussing it nationally. Somehow a controversy has been started for no reason whatsoever except for some small-minded fearful people who can’t appreciate art or appreciate the fact many others appreciate this beautiful art. I’ve heard and read such fallacious arguments as protecting children from being frightened, and others who try to bring in some sort of talk of myths or something, or they merely focus on its appearance as if this beautiful piece of art is “demonic.”

This is not the first time Jimenez’s work sparked controversy. His fine works such as Southwest Pieta, Vaquero, and the poignant Cruzando El Rio Bravo (Border Crossing) all caused some people to react negatively.

Since many in our state are discussing and asking what the people think, I think it should remain right where it is. It’s for the city of Denver to decide, but I for one hope it always remains in its current location so I can continue to see it, and for all those others coming here who haven’t yet seen this glorious sculpture. It’s there in place, millions have seen it, and millions more will. The location is perfect for a sculpture of this magnitude.

Denver (and our state) is well represented by this passionate unique 32-foot high artwork. Art representing an area, a region, such as this piece selected for Denver, should embody the spirit of the region. It’s spirited, colorful, free, it’s a wild mustang…it evokes a feeling of wonder, of mystery, of magical adventure yet unknown.

If you haven’t been here in some time, you can look forward to our fine state and a welcome by a majestic statue the likes of which you’ll experience no where else. I like the fact this memorable sculpture will greet you upon arrival and bid you farewell. It perfectly represents vitality, vibrancy, life! Welcome to Denver, Colorado!

Visit DIA’s Art Program webpage to view a photo and brief bio of the artist and sculpture…but believe me, photos and video do not do this magnificent sculpture justice. One of the best photos appears in a slideshow (enlarge slideshow by clicking) accompanying The Wall Street Journal piece, A Horse of a Different Color Divides Denver by Stephanie Simon about the controversy.

View photos of some of his other works here,: and read two most interesting articles about him (his life, background, and art): A Baroque Populism – Luis Jimenez by Charles De Mitchell and Larger Than Life:The late Luis Jiménez created art on a grand scale – and lived his life that way too by Robert Faires in The Austin Chronicle.

And do visit Colorado, fly in or out out of Denver (anytime, but at at night the glow of the eyes are enhanced) and enjoy the treat of viewing one of Jimenez’s stunning sculptures. I love Denver’s beautiful blue Mustang.