WikiSpirit

   I was born into a well-off and well-educated family, but, due to social circumstances mostly beyond my control and influence, I spent my adolescence and adulthood mostly among social pariahs; the misfits, rejects, undesirables and untouchables. However, the advantage of that path through, and perspective upon, life was to learn quite readily that social classes are illusions, and that we're all misfits and rejects to some degree, even, and perhaps especially, the "one-percenters".

 "The People." The catch-phrase currently coughed-up by every semi-conscious politician who can muster up enough élan vitale to walk up to a podium and recite the phrases scribbled on their forearm. That's right, partisans: EVERY politician. Don't think for one second your precious little party is exempt from the lowest forms of political manipulation! 

One dictionary defines a leader as “one who shows or conducts the way; a chief or commander.” In another, the meaning is given as "a directing, commanding or guiding head.” There are other meanings to the word, such as "the short length of line used to attach a fishing lure", and "an article offered at low price to attract customers." While the last two could well be used to symbolize some less than desirable aspects of our country's political processes, especially at election time, it is the first two definitions which describe the meanings that usually apply to politics.

 Today, we will be covering a topic that many of you have, no doubt, been doing wrong for years. Though many believe they are at the forefront when it comes to reading the average newspaper, what they have chosen to ignore is that the newspaper is a dated old rag that holds nothing substantial whatsoever. Local or international, the newspaper has never been displayed so brazenly for what it is: mindless gossip for failed writers turned opinion columnists. Never in the history of civilization has such a medium been exposed for its glaring flaws.

Last week's post has sparked quite a reaction, if the sheer amount of postage I received is anything to go by. While many were thrilled by the creative opportunities I presented to the populace (thank you, by the way, for all your kind and thoughtful words; at least those of you who could spell properly), others were outraged that I would stoop so low and make light of such touchy political topics. Rest assured, all you devoted revolutionaries: I never meant to insult anyone.

I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better.
- Georg C. Lichtenberg

“If we stay where we are, where we're stuck, where we're comfortable and safe, we die there. We become like mushrooms, living in the dark, with poop up to our chins. If you want to know only what you already know, you're dying. You're saying: Leave me alone; I don't mind this little rathole. It's warm and dry. Really, it's fine.
   -- Anne Lamott