Now, I've had several changes of mind and spirit over the past few years- particularly since I've come to AriZona (or as I sometimes call it: "State AlphaOmega"). One of these revelations was Jesus. Now, Jesus is cool and everything, but Jesus has one short coming: He was a man.
Bah, I can hear the hate mail now (actually I can't, since no one ever sends me any... well there was this one time, but that was more against my theater company than anything else), but let me say my bit, and then you can comment if you wish. Now Jesus was a man, but he was also an idea. In fact, every man and woman is a collection of ideas- Jesus was unique in the fact that he had only One Idea, on which He based His entire life (Christian Capitalization is lame btw, so let's nip that in the bud now.)
So here's Jesus as I see him:
Jesus was born in a crappy barn
Jesus was teased as a kid
Jesus was mistreated as an adult
Jesus only had 12 friends- unless you count all the people that he basically had to feed and heal to even get their attention
Jesus got nailed to a cross (when his only crime was being the first decent person any one had ever seen)
Jesus said and I quote "Eh, whateves" (alright, that's not an actual quote)
The part that I think most people miss is that at ANY point in this entire span of time, Jesus could have destroyed every single atom that made up any of these jerks. So why didn't he? Because the entire Idea of Jesus is Forgiveness.
Alright, so people might be like "Yo, Max wtf, why you talkin' bout Jesus all the time?" and I will say this: because if anyone understands this point, they aren't really exercising it.
I can't really say that my Jesus is the same as the Mormon, or the Methodist Jesus, or the Catholic or the Muslim Jesus, because no one really seems willing to forgive ANYONE for ANYTHING ((And this disgusts me)).
I am willing to wager you, that YOU are clouded by hate- mentally and spiritually. You probably have things that you've never forgiven yourself for, and things you've never forgiven other people for-- and why? Is it really worth it to spend your 100 years (tops) that you're on this earth in such a negative space? No. I don't think so. So why don't we all grow up, and forgive ourselves right now? Why don't we all grow up and forgive our neighbors?
As I see it, there are two logical answers to the above questions: "Yeah, you're right, I guess we should do that!" and "Fear.". Well, as far as Fear is concerned: Honestly what do you have to be afraid of? Worst thing that can happen is death, and that's coming eventually anyway.
Now, let me say this: You are not who you want to be. You are not an Astronaut. You are not a Super Hero. You are not who you said you were going to be 10 years ago, and You are not fooling anyone. I know that you're bullshitting through life and so do you. But let's not be negative about it, because there..... is.... *drum roll*..... A- WAY- OUT- MAN! And it's forgiveness.
Forgive yourself for not being an Astronaut- Forgive yourself for not being Batman- not being an executive, and not looking like the cool kid on the block. Fear and Regret are not family values- and they are not values of any other kind either. Fear and Regret are bullshit- because DEEP down under all of that stuff that you are wearing: All of the fancy frills you wear to attract people of the other gender- All of the substances you use to make you feel complacent in the world- All of the small talk you use to open conversations- Underneath all of that there is a HUMAN SOUL- and THAT is something to be valued. THAT is what we are here to express- and if you don't then no one else will. And if you don't then you are an object of Fear and Regret.
So, personally, I am not here to say "Believe in Jesus" or "Don't Believe in Jesus" or "Go to Church" or whatever else you might think I'm here to say. I'm basically here to say "Try forgiving yourself, and everyone else and see if that doesn't make your world run a bit smoother."
(Also, Mrs. Charles Bliss is a character from the Spoon River Anthology- Look it up, I dare you.)
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Introduction of: The Point System! BAM!
Hello to my many and wonderful and culturally diverse fans,
I realize that it has been so very long since I last wrote, and since it is 3:30 AM on a night before a day that we should be having school but aren't- Thank you Mr. WWII- I thought it would be the perfect time to make a new post. The question is: What will the post be about? Yes. You see it's quite a crapshoot at this point isn't it- so much has happened in the past few days that I'll have to drop some things in order to keep this post at a reasonable length. I'll take a stab though..... I'll do it in a topic order, trying to group things under some sort of common result or theme. ((((Side note: you can play games with my blog posts, and in fact I invite you to- come up with a dance or drink that you take a shot-----errrr, I mean "sip" of in between paragraphs, or try reading the sentences backwards and see if you get the general jist, or if you're totally lost. Just a thought...))))
1) Through a set of spiritual experiences and having been injected with of several flashy, hollywood, Personality Inept Growth Steroids (PIGS for short and also known as movies) I came to the realization that I can probably do anything.
2) Due to several realizations of the state of the world and a couple realizations of all the flaws I have in myself- for which I have no one else to blame, I now know that probably won't do anything.
3) After reading a few books, talking to a few people and thinking about a few things, I have decided that I will try regardless.
Now, I don't know if anyone actually thinks that this happen, and I'm worried most people probably don't and will write me off as a nut.... But hear me out: I swear I've gotten my ass kicked by Jesus (sorry, sorry, I know that it's possible people will take offense to that kind of language, but I'm willing to bet that you're the same side that wants to hear what I have to say; So: you will have to meet me halfway here... but I'll try to tone it down-- just for you). Anyway.... I know a lot of skeptics say that it's bull-er... "cow crap", and you hear the *Crazy Leftist Punk Rockers* say that it's the media trying to mind-er.... well "mind-control" you- and seriously, who's to blame the punk rockers? I mean... most of the people on TV who claim to have been "found by Jesus" (cue Mr. Gump: "I didn't know I was supposed to be looking for him, sir.").... anyway, these clowns earn their living by: 1) ordering the military to bomb other countries (.... because Congress doesn't do that anymore....?) and then 2) wearing Flag Pins..... so right, I can't really blame the Punk Rockers for grouping me with a bunch of idiots when I come out and say "I've found Jesus". But it's true.
And, by the way, the reaction I expect from people on this is the same one fueling ignorance towards Eastern Cultures- why would you be a Muslim and pray five times a day when you can be a Christian and have Christmas? Anyway, we'll call this [Point A]- which I will expand more about it in a Facebook Note Section that is described later (see end of this post if you are dying of curiosity).
Anyway, my main idea to get across here is this: I finally realized that every time I felt messed up or have felt blue, or felt guilty or something like that I thought of : the church that I went to when I was little, and the things my Grandma taught me- and most of the things she taught me, I've also read in the bible, so it's a pretty solid bet to think that she learned them from that book-- and, so getting back on topic-- when I was blue I would think about these things, and then say "well, that sounds really good but religion is lame and believing in God is silly." and somehow I could come to that conclusion and then in the same breath come up with a reason to justify the behavior that I knew was right... but through some kind of non-religious (secular) means. For example I would say that vigilante justice is wrong because *ahem* "the slippery slope of morality can't be well tracked by the common man"- where the bible says that it's pretty much just wrong. Well.... the two aren't really mutually exclusive are they? Anyway, that's [Point B].
Now, I suddenly realized this, or at least the jist of this, in the most cliche way imaginable: Friends were over, we did some stupid stuff with a substance or two (ironically it was all legal, so put that in your pipe and smoke it!..... hmmmm wrong choice of phrasing I suppose.... anyway....).... I wound up vomiting all over my bathroom. Just everywhere, covered with puke. It was horrible. I had eaten KFC. The mashed potatoes. I don't care who I'm telling this story to: It's an important detail. It was bad. And all of a sudden I thought "Jesus probably wouldn't approve of this", and I was just like .... "I probably shouldn't approve of this either." and then I just thought "damn." And then it hit me. Basically I realized that I had been having a debate with Jesus for 20 years of my life over His existence. Whenever I was in a situation where I KNEW Jesus had the correct answer I would voice it and site the bible right? and then people would be like "Do you believe in Jesus?" and I -.... still can't believe it....- I was big headed and ballsy enough to say "I believe in the *teachings of Jesus*", like some high brow cultured clown that is too busy to give a straight answer. But it's true- I didn't actually believe in Jesus, so at least I wasn't a liar while I was at it *cough cough* Peter *cough cough* (just kidding Peter, you made up for it later- only poking fun.). Anyway, what this all boils down to is, I realized that just about 7 years of my life all came to a point on that night- and about 40% of that point landed in the toilet with the other 60% on the floor next to me forming some interesting puddles. I decided right then and there "It's too hard having a debate with Jesus. If I keep this up I'll probably have to start going to meetings in my 50s and wonder where my life went to.". So that's the story of Jesus kicking my ass. Pretty run of the mill, but people tend to skimp on the details- it's a real shame because #1 of story telling is that details make the narrative. You can't reach the audience unless they can relate to the details- thus the mashed potatoes. The sad thing is, the KFC potatoes are HORRIBLE, but I just hadn't had any mashed potatoes in sooooo long..... I thought they were passable.
So there's the spiritual experience I mentioned- movies? Well there are a lot of them, and I mentioned some of the good ones in a previous post, but I might choose to analyze them sometime, so I'll put this as a [Point C].
Now as far as the Realizations: I have realized that the world is in pretty bad shape. This is very very bad. Kids think that teenagers are the coolest thing ever and that TEENAGERS have all the answers. Obviously wrong. Teenagers think that adults are the dumbest things ever, and they, like the kids, believe that they and other teenagers have all the answers. Obviously wrong. Adults pretty much don't even know any more and they give up. Obviously USELESS. So who has all the answers. Well no one, but it would make me feel better if someone pretended to know SOMETHING- right? I mean..... basically.... what you're telling me.... (and I'm talking to all of you- you know where the comment box is!!!).... basically YOU are telling ME that WE have NO ONE to even ask questions to? Sure, the religious people are going to say "You can ask God!!!! lol"-- alright, I gave you the whole Jesus thing, and I'm down, so I'm open minded to you. How about this, if God will answer YOU, any question that you have then I'll legitimately give YOU a chance. You don't have to try to prove it through any Math or Science, or work a level 7 divine spell or anything like that. I want YOU to pray to God, or Heavenly Father, or Jesus or anyone you can think of, and ask for some ideas on how the HECK we can wake up a world that is FULL of apathetic JERKS. If you can come up with some good ideas by praying, then let me know. I will support you -In Those Tasks- fully, and if they work out- then you'll gain my Respect (note the capital R.... I'm obviously not fooling around here. Respect is supposed to be something of value.... remember that? Maybe it was before our time.). Once you have my Respect, then we can talk about your views on God -- as brothers (which is the only appropriate atmosphere to approach the subject in if you ask me).
(((Note: I originally typed up a section here which I was going to call "My Mormon Experience"-- for those of you who don't know I almost became a Mormon about a Year ago. I still talk to a lot of Mormons and think a lot of them are good people- some of them use questionable means however.-- anyway, I actually am not going to post it here, because It Is HUGE... but really good... so I'm going to say [Point D], and you can look it up later)))
Anyway, back to the world being a huge wasteland. Dreary Subject, so instead let's ease into it, shall we? Okay..... Let's have a flash back -- Imagine a Time Montage of everyone walking backwards at warp speeds for 2 years -- BAM! Here we are. This is the *last week* in the Political debates between Obama and McCain. Obama is a pretty good speaker, but there is one thing that the Republicans have that the Dems can't touch. What is it???.... it's.... it can't be..... *The Founding Fathers*!!!!....... Now come on. You saw it I know you did. EVERY TIME McCain brought up the Founding Fathers, Obama down right CHANGED the subject to Bush. How open of him-- though I suppose techniqually we can't put it past him, considering "Change" was one of his greatest phrases "Change your Mind" or "Change the Subject" can't really be considered out of the equation.... Now you know as well as I do: I think Obama has a chance. I think that he throws around a lot of good words, and he's stirred people up that couldn't give a crap about politics before he was around- he's stirred up the Pot Smokers and the Anarchists, and the Street Rabble, and the highschool kids..... but.... so far... He's not good at his job. If you think "Obama is an awesome president", then I should slap you. He has potential, but so far he really hasn't done anything that I can clap about (.... well cash for clunkers was a pretty good idea.... I will clap for that). Anyway, I certainly can't clap for his campaign etiquette-- [Point E]. So, anyway.... founding fathers-- let me put it this way: no one is going to stand up and say "Ben Franklin is overrated", because he is... well.... freaking *BEN FRANKLIN*- holy crap, that's like: "Huh, let's think of awesome historical Figures... let's see here, we have Robespierre, Caesar... Aristotle... oh yeah! Ben Franklin!"-- and that's him. Easily a #4 in anyone's book of awesome historical characters.
So Here's a question for you: The founding fathers.... were... Human.... right? Because I feel like everyone kind of looks at the Founding Fathers in this kind of Awe, with their mouths half open and with some kind of microwaved food dripping down from their chin. Yes. The Founding Fathers were made out of the same Flesh and Bone you and I have surrounding our little beady eyes and hunched over backs (because we haven't been forced to sit up straight since we were seven). They were here. And now we are here. And no one sees a problem with this? I'm sorry, but are we SERIOUSLY this.... lazy?- or are we just dumb? Or are we just filled with too much Doubt?... or.....?..... I mean honestly, What the hell is going on here? Why are Ben Franklin and George Washington still the ones that we look up to? That's like having a Diving Record for 250 years that no one has the balls to break- it's like "Damn, let's step our Game up". When's the last time you asked a kid who they looked up to? Probably never. Or, actually, if some of the people I think are reading this are *actually ARE reading this*- maybe they ask kids they know. I can't lie: I generally don't ask kids many questions-- So I can't say for sure what a kid would say, but I could probably group kids into three categories based on the three answers I assume are most common, which are : 1) "Family", 2) "Pop Media", 3) "Nobody". Now, obviously the second is unhealthy 90% of the time- Pop Stars are scandalous people. The Third choice might be okay, but is probably going to be rough [Point F]. The first is decent, - Family is an important thing - but let's just assume that on average only about a third of all the people in the US are choosing the first option. The other 2/3rds are also going to have families. Scary? Yeah. That's what we're dealing with. How about someone steps up and becomes a fucking Hero for once? Can we afford to have a Revolution every 250 years? Because if so, it might not be a bad idea. But let's try to keep this one not-so-bloody, agreed? If you don't agree, then post a comment and we can figure out if I'm missing something. If you do agree, then let's work on this [Point G].----- And that's why it feels like the world is insurmountable. But remember, that's only section two..... Sooooooooo.....: Do a dance! Take a Swig! a Shot- a Sip- or a Swallow, because there IS hope..... Heeeeeeeere comes SECTION THREE:........ BRACE YOURSELVES.......
BAM! (told you to brace yourself). Here's the Hopeful Message: I really really don't give a crap. "Huh.... what a funny thing for *someone who says he's against Apathy* to say" Says the audience. And I'd have to agree with you if I didn't understand my reasoning... but I do understand my reasoning- so let's talk about it.
The Two Factors we've talked about so far are this: #1==We need to do something. #2==We can't do anything. Hmmmm.... sounds like a sticky situation. Well, why can't we do anything? Well, I think it's because society tells us we can't.
((((Note: The following part in quotation marks is a pretty intense rant. For your own Safety, I recommend that you read the following as if the Gopher from Winnie the Pooh is telling you it-- Still try to take it seriously.... but in a Gopher voice. That should be just the correct level of seriousness that we need. Alright, continuing on.....))))
"Society tells us we need to stick to a pattern, doesn't it? Society tells us we need to go to school. Society tells us we need to get a job. Society tells us we either need to have a few crazy years at college where we try every drug in the book OR we need to be nerds who never get laid OR we need to be bible thumpers. Now, isn't it interesting that Society doesn't mention that there are other options? Isn't it odd that society doesn't tell us that we can be open thinkers and have our own opinions? Sure, the media doesn't *say* we can't-- it never directly says "Think like us or we'll destroy you", and that's because the media knows better than to make empty bluffs. Instead the Media says "Wear these Jeans or you won't be a Skateboarder"-- and all of a sudden even if those Jeans are Horrible for skating in..... all of these kids suddenly start buying these Jeans, and pretend like they know how to skate- and all of a sudden if you don't have these Jeans, you lose a bunch of friends. Pretty soon you're dashing in 20 directions trying to do things that the Media hints at. Pretty soon you're not forming opinions. Pretty soon you're not thinking very much at all. Pretty soon you stop caring about problems other people are having. Pretty soon you're a pawn. WELL FUCK THAT. Common Consumers can call me insane, and I won't deny it. I understand that some people like those Jeans *and* like skating. I understand that some people don't *like* to think about politics. I understand all of that- but that doesn't mean that I'm not disgusted by it. Common retort: "Well you disgust me too"-- HOLY CRAP, you have an OPINION? THANK GOD. Here's the deal folks: I'm fine if you have an opinion- I'm fine if your opinion contrasts, conflicts, or destroys my opinion. I am ecstatic if you choose to express that opinion. BUT I would really REALLY like it IF in addition to your opinion, you had a... *gasp*..... if you HAD A PLAN.
For example: If you have an opinion concerning how slow the buses are- don't just complain, because no one wants to listen to YOU complain (seriously. NO ONE cares-- (See Section 2)), but I DO want to hear you out IF you have a plan on how to make the buses better. This extends to everything- if you want better ice cream, then you should figure out how to make better ice cream (oooooh, look, it makes sense because of if-then statements!). If you want a better Church, then you should make your Church better, or if those in the church won't let you, then you should Build your own Church [also Point D]. And that's why I say that even though you and I probably won't be able to do ANYTHING to change this world- If we want change, then WE have to try to make it happen." (By the way, Gandhi said something similar and I think he was a pretty smart guy. So BAM!)
And that's what I think.
Oh, BTW: I am basically going to start putting in "Points" which will be places where I have more to say, but it would detract from the normal flow of my rambling and make my blog 5 times as long -- two things that no one wants to see. So I'll be posting more about each of these "Points" at my leisure in the Note section of my facebook. Now I realize that logically, there are 3 kinds of people who could possibly be viewing my blog: 1) Those people who know me very well and read my blog and Facebook regularly, 2) Those people who read my Facebook regularly, but have only recently discovered my blog, or vise-versa, 3) People who don't know me at all and just happen to be reading my blog. Well awesome. I welcome all of you, and if you happen to be the latter a part of group number 2 or if you're a member of group number 3, then I invite you to add me on Facebook: Maxwell Thomas MacKenzie (if it's a weird picture, that doesn't mean it's not me).
Ultimately I hope to write all of the Points as notes in my Facebook, and have them be mini-filler in between my blog posts:::: Thus a Happy Medium is Formed.
I realize that it has been so very long since I last wrote, and since it is 3:30 AM on a night before a day that we should be having school but aren't- Thank you Mr. WWII- I thought it would be the perfect time to make a new post. The question is: What will the post be about? Yes. You see it's quite a crapshoot at this point isn't it- so much has happened in the past few days that I'll have to drop some things in order to keep this post at a reasonable length. I'll take a stab though..... I'll do it in a topic order, trying to group things under some sort of common result or theme. ((((Side note: you can play games with my blog posts, and in fact I invite you to- come up with a dance or drink that you take a shot-----errrr, I mean "sip" of in between paragraphs, or try reading the sentences backwards and see if you get the general jist, or if you're totally lost. Just a thought...))))
1) Through a set of spiritual experiences and having been injected with of several flashy, hollywood, Personality Inept Growth Steroids (PIGS for short and also known as movies) I came to the realization that I can probably do anything.
2) Due to several realizations of the state of the world and a couple realizations of all the flaws I have in myself- for which I have no one else to blame, I now know that probably won't do anything.
3) After reading a few books, talking to a few people and thinking about a few things, I have decided that I will try regardless.
Now, I don't know if anyone actually thinks that this happen, and I'm worried most people probably don't and will write me off as a nut.... But hear me out: I swear I've gotten my ass kicked by Jesus (sorry, sorry, I know that it's possible people will take offense to that kind of language, but I'm willing to bet that you're the same side that wants to hear what I have to say; So: you will have to meet me halfway here... but I'll try to tone it down-- just for you). Anyway.... I know a lot of skeptics say that it's bull-er... "cow crap", and you hear the *Crazy Leftist Punk Rockers* say that it's the media trying to mind-er.... well "mind-control" you- and seriously, who's to blame the punk rockers? I mean... most of the people on TV who claim to have been "found by Jesus" (cue Mr. Gump: "I didn't know I was supposed to be looking for him, sir.").... anyway, these clowns earn their living by: 1) ordering the military to bomb other countries (.... because Congress doesn't do that anymore....?) and then 2) wearing Flag Pins..... so right, I can't really blame the Punk Rockers for grouping me with a bunch of idiots when I come out and say "I've found Jesus". But it's true.
And, by the way, the reaction I expect from people on this is the same one fueling ignorance towards Eastern Cultures- why would you be a Muslim and pray five times a day when you can be a Christian and have Christmas? Anyway, we'll call this [Point A]- which I will expand more about it in a Facebook Note Section that is described later (see end of this post if you are dying of curiosity).
Anyway, my main idea to get across here is this: I finally realized that every time I felt messed up or have felt blue, or felt guilty or something like that I thought of : the church that I went to when I was little, and the things my Grandma taught me- and most of the things she taught me, I've also read in the bible, so it's a pretty solid bet to think that she learned them from that book-- and, so getting back on topic-- when I was blue I would think about these things, and then say "well, that sounds really good but religion is lame and believing in God is silly." and somehow I could come to that conclusion and then in the same breath come up with a reason to justify the behavior that I knew was right... but through some kind of non-religious (secular) means. For example I would say that vigilante justice is wrong because *ahem* "the slippery slope of morality can't be well tracked by the common man"- where the bible says that it's pretty much just wrong. Well.... the two aren't really mutually exclusive are they? Anyway, that's [Point B].
Now, I suddenly realized this, or at least the jist of this, in the most cliche way imaginable: Friends were over, we did some stupid stuff with a substance or two (ironically it was all legal, so put that in your pipe and smoke it!..... hmmmm wrong choice of phrasing I suppose.... anyway....).... I wound up vomiting all over my bathroom. Just everywhere, covered with puke. It was horrible. I had eaten KFC. The mashed potatoes. I don't care who I'm telling this story to: It's an important detail. It was bad. And all of a sudden I thought "Jesus probably wouldn't approve of this", and I was just like .... "I probably shouldn't approve of this either." and then I just thought "damn." And then it hit me. Basically I realized that I had been having a debate with Jesus for 20 years of my life over His existence. Whenever I was in a situation where I KNEW Jesus had the correct answer I would voice it and site the bible right? and then people would be like "Do you believe in Jesus?" and I -.... still can't believe it....- I was big headed and ballsy enough to say "I believe in the *teachings of Jesus*", like some high brow cultured clown that is too busy to give a straight answer. But it's true- I didn't actually believe in Jesus, so at least I wasn't a liar while I was at it *cough cough* Peter *cough cough* (just kidding Peter, you made up for it later- only poking fun.). Anyway, what this all boils down to is, I realized that just about 7 years of my life all came to a point on that night- and about 40% of that point landed in the toilet with the other 60% on the floor next to me forming some interesting puddles. I decided right then and there "It's too hard having a debate with Jesus. If I keep this up I'll probably have to start going to meetings in my 50s and wonder where my life went to.". So that's the story of Jesus kicking my ass. Pretty run of the mill, but people tend to skimp on the details- it's a real shame because #1 of story telling is that details make the narrative. You can't reach the audience unless they can relate to the details- thus the mashed potatoes. The sad thing is, the KFC potatoes are HORRIBLE, but I just hadn't had any mashed potatoes in sooooo long..... I thought they were passable.
So there's the spiritual experience I mentioned- movies? Well there are a lot of them, and I mentioned some of the good ones in a previous post, but I might choose to analyze them sometime, so I'll put this as a [Point C].
Now as far as the Realizations: I have realized that the world is in pretty bad shape. This is very very bad. Kids think that teenagers are the coolest thing ever and that TEENAGERS have all the answers. Obviously wrong. Teenagers think that adults are the dumbest things ever, and they, like the kids, believe that they and other teenagers have all the answers. Obviously wrong. Adults pretty much don't even know any more and they give up. Obviously USELESS. So who has all the answers. Well no one, but it would make me feel better if someone pretended to know SOMETHING- right? I mean..... basically.... what you're telling me.... (and I'm talking to all of you- you know where the comment box is!!!).... basically YOU are telling ME that WE have NO ONE to even ask questions to? Sure, the religious people are going to say "You can ask God!!!! lol"-- alright, I gave you the whole Jesus thing, and I'm down, so I'm open minded to you. How about this, if God will answer YOU, any question that you have then I'll legitimately give YOU a chance. You don't have to try to prove it through any Math or Science, or work a level 7 divine spell or anything like that. I want YOU to pray to God, or Heavenly Father, or Jesus or anyone you can think of, and ask for some ideas on how the HECK we can wake up a world that is FULL of apathetic JERKS. If you can come up with some good ideas by praying, then let me know. I will support you -In Those Tasks- fully, and if they work out- then you'll gain my Respect (note the capital R.... I'm obviously not fooling around here. Respect is supposed to be something of value.... remember that? Maybe it was before our time.). Once you have my Respect, then we can talk about your views on God -- as brothers (which is the only appropriate atmosphere to approach the subject in if you ask me).
(((Note: I originally typed up a section here which I was going to call "My Mormon Experience"-- for those of you who don't know I almost became a Mormon about a Year ago. I still talk to a lot of Mormons and think a lot of them are good people- some of them use questionable means however.-- anyway, I actually am not going to post it here, because It Is HUGE... but really good... so I'm going to say [Point D], and you can look it up later)))
Anyway, back to the world being a huge wasteland. Dreary Subject, so instead let's ease into it, shall we? Okay..... Let's have a flash back -- Imagine a Time Montage of everyone walking backwards at warp speeds for 2 years -- BAM! Here we are. This is the *last week* in the Political debates between Obama and McCain. Obama is a pretty good speaker, but there is one thing that the Republicans have that the Dems can't touch. What is it???.... it's.... it can't be..... *The Founding Fathers*!!!!....... Now come on. You saw it I know you did. EVERY TIME McCain brought up the Founding Fathers, Obama down right CHANGED the subject to Bush. How open of him-- though I suppose techniqually we can't put it past him, considering "Change" was one of his greatest phrases "Change your Mind" or "Change the Subject" can't really be considered out of the equation.... Now you know as well as I do: I think Obama has a chance. I think that he throws around a lot of good words, and he's stirred people up that couldn't give a crap about politics before he was around- he's stirred up the Pot Smokers and the Anarchists, and the Street Rabble, and the highschool kids..... but.... so far... He's not good at his job. If you think "Obama is an awesome president", then I should slap you. He has potential, but so far he really hasn't done anything that I can clap about (.... well cash for clunkers was a pretty good idea.... I will clap for that). Anyway, I certainly can't clap for his campaign etiquette-- [Point E]. So, anyway.... founding fathers-- let me put it this way: no one is going to stand up and say "Ben Franklin is overrated", because he is... well.... freaking *BEN FRANKLIN*- holy crap, that's like: "Huh, let's think of awesome historical Figures... let's see here, we have Robespierre, Caesar... Aristotle... oh yeah! Ben Franklin!"-- and that's him. Easily a #4 in anyone's book of awesome historical characters.
So Here's a question for you: The founding fathers.... were... Human.... right? Because I feel like everyone kind of looks at the Founding Fathers in this kind of Awe, with their mouths half open and with some kind of microwaved food dripping down from their chin. Yes. The Founding Fathers were made out of the same Flesh and Bone you and I have surrounding our little beady eyes and hunched over backs (because we haven't been forced to sit up straight since we were seven). They were here. And now we are here. And no one sees a problem with this? I'm sorry, but are we SERIOUSLY this.... lazy?- or are we just dumb? Or are we just filled with too much Doubt?... or.....?..... I mean honestly, What the hell is going on here? Why are Ben Franklin and George Washington still the ones that we look up to? That's like having a Diving Record for 250 years that no one has the balls to break- it's like "Damn, let's step our Game up". When's the last time you asked a kid who they looked up to? Probably never. Or, actually, if some of the people I think are reading this are *actually ARE reading this*- maybe they ask kids they know. I can't lie: I generally don't ask kids many questions-- So I can't say for sure what a kid would say, but I could probably group kids into three categories based on the three answers I assume are most common, which are : 1) "Family", 2) "Pop Media", 3) "Nobody". Now, obviously the second is unhealthy 90% of the time- Pop Stars are scandalous people. The Third choice might be okay, but is probably going to be rough [Point F]. The first is decent, - Family is an important thing - but let's just assume that on average only about a third of all the people in the US are choosing the first option. The other 2/3rds are also going to have families. Scary? Yeah. That's what we're dealing with. How about someone steps up and becomes a fucking Hero for once? Can we afford to have a Revolution every 250 years? Because if so, it might not be a bad idea. But let's try to keep this one not-so-bloody, agreed? If you don't agree, then post a comment and we can figure out if I'm missing something. If you do agree, then let's work on this [Point G].----- And that's why it feels like the world is insurmountable. But remember, that's only section two..... Sooooooooo.....: Do a dance! Take a Swig! a Shot- a Sip- or a Swallow, because there IS hope..... Heeeeeeeere comes SECTION THREE:........ BRACE YOURSELVES.......
BAM! (told you to brace yourself). Here's the Hopeful Message: I really really don't give a crap. "Huh.... what a funny thing for *someone who says he's against Apathy* to say" Says the audience. And I'd have to agree with you if I didn't understand my reasoning... but I do understand my reasoning- so let's talk about it.
The Two Factors we've talked about so far are this: #1==We need to do something. #2==We can't do anything. Hmmmm.... sounds like a sticky situation. Well, why can't we do anything? Well, I think it's because society tells us we can't.
((((Note: The following part in quotation marks is a pretty intense rant. For your own Safety, I recommend that you read the following as if the Gopher from Winnie the Pooh is telling you it-- Still try to take it seriously.... but in a Gopher voice. That should be just the correct level of seriousness that we need. Alright, continuing on.....))))
"Society tells us we need to stick to a pattern, doesn't it? Society tells us we need to go to school. Society tells us we need to get a job. Society tells us we either need to have a few crazy years at college where we try every drug in the book OR we need to be nerds who never get laid OR we need to be bible thumpers. Now, isn't it interesting that Society doesn't mention that there are other options? Isn't it odd that society doesn't tell us that we can be open thinkers and have our own opinions? Sure, the media doesn't *say* we can't-- it never directly says "Think like us or we'll destroy you", and that's because the media knows better than to make empty bluffs. Instead the Media says "Wear these Jeans or you won't be a Skateboarder"-- and all of a sudden even if those Jeans are Horrible for skating in..... all of these kids suddenly start buying these Jeans, and pretend like they know how to skate- and all of a sudden if you don't have these Jeans, you lose a bunch of friends. Pretty soon you're dashing in 20 directions trying to do things that the Media hints at. Pretty soon you're not forming opinions. Pretty soon you're not thinking very much at all. Pretty soon you stop caring about problems other people are having. Pretty soon you're a pawn. WELL FUCK THAT. Common Consumers can call me insane, and I won't deny it. I understand that some people like those Jeans *and* like skating. I understand that some people don't *like* to think about politics. I understand all of that- but that doesn't mean that I'm not disgusted by it. Common retort: "Well you disgust me too"-- HOLY CRAP, you have an OPINION? THANK GOD. Here's the deal folks: I'm fine if you have an opinion- I'm fine if your opinion contrasts, conflicts, or destroys my opinion. I am ecstatic if you choose to express that opinion. BUT I would really REALLY like it IF in addition to your opinion, you had a... *gasp*..... if you HAD A PLAN.
For example: If you have an opinion concerning how slow the buses are- don't just complain, because no one wants to listen to YOU complain (seriously. NO ONE cares-- (See Section 2)), but I DO want to hear you out IF you have a plan on how to make the buses better. This extends to everything- if you want better ice cream, then you should figure out how to make better ice cream (oooooh, look, it makes sense because of if-then statements!). If you want a better Church, then you should make your Church better, or if those in the church won't let you, then you should Build your own Church [also Point D]. And that's why I say that even though you and I probably won't be able to do ANYTHING to change this world- If we want change, then WE have to try to make it happen." (By the way, Gandhi said something similar and I think he was a pretty smart guy. So BAM!)
And that's what I think.
Oh, BTW: I am basically going to start putting in "Points" which will be places where I have more to say, but it would detract from the normal flow of my rambling and make my blog 5 times as long -- two things that no one wants to see. So I'll be posting more about each of these "Points" at my leisure in the Note section of my facebook. Now I realize that logically, there are 3 kinds of people who could possibly be viewing my blog: 1) Those people who know me very well and read my blog and Facebook regularly, 2) Those people who read my Facebook regularly, but have only recently discovered my blog, or vise-versa, 3) People who don't know me at all and just happen to be reading my blog. Well awesome. I welcome all of you, and if you happen to be the latter a part of group number 2 or if you're a member of group number 3, then I invite you to add me on Facebook: Maxwell Thomas MacKenzie (if it's a weird picture, that doesn't mean it's not me).
Ultimately I hope to write all of the Points as notes in my Facebook, and have them be mini-filler in between my blog posts:::: Thus a Happy Medium is Formed.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Backitty Back Back Back
Hi All,
So today is votin' day here in the States (have to clarify for all of my international readers). Sad to say: I really haven't kept up on politics since Obama got elected. From what I've heard though, it's going to be a huge bash against Democrats, so the question is will it be like Ninja Assassination or more like SHOVE A GRANADE DOWN YOUR THROAT AND CHOKE ON THE PIN?
.... well I really don't know how either of those would look in the political arena, but the imagry of both is kind of appealing.
So I'm registered to vote, and I think I know where to go, etc. The question is, if I go and vote, what am I voting for? And I mean that in every sense possible.
I don't really like saying that individuals are helpless, or that they can't do anything- but in voting it really seems like that's the case. I know I complain a lot about the system, and so does everyone else but maybe if I lay out some plain thoughts we can come up with some solutions (again, I always welcome feedback in the form of comments....)
So let's play a game called: Find solutions to our Nation's Heaping Pile of Problems beeeeeeefour 2AM!
1) Alright, so as I see it, there are two kinds of voters: a) those who always vote for the same party, c) Those who vote against who ever is in power. (b was full of rational people, who were systematically conditioned out of society). Now I am actually able to recognize both the pros and the cons of this situation. The Cons: all of the problems we have in our society. The Pros: At least we don't have to think about politics.
"But Max, you don't know what's going on in politics, so how can you critize others who also don't know?"
-valid point grass hopper, I have taught you well. Here's the thing: Like a grass hopper, I don't have an informed opinion, SO like a grass hopper, I shouldn't be allowed to vote, and like me, most people should NOT be voting.
2) We only have two parties. Now a lot of people say it's important that we only have two parties. Just for fun, let's try to come up with a metaphore where anything works well having only two options. Cars only have 2 options: Gas and Break. Oh, except for the fact that they have a stearing wheel which actually comes in VERY HANDY. A book can be opened or closed, but generally there are several pages in that book, and you get to choose which one you want to read. Even water can't narrow down it's physical state to only two options (though, actually I think that might not have anything to do with politics... ah well, I'll leave that in there. And this too, just for kicks)(...... and this for good messure.)
Anyway, looking for imagry again, I feel like a 2 party system taking on all of the nation's problems is kind of like trying to use the same tools to do eye surgery, repair a faucet, replace a tire, and demolish a building AT THE SAME TIME.
.... I have lost my train of thought. It doesn't help that I am now analyzing the phrase "I have lost my train of thought". .... so I have a train.... made out of thoughts.... trains are usually pretty big.... so those are some pretty big thoughts.... and I lost it.... even though they are big.... and pretty conspicuous... considering it's a train... made out of inmaterial material.....
Anyway, It's past two now, and although I have found no solid answers while writing this, it is fair to say that both the system and the voters are messed up at this point. Problem is, there does not seem to be any real action being taken to fix either. Although everyone reading this might strangle me for saying this, it seems like the Tea Baggers have the only logical and reasonable thing to say at this point: Repeal the 17th Amendment. Now, God help us if the only logical idea for change is supported only by a group of people who call them selves "Tea Baggers", and I don't know if I agree with anything else they have to say (Considering they have only been around since after Obama was elected), but after seeing what I have seen of people from the United States, I can't really justify them having as much power as they do. Further, I think Special Intrest groups are a cancer to the government, and if the government is our head that means we have brain cancer. Yippy.
Final Thoughts:
It's sad that the only issue I know enough about to vote on concerns weed. It's sad that our nation is able to launch a rocket to the moon but apparently can't balance a check book. It's sad that people are able to destroy the lives of 20 or 30 generations to come just because they feel like they need to move up another bar in the International Dick Messuring Contest which is Capitalism. It's also sad that my version of Internet Explorer doesn't have those red squiggly lines under all of the words I misspell (sorry about that btw). And finally it's sad that I wasn't able to find any real solutions in the hour that I tried. But there you have it, the state of our world: Sorry. Damn Depressing if you ask me.
So, if we want to get this world moving again, I guess we had all better put a HELL of a lot more TIME into thinking about this issue- and let's keep an open mind. Let's use all the tools at our disposal and not just these two broken parties that people wave around like proud banners of unity. There is nothing to be proud of when you belong to either of these collections of fools. Whatever happened to brain storming? Whatever happened Concept maps? And most of all what the FUCK happened to people forming their own opinions? Because between you and me, things seem awfully "copy-paste" everywhere I look-- so unless you can give me a good reason why a self proclaiming "Democracy" is comprised of two self mutilating and violent sects of hive-minds, you should do the following:
1) Write out what you think the biggest problem is with our country
2) Under that, write what we as a group need to do to fix #1,
3) Under that, write what you and I as individuals can do to make #2 happen.
4) Then, you should let everyone know what those three things are. Post it on Facebook, talk to people you know: Teachers, Parents, Friends, Enemies, Jesus, Musicians, Dogs, Cats-- Everyone
5) Everytime someone makes a good point relating to your idea, write it down, and then THINK about it later.
6) REPEAT
So today is votin' day here in the States (have to clarify for all of my international readers). Sad to say: I really haven't kept up on politics since Obama got elected. From what I've heard though, it's going to be a huge bash against Democrats, so the question is will it be like Ninja Assassination or more like SHOVE A GRANADE DOWN YOUR THROAT AND CHOKE ON THE PIN?
.... well I really don't know how either of those would look in the political arena, but the imagry of both is kind of appealing.
So I'm registered to vote, and I think I know where to go, etc. The question is, if I go and vote, what am I voting for? And I mean that in every sense possible.
I don't really like saying that individuals are helpless, or that they can't do anything- but in voting it really seems like that's the case. I know I complain a lot about the system, and so does everyone else but maybe if I lay out some plain thoughts we can come up with some solutions (again, I always welcome feedback in the form of comments....)
So let's play a game called: Find solutions to our Nation's Heaping Pile of Problems beeeeeeefour 2AM!
1) Alright, so as I see it, there are two kinds of voters: a) those who always vote for the same party, c) Those who vote against who ever is in power. (b was full of rational people, who were systematically conditioned out of society). Now I am actually able to recognize both the pros and the cons of this situation. The Cons: all of the problems we have in our society. The Pros: At least we don't have to think about politics.
"But Max, you don't know what's going on in politics, so how can you critize others who also don't know?"
-valid point grass hopper, I have taught you well. Here's the thing: Like a grass hopper, I don't have an informed opinion, SO like a grass hopper, I shouldn't be allowed to vote, and like me, most people should NOT be voting.
2) We only have two parties. Now a lot of people say it's important that we only have two parties. Just for fun, let's try to come up with a metaphore where anything works well having only two options. Cars only have 2 options: Gas and Break. Oh, except for the fact that they have a stearing wheel which actually comes in VERY HANDY. A book can be opened or closed, but generally there are several pages in that book, and you get to choose which one you want to read. Even water can't narrow down it's physical state to only two options (though, actually I think that might not have anything to do with politics... ah well, I'll leave that in there. And this too, just for kicks)(...... and this for good messure.)
Anyway, looking for imagry again, I feel like a 2 party system taking on all of the nation's problems is kind of like trying to use the same tools to do eye surgery, repair a faucet, replace a tire, and demolish a building AT THE SAME TIME.
.... I have lost my train of thought. It doesn't help that I am now analyzing the phrase "I have lost my train of thought". .... so I have a train.... made out of thoughts.... trains are usually pretty big.... so those are some pretty big thoughts.... and I lost it.... even though they are big.... and pretty conspicuous... considering it's a train... made out of inmaterial material.....
Anyway, It's past two now, and although I have found no solid answers while writing this, it is fair to say that both the system and the voters are messed up at this point. Problem is, there does not seem to be any real action being taken to fix either. Although everyone reading this might strangle me for saying this, it seems like the Tea Baggers have the only logical and reasonable thing to say at this point: Repeal the 17th Amendment. Now, God help us if the only logical idea for change is supported only by a group of people who call them selves "Tea Baggers", and I don't know if I agree with anything else they have to say (Considering they have only been around since after Obama was elected), but after seeing what I have seen of people from the United States, I can't really justify them having as much power as they do. Further, I think Special Intrest groups are a cancer to the government, and if the government is our head that means we have brain cancer. Yippy.
Final Thoughts:
It's sad that the only issue I know enough about to vote on concerns weed. It's sad that our nation is able to launch a rocket to the moon but apparently can't balance a check book. It's sad that people are able to destroy the lives of 20 or 30 generations to come just because they feel like they need to move up another bar in the International Dick Messuring Contest which is Capitalism. It's also sad that my version of Internet Explorer doesn't have those red squiggly lines under all of the words I misspell (sorry about that btw). And finally it's sad that I wasn't able to find any real solutions in the hour that I tried. But there you have it, the state of our world: Sorry. Damn Depressing if you ask me.
So, if we want to get this world moving again, I guess we had all better put a HELL of a lot more TIME into thinking about this issue- and let's keep an open mind. Let's use all the tools at our disposal and not just these two broken parties that people wave around like proud banners of unity. There is nothing to be proud of when you belong to either of these collections of fools. Whatever happened to brain storming? Whatever happened Concept maps? And most of all what the FUCK happened to people forming their own opinions? Because between you and me, things seem awfully "copy-paste" everywhere I look-- so unless you can give me a good reason why a self proclaiming "Democracy" is comprised of two self mutilating and violent sects of hive-minds, you should do the following:
1) Write out what you think the biggest problem is with our country
2) Under that, write what we as a group need to do to fix #1,
3) Under that, write what you and I as individuals can do to make #2 happen.
4) Then, you should let everyone know what those three things are. Post it on Facebook, talk to people you know: Teachers, Parents, Friends, Enemies, Jesus, Musicians, Dogs, Cats-- Everyone
5) Everytime someone makes a good point relating to your idea, write it down, and then THINK about it later.
6) REPEAT
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