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Think Different, dammit!

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This page of my site is where I write down all those things that have been running through my head that demanded to be written. Don't attach any deeper meaning to them as they only represent my thoughts at a given time and those thoughts are, as everything else here, subject to change.

I promise, I'll try and keep these essays short and to the point. This format rather forces that issue. :)

  What's the Difference?

It seems we as a society love to look for differences. From a very early age we are trained to pick things apart, looking for ways to classify them into their own little particulars, stuff them into their own little pigeon holes.

Think back to those tests they gave you in First Grade. "Look at these six Platypuses in tuxedos. Which one doesn't belong? Oh, it must be that one who's cumberbund doesn't match his bow tie. He's the different one! He's the one that should be expelled from the Platypus Ball! Non-Conformist!" ... I always hated those tests. It seems to me that two platypuses that wear tuxedos are more alike than different, regardless of the color of their tie. There's a lot more of "Same" than "Different" involved here.

And the same is true in our spiritual lives. When it comes right down to our relationship to the Divine, we've all got a lot more in common than the dogma that divides us. We're all wearing our tuxedos, regardless of whether or not our ties match our cumberbunds. Think about this the next time you're tempted to tell some one that they're wrong because they don't agree with you.

Then join me at the Platypus Ball! (Come as you are.)

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  How are you doing?

A co-worker recently asked me "How are you doing?" I responded, "I'm not Doing at all. I'm Being." He chuckled and replied, "So how are you Being?" My response, "I am Being fine, thank you!" This time we both laughed.

"To Do is to Be." Plato "To Be is to Do." Socrates "Do Be Do Be Do" Sinatra

There's a popular Country song by Steve Azar that goes "I don't have to be me 'til Monday" about a guy that calls in sick to take a long weekend. It's a fun song and its getting a lot of play time. But ...

... how sad that he defines himself by what he does for a living. When he's off for the weekend having a good time, he's not himself. Again, how sad. Personally, there's a lot more to "Me" than what happens during that short time I'm doing electrical work. I'm not defined only by what I do. Certainly, my work is a part of my life, but it is only a part.

If you've read my Dream Journal entry on "Of Dragons and Machines" you'll have an idea where I'm at with all of this. Yes, The Machine is part of the whole, but to say "I am the Machine" is to deny the Dragon. And Dragons won't tolerate being denied for very long. Further, saying "I am the Dragon" isn't any better. The two must exist in balance.

Perhaps this is what all those Wiccans mean when they sign off saying "Blessed Be".

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  Thoughts on The Pledge

With sincere appologies to those outside of the US, for whom this may not make much sense

Personally, I don't think that its a good idea to make The Pledge of Allegiance compulsory for school children, or for anyone else for that matter. But not for any religious reasons. The Pledge actually amounts to an Oath of Fealty. Any such oath is meaningless if it is made under duress. It only has meaning when the oath-taker is fully cognizant of his actions and its consequences, and only when it is made of free will. Mandating an oath, by its very nature, invalidates it.

Regarding the "Under God" issue, I wouldn't take The Pledge without it. Here's why. That little phrase "and to the Republic for which it stands." It's been said before, but it applies here as well, "I love my Country. It's the government that I'm afraid of." But "Under God" is subject to interpretation of the individual, putting the personal factor back into the oath. The oath is really to "God", whatever the individual takes that to mean. Personally, I find that a lot more palatable.

Still "One Nation Indivisible" makes a lot of sense, too; "United We Stand" and all that. So, say it however you like. Or not at all, as you see fit. Freedom of Speech is your right, too.

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  Philosophy of Babylon 5

Arguably, Babylon 5 was the best Science Fiction story ever produced for television. In particular, I enjoyed it for its Philosphy, which can be sumarized by a list of questions.

"Who Are You?", the Great Question of the "good guy" Vorlons. Such a question is best answered simply, "I am.", in echo of the Great "I AM." that started all of Creation. Any more of an answer would only belabor the point.

"What Do You Want?", the Great Question of the "bad guy" Shadows. Similar questions will get similar answers, "I want to Be." By Being, I am able to see to any other "wants".

And from the short lived (sadly) sequel series, Crusade, the question of the Techno-Mages, "Who do you serve, and who do you trust?" For this answer, I'll reference the Rangers from the original series. "I live for The One, I die for the The One." as there is only One.

Sure, there are lots of answers to all these questions, and in fact, I'm using this web site to present and clarify my answers. But if bluntly asked, I'll have my short answers ready. The long answers are, and always will be, a work in progress.

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