Notes from the free speech zone
By Henry Burt Stevens
May 11, 2005
www.authorsden.com/henrybstevens
Free speech, unmanaged news and personal opinion are in short supply worldwide. The forces of empire are forming an ever tightening corral and soon the free speech zone will be smaller than a dime. While there is time I want to squeak out this dispatch from Alligator Creek, tributary to the Gulf of Mexico.
This essay is to be considered an open platform, open source code in the sense that I wish other writers will contribute ideas, words and images that will modify, strengthen, change, illuminate, and redistribute what appears here.
In particular, these words are addressed to people under 30 years old, because of the content, which is revolutionary and guaranteed to piss off most of the older people. I am very happy to hear from the older crowd because they are the ones who will tell me if I’m doing my job, that is-getting through to them. Let’s start.
Human beings will become extinct without ever understanding what is really going on in the universe. Sure, there will be space expeditions that will add to the sum of human knowledge, but the information will not be complete, nor in time.
Hopelessness is a virtue. Let’s stop hope for all the things we hope for and get to work on changing the inequalities of the present moment-right now.
Beliefs are the bedrock of human misery. I believe, therefore I’m entitled to tell you what to do. Hell no. People are very able to figure things out for themselves. Turn them loose; no beliefs.
Unconditional surrender is the idea of a cease fire with the world and the rest of the people. Not to give in to them, but rather not to engage them. They can fix their own corruption, if they want to.
Unconditional love is simple recognition that they is we. If we are not all brothers and sister, then I give up. What are we?
Unconditional forgiveness frees one from having to make judgments against others. Whew, what a relief.
Poverty, in the sense of having and using what is needed for an ordinary life.
Charity, in both senses, giving goods and services to others and also giving others a break-the benefit the doubt.
This is the basic code.
I try to use this as my window on the world. When I look out at the outside world I try to look with these ideas in mind. Yes, I lead a challenged life, when I do, but by the same token when I do not look out my window I have a sheltered life.
These are my notes. What would you like to say about them?
s/Henry
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Henry, There really are as many opinions as there are people in the world. Though I do understand your point that is seems like the freedom to express one's self is being attacked on many fronts.
I don't know that your views would really upset many older people, because they also value their freedom and understand young people's need to express themselves.
I am a grandmother who is very supportive of openness and information sharing. I release things under a Creative Commons License many times, and contribute to Creative Commons collections of images.
Your stated craving and support of openess and sharing and being part of a larger contributing community is wonderful to see. I'll be interested to read more of your work.
Good job, Henry!
JCC