In a perfect world you’d be able to wake up every morning and do what it is you love with whom ever you wish (or alone) and in perfect weather. A simple stroll down the street would bring you more joy than that holiday bonus. In this world you’d be able to wave at your neighbor without letting your inner monologue express your distaste for his/her lifestyle choice.
Why isn’t our world this “perfect”?.. it’s because we feel the need to belong. At the core of every single social and moral value we as human beings possess, we ultimately need to feel a part of something greater. Human beings are a social creature, constantly seeking out and using our energy towards being part of the correct “herd”. Most every decision we make can be traced back to and directly associated with our “need” to fit in, even if we don’t realize it. When you pick up that apple at the grocery and place it in your basket, you may think; “I want an apple”; but the base of this thought stems from your belief that this apple is to be consumed as food because that is what people do.
When someone has a strong opinion about a subject like owning a weapon, his/her opinion is enforced by his social group; but as part of this “tribe” it’s members feel threatened and move to defend any threat to their views at all costs. How can someone who believes in keeping the US Government and it’s laws out of local and personal issues, also believe that they should have the power in preventing someone across the country from getting married? Why does some that believes in keeping “your laws off my body” feel the need to tell others that they cannot smoke in a public place? Humans tend to fight for that which they hold most dear and are willing to sacrifice their views on a less significant view for the sake of winning said battle, no matter how trivial.
So how do we win? We don’t. We will always feel the need to defend our herd at all cost. You may think “Darren, are you upset at America? Do you want to move?”; I am not. I love my country because I can say these things. The only thing I have grown to hate is the increased sensitivity of my fellow Americans. If you do not like what I have to say, walk, drive, limp or roll away. I’ll extend the same courtesy to you. There is nothing within the boundaries of this country and our bonds as citizens that we cannot handle in a civil manner. If you aren’t breaking any laws or physically harming anyone…I hope you continue on doing what you’re doing. That’s what this country is about right? It’s not about right and left or conservative and liberal. I wish we could break out of our labels and groups but unfortunately the Shepard dogs of MEDIA and POLITICS have successfully herded us into our pens as we await our cultural slaughter at the hands of…ourselves.
