crusade/cause/windmill

A question: Should we give up on trying to get through to the narrow minded, the blindly stubborn, the confidently correct with whom we must coexist?

I think not. No, it doesn't do any good to argue. They'll smother you with straw men, quote outrageous 'facts', change the subject, so they can take something out of context. Many of them, maybe most, just love to cause a simple discussion to escalate into a shouting match, probably so you look as dumb as they do.

However, to just give up on them does not seem right. I've tried a lot of tactics. None work reliably, but once in a while a little bit of 'reasonable' will peek through. That makes it all worthwhile, in my opinion.

So, I will "keep on keepin' on", because it is important that all be exposed to concepts and thoughts that are new to them, and who knows...?

Also, I will pledge to listen more attentively, just in case they may have a valid point. : )

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We must push the concept that we are "all in this together". A first step is to simply acknowledge those around us, even the strangers. Not to encourage connection where it would be better to avoid it, but not to avoid connection where it would be acceptable.

One thing that keeps us from doing this is the more and more prevalent use of cell phones and i-pods. How can we be 'present' to one another when we are so constantly plugged into that which takes our attention away, when our hearing is preengaged in something that takes us away from the here and now?

I would suggest that indulging in these habits is not only a bit insulting and bothersome to those around us, but alienating, also.

I would also suggest that it is actually safer for us to have our attention on our surroundings than to have it elsewhere. And, of course, especially when driving.

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"Ashes, or Phoenix?"

My brain is on fire, no, not manly desire,
but burns with the futurist thoughts you inspire.
The world is your stage, and those you engage,
will meet with your message, and force that the page,
will be turned... and then burned!

Now, where do we start, take action, depart,
for the shores of enlightenment, land of the heart.
To get their attention, how much do I mention,
to someone with power, without self pretention?
Disparity?... No, clarity.

Please let them believe, not think we deceive.
Help make it happen, cast forth the seed.
And, if it is done, with you as the one,
soon more people everywhere gaze at the sun,
of your face... and your grace.

Let them spread the word, that you must be heard,
that arrogance, dominance, war be unlearned.
Killing and terror stand naked in error,
and dogmatic dogs left behind the barrier,
of the truth... and it's proof.

The message continues, from warmth that is in you,
to save our dear planet, the next major issue,
Goes forth from your lips, that from now on the chips,
are down, and our future soon slips,
beyond grasp... and we'll gasp.

We must not forget, your gender is yet,
to be treated fairly, your sail shall be set,
by essense and image, you on the world stage.
This world is damaged with women as hostage.
We shall learn... Or we'll burn!