Out of the Saddle and into the Sun

One of the greatest things about the blogosphere is the prerogative of the author to not post anything for let's say 2 months or so. Anyone who knows what I do for a living, knows that there is not much time for philosophical hobbies during the months of November and December. Now that the holiday dust has settled and the new year is underway, I hope to be a little more frequent in my ramblings. If I am not, than the only person I would have to explain that to would be myself.

When I started this tiny little corner of the web, it was really just a way for me to document thoughts and concerns for myself(and anyone else who felt so inclined to partake). It was an exercise to force me to read and engage more in the world around me. The idea being that I could go back and reference previous posts and re-evaluate my positions as my knowledge base grew.

For anyone who cares, here's a sort of "Top 10" list of where I am at the present moment:

1) I believe that the mind of man is capable of just about anything. Obviously, this is both good and bad. From the reasonable productive mind comes items like MP3 players, airplanes, steel mills, surgical glue, etc. From the non-reasonable destructive mind comes items like: biological weapons, fiat currency, religious fundamentalism, government controlled health care, and genocide.

2) I believe that Americans are oppressed under a broken legislative system that has become an out of control, arrogant, mutation which has little or no interest in the "common good". We are in a constant election cycle and our senators and so-called representatives spend the majority of their time worrying about how to stay in office. Democrats = Republicans Left = Right.

3) I believe all of the following phrases are political tools used by the media to create dissent and foster fear among the American people: working families, god-fearing, Wall Street versus Main Street, global elite, middle class, uber-wealthy, and class warfare.

4) I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work. I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully. (borrowed directly from The Auburn Creed)

5) I believe that the Anti-federalists had some very valid points.

6) I believe that President Obama is a U.S. citizen and the valid POTUS. Just like George W. Bush was...

7) I believe that a man (or woman) should have the following life skills, listed in no particular order (open for suggestions to add):

• Prepare a meal that did not come from a box or a can and does not require a microwave.
• Be able to properly use a hammer, a hand saw, a tape measure, a speed square, a drill, a screwdriver, a crescent wrench, pliers, and a circuit tester.
• Finding your destination without a GPS system.
• The ability to read books with no pictures
• A working knowledge of basic algebra, geometry, physics, chemistry, and geography
• Firebuilding for warmth and cooking
• How to clean yourself, your clothing, and your dwelling
• CPR and basic first aid
• The knowledge of how plumbing works (see physics)
• Understand why a large income tax return is not a good thing for you.
• A working knowledge of basic agriculture
• The ability to negotiate.

8) I believe that in order to take care of my family and friends, I must put myself first. If I am unhealthy, I cannot physically care for them. If I am without skill, I cannot economically provide for them. If I am without self-love, I cannot emotionally nurture them. And so on...

9) I believe that the fine arts are essential to human happiness. However, I do not believe in coercive measures to support them.

10) I believe that I have no duty to be "my brother's keeper". I hate this fundamentalist reference. It always makes me think of animals in a zoo. The idea that I am responsible for the actions of another (adult's) mind is absurd. The whole line in Genesis 4:9 is a cynical response which Cain uses to hide the fact that he has murdered his brother Abel. It also makes me think of the movie New Jack City. Remember that true charity is anonymous, elective, and unconditional.

So now, some may say I am a cold-hearted capitalist pig who is also an infidel. The fact is, I have admitted as much on Facebook (minus the cold-hearted part). For those of you who really know me, I leave that judgement in your hands.