my honest thoughts on Truth in January 2017

2017 is one month in and a lot has happened already. Politically and sociologically speaking, it feels like some serious, chaotic change is on the horizon. My sole purpose in writing at this moment is to try and organize my own, personal thoughts and feelings regarding said chaos. It's so easy to sit, scroll, scoff and then return to the latest episode of whatever Netflix show I'm currently binge-watching. It saddens me that this is probably true for a lot of people in similar situations (mid 20's, stable job, supportive parents, etc.) Supposedly, we are the "generation of a revolution" or some shit, and while, I believe in my core that there is something very big coming within our time, I still can't help but feel this pit of emptiness in my heart. Don't get me wrong. I am beyond proud of those engaging and involving themselves personally in marches and protests alike with a strong, political voice. Additionally, while I see the many benefits that social media and today's technology is having on politics, specifically in regards to individuals considered as "millennials," I, too, fear that there are serious downfalls to everyone feeling overly entitled to express their opinions via the internet and disrespectfully express their disagreement with others' opinions in the same way. I just finished re-reading Ayn Rand's Anthem and what stuck out the most to me this time is the distinction of the one, absolute freedom of man: thought and choice. We all have the right and responsibility to think independently and make choices based on those thoughts.  It's for this reason that I understand the benefits of the Facebook posts and public "debates" people choose to divulge in. I do think that it's a huge advantage and evolution that we currently have over humanity's many histories of political and sociological difference. We have this beautiful and enlightening ability to share and receive information and opinions, whether we agree or not, they are there for the taking. But, how do we know what to take as fact or fiction? I assume that this is where some virtue Truth comes in that we as humans know intuitively. I think it's this Truth that is lost misguided. This is not a religious Truth or even a spiritual one. It's the kind of Truth that allows me to proudly identify on the left-side of politics in this country, but to realize and empathize with some of the opinions of my opposition. The Truth is pure feeling. It's something that drives you to either support or otherwise oppose an idea or action that you experience or witness in this world. I honestly believe this Truth was much more pure and viable prior to times of industrialization and technology. But, then again, how else would it have survived the evolution of mankind to this point? The thing, in my opinion, is that our minds are constantly transforming and divulging in new information or it's constantly building a stronger defense against our personal beliefs that we are becoming blind to our intuitive knowledge of just how things could or should be. I'm the first to admit that I am an Idealist. It's a heartbreaking way to view the world because I am never satisfied or happy with the way things are. I know there is a part of me that wishes that every single person thought the same way, so that we would all be on the same page and create some Utopian world to live in. I realize this is not reality. This makes it difficult to be politically involved or engaged for me. As stated above, every single person has the innate RIGHT to hold his/her own beliefs and make his/her own choices. But, aren't there so many factors that play into that? Beliefs don't equate to facts. The choices that are made have to be ethical and harmless. Beliefs impact opinions and circumstances impact choices. I feel as if the distinction between belief and fact have been lost and misguided, as well. Too many people believe that their opinion about something is based on fact when it's likely based on belief. Too many people also base their beliefs and opinions on misinformation, myself included! Again, how do we differentiate these things? How do we allow ourselves to remove personal beliefs and opinions from political and social justice? And what the fuck even is equality nowadays? If one side says something is "right" it automatically means the other side is "wrong." If the root of your opinions and choices are based in some organized religion, then anyone who disagrees with that religion cannot be trusted in your eyes. If you make decisions or draw opinions based on science alone then anyone with a mystical belief is unintelligent and cannot be trusted in your eyes. I understand that the country was founded on certain ideals, but wake the fuck up people, those ideals are the core values of ANY organized religion or spiritual beliefs. The fact is that there will always be extreme individuals and groups that claim to hold similar ideals and then will literally brainwash and manipulate others into joining them. You cannot continue to stigmatize and generalize. It's exactly what hateful people want, it's keeping us divided and full of fear. We are destroying ourselves as a society and more importantly as a human race. I understand why people need to express patriotism, to feel like they belong to something bigger then themselves. But, what about taking that a step further? What about mankind as an entirety? Is that too much for some people? To realize that we are all one in the same, doing the same things, trying to figure out the same things, feeling the same things. Look, I didn't vote in this last presidential election. So, I know plenty of the opinions around that is to sit down and shut up because I had my chance and I didn't execute some American right or some bullshit. I am an American citizen, sure, but above all, I am a human being and that is one of the most important things I value. In my opinion, it really didn't matter who became our country's mascot (unless it were Bernie, of course!) especially regarding this recent election, it's all just another big distraction blinding us all away from this Truth inside of us.  No person in that position will ever do everything "right" by everyone. However, if you do anything that devalues another person's life or puts anyone else in risk of harm for personal gain or protection, yes even just for the "American people," it's not something I can personally support or begin to understand on an honest level. Anything that promotes hate or fear is also not something that I feel is beneficial for any societal or political evolution. Promote love and understanding and compassion and deal with the bad stuff as it comes. It will always be there. Good cannot exist without bad nor can love exist without the opposite. I don't believe in trying to prevent bad things from happening by executing alternate negativity. I try very hard not to remove social media feeds of differentiating opinions of my own. I feel that would be a disadvantage to my own personal intelligence. I also try hard not to comment on things that I both agree or disagree with. Although, open discussion is the first step in a more open-minded and understanding society, so it's not something I disagree with altogether. I just prefer to have such personal discussions offline and would rather get myself more involved outside of the virtual world (not that I have engaged in anything particular as of yet, but definitely something I encourage myself to do). This reflection has been solely personal and has not really made anything less confusing for me. When it comes to issues of political and societal matter, I tend to draw conclusions based on initial, emotional responses, followed by some critical thinking and nonjudgmental discussion. I'm equally as hopeful and terrified for the future of our nation, the world and the entire human race. I guess that's all for now. 

Peace.