The Writing of Roddy on FB- cont'd

Now that it has been a bit more than a month since I launched The Writing of Roddy on FB, I am beginning to find some satisfaction with it. Rather than being some pathetic and shallow page where one could shamelessly peddle stuff to those who just don't care anymore, it's taken on a sort of personality I see developing, growing, becoming, reaching out.

The page features several excerpts of novels and short stories, so this way people can gather a few examples  of the work before they commit. Between such excerpts one can find momentary thoughts on what's occurring during the moment of the day, some rants, and some of my clever and amusing observations. There is certainly a tinge of me in these posts, and one who is otherwise unaware can gain some insight into who this fellow, Roddy, really is.

They may not be entirely comfortable with that.

That is, in part, much of the point.

FB is pretty good at gathering some rather clever pictures and images hitherto unavailable to an unsuspecting public, and I feel good in sharing some of those I find suitably entertaining. Particularly the ones featuring something twisted. I just adore twisted. All things twisted provide such confirmation of life, don't you think?

This page is still a work in the making, and one still growing, maturing. Now little more than a month old, there is still so far to go. But I look forward to seeing it develop into something truly worthy of everything it purports and supports. Hopefully, it can be something worthy of growing into something worthy. In fact, because of the way things are changing in today's world, this just might be a part of the new norm for the writer of today.

I caught onto doing this through a couple of other writers doing the same thing. Lance Manion is a very imaginative and creative writer, creating mostly humor and somewhat odd perceptions. Jonas Samuelle writes some extraordinary literary fiction and is so recommended, but his writing page mostly consists of a few excerpts and daily observations. These fellows do enough to keep you in tune with their name and writing at least once or twice a day, and this keeps them fresh in the mind. So, I copied their lead and did what I did, capitalizing on the fact that my name, Roddy, is somewhat rare and easy to recall.

I didn't want to peddle the page far and wide during those first few formulative weeks, mainly because I desired to see it develop into something worth seeing. Sure, the page is still quite young and definitely needs some tweaking and growth, but we're at a point where the word needs to spread. So, I'm at a point where it's time to start inviting folks to the party.

I have been writing for quite some time, and I've seen a few changes along the way. Once upon a time, it seemed the way to go was continually submit unsolicited work to the myriad of literary magazines out there. Then, the self-publishing world continued in its growth and evolution, and the process keeps moving. There are wondrous places like smashwords for people to express their voice, and everyone is on the eBook bandwagon. Plus, FB is historically profound. So, I publish my blog (you are here) and several articles on the internet, and now I have this new page to start a new chapter.

For those reading this now, please check out my writing page and click that Like button. I will do what I can to make sure you're glad you did.

The Money God

It amazes me how, in this day and age and after all that has gone on regarding budget issues, recessions, crime, unemployment, financial crises, and threats to cut Social Security and other benefits, why haven't more people asked some rather simple but poignant questions.

Questions like: why does money and finance have to work this way? Maybe, just maybe, the way we do this finance and economy thing needs a tweak. Why are there people worth tens of billions of dollars in a world literally risking annihilation because of a significant lack of economic prosperity?

Isn't funny how some talking heads go on about 'take control of your destiny' and 'grab your life by the horns' when the vast majority of human beings on this planet can find little more than simple labor, often because they’re constrained by their individual budget. But they're working hard, right? They're working honest, right? That’s how you get ahead, right?

There is a big, ugly gorilla in the room being intentionally ignored, and his name is Mammon. This god of money has our entire species duped. While the vast majority of us are duped into thinking this is all there is, the others are duped into covering that gorilla ass in exchange for some serious benefits.

The truth of the matter is that, while the people in control whine about the crises and financial debacles putting our world at risk, they know what they're doing and doing it just the way they intend. Nobody with an average intelligence should accept these lies anymore. The solutions and potential improvements are simply too numerous to count, too easy to implement, and too obvious to deny.

But why does this not occur? Human predation. It is just that simple. It has nothing to do with any of the economic woes and dramatics they claim; it is simply and easily better for those in power to wield power through economic and monetary weaponry.

When they say the world is at stake unless we figure something out, they are lying. The economic, monetary and financial issues are a human issue and no other separate or higher external entity is forcing these methods on us. The only ones doing it are the very wealthy and that's the end of the story.

Now, your boss or company owner is likely quite sincere when they cry uncle in these issues, but those wielding global and national influence are not. The Terminator franchise was correct in that a human creation would control and continually threaten humanity, but the creation isn't self-aware. Those operating its controls are the ones doing exactly what they desire.

We are right where suckered, ancient tribesmen were when they were solemnly informed they had to hand over yet another virgin daughter, who was to be thrown into the mouth of the volcano at dawn, to appease the rain gods and save the crops. Never mind the horrific night she endured at the hands of her captors before this final torment. We are continually informed the way things are now are that way because there is no other way...yet the wealthy of today are the wealthiest ever and today's poor are more numerous than ever. It does not add up.

What to do? Well, the obvious questions need to be asked, repeatedly, to start. We need to make it clear we know this economic system is ours to tweak towards a greater benefit to the whole, even if those who benefit don't like it. They cannot present a force or entity overpowering us with this, so we can freely claim it should be modified to benefit everyone (reasonably and with intelligence), and resistance to modification is only due to reasons of power and manipulation based on predatory behavior. If we call a spade a spade and point right at the gorilla, then at least some measure of coping will have to be employed.

We're not buying into your rain god bullshit anymore, and our daughters are no longer yours to harm. In fact, we have a few hard feelings to sort out...

The primary challenge here is gaining enough widespread support and a minimization on the part of minions who believe whatever they're told. We simply have to inform the influential that we know they have more than enough influence to influence our situation in beneficial ways. We all know we must act with intelligence and that those working entry-level positions cannot live a millionaire lifestyle, but the attitude that ‘there just isn’t enough to go around’ is a blatant lie. I am not saying we should provide the wealthy less in order to give the poorer more; let the wealthy have all they want while we pay more for honest work.

We would simply have to make more money. And no, we don’t have to reduce the value if there is more; that is another contrived lie based on protecting the elite. Doesn’t it make sense to boost the economy in such a way that fewer people are struggling so we can see more spending on the part of more people? I know that everyone have zillions to spend would inundate the supply and create chaos, but the status quo as it sits now is nowhere near any better.

Overall, let’s have the common man point to his political servants and point out what we know is true. From there, we can put our heads together and make some positive changes. But for as long as we allow them to shrug their shoulders and play dumb, things will remain dumb. 

Clockwork Oranges, are We?

Well, so it seems. We desire to state we know what we’re doing, but an honest look at the state of (human) things prompts some serious doubt. We believe we’re moving headlong into the future, but signs only show us spinning in circles.

We want to appear civilized and intelligent, but yet we don’t do it. We still continue playing the game stating those other people are so different than us simply because of their geographic placement, political views, cultural or religious beliefs and convictions. We are still very much so a territorial creature. We claim we desire to value the head and the heart, but shamelessly place high value on the crotch. We desire to be right, but it feels so wrong, or it just comes across as so difficult.

It appears humanity can only harbor a calm and peaceful society for but so long, and then things must boil over to chaos. We lose significant tolerance (while tolerating the most shallow and silly things) of so much for reasons we consciously fail to recognize but for purposes of grand importance soon to be mentioned, some day. We feel justified in value-judging one another incessantly, with either looking down on the struggling as lazy and weak or look upon the wealthy as greedy and selfish. So many will lie back and take advantage of a system once designed to give safe harbor, but now that safe zone is filled with poison apples whose only goal is to do as little as possible before dying. In short, we trust those different from us less and less while struggling to justify while we feel in such a way.

It appears our governmental abilities shift to greater and greater needs for totalitarian control and then to occasional liberty (but only for very short periods), without fail throughout history. This is a magnificent development because it encourages human development, but in fits and starts, maintaining a balance in order to allow for normalization. Caged animals, we know, cannot just be let free. They’ll die, much through indecision and complete ignorance. So, they must be trained to succeed in the wild before being set loose or they’ll just be sent to their deaths. Off-leash train your dog and it will stay with you, under threat of trouble should it wander too far. But keep a dog on a short leash and then unleash it, and you’ll never see it again. That is, until you see the vultures picking its bones clean on the side of the road. But what remains most fascinating about this aspect of human interaction is how Humanity (yes, it seems it’s a human condition) believes it owns itself when in high authority. All high government leaders globally see the masses as their property they can do with as they please. This is as widespread a human condition as the allure of young women. It seems to be a human condition to perceive those doing poorer than us is poorer in mind and soul. It does seem arrogant, but it certainly is global. Liberty, while many assume is something desired, just tears at the patience of those who feel they know better.

Almost our entire technological prowess is either devised directly from or straight to military use and strategic defense. Against what and whom? Well, our own kind. Each other. Because they, whoever they are, are after us, want to eat our babies alive while they scream. They want to take what we have and they must be stopped at all costs. All other uses of technology and innovation are secondary and only for the purpose of economic prosperity; a prosperity maintaining the military machine and those it protects. Humanity battling Humanity for superiority is truly and literally all around us, at national levels and then on down to local levels, in business aspects and then even gangs. The fact that not more is done about the gang dynamic, a condition against all that is decent and civilized, is one of the most bizarre aspects of society.

Bureaucracy and simple arrogance overshadow virtually all of human interaction and daily conduct, and before we know it, we can’t stand virtually anything about governance. That is, unless we’re a part of it, and then it is all. Those who lied their way into leadership must create a cacophony of complex difficulty in order to make their daily affairs appear complicated in order to convince the rank and file they need them or else all is lost. The world is duped into thinking the monetary and economic systems are immutable in order for those who continually influence the fluidity of these marvels do so only on their terms. In fact, the arrogance is so significant a part of this that it merits being the primary subject of discussion or article because arrogance is the primary foundation/emotion of all of human suffering and difficulty. If it wasn’t for this prehistoric emotional state, we would be living in societies akin to what we see in the science fiction movies. When Humanity recognizes arrogance is the true ball and chain, the miracles will be as common as the laughter.

But those days are not on the radar, because there are those among the marginalized and shunned who drift into greater clouds of anger and despair, and then into simple evil. (This is not to imply this is the primary source of evil). Our weaker people are forever at risk, and children are being taken and attacked and killed every day, and the proliferation of slavery is at its greatest height, ever. There is no room for debate in the perception that Humanity preys on itself at numerous levels. No woman, no child, nobody is safe from harm and evil without being surrounded by a fortress of protection. The most bizarre aspect of this is we merely shield ourselves from it rather than meet it head on. It is equal to allowing packs of marauding rabid dogs to run the streets and as long as we can avoid them, as long as they’re not eating our vulnerable, there’s nothing else to worry about.

Because of the weakening of the peaceful in a peaceful society, everywhere, the authorities maintaining control and lawfulness must do so with greater force and a minimum of tolerance. Soon, everyone is among another people, those guys, those from the other side of the tracks, the bad part of town, the filthy rich or the robber barons, the perpetual losers, the culturally elite, the kind your mother warned you about, the bad seed, the hill people, those in constant denial, the puddle-shallow, the poor and downtrodden, the unwashed, the rank and file, the haves and have-nots, the ones that just don’t really matter anymore. The collateral damage. The undocumented alien either a liability or an asset, depending on who you ask. The threat to NIMBY.

Everyone knows they’re right and have all the answers, and if everyone else would just shut the hell up and do things the way they think they should, and would believe the way they think they should, and say what they think they should say, and be content with what they’re allotted while the truly worthy receive the rest, then things would be fine. After all, we’re the ones who are human and intelligent enough to recognize what’s proper and best for them, and they just need to have the sense to accept it. Isn’t that right, Mayor Bloomberg?

We pretend to whimper about the attacked or stolen women and children, but staunchly refuse to do anything about the proliferation of slavery affecting the planet today, because after all, that’s the greatest economic gear in the machine. Sorry, but things are best for the survival of the fittest in this dog-eat-dog world, and get used to it because it ain’t changing. Life sucks, so get a helmet. Eat or be eaten, but keep your elbows off the table. Wipe the blood from your chin with a linen napkin because we’re good people. Now, young man, don’t you know hiding bodies in the cellar is bad manners similar to drinking straight from the bottle? Savor the screams, but refrain from being gauche. Hey, the chainsaw movie is okay, as long as we don’t see a breast.

All of this is because we are Lemmings and Clockwork Oranges. While we harbor enough sentient thought to thrive more than we die, there must be a balance keeping us in check. Nature allowed us to be at the top of the food chain, but with a clause. If nothing else is going to eat us and maintain the balance preventing us from overrunning the entire globe at the expense of the remainder of the globe, then we have to do it ourselves. We are allowed to proliferate to a certain extent, to gain a few steps, and then we must annihilate a certain percentage of our own kind in order to keep a proper balance.

It appears Humanity has been chosen by Nature to be the species able to reach a sentient and technological advantage in order to assist life on this planet within a dynamic and often turbulent environment. This planet has witnessed numerous mass extinctions, so it seems fair to assume Nature recognized that if life from this planet is to exist, or at least be remembered, then there must be at least one species able to escape the planet one day and migrate beyond the planet’s collapsing environment. After all, it is ultimately all about survival and the perpetuation of life, which is the universe’s greatest power and energy source.

But there must be a balance within the circle of life, and evolution must take place in its time. So, we will grow and achieve more, but the more our dreams come true, the more our nightmares must come to pass. Yea, so it seems there is a Yin & Yang. While it seems odd there is such a thing as those who hunt little kids for the sole sake of causing harm and seeking shallow thrills, such things are all around us and we damn well know it. During the time this is being written, the world is poised to embrace war once again, with everyone picking on their favorite scapegoats, the Jews, and we naturally coddle the least sentient, the extremists, because the base within us recognizes these amalgamations encourage violence sooner, facilitating the balancing of what has become unbalanced.

There is a dichotomous drama unfolding around us now, and we live in one of the most dynamic times in human history. Once upon a time, humanity was used to continual death and suffering all around, but the 20^th and 21^st centuries have allowed for greater and greater growth and prosperity. But, these historical periods have also seen flourish the greatest capacity for violence, intolerance, and slavery. It appears nature has kept the seismic disruptions rather quiet in the past and maintained a steady level of humanity for a long time, but the past two centuries allowed humanity to flourish and grow to numbers hitherto unimagined. We can assume the pressure has been allowed to build to an uncharacteristic intensity so that once it does break, there will be a massive, broad-sweeping act of self-destruction throughout humanity for the sake of achieving an almost complete collapse of the species. Why? Because the developed sentience and civilization would recognize the insanity and savagery and propel forward towards a finer species, potentially achieving planetary or at least space migration. For as odd as it seems, humanity must always be a phoenix force.

After all, we know migration is a common method employed by nature to move various species to more accommodating ecosystems. Birds fly south for the winter, wildebeest and buffalo move to richer pastures, butterflies traverse incredible distances to breed and recuperate, and humans build ships allowing us to carry necessities across wildernesses where we’re unsure there are any. The wind-driven ships of long ago carried fresh water, food and other supplies across a very hostile sea that offered minimum sustenance, and the space shuttle is merely an advanced version of that.

The stoic, calm moon awaits our development and advancement with patience and serenity, should we achieve the state to get there and then thrive via our advanced abilities, because it is the first step to true space migration for a truly civilized creature. But it remains to be seen if Nature’s first choice for sentience succeeds. After all, Nature chose a predator first, creating drama within the advancing construct. However, should Humanity fail and collapse rather than succeed, Nature could try sentience with another species. Nature does not mind trial and error. Remember that this planet has seen numerous mass extinctions in the past, so it could potentially receive several species vying for sentience in order to harbor ultimate custodial duties of bringing the historical record of this planet beyond this planet once the planet is no longer fit for life, but others are.

We do live in what must be one of the most fantastic times in history, because we are on the cusp of witnessing Humanity pass or fail Nature’s test of our development. We will either soon witness Humanity collapse into disarray and societal dismemberment, or we might witness Humanity overcome the temptation and reach the next level. Unfortunately, the odds are against us, so those reading this will soon likely witness horrors and tragedies unleashed on this planet unlike any it has ever witnessed. But let not your heart be troubled, because Humanity just might emerge like a phoenix and rise from the ashes to become an even greater civilized society. Yes, millions and perhaps billions will have to suffer and die horribly, but the future matters more than the past.

So strap in, keeps your hands and feet within the vehicle at all times, and get ready for the ride of all rides, because this band of Lemmings is about to embark on the greatest leap into the depths of all time, and there’s no way to know where it all ends. 

The Writing of Roddy

While The Writing of Roddy doesn't sound like the most imaginative title for a new Facebook page, that's the name I chose.

Just a couple days or so before the time of this writing, I created this page while I was sitting in a truck stop in Indianapolis. I wanted to do yet a bit more in my endless quest to make the world aware of my work, and I have known for quite some time that placing anything on my regular Facebook page is largely a waste of time. After all, those there who might be interested have long ago checked out what they might desire to see. Aside from that, it's been hard to reach any new audience.

I have tried with some things. I have disseminated post cards created to advertise my writing, but I saw no results from that, either.

But here's the thing that will be different about this new page. Here, I won't simply be shamelessly plugging work and attempting to peddle what's there to sell. Rather, this page will focus on writing, writing issues, writing examples and excerpts, some basic writing lessons (grammar and usage, for example), and then the occasional rant and such. I will surely place the occasional article there, including new ones and sometimes some of the old ones, provided they're relevant.

I don't want the page to be something boring as all get-out and quickly looked past simply because, there it is, that asshole plugging his shit again. No, this will be more about providing food for thought and something truly interesting to check out with each and every post.

Yes, yes, the occasional post might include the website or some other thing, but this will not just be about cheesy advertisements. Instead, I want it to be about the writing as well as those reading the posts. At this moment, I have a mere 7 Likes for the page, but would like to boost those numbers significantly. In fact, if anyone knows a good and clever way to get the word out and achieve more of those Likes, you'll quickly get my attention. I have seen I could pay for an ad, but that could be quite expensive. I would like to do it and I think it could prove to be a good idea, but the $$$ just isn't there right now.

Part of my goal is to offer posts that would catch the eye and the attention of the reader, and then prompt some food for thought. Here and there, I'll post excerpts from stories and so forth. I might plug another writer's work or site. Overall, I want everyone who reads those posts to think, yeah, I'm glad I check that out.

I also would like to be more than open to the readers and subscribers, absorbing any advice about what you gentle readers would like to see posted there. Humorous anecdotes? Political rants? Conspiracy theories? Regardless of what it is, I want it to be good writing, about good writing, referring to good writing, or a celebration of good writing.

So please, feel free to get involved and let me know what you think. And please, help me achieve as many Likes as we can on this thing. I would love to see the Likes reach four figures!

Wow! Could you just imagine that?

Truck Driving as a Job

While I cannot say this is actually a job, I can say it can be a decent living. I say it is not a job because it's more of a lifestyle rather than a job. When you have a job, you go home after your shift. But being a truck driver means you really don't know when you'll be back home after you hit the road. 

The work is not that hard and can be downright enjoyable, and the pay is decent compared to some other blue collar careers, but there is something that must change in this industry if things are going to improve for everyone. I say everyone because everyone is suffering due to certain issues plaguing the industry. When I say everyone, I mean everyone. 

The turnover in the Transportation Industry is enormous, but this is not due to the overwhelming labor or the horrible conditions. The truth is that most trucking companies are largely the same, regardless of the name on the side of the truck. The bigger cause of the turnover is a large percentage of drivers seeking a company or environment where they won't be treated like the world's doormat or two-footed sled dogs. If there is a unique aspect to this industry I have found that surely must be leaking from the edges of the Twilight Zone, it is that so many people despise truck drivers. This is particularly true within the industry itself. If one is in Transportation but in a non-driving position, the driver is so beneath their contempt that one would wonder how they stand coming to work everyday. 

I can say some drivers lend to the problem. Many can be intentionally ignorant and combative, and many demonstrate no patience with anything. But then, these two issues are likely causing one another. Another thing is that the driver does come across as someone who does what he does because he fits into nothing else, although this is truly a fallacy. 

Most drivers come into this from other industries, lured by the notion of a free and adventurous lifestyle. Many grew up in it and know little else while some are shanghaied by the foolish ads placed by some companies, often indicating this is so much fun, respected, and pays a mint. How ironic that many of these same companies gladly treat drivers like, well, sled dogs and are more than happy to ensure of their misery. 

The turnover causes extraordinary costs within Transportation, and these costs are past on to the consumers via greater hikes in freight expense. Further, the quality of the driver is diminishing because good and decent, intelligent people escape from the industry regularly after recognizing that the potential to be treated like something other than a moronic criminal is akin to winning the lottery. 

It isn't that there are no jobs where one can find decent treatment and not be leered at with a tinge of disgust, but they're becoming increasingly rare. One way to go, if one can afford it, is to become an Owner/Operator (O/O) and drive for a company at their discretion, or to drive for themselves and operate the truck like a small business. But to obtain a tractor can cost near to six figures, and if one is going to drive for themselves, the trailer is also a significant expense, not to mention all the costs and fees like insurance and on and on. Some companies come well recommended by drivers because of the environment and conditions, but getting in there requires some patience on a long waiting list. 

Hey, if they're constantly hiring drivers, they likely suck to work for, and it's usually just that simple. 

The problem isn't just directly within the industry, either. I have seen countless drivers express a loss of patience with the way they're treated at shipping and receiving locations. It seems the policy of numerous well-known companies that arriving drivers are to be treated rudely and as though they're there on some prison work-release program for dumbass sub-human freaks. First of all, this is simply unnecessary, and it lends only to creating greater difficulty. 

It isn't everyone, though, and there are shippers and receivers I have enjoyed returning to time and again because the people there are decent and actually enjoyable to be around. But every driver has a place they refuse to return to because of unacceptable BS on the part of some jerk who is a jerk just to be a jerk. 

I have been to these places and often talked to people who used to be drivers but got out of trucking because of the issues I have mentioned. They have stated, time and again, that because they are not retarded criminals, they won't work in an industry where everyone in the so-called entry-level position is treated as such. 

I completely understand, although Driver is not an entry-level position. There is no ladder of opportunity other than lead driver or driver/trainer. There are two sorts of positions- Driver and Driver Support. Within Driver Support there may be an aspect of potential in promotion, but those in Driver Support are completely foreign to those in Driver positions. The division between these two positions is vast. 

Do I have any potential recommendations or possible solutions? None that are realistic. Unfortunately, this is likely an issue of human limitation, not unlike other ignorances and evils. We know Human Trafficking is a heinous crime, but most of humanity is directly involved and those that aren't just don't care. Those that do are so limited in their ability to help that their efforts are almost pointless. So, to see improvements in this industry and an environment where drivers are treated like someone valid doing a valid job on a broad scale is simply is too fantastic to brood upon. 

If you drive for a profession, recognize within yourself who and what you are; don't concern yourself with the opinions of those who will not and have never done your job. Hey, that asinine office drone who sneers at your kind couldn't negotiate the truck out of the lot, and they likely couldn't tell you what to do with that big yellow button. Dismiss them and enjoy your life for the sake of it. There is nothing wrong with any honest job, even the jobs done by those who look down on you. The issue isn't job-related; it's just a poor limitation of our kind. 

Nothing Unnatural & the Future of Us

Is it not more than fair to assume that we are at a point in time when the future of all humanity is directly at stake? Not only the future of all humanity, but perhaps the life existing on this planet. Is it not fair to claim the existence of what might be the only life existing in the universe is in great peril? This writer claims we are right on that cusp. 

To begin with where I am coming from with this, it needs to be indicated I believe there is no such thing as the unnatural or supernatural. Now, where I am going with that is not a claim there is nothing existing that is claimed to be of these categories; if there are truly such things as ghosts, goblins, Sasquatch, UFOs, Nessie, alternate realities, Martians, numerous dimensions, and so forth, then these things are entirely natural. If it exists, it is a natural occurrence, consequence, and aspect of nature. Okay, let's move on. 

It is nothing except arrogance and ignorance to assume humanity is separate from the realities and actualities of Nature. It is also extraordinarily ignorant for anyone to assume we have a firm grasp on what is the nature of Nature or the Laws of the Universe. Sure, we're getting there and science has made discoveries and uncovered truths hitherto never imagined, but there's no way to assume how far along the spectrum of truth we've come along. There's no way to know how much there is to know, so how could we assume we're (insert progress here) along on the line. 

Look, we just cannot do that. So, how does this affect the future of us as a species? If there's one amazing aspect of reality and Nature that humanity refuses to acknowledge, it is humanity's place in the mix. So, where are we then? We're still separated by cultures, religious lines, belief systems, aspects of prehistoric tendencies (bloodlust, aggression, control, slavery, conquest, power over those deemed lesser, etc.) and issues of economic demand, and that is far from all, so one must recognize our progress into an age and time when we can truly pursue the future of humanity is far beyond our reach. 

Our religious beliefs alone just might drive us into the dust of extinction. Now, I am not saying religion is a factor of ignorance or off-thinking; I am quite a believer in the place and existence of a Supreme Consciousness. But I cannot claim any faith as to what this is, so those who do (the Islamic faiths are horribly guilty of this) believe their way is the only way and all others must be destroyed because your god demands it (have him take the podium, there buddy), I state you are impeding the future of life on this planet. Islamic Extremism is one of today's most significant threats to the future of Life in itself because they demand to see their vision of the truth exercised and no others, yet they refuse to explain the inherent ignorance of their faith. Hey, follower of the Muslim faith, could you explain to me why you believe your god wants you to commit heinous violence in his name (although he is of supreme power, right?) but he can't handle the job? Further, if you think he is all-perfect and right on with everything and your so-called prophets know all to be judged, then why is your god constantly screwing up and placing one clitoris after the next on your females, just so you have to go through the irritable trouble of cruelly hacking them off, each and every time? One would think your clever and all-knowing god would catch on and stop putting those there, huh? I mean, has there been even one case when one of those evil things has not shown up, right there in the crotch of the gender you despise? 

Just saying, dude. Don't get all worked up. 

No religion has all the answers to our future in the universe. But religion, all religion, has a place in the formulation of the moral and just thinking of the humanity pursuing a future, as long as it doesn't go haywire. 

Perhaps there is the test. 

Science is rather aware that just about 99% of all life that has existed on this planet has gone extinct. Life started way back when, about 3 billion years ago or so, and has changed quite a bit over time. We know these things because nature wants us to know them. We also know most of it has gone away, never to return. We know evolutionary processes rid existence of the old to make way for the new and improved. I know some do not believe in this process, but one must claim the evidence is there, even if we should claim we don't have an exact understanding of what it means, hence the theory of evolution. 

We are facing a test (likely, we always have been) that is placing us before judgment to determine where we're going from here. Approximately 65 million years ago, nature created a significant paradigm shift on this planet; it brought forth the possibility for a particular species to develop a degree of sentience and curiosity of what is going on around it. Your author believes this occurred because the dynamic nature of this planet and, in fact, the universe, cannot be trusted to be calm enough not to annihilate everything on a regular basis. We know seasonal factors affect regions of the planet, so certain species must migrate and adapt in order to survive. 

Well, because past mass extinctions have shown a near complete annihilation of all life, Nature compelled our species (out of choice or dumb luck) to develop a sense of intelligence and ability to offer the potential to  migrate from this planet before it is destroyed, allowing life to flourish even when life can no longer flourish here on this planet. In short, I am saying we have evolved our intelligence and ability with technology as a natural thing, so the future of us and life of this planet can have a chance beyond just the viability of the planet. 

But there are a few wrinkles. 

Humanity isn't known to be the sweetest of creatures. We prey on our own kind so prolifically that even today, we enslave our own just for profit and pleasure. Today, more than 27 million people on an annual basis are victims of Human Trafficking, forced prostitution, organ farming, and other aspects of evil. If this isn't bad enough, these issues continue to flourish because our kind really just doesn't care enough to do anything about it. Well, there are those concerned, but one would think our species as a whole would want better. But because the existence of these issues is there, we cannot claim to want anything other than the status quo. 

Further, we still sell our entire existence to our political leadership. It once looked as though humanity would view political leadership as a place of service for the common good, but no, this is not the case. Even today, so much of a modern world has made a demigod of Obama, who is nothing more than a clever manipulator of the common thought. He's nothing new, but a portent of what can be so dangerous. Further, it is not a feather in our cap to demonstrate our demand to allow one individual the determination of the fate of nations, particularly when we know they seek little more than conquest and mayhem. We have seen the power and destruction of dictators and...loved every second of it. 

Today, we allow pathetic officials of government (people who can accomplish nothing more than widespread lies they don't intend to honor) to tell us we cannot handle our own lives because we didn't find our way to power through widespread lies. This is simply batshit (guano nutso, for the family friendly version) of epic proportions. Yes, we actually allow people to control the destiny and future of our world and kind solely through their prism of narcissism and personal satiation. Humanity witnessed incredible tragedy through these prisms, such as mass killings, war of unprecedented violence, starvation, genocide on broad scales, blatant theft on the part of despots only for their own benefit, yet we cannot stand to not continue to do this. We just cannot stand to not sell our species to someone we know lied to gain our favor. 

So, where are we going? If we do not grasp a firm understanding of what it is we seek as a species for the future of, well, us and everything, then we are doomed. If we do not adapt and overcome the obstacles keeping us from achieving a high state of sentience and civilization, then these obstacles will hold us fast while the reaches of extinction creep up from behind us. If this happens, the reaches of extinction will escalate. If we cannot show our worthiness to move ahead and truly achieve a place in the scheme of things, then we will have to be dealt with, and we are seeing this. If we cannot move our kind forward, we will hold our kind back. We will do so through enslavement, control, domination, force, and culling until such a time comes that Nature will claim us as the next failure in a long line of failures, only to look to another species in the hope that one can carry the baton forward. 

But we can see it, and that's the key. We are privy to a conscious course and decision, whereas the dinosaurs were not given a choice. The asteroids rained down and destroyed their world whether they liked it or not, but we can see ways to prevent such catastrophe. But the thing is, we evolved from a rather brutal and bloodthirsty thing, which means that if we want to be better, than we have to be better. 

Earlier, I claimed all life on this planet is at stake, and it could be true. If we fail to achieve our potential, all life on this planet could be lost to natural catastrophe, while if we do achieve greatness, we could possibly save this planet. Is it not amazing that we speak of ways to deflect oncoming rocks from space that could devastate this world when the dinosaurs were utterly oblivious to the threat? That is progress, evolution, and a significant improvement. But we still have people who claim space exploration and such sciences are a waste of money. Money? Money is just a game of our kind, but too many claim our kind exists for the benefit of money. Right there is something requiring a significant upgrade if we're to achieve genuine greatness. 

I could go on and on through this blog post, but I have written articles prior to this that support my position here. Just from a monetary concern along with our penchant for money worship, check this article out. But that isn't the only one of this sort of concern. This article also lends to why we must change our erroneous ways or face the obvious peril. And these ones are based solely on economic issues. 

I wrote this article with the intent of shedding light on an issue few choose to recognize, but falls in line with the subject covered in this post. Now granted, much of what I am saying here is said in the article, but coming from a slightly different moment in time. The two posts support one another. But going back to our demand to rely solely on money, this article demonstrates why we need to rethink this. But all is not lost, as I have offered some food for thought in The Dryer Plan, which deserves contemplation. 

Now, I am not placing my perspectives on the table as the ones surely to lead humanity to a secure future while all other ideas are hogwash. The lunatics are doing that, not me. But I offer my perspectives as something to chew on, to consider, to look at with a freshness rather than the old and worn out notions of listening to the politically corrupt. 

Hey, humanity. I am just a guy and merely mortal. I have surely gone over the hill and likely have maybe twenty years left, give or take. If humanity survives or suffers extinction will not be known by me (at least I hope not, but I did survive 12/21/12), but I would hope to see it make it through. I have put in my two cents, and they don't demand you give up your liberty, intelligence, freedom, common sense, children, humanity, decency, compassion, and/or higher hopes for a better tomorrow. Can your political leaders (or freaks like Gore) make such claims? 

So, I Have this Website...

It was recently I just completed and placed online my website. I think this is still a work in the making, as I have a few more things I would like to tweak there before I say it is all done. But then, it has just about everything I'm looking for in a website for me. Just go to click right here to see the website and you'll see what I mean.

I wanted to be able to include the books I have written (the four novels, including the short story collection) as well as links to a couple of places where I have placed online articles. There are more out there, but these links are good enough for where I am working now.

I placed a spot detailing why and how I write, but I am contemplating changing this to something else. What that might be, I haven't decided yet (thus, how this is a work in the making), but what's there is good enough for the moment. Then, there's a spot one can use to contact me, which is nice, I suppose.

This was free to create, done through www.wix.com. I could upgrade sometime in the future so it doesn't read all over the site that this is a free site done through them, but we need to see if we can make this do what websites are supposed to do.

You see, the primary purpose of the website is to get the word out to the world that Roddy, this guy who does this writing, has a site one can access in order to access his writing. A website, they say, is sort of like a party invitation. If you throw a party and not tell anyone, it might get rather boring fast. So it is with writers. If they write this stuff and don't let anyone know, then nobody will read it.

You see how that works? Invite Nobody and Nobody shows up. Wow, but that's clever.

I have seen some other writers gain a good amount of attention through having a website, so I assumed it was about time I jumped on the bandwagon. I was going to do so a long time ago, but only recently has it became so inexpensive and simple to do so. It wasn't that long ago that a site could cost one a hundred bucks or more a month, or look a lot cheaper if they came cheaper. But now that everyone has one, the costs have come down and it's rather easy to put together something that looks quite nice. Sort of like this blog.

Hey, paying more than five bucks a month or so would have been money out the window. I haven't been making a mint at this, you know. Most of the people who know me won't even look at my writing, so, what's a guy to do?

But the site offers a way to get out of the neighborhood and to reach those who don't yet know me, which could be a blessing. If people just give the writing a chance and don't know the writer, the writing will actually have a chance. This would be particularly true if the site looks somewhat well done, and I think it looks okay compared to some I've seen.

So, for those who know me, check out the site just to see, and for those who don't, check out the writing for your benefit. I can say that at the time of this writing, there are only three works on this site that cost to see, and they're the three novels that, when in eBook, are only $1.99 each. That's under six bucks for four books and well over two hundred articles and blog posts, all of which are incredible in their own right. No, really, you'll be amazed!

So, go to Roddy's new website to get in on the fun.