The 4th Amendment- Is This the Ignored and Boring Civil Right? Are We Unsure of this Right?

It could just be me, but as a truck driver negotiating the country's highways, I am continually traveling along the Interstates almost every single day, for hours a day, and I have been seeing a lot, I mean a lot, of roadside searches of private cars and automobiles. I mean, just recently I witnessed what had to be nearly a dozen car searches along I-95 in the Florence, South Carolina area, and that was just in a few minutes of driving. One would suppose every working police officer in that county was parked alongside the highway rifling their paws through some citizen's personal automobile and their belongings in that car.

Now, one might suppose the occasional car will arouse the suspicion of an officer and a search may be warranted. The driver and passengers might put up a red flag in the mind of the officer, causing the officer to suspect criminal activity. But I must be honest and state I sincerely doubt there are this many vehicles arousing genuine suspicion. I mean, what's prompting the suspicion? Rubber tires and shiny paint?

I have no idea how many of these searches I have witnessed, particularly along the highways of Georgia, South and North Carolina, and Virginia, but I feel as though if I closed my eyes and swung a cat by the tail, I would likely hit a roadside search within a few minutes. I feel confident in saying I very much doubt these officers are truly suspicious of anything other than witnessing an American citizen driving along, and that's really getting their dander up. I do not believe all these searches are truly for the purpose of tracking a suspected crime; rather, I believe these officers are seeking valuables and cash to confiscate.

I think they're acting as little more than common thieves dressed as the law. We've all heard the reports on the radio and TV of certain precincts taking on the cause of confiscating valuables from people driving through, running on the legal cliff edge and claiming these people must be up to criminal activity. After all, why would they be traveling with money and valuables?

I believe this is the 4th Amendment being completely ignored and bypassed with cat-hair-thin excuses and claims of impropriety. If it was occasional and truly valid, I would applaud their ambition. But common sense struggles with the assumption that all of these searches I'm witnessing are truly for law enforcement. I believe and will claim they're for police harassment and intimidation.

If I was seeing thugs and gangsters standing aside while officers do their thing, it would be one thing. But I am seeing who appear to be everyday people, with Mom and Dad and Grandma along with a couple of confused children being forced to stand well away while six cops brilliantly illuminated by as many cruisers with flashing lights run their paws through these people's personal property. I refuse to believe these people prompted anything more than a potential for something to steal.

I tried a preliminary search through Google to see if there were any reports of wrongful activity, but I'm not finding a lot. I have found some 4th Amendment violation claims along with information of one's rights, but it seems to me these aren't much of a threat to the offenders. After all, who's claim is going to carry further? The ordinary citizen (under constant scrutiny and suspicion within the arrogant police state of today) or the police officer who's allowed tremendous leeway due to some notion of professional recognition?

It seems to me anyone driving the roads of this (so-called) free nation had better be mindful of their 4th Amendment rights. Plenty of people are on top of their 2nd Amendment rights, but they are more colorful and romantic compared to the droll issue of police searches. People seem ready to stand and take charge of their gun rights, but come across as too shy and unsure when it comes to illegal searches and seizures. That should change.

Now, it might just be Roddy, but I say with honesty that I am seeing this a lot. I mean, a lot and more than just often. We've been forced to submit to thugs fingering our wives and daughters in order to board a plane, but now we have to endure these goons giggling about our most private personal property being displayed for mockery while these same goons personally decide if we're allowed to have money?

This is yet another reason to stand as Americans against the traitors in authority and uniform. Further, it is time for Americans in authority and uniform to call out the BS.

An Affinity for the Morbid and Bizarre- There are Really Three Very Popular Shows Featuring Serial Killers

Our love for Hannibal Lecter (Hannibal the Cannibal) goes all the way back to the days when Thomas Harris wrote and published The Red Dragon. For those of you who read this work (I enjoyed it quite a bit), you'll know that Hannibal had but a bit part in this story. Now, because of the popularity of Silence of the Lambs, the movie of The Red Dragon harbored more of Lecter than the original book, but this is because WE JUST LOVE OUR SERIAL KILLERS! This is particularly true of the gruesome ones with a hearty affinity for the baroque era.

Our most recent installment of the charismatic serial killer is Joe Carroll, who is the main antagonist in the TV show, The Following. Joe Carroll was once a literature professor and possesses a wondrously attractive personality. But, as he puts it, he has a monomaniacal need to kill and it's only going to intensify, so he chooses to embrace it. But what makes Joe more fun for the TV viewer is he is the leader of a bizarre cult of followers who will (until recently) do his bidding. Recent episodes have demonstrated some dissension in the ranks, but this just adds to the drama.

But there's no doubting that those overseeing such programming coming and going bit right into the idea of a TV show featuring such characters. If the show is well written and the characters are enjoyable, there is every reason to assume such a show could enjoy some lasting power. The Following is coming up on the first season finale with no clue to a possible cancellation (the fact that these heathens cancel good programming is why there are such things as serial killers), so it seems we might have something to, well, follow.

Dexter has been out there for years, enjoying a wonderful time in hunting down, killing and then dismembering other killers (there can be only one!) while trying to adhere to a code of ethics. Dexter only goes after the bad guys, although recently he's found it easier to simply dispose of those who threaten his way of life. But one of the major things we like about Dexter is his uncanny ability to negotiate his dark world. If he could turn these abilities towards a life of, say, real estate, Donald Trump would report to him with questions akin to how does he like his coffee. Yes, Dexter is good at what he does, which is admirable to most viewers. This translates to clever characters and good writing, which should claim responsibility to Dexter making it this far. Further, the show harbors a myriad of distinct and believable characters. This includes Dexter's foul-mouthed sister played by the very talented Jennifer Carpenter. Like a good sister, she took care of some of Dexter's dirtiest work for him during the last season finale.

But, one has to wonder how much further they can go with this show. It is getting repetitive, but then, with Dexter's anonymity unraveling, there might be some spice.

The new Hannibal TV show is demonstrating some imaginative writing and some gruesome murders, along with a twist of characters surrounding the good doctor. Much of what is going on is reminiscent of the CSI series of shows, which makes it easy to guess it might do well with its unique twist on a successful formula. We'll just have to see if the viewers will allow for this new Hannibal which seems a bit different from what Anthony Hopkins would present.

I just cannot help but to imagine what might occur should these three go after one another. We saw this silliness in Alien vs. Predator and Jason Vs. Freddy, so I cannot help but to amuse myself with the thought of how far it could go should these three fun and exciting serial killers decide there really can be only one.

I think that if J.J. Abrams is truly worth his salt, he would give this a thought.

Arrogance

So, in a tractor/trailer and many other vehicles, I'm sure, there is what's known as a governor.  It's a regulator, often working by controlling the amount of fuel  going towards the engine. This keeps the driver from being able to torque the thing out and have it barreling down the road at the speed of sound. It saves fuel and makes for some cost-effective means of controlling what cannot be controlled from afar. 

Some computer systems within the work environment are often programmed with some sort of 'governor'. This prevents workers in the office environment from surfing the web, spending the day on Facebook, downloading porn, and IMing the hot chick in accounting all day. The systems in place help ensure the work expected to be done is really done. 

Well, it seems humanity also has some sort of 'governor' in place. It works like a sort of kill switch in the event things start getting too heady and rushed. It seems this governor is an emotional response programmed into the human emotional spectrum, primarily in place to ensure either, A: Humanity does not get too far, too fast, and accomplish too much without some sort of check and balance, or B: Should humanity reach a point of uncontrollable danger to its environment, it can take itself down and out. 

Are you with me so far? 

I know this can be rather unusual to ponder and certainly uncomfortable to confront, but it seems fair to assume the emotional response of Arrogance is there for a good reason, but humanity wouldn't like to accept it for what it is. 

Much of what humanity does, feels, and experiences is for the benefit of the species, but it is the purpose of this treatise to claim the emotion of Arrogance is in place to take us down, or out, if necessary. Arrogance is there to ensure humanity does not overrun the planet (and eventually, anywhere else) without some proper and solid preparation and a complete assessment of the potential future. Further, Arrogance is in place in the event Nature takes the notion that this humanity thing has gone too far. 

Allow me to explain. Arrogance is what ensures our financial and economic systems only serve well a small percentage. If the typical blue collar worker was taking in a discretionary income allowing for plenty of toys and material possessions as well as a secure future for him and his children, allowing for vacations, retirement and plenty more children, then the world's resources would be placed in a  state of shock. Therefore, Arrogance ensures only a top minor percentage of people attain such luxury and that those below that percentage squander with what's left. It seems predatory, and it is, but this arrogant stance prevents humanity from overrunning the planet. 

It's Arrogance that ensures the common man cannot speak up and out when there are those like the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Eun, to speak on their behalf. The complete Arrogance of those in lofty positions of power and influence ensures there's always the possibility we can see to the demise of humanity before it threatens all else. In fact, the study of the human condition allowing for such conditions is intriguing at the least. Most recognize North Korea as a dictatorial state wherein the population is under the complete control of the state authority. Well, how this is not seen as a pure hostage situation is difficult to imagine, but what's even more fascinating is how the world's freest countries look at the situation as little more than sad and unfortunate for those there. But would there be some action taken to free an entire country's population from the megalomaniacal actions of one arrogant lunatic whose been convinced these people exist for the sake of his existence? Nope. Not even a blink of concern. 

Furthermore, the freest of countries experience their level of this dynamic. It simply amazes some to watch the actions and behavior of others when they're in proximity of high-level politicians (they're just politicians, but there they go), celebrities, artists, and even the weather man, for the love of Pete. If the person in question is one recognized widely, there must simply be something amazing about them. While it could be true that there just might be something amazing about them, it's common for them to develop a level of Arrogance, and this facilitates their insulation from being overwhelmed by their admirers. But the high-level Arrogance on a national level could very well be the key to all of human history. This could be so because Arrogance, which joins with territoriality, forces continual borders between lands and an inherent distrust between them. This fosters the open potential to continual conflict and therefore potential war, and this dynamic assists in the management of the human population. 

So, if humanity was not harboring a high level of Arrogance, there would be too many amongst our far-reaching population consuming far too much in resource, and the level of camaraderie amongst the world's peoples would facilitate a vast potential for population growth, inundating the world's resources even further. 

So, if you're ever bothered by some arrogant asshole who comes across as one of the most irritating people you've met, take a moment to recognize their uncomfortable emotional attitude is actually good for the universe as a whole as well as the overall quality of life for this planet's nonhuman residences. 

The Time for War

My reasons for this treatise are not to indicate we're again approaching the threat of war, mainly since we're always at the threat of war. 

Instead, I want to approach the subject from as detached and and a distant point as possible. I want to view it from a perspective of, why does it exist at all? One who believes in the power and rule of nature, regardless of their religious perspective, must concede that war is a significant aspect of the human condition. Therefore, rather than view war as a tragic occurrence within the human situation (since such conclusions would appear redundant), it seems fair to seek why it is there at all. 

It won't be the purpose of this post to trace through historical record, deeply examine the mechanics of war, or quest for the magical moment that started any particular conflict. Rather, the goal is to explore the natural entity or consequence bringing this behavioral phenomenon to pass.

It is entirely fair to see it as a purely natural consequence, just from a philosophical perspective. After all, how could something exist (particularly something that is clearly not rare or a fluke) outside of the parameters of Nature? Pursuing this with the filter seeing that nothing unnatural exists, we must concede that war is a function of Nature. 

First, we can assume war assists Nature with the function of population control for a species obviously near the top of the food chain as well as being in control of any potential predators. Just walk through that scenario for a moment- if there was no war, what would our population issues be? How about the resource issues? 

After all, the beginning the nineteenth century prompted a new paradigm within the human condition, which is humanity's ability to conquer much of which checks the population from outside the species. Disease, weather, resource availability, famine and other issues forcing susceptibility on humanity have been fought well. These things are all still issues, of course, but humanity has put up a great fight. Infant mortality rates are way down, while life expectancy continues to climb. Medications are what they are and simple things like antibiotics save so many lives. 

As a result, the human population, which was thought to have reached a population plateau right near a billion in number for ages, suddenly started rising and is continuing to do so. Yet, we saw war and the effectiveness of war escalate equally. We have to concede there is a correlation, since the very technologies and discoveries saving lives are also from the same minds seeking spectacular new ways to destroy lives. 

So it seems these two natural consequences are trying to keep in pace with one another. The two indicated are: humanity seeking the future successfully and with a goal of sentience and civilization, and humanity adhering to old instincts dictating we must annihilate one another, mainly because nothing else helps with the culling. But we don't pursue a conscious culling, do we? No, we fight to protect what is threatened or in order to support a greater assurance of survival. Or, so we convince ourselves. We fight to protect that first goal, right?

So, we desire sentience but we have a long way to go. It's clear we're more resistant of war than in times passed, which could be a promising sign, but war preparation still seems to be among our finest employers. And the reasons are still prehistoric; they are not us so they must be evil in intent, or could be at any time (even when we know better). But being resistant of war is an intriguing sign...but of what? Are we recognizing the insanity or is a higher situation preparing our kind for something incredible? 

It stands to reason war began as a means of population control (and the simple equation of the survival of the fittest) but evolved to this dramatic state along with us rather than dissipating. So now, rather than dealing with issues sensibly, we still fall prey to the issues prompting the old instinctual response. This is fascinating because our thirst to engage in war as necessary prompted incredible weaponry of immense power and destructive force, blending the two instincts of ensuring survival (because technological advancement is equally natural and a proper course for our species' development).

To make it fun, I must point out that part of the instinct, or rather a facet of it, is to foster political instability and polarity. 

After all, there must be a catalyst that makes sense to us, right on the ground. It cannot be a seasonal thing or according to some astronomical cycle (this is an assumption) but must be something we perceive as reasonable and worthy of blood. But we also must notice how, when the time since war goes long, tolerances fade and then extremes become all too common. 

The observations of human behavior during times of peace compared to tumultuous times preceding war is intriguing. During peaceful, easy times, people can be tolerant, understanding and forgiving. But it should be noted they're mostly of a very similar demographic, although different demos will often leave one another peaceful space. But when times get tough, it seems as though every little issue is one of the utmost importance. 

Why? In order to foster anger and a passion for blood. Mentioned just before is how the political dynamic fits in, and it fits in all too well. During times of peace and ease, our political body fosters a continuation of progress and growth (often due to recent recovery from war), but it never fails for politicians and such leaders of immense influence to seek greater and greater control, pursue trivial matters as subjects of grand importance, and to lose focus of genuine priority as a result of spinning bureaucracy. We've seen these cycles over and over through history, yet are more than happy to repeat the scenario. Why? Because it causes discord, discontent, a loss of tolerance, and then a perceived need for conflict. 

It appears war helps with our evolutionary process because war and survival prompt us to do what we can to survive against the enemy, all the while this so-called enemy is working hard to achieve survival skills. War is a tremendous motivator to do better in virtually all aspects of common affairs. 

I have a theory as to why war is not as wanton as it once was, years ago, and it has to do with the sudden push in evolutionary development. Up until the end of the nineteenth century, fighting and war was incessant everywhere, but then we started to see it. 

WWI brought us dramatic images of war, and then WWII brought far more. In fact, Holocaust footage is heinous. Combat footage has only improved at a geometric rate ever since. So, our natural tendency to wage war only because we have no real-world picture of its consequence has been affected. Or, the fantastic picture of the outcome (being of incredible peace and tranquility) lying within the subconscious is checked by reality and therefore the fantasy never comes to pass. Thus, war seems too tragic and must be an absolute last resort. 

Sure, the twentieth century has seen horrifying war, but the fact is that it has not measured correctly with the heavy losses. Or, we have populated at a disproportionate rate compared to the annihilation rate. So much so that the average population of today is more than seven times what it was less than two hundred years ago. In fact, it has doubled in just the last fifty years. 

Yes, the global population has doubled in the last fifty years. 

The dynamic is likely to combust. One pictures a tectonic condition in that when tectonic plates run normally, quakes are small and common. But when they bind and build up pressure before finally breaking loose with violence, the outcome is historic in nature as well as catastrophic. My concern is the conflicts we've seen since after Vietnam are little more than minor quakes portending a monster to shake us to our core. My concern is that once the present pressure breaks loose, our kind will see war and chaos unlike we've ever seen before. It will be akin to what has been prophesied by soothsayers for ever. 

Some have said the End Times are marked by major and horrible global conflicts replete with unimaginable death and horror. But virtually all of these prophecies state there will be a great time of lasting peace thereafter. 

So, for what do we root? Do we claim a desire to get the show on the road, or do we strive to relax and avoid such heinous conflict, slowing our forward evolution while seeking peace. Unfortunately, we're not at true peace anywhere. Most are polarized over the silliest of issues and the value of human life has been reduced to how many times can one trick out a captive eleven-year-old girl before she gets so unappealing that she requires disposal and then replacement. If we take a look at what our society as a whole has become, we have dropped many notches in the compassionate and moral standards. It seems logical to assume these are natural catalysts to spur the natural consequences into action. But, our resistance is equally as natural, of course. Thus, a dramatic paradigm shift in evolutionary progress. 

War is not always between countries, and it being so is a relatively recent situation. Once, Chinese provinces and states fought continually, as did the Europeans. Insurrections and conquests were once the norm, really a part of daily life. Look at what occurs throughout African villages even today. Once upon a time, powerful societies were constantly taking over their weaker and less resilient neighbors. Today, war is not just between nations. Look at the propensity of gang violence and organized crime. Further, war is not always an armed conflict fought with weapons and won over blood. Such conflict is often seen in the courtroom, the business meeting, and the world of sport. 

Overall, it seems we're a creature requiring constant conflict and, sadly, brutal conquest. But could these dynamics be leading us towards a greater and better humanity? War and the threat of war brought us to a level of technology better than most would have imagined just a century ago. Technology based on military research and development is all around us. War and the threat of war has shaped the way our cultures work in so many ways, particularly in regards to the methods in how borders and boundaries work. But could we ever find our way to an evolutionary point where such bloody and vulgar methods to learn are no longer necessary? 

Sure. We could only hope so. But we're going to have to spill a lot of blood before that time comes. Could we end up spilling so much blood that our kind will not recover and that humanity's opportunity for success will be gone? Sadly, that seems the most likely situation. 

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.