Let's Get Free

We are in a battle with those who seek to makes the chains of oppression common accessories for the masses. So, the masses must refuse to adorn themselves in the garments of apathy no matter how comfortable those garments maybe. No, we must stretch our vision so that it encapsulates those that we may have previously classified as different. We must resist the notion that our ambition should be focused on anything other than making sure that everyone is free. And this freedom is not connected to monetary gain or the accumulation of trinkets. No, it is connected to the idea that everyone should be free allow for their authentic selves to spring forth. Let us fight for a better world. A better world where justice and peace are the pursuits of those who crave success. Let's redefine success. Let's move away from values that are destroying our world. Let's fight to make the measure of a human being the capacity to love not destroy. Let's Get Free!

The Myth of the Bad Employee

I am not a bad employee. I simply do not give a fuck about the task I am being asked to complete. Is it completely irrational to believe that my poor work performance is connected to my complete lack of interest in the task? I believe my rejection of the mundane is a testament to my inability to accept bullshit as a way of life. Life has to be more than structured obligations and spending mass amounts of time punching time clocks, doesn't it? Am I wrong for wanting more? I do not have the talent for convincing myself that getting up everyday and doing something I hate for money is worth it. So, ultimately it is my defiance that makes me a bad employee. It is my inability to be domesticated into a way of life where it is natural to accept that being a cog in an oppressive machine is the meaning of life. That accumulating meaningless trinkets is enough to offset the sheer boredom that a capitalistic system brings on. I am convinced there is more. So, I will continue to be characterized as a bad employee as long as dehumanization is prerequisite for employment in this evil capitalistic system. Let's Get Free!

Pull yourself up by your Bootstraps Lebron the American story

The things we believe about Lebron are the same ignorant things will believe about success in America. Why can't he just win the title? Even in the midst of a team sport our selfish narrative of individualism blinds us to the truth. Individuals do not win titles teams do. However, this would be difficult for our country to accept. A country that prides itself on believing that individuals determine their success alone. That systemic barriers do not limit the life chances of many and that by simply making the right choices success will be the outcome. Lebron is great that does not mean that there are not other teams better than the one he is on. Winning a title will be determined by the collective. It is this collective narrative that would transform our communities as well. The belief that success is not simply this singular goal that can be achieved by our greatness. We need help! Can we accept that, can we see past the allure of believing that we can do it all. The American system wins if we keep alive these narratives that the system has no impact. That individuals can simply will themselves to success. This is as likely as one man willing himself to a team title. Something to think about. Let's Get Free!

Damn Seattle!

When did the town become a place where violence was so prevalent? I, like many others am wrestling with this question. As I see numerous updates that highlight the fear that now grips our city. I am left with the realization, Uncertainty is scary. It is difficult when we recognize that those ideas that we have taken for granted must be re-examined. Safety is a privilege that it seems we have taken for granted. Now, the question is how will we challenge ourselves and our communities to be better? How will we make the choice not to give into the despair? It is easy in times like this to make your circle smaller. So often we tend to believe that there is no one that we can trust and that barriers and fences will make us safer. However, we must resist this logic and recognize the solution occurs when we begin to truly see one another as brothers and sisters. Beautifully flawed individuals trying to deal with the same cruel world. That skin color, sexual orientations, economic class or political affiliation does not shield us from the same fundamental issues. The truth is, We are in this together, and until we accept this, and place the value of life at the centerpiece in the restoration of our broken world we will continue to fall short. Falling short screaming in solitude Damn Seattle!

Love Life

Love Life. A simple phrase that seems needed now more than ever. As the news is continually filled with stories of lives stolen to soon, I wonder how did we arrive here? How did we reach this point where precious lives were no longer viewed in that context? When did innocence die? More importantly, when did we began to revel in our guilt? Why are guns now aimed and bullets fired in undefined directions looking for indiscriminate targets? The truth is, we all become targets when violence becomes normalized and the solutions to the feelings of powerlessness become automatic weapons. So, how do we teach our young people to love life in the midst of culture that teaches them that violence is legitimate tool to solve problems? We must critique the larger cultural vices that seeks to corrupt the minds of youth with questionable messages. Our message must be that when we begin to love life you begin to recognize how precious it truly is. And hopefully this recognition will lead you to see the precious nature of others and will force you turn from the destructive ways of violence. Let's Get Free!

Love Life

Take A Chance!

It is shocking when you realize that change does not simply occur. That we are responsible for the picture we paint. That sitting and waiting for perfect opportunities or moments is pointless. This is life! This is our time and any time spent wasted waiting for a time more perfect than this is futile. What do I want out of life? This is a question I have struggled to answer. However, I know its more than working in places that provide me no meaning. I want my life to be more than safe choices. Living Rational has not lead to happiness? No, it has simply re-enforced the idea that without risk there can be no rewards. That being unwilling to take chances is not living at all. Freedom and fear cannot co-exist. The question for me is how to challenge fear so that I can live more free?

How to make Consciousness Cool?

How to make consciousness cool? This is the question? Far to often intellectuals are isolated from the mainstream because the masses can't or simply choose not to float in deep waters. So the tides of ignorance continue to engulf whole communities while the life rafts of wisdom and consciousness remain out of reach. Can we reach the masses? Or will the masses continue to be enchanted by lyrics that re-enforce captivity? Do, the captives desire freedom or will the familiar chains of captivity captivate many? Many questions however I have limited answers. However, I must answer to the voice that says there is freedom in the possibility that revolution can still charter a new course. Of course complacency can never confine a free spirit. So my spirit emanates freedom songs even from the depths of a chained body. My body will be my sacrifice and revolution will forever be my message. Let's Get Free!

Maybe

Maybe, Revolution is impossible. Maybe, the remnants of oppression will forever stain the possibility of a more perfect picture of humanity. Maybe, I am unrealistic in my belief that consciousness will one day precipitate real action. Maybe, the belief that life must be defined in a capitalistic context is common sense that I must simply accept. Or maybe, there is more, and that our willingness to envision more is where true freedom begins. I begin each day with the hope that a broken world can be put back together by caring hands. Let's Get Free!