u235

As much as we like to believe that truth and honesty will prevail, you can't reach adulthood without realizing that it's a complete lie. I believe in part that's why we have religion, because people ~need~ to believe that someday, somehow, someway there will be a reward for basically being a sucker.

Yes, on a very personal level it's probably easier to be honest, trustworthy and all that crap with people you need or are compelled to trust. But this isn't a rant about personal honesty, it's a rant about the value of standing up for what you believe in. And my point is simple, if you have the chance to "make a difference", to defy the big dogs and "take a stand".... just don't fucking do it or you'll suffer. At best they might make a movie about you some day, but that's pretty fucking useless if you're dead or living under a bridge sucking down Boones Farm.

Someone is broken down on the highway in the dark with a flat? Dive by or you'll get killed helping them change their tire. Someone in a third world country starving or suffering? Leave them, or you'll be taken hostage or just shot out of hand for your watch. Little old lady being mugged? Look the other way or the convict will hunt you down while he's on bail and murder you. Understand this: revenge is far, far greater than gratitude, and also understand this: what you choose to do for others chances are no one would do for you.

If I have learned only one thing in life it's "shut the hell up". Carrying on about abuse, injustice, intolerance, etc. is fine if you're part of a crowd - but when you decide to stand up alone, and "fight for what you believe in", well prepare to be slapped down.

I think it's funny that we spend all the time teaching our kids about these "values" when we know full well just what a load of bullshit it really is. Maybe it's on the same level as Santa and the Easter Bunny, but by the time your a teenager you've grown out of the latter.

There's no blame involved, I'm not saying that people are inherently evil. What I'm trying to convey is that people are what they are and trying to live up to a fantasy ideal is great in movies but suicidal in real life. No matter who you are, or what you do, innocents will be tortured and die. No matter how powerful you are, injustice will remain unpunished. Warlords and Mafia will be wealthy and prosperous and the ordinary cop will have a shitty car and a crappy medical plan. Politicians will lie to get what they want, change the rules to keep their power, and pay off rich benefactors who get them elected. Graft is a given. Nepotism is a given. Remember the quote "We have seen the enemy and he is us"? Understand this quote, believe it, because it IS the truth.