Guy and gals, I have an announcement. It is not a sad announcement, so don't be sad. But it is this: Nanowrimo is over for me this year. And while normally, that would be a "hooray" sort of moment, it is slightly less so this year. See, I've just decided to abandon the quest for now. Or at the very least to suspend it until another month.
Well, I still plan to write. I enjoy short stories and backgrounds and the like, and I was already trying to do more of that more often. But I have a lot of things going on in my life right now, and I just can't balance out the time I need to get it done. What's the point of reaching the goal if it is literally sapping my joy of writing from me?
And I do still love writing. I have some script stuff I want to work on. Several projects, actually, and things that I simply cannot wait to get up and moving. But I've had to basically suspend that effort for the month, because I can't work on those while trying to write novella.
And yeah, I just haven't been feeling it. I liked some of the stuff I was writing, but the effort to beef it up was just taking too much of a toll. It was more of an obligation than any kind of fun. And I need some fun in my life. Not "satisfaction of getting the job done" fun, but some "haha fun fun 'til my eyes bleed" fun. Well, some type of fun other than the first one.
But I will still be here. I will still write some this month and end with a final word count. I may even just set a smaller goal and shoot for it instead. And as always, I am more than willing to encourage others that are still working to wards the big goal. So don't think of it as going away forever. Think of it as Cal Ripken taking the night off. I'm still here. It's still groovy. And more than anything, I'm quite content with my decision.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Grow Up.
Seriously. Grow up.
I said it a few days ago, and I stand by it. It's the only way that we will ever get anywhere as a country. Assuming, of course, that people actually want to go forward as a country.
We have all sat through the most derisive, divisive, and outright sickening campaign of modern history. Or maybe it was just the most transparent one. Who can really say?
But the reality is that no matter what party or ideal you support, as an American a person who opposes your ideals has been in office almost half of the time the country has been in existence, if not more. And you know what? The country didn't die.
Despite treating minorities and women as second class citizens for years, we're still here.
Despite dipping as close to financial ruin as perhaps is possible without actually breaking in half, we're still here.
Through all of the adversity and terror that would seek to tear us apart, we are still here.
And we will be here tomorrow. And the day after that. And the next day. And a year from now. And so on.
So no, the election... the re-election of one man for a four year period does not spell the end of modern civilization. God has not abandoned you, or at least not for that specific reason. The sun will continue to rise in the east and set in the west.
Now is not the time for the garbage that got us into this horrible place. Now, more than ever, we need to look at how to play nice and work together. Neither side overpowering the other is going to get us where we really need to be, and that was never what the Founding Fathers intended.
Despite signs that things will return to status quo, I still hold onto the fragment of a belief that we can find a way to make this thing work. The first step is to stop acting like immature children who didn't (or did) get the toy they wanted and to look ahead to how to make the country the best it can be.
Regardless of party or affiliation, we are all Americans. And it's time we sucked it up, took some responsibility, and made a hard choice or two. And if you're too busy feeling like the country is completely mismanaged to do it, then seriously... grow up.
I said it a few days ago, and I stand by it. It's the only way that we will ever get anywhere as a country. Assuming, of course, that people actually want to go forward as a country.
We have all sat through the most derisive, divisive, and outright sickening campaign of modern history. Or maybe it was just the most transparent one. Who can really say?
But the reality is that no matter what party or ideal you support, as an American a person who opposes your ideals has been in office almost half of the time the country has been in existence, if not more. And you know what? The country didn't die.
Despite treating minorities and women as second class citizens for years, we're still here.
Despite dipping as close to financial ruin as perhaps is possible without actually breaking in half, we're still here.
Through all of the adversity and terror that would seek to tear us apart, we are still here.
And we will be here tomorrow. And the day after that. And the next day. And a year from now. And so on.
So no, the election... the re-election of one man for a four year period does not spell the end of modern civilization. God has not abandoned you, or at least not for that specific reason. The sun will continue to rise in the east and set in the west.
Now is not the time for the garbage that got us into this horrible place. Now, more than ever, we need to look at how to play nice and work together. Neither side overpowering the other is going to get us where we really need to be, and that was never what the Founding Fathers intended.
Despite signs that things will return to status quo, I still hold onto the fragment of a belief that we can find a way to make this thing work. The first step is to stop acting like immature children who didn't (or did) get the toy they wanted and to look ahead to how to make the country the best it can be.
Regardless of party or affiliation, we are all Americans. And it's time we sucked it up, took some responsibility, and made a hard choice or two. And if you're too busy feeling like the country is completely mismanaged to do it, then seriously... grow up.
Monday, November 5, 2012
To All Voters, Great and Small...
All right. Time to lay it all down. Here are my various thoughts to various people concerning the impending D-Day of the election:
To Democrats (or those inclined to vote that way): You already know what you have to do. Your path should be obvious, but don't for one second be complacent. We already know that there are people out there willing and able to cause dissension in the voting effort. Sheer force of effort and numbers is the only thing that will offset that. Stand strong and finish the job you started.
To Republicans (or those inclined to vote that way): I... I understand that you are inclined to vote for the more conservative candidate. It's an ideological choice moreso than an endorsement of Gov. Romney. But... really? That's what you want? And is this how you want it? Regardless of how this election pans out, you as a party need to take a serious look at how you allow things to be run. Your platform is hardline and uncompromising, which effectively alienates any of the groups that you might eventually woo.
And your presidential campaign advisers have played every dirty card in the deck, and even bought a new deck. Four years ago, I made the observation that I could not abide by people willing to make use of these tactics. I still stand by that. The future survival of your party lies not in doubling down on the crap that's sort of worked in the past but in finding new ways to rebuild the many bridges you have burned the ground. Sadly, that's all that I can offer you.
To Third Party Candidates (and those inclined to vote for them): I get where you're coming from. I really do. And I feel like you have a real chance at building strength and becoming full on threats to occupy all offices and positions. But this isn't your time. Not for me. Maybe after the continuing implosion of the Republican Party, there will be more space for you to make a foothold. But for now, I feel my time and effort is better served supporting a candidate that deserves a chance to continue. Four years from now, though... who knows? Keep fighting for it.
To Everyone (voting or not, regardless of who you support): we need to grow up. I say we because this affects every single person in this country. Much like four years ago, we have faced some of the most divisive, underhanded, and downright deplorable tactics during this presidential election cycle. And while neither side is completely innocent, one side is more blatantly guilty than the other.
If you think there's a personal bias there, you're right. I am completely biased towards the truth, towards reason, and against playing towards people's base fears. That anyone in any party would try to do such a thing is disgusting, but there's a clear, simple reason why they continue to do it: on some level, it works.
Which brings us back to us. We, as a nation, as individuals and collectively as a people, have got to step up our diligence.
We have to stop hearing only the things that we want to hear; the things that make us feel better about ourselves. We have to stop acting like there are easy answers. Like there is someone out there that has some mysterious plan that is destined to work perfectly, and accept that there may be stumbles along the way.
We have to stop holding one person accountable for our status in life and look towards larger, fuller pictures. A president can help affect change, but he/she needs support. Not through some super majority that was an illusion to begin with, but through true, bipartisan efforts.
No one that has any vein of sense can say that the Republican party has done anything other than attempt to undermine the efforts of the President or Democrats these past four years. They said as much, in public and out loud, and a large group of people would celebrate the blind ignorance that sent the GOP against the public interest and against policies that they themselves endorsed before they opposed them. No one wins when we become so focused on winning that we're willing to destroy what we're intent on getting in order to do it.
But I'm not going to get into the heavy again. Again. No, I'm going to dial it back and say what I said four years ago. We are all people of fair reason and moderate conscience. Search your heart, focus your mind, and look through the lies to see the truth. Then vote with all of that in mind.
I can't tell you which way you should choose, but I can say that when it's all said and done, I believe that our President has done enough to warrant another four years in office. I also believe that his opponent has promised little aside from being "the other choice" and even then, the ideas that he does endorse are counter-productive to what would make this country thrive.
And like four years ago, I believe that Mr. Romney has had the worst possible supporting system and advisers during his campaign. I refuse to support anyone that uses them and their tactics, especially if might allow any of them access to some sort of office or Cabinet position.
So there it is. Way too rambley and probably ignored. But I felt like I needed to get it all off of my chest. Good luck, godspeed, and happy voting.
To Democrats (or those inclined to vote that way): You already know what you have to do. Your path should be obvious, but don't for one second be complacent. We already know that there are people out there willing and able to cause dissension in the voting effort. Sheer force of effort and numbers is the only thing that will offset that. Stand strong and finish the job you started.
To Republicans (or those inclined to vote that way): I... I understand that you are inclined to vote for the more conservative candidate. It's an ideological choice moreso than an endorsement of Gov. Romney. But... really? That's what you want? And is this how you want it? Regardless of how this election pans out, you as a party need to take a serious look at how you allow things to be run. Your platform is hardline and uncompromising, which effectively alienates any of the groups that you might eventually woo.
And your presidential campaign advisers have played every dirty card in the deck, and even bought a new deck. Four years ago, I made the observation that I could not abide by people willing to make use of these tactics. I still stand by that. The future survival of your party lies not in doubling down on the crap that's sort of worked in the past but in finding new ways to rebuild the many bridges you have burned the ground. Sadly, that's all that I can offer you.
To Third Party Candidates (and those inclined to vote for them): I get where you're coming from. I really do. And I feel like you have a real chance at building strength and becoming full on threats to occupy all offices and positions. But this isn't your time. Not for me. Maybe after the continuing implosion of the Republican Party, there will be more space for you to make a foothold. But for now, I feel my time and effort is better served supporting a candidate that deserves a chance to continue. Four years from now, though... who knows? Keep fighting for it.
To Everyone (voting or not, regardless of who you support): we need to grow up. I say we because this affects every single person in this country. Much like four years ago, we have faced some of the most divisive, underhanded, and downright deplorable tactics during this presidential election cycle. And while neither side is completely innocent, one side is more blatantly guilty than the other.
If you think there's a personal bias there, you're right. I am completely biased towards the truth, towards reason, and against playing towards people's base fears. That anyone in any party would try to do such a thing is disgusting, but there's a clear, simple reason why they continue to do it: on some level, it works.
Which brings us back to us. We, as a nation, as individuals and collectively as a people, have got to step up our diligence.
We have to stop hearing only the things that we want to hear; the things that make us feel better about ourselves. We have to stop acting like there are easy answers. Like there is someone out there that has some mysterious plan that is destined to work perfectly, and accept that there may be stumbles along the way.
We have to stop holding one person accountable for our status in life and look towards larger, fuller pictures. A president can help affect change, but he/she needs support. Not through some super majority that was an illusion to begin with, but through true, bipartisan efforts.
No one that has any vein of sense can say that the Republican party has done anything other than attempt to undermine the efforts of the President or Democrats these past four years. They said as much, in public and out loud, and a large group of people would celebrate the blind ignorance that sent the GOP against the public interest and against policies that they themselves endorsed before they opposed them. No one wins when we become so focused on winning that we're willing to destroy what we're intent on getting in order to do it.
But I'm not going to get into the heavy again. Again. No, I'm going to dial it back and say what I said four years ago. We are all people of fair reason and moderate conscience. Search your heart, focus your mind, and look through the lies to see the truth. Then vote with all of that in mind.
I can't tell you which way you should choose, but I can say that when it's all said and done, I believe that our President has done enough to warrant another four years in office. I also believe that his opponent has promised little aside from being "the other choice" and even then, the ideas that he does endorse are counter-productive to what would make this country thrive.
And like four years ago, I believe that Mr. Romney has had the worst possible supporting system and advisers during his campaign. I refuse to support anyone that uses them and their tactics, especially if might allow any of them access to some sort of office or Cabinet position.
So there it is. Way too rambley and probably ignored. But I felt like I needed to get it all off of my chest. Good luck, godspeed, and happy voting.
My Not So Subtle On Voting Issues
If you want to be that "certain type of person" that manipulates
facts or just outright lies to try and get your way during the campaign,
then that's fine. Okay, it isn't fine, but it's on us as a people and
an electorate to stay informed (self-informed, even) and expose lies.
But when it is time to vote, your time is done. The whistle has blown.
Your case is closed. Like the oh so many cooking shows on, it's
hands-up and no more working.
When I say that everyone should vote, I mean it. I mean that even the ignorant, the ill informed, and dare I say it, those who simply disagree with me should be allowed to vote. It is their duty, but more importantly it is their right.
Sorry if I get a little soapbox-y about it, but it means something to me. People fought and died, literally, so that people that look like me might have a chance to vote. So that all people could. It wasn't the beginning of that fight, and it likely won't be the end.
So it's not some game to manipulate an outcome when you do or say anything that might affect that right. It is a mockery of those people that put their lives on the line not so long ago. It is a mockery of the foundation upon which this country was founded. And beyond that, it is insidious and the lowest form of deceit. It is nothing short of treason. It is the very fundamental alteration of national politics and policies that certain people swear their opposition are trying to perform in office. And yet, it is the game they play.
Except it is not a game. It is not. It never was.
So go out and vote. Don't be dissuaded. Stay in line. Do your part. Speak your voice. Don't let those that would treat you as less than a person get away with it. Do... something. You have that right. You have that duty. And no one, try as they might, can take it away from you.
When I say that everyone should vote, I mean it. I mean that even the ignorant, the ill informed, and dare I say it, those who simply disagree with me should be allowed to vote. It is their duty, but more importantly it is their right.
Sorry if I get a little soapbox-y about it, but it means something to me. People fought and died, literally, so that people that look like me might have a chance to vote. So that all people could. It wasn't the beginning of that fight, and it likely won't be the end.
So it's not some game to manipulate an outcome when you do or say anything that might affect that right. It is a mockery of those people that put their lives on the line not so long ago. It is a mockery of the foundation upon which this country was founded. And beyond that, it is insidious and the lowest form of deceit. It is nothing short of treason. It is the very fundamental alteration of national politics and policies that certain people swear their opposition are trying to perform in office. And yet, it is the game they play.
Except it is not a game. It is not. It never was.
So go out and vote. Don't be dissuaded. Stay in line. Do your part. Speak your voice. Don't let those that would treat you as less than a person get away with it. Do... something. You have that right. You have that duty. And no one, try as they might, can take it away from you.
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