Issue 53- "Pond Scum"

Words, Pics, Inks: H. P. Lail

As I have learned by reading the Alan Moore penned-issues of Swamp Thing, coupled with serious philosophical thinking, close-mindedness is one of human's most dangerous traits. It causes arguments, strife within families, and helps lead this world deeper into chaos, in general. We must learn to not only act, but we must learn to ponder why we do the things we do, or why we hold the views that we do. Is it the popular viewpoint, are you holding it to impress someone, or simply playing Devil's Advocate? Why we do what we do is one of the universe's greatest mysteries, but I don't think it is completely unsolvable. Perhaps it requires us to do something we humans are not comfortable with...look inside ourselves, and face who we truly are? Introspection, as it were. People don't have time for introspection these days...they are far too busy playing video games, gobbling down the latest Big Mac in order to make it back to work before lunch is over, staying locked indoors. Why are we so in love with seculsion that we seek to immerse ourselves in a world where we are the Alpha being? I used to see people walking outside all the time, tending to yards, or simply visiting. Now, people look at you strange if you knock on their door, although you have lived two houses down for twenty years. Just STOP. Look at yourself. Who are you? No, not what is your name. No, not what is your social security number. No, not what profession do you work in, but WHO ARE YOU!? What aspirations live inside of you that makes you unique in all of creation? We all bleed, and if you hold us under water we drown, but those are simple similarities. What makes you special? Think about that, and I want to thank Mr. Steve Bissette for giving me inspiration for my Journal tonight. I sent him a copy of the Bush picture that Sam's Mom sent me last night, and he responded this morning with this, in part:

"I never let politics flare
into personalized anger, though there's plenty to be
angry about. But I hope you will put a bit more
thought into the CONTEXT of these kinds of internet
campaigns (which is what the email you sent me is, a
campaign commercial) before sending them on to one and
all.

I have no doubt, nor have I ever doubted, that Bush
was capable of human warmth, feeling, and expression.
I am sure that, when the opportunities present
themselves, he is as kind and charitable a fellow on a
one-on-one level as any man might be.

Thus, I don't doubt the validity of this story.

But he and his administration have also subscribed to
placing this nation on a path I for one consider
destructive, reprehensible, and unjustifiable under
any circumstances."

Think about what he said...did he say, "I'm right, your wrong?" No, and that is why I greatly admire this fellow, because instead of responding like a jerk and simply telling me that the e-mail was stupid, he gave reasons for his opinion, (whether they be right or wrong) and he stated that it was his own opinion, and he would not force it down others throats. What he did is the thing that I do not see anymore in my fellow Americans...critical thinking. Any man can tell another that his opinion is simply wrong, but a critical thinker justifies his or her ideals with proof. I respectfully replied to Steve that his opinions did not match mine, but neither of us ever got threatening or tried to force our opinion on the other guy. I think if more people had the ability to think critically, then perhaps we wouldn't be at each others throats constantly, and the world would therefore become a much better place. G'night all...gotta go to work in the AM.

H