OKAY, I'm an idealist, I wake up optimistic

[panader0]

I have seen people change for the better, I have planted seeds and watered them and ate their fruit, I believe that even a smile or holding the door open for an elder makes things better. I know this is a rough and tumble world, much evil, I've seen bad shit, hell on earth, but I've seen people change for the better because of some idealists actions. Ken Kesey once told me how he stopped a bar fight by asking one of the tensed up guys "You want a piece of gum?" It broke the tension and the fight never started. It's really that easy. It's not hard, it's easy, it's natural to be nice, to be peaceful, to love. Hate is fear, fear and hate lead to death, love gives life. Give until it hurts. I can't claim to be Christian, or religious in any way, but to me, killing is the worst "sin". Killing takes away everything, worse therefore than stealing or lying.

[rzemanfl]

1. I wake up with an erection, it doesn't mean I'm getting laid later

in the day, or at my age, even in the week. Sorry for the nasty post, BushCo has made me permanently mean and foul-tempered.

[zippy890]

2. You knew Ken Kesey?

Nice sentiment in your post, I agree with you.

:toast:

[galileo3000]

3. I'm grateful to meet a fellow idealist.

The world is full of angry cynical people, and DU seems to have an abundant supply of them (including lots of conspiracy nut jobs who only want to sew more disbelief on the internet). I will not give in to the anger and fear that is so dominant in our culture because it only leads to over-reactionary (and violent) solutions. The problems we face require a calm, firm resolve. Your mind and heart are correct. Do not give them up. You are right.

I am of the opinion that the only way we can get to where we truly want to be is together with our more conservative brothers and sisters. We must prove that we are not a threat to them.

Please note, that so far my attempts to engage the conservatives has been as successful as my attempts to engage the more conservative elements of DU (the ones who are so quick to attack verbally). Peace will take time and with 6 billion on the planet (and more on the way) it may take a while. I figure I would start at home.

Best of luck to you in your quest.
- galileo

[mmonk]

4. I'm a realist that wished I was an idealist.

I wake up angry. Used to not be that way. I see no light on the horizon. I'm scared if I did, I couldn't possibly matter.

[Patsy Stone]

5. I wake up frightened

and I'm tired of it.

I do agree with the basic sentiment of the post, however: it's important to treat each other well, and try to avoid and prevent bad situations whenever possible.

I wish my idealism would glow, but for the past few years, it's been tamped down into a deep, burning ember.