One thing that I have absolutely no use for...
...is apathy. I also have no use for ice skates and motorcycles, but that's a story for another time.
I don't think some people understand how much control we have on an individual basis regarding our own lives, especially in this country. Noam Chomsky recently called America the freest nation on the planet. That's right, with all of the privacy issues we've been facing since the inception of the Patriot Act, one of America's most hard ass critics thinks the people in this country still have the most freedom. I don't think the majority of people in this country fully understand that, and it's an across the aisle kind of thing. I see it here on DU all the time. Many people just don't seem to understand what they can do with their lives and don't even bother trying to do more than the bare minimum. Shelter, food, clothes? Check, check, check. Bring on the 60" LCD TV.
I understand some people are bound in some ways that don't allow them much personal freedom, but beyond the incarcerated I think they are a small minority. One example of that would be the severely mentally ill. When you can't think clearly and logically you don't have much free will. But, for most of us, our bodies and brains work just fine.
I saw an interesting sig line here the other day. It went something like this: "Occam's switchblade: If you don't know why someone is doing something, assume it's because they want to." Using that logic, most people are doing what they want to do with their freedom in this country. People are selfishly motivated first and are doing what they think is right for them. I think that's a good choice unless you're a messiah sent here by God or something- probably aren't too many of them. Charity is wonderful, but most people would agree that you have to take care of yourself and your family first.
That's why I have little tolerance for complaining unless one is doing something about it. If you complain endlessly but fail to take any action when you are able to, I'll assume it's because you really don't want to do anything about it. I've got no use for that. Do something.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Sometimes I feel apathetic when I have too many choices! Then it becomes difficult to choose.
Good to see you posting!
good to see you this evening
