Stacking Stones

The basis of moral principles is to have a real concern for the well-being of others and an appreciation of the oneness of humanity. Whether science or religion is constructive or destructive depends on our motivation and whether we are guided by moral principles. Dalai Lama.

Applaud us when we run, console us when we fall, cheer us when we recover. Edmund Burke.

This debate rests at the epicenter, the heart of the matter. Somewhere below the left atria, yet above the right ventricle, is where it all comes together. Oxygenated blood in, oxygenated blood out. Like data, the better the flow, the more credible the intel, the more accurate and objective, the better the chances of success. Truth, like blood, flows better when clean, filtered and reliable.

The issue popped up last night like a red flare. The subject was politics, and the mood, timing and audience was anything but ready and willing. Someone asked of my nephew (you already know him to be sharp, smart and cautious) of his opinion of the state-of-the-state, a question obviously as proxy for slam on the guy in charge. Even I was shocked and had to bite my tongue when he replied, tactfully, that he was 'neutral'.

Needles to say I prepared all night for this morning's lift session, where I would enjoy a one-on-one with the party sitting on neutral's fence. The attempt would, in the soul of my mind's eye, be like stacking stones on the beach.

I spoke of passion, both with Junior and in our 0845 indoor cycle session, offering my experience and emotions on the need for us all to summon the courage to choose one side or the other, and then give it all we have. Neutral is nothing. Nowhere. Neutral implies that you don't care OR won't take the time necessary to research, inquire or seek. It implies laziness and lack of commitment. No curiosity.

YOU DON'T CARE THAT WE ARE LOSING OUR DEMOCRACY AND GIVING OUR FREEDOMS TO A FASCIST CABAL OF KLEPTOCRATS?

YOU ARE NEUTRAL ABOUT THAT?

REALLY?

All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Edmund Burke.