RE: DIFFERENCES: We can have social transformation without assimilation. Anarchy is about freedoms. Progress on a large scale would evolve slowly. The more technology and science advance the more humans are naturally drawn towards atheism and anarchy. An anarchist society wouldn't force everyone else to be anarchists, they'd just want the right to be left alone to exist, which can't happen abruptly. Rudolf Steiner's philosophy on "Individualistic Anarchy" emphasizes how important individualism and self-awareness is for successful anarchy. Steiner was introverted and not super communal, but he still saw value in anarchy philosophy. Individualist Anarchists do not support the use of force. Force in itself is authoritarian. This is not to be confused with practical self-defense. Individualist anarchism promotes a society based on voluntary mutual aid and voluntary participation in a community. Primitive Anarchy even suggests success comes from going back to Indigenous tribes. Overpopulation, restrictive laws from the state, and religious indoctrination are obstacles. An Anarchist is a "Libertarian Socialist". Different than "authoritarian socialism." Not everyone agrees with anarchism, but people who do should be allowed to live how they please among a society of like-minded people instead of forced into capitalism.
BLINDSIDED: I saw you for the first time standing in line waiting for a couple guys to taste test every beer Lumberbeard Brewery had to offer. You, holding a 4 pack of tall dank beers. Me, wondering what NA options a brewery might have to offer. Thinking to myself, do I just start drinking again? I don't have a problem. She is beautiful and intriguing. I've done crazier things before. The beerista, "Sir?" Oh yeah, sorry, I guess I'll take the water. I turn around, she's gone forever. Email me?
MY BEAUTIFUL BOYFRIEND: That's what I used to tell you. We had a very passionate relationship, we were young and definitely very in love. That all came crashing down when my mom forbade me from being with you. I was devastated, I never was quite the same after that. Please know that I never stopped loving you, my life just became very difficult. I've seen you around the last couple of years. Sometimes you look at me like you want to talk, but you've only muttered an annoyed "hello." A lot has happened in the 25 years that I've known you. Just know I never gave up on you and still would like to be there for you. Whenever you're ready, I'll be around, no pressure. How's our pet spider?
WILD ROSES: Those beautiful Roses waiting for Spring have a secret, behind their vibrant petals hidden by their hardiness, is in fact an agronomist. Except for the truly wild Roses growing in the forest you once took vows in. But the harshness of reality is that even the rugged wild Rose may not prevail if the tower prophesied its destruction. What if the Rose is not strong enough this time, and who's to say the spring will be delivered in time to see the Roses bloom in abundance, two years straight of unfavorable weather has delayed such an event thus far. I'm sorry Blackroom boy but your Rose may just be done for. Besides you gave up on this Rose, left alone waiting in the cold under the full Moon.
THE BENEVOLENT BARRY: I went to Taco Bell on Monroe & Boone to get lunch for myself & a coworker. I thought I'd have enough money to cover everything on my debit card, but sadly I did not. Long story short, the brilliant human behind me named Barry paid for our lunches! The initial panic of trying to scramble more funds onto my debit card as fast as possible prevented me from acting more thrilled about this generosity. Thank you so much! This made my day, it is delightful to experience the unexpected kindness of a stranger! I may never see you again, Barry, to repay you, so I will pay it forward! Thank you so much!
BEST DONUT SHOP IN TOWN: Cheers to Donuts To Go on north Division. I rolled in on Sunday morning only to be told that all the donuts in the case were free because they did not meet the baker's standards. They wouldn't even accept a tip for my box of donuts — which all tasted perfect to me. This place has always been the gold standard for excellent donuts — but it is clear that the owners have quality standards, integrity and pride in their product. Many thanks!
HALLOWEEN HOOVER TRICK-OR-TREATING BY COMSTOCK PARK: You were dressed as a Hoover vacuum ("I'm sucking up candy!") The dog thought it was terrifying, but I thought it was the funniest costume of the night! Trying to navigate the front porch stairs was especially impressive, considering the cardboard box went down to your ankles. Kudos to your costume designer!
BEST. CROISSANT. EVER. The almond croissant from Madeline's just changed my life. It was a religious experience. Your pastry chef has magic powers... thank you for making my whole day.
KILTED KINDNESS: To the kilt-wearing greeter at the Shadle Walmart. Thank you for your kind words and graciousness. Every time I see you, you have a cheery smile on your face to match your awesome kilts! You never know how many people's hearts you touch or days you brighten!
MY FRIENDS: All these years we've stayed friends no matter what. We have the respect for each regardless of our thoughts and opinions. I value that so much and miss the times when things weren't so serious. We have never pushed anything on each other and never will. I love you all so much! Just missing the old days and will never forget. My friends.
NORTH SOUTH CORRIDOR: I laughed out loud when I read the jeer last week indicating that the north south corridor would soon have fences removed and the bridges would serve as economical housing. That just about sums up what Spokane has become. Is it any wonder that nearly 60% of those polled recently indicated Spokane was headed in the wrong direction and they had considered moving elsewhere? Even the "new" North South Corridor has graffiti on it from the scum who have nothing better to do than to deface property paid for by others. I guess when you live in a state that doesn't believe in holding people accountable, this is the end result. The slogan "Spokane doesn't suck" isn't accurate.
RE: "MAKING ABORTION ACCESSIBLE AGAIN" "I will never understand the left's obsession..." The left? It was the right's obsession for 50 YEARS. Anti-woman? No. Forcing women to have children without forcing fathers to support them is anti-woman and anti-child. "Thousands of childless couples would accept ... precious babies." 113K children (0-18 yrs, average is 8 yrs) (ccainstitute.org) are now available to adopt. Older children are abandoned to state care. In 2021, 9% aged out & are on their own, no support, no family. We adopted half brothers at 9 & 17 YEARS. The 9 y/o was "too old" for most, the 17 y/o unwanted. To be REALLY Pro-Life, there would not be an "older" child backlog. Women, unmarried, divorced, or abandoned, would be supported, not shamed, ignored, derided. The need for abortion would be greatly reduced. Anti-abortion as it stands is solely about controlling women's right to their bodies. This control is new: Until birth control, we had no medical or legal say. My mother had a medical abortion option (me) in 1957 but CHOSE not to. She HAD a choice. I respect her choice could have been different. My father later abandoned me. Did the state locate & make him pay child support? No. Homicide is a leading cause of death among pregnant women. 189 were killed in 2020. [nichd.nih.gov] Where's the outcry? Outlawing only makes abortion hazardous for women. In 1965 illegal abortion accounted for 17% of all deaths "attributed to pregnancy and childbirth." [Guttmacher.org] So, "understand" — Until pro-birthers become pro-lifers by supporting women economically & socially; adopting older children, ensuring paternal support, & birth control, recognize the emptiness of your position & that legal abortion is a horrible need. At least be honest. It's about control.
INFLATION MISINFORMATION: Jeers to all people and politicians blaming inflation on other politicians. The number one reason of the inflation we just survived was not anything to do with government. Did you see the news during Covid with the hundreds of ships sitting offshore, unable to unload? Covid and its repercussions caused the out-of-control inflation. Both the right and the left and the Fed helped Biden restore the economy. I'm sick and tired of blame NEVER being applied where it belongs. We also would have been out of the inflation sooner if greed hadn't shown its ugly self in the form of corporate price gouging. It's time to stop the massive lie. It's time to stop the division we have and hold the misinformation misers accountable for their lies.
FIRST DATE NIGHTMARE: Just some friendly dating advice: "Who would you rather eat in a sandwich: Moo Deng or Pesto the penguin?" is NOT a good ice-breaker question for a first date. Sincerely, a new vegetarian ♦