Opinions

The Reality of the American and Russian Myths in America And the Environment That Sustains Them

Alyx Kaye

The relentless and escalating propaganda war that Washington has been zealously pursuing against Russia has placed increased emphasis on the undeniable and glaring fact that informed knowledge about world events is woefully lacking among the general public in America. This is nothing new of course, but as we move farther into this dangerous scenario the long-term implications are become ever more alarming. Washington does not want to see and in fact fears a strong and independent Russia, and the regrettable result could very well see Russia as our enemy once again. This is most unfortunate as it benefits no one in the long term, and as an American it is extremely dismaying to see this happen. Indeed, our government has set us on a very dangerous course, and it would be beneficial if more American citizens would recognize and challenge government and mainstream media rhetoric. The sad fact is that…

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Politics

Where Would You Like Your Conflict Served?

Alyx Kaye

Ever found yourself eating in a greasy diner – not because you want to – but because it’s the option at hand? The environment is unclean and the menu choices are not very appetizing or healthy. This presents a conflict between the need to eat and the desire to. But since it’s what’s available you cross your fingers, make a choice, and hope for the best. Sounds a lot like our presidential election this year, doesn’t it? Except there is much more at stake than just indigestion or food poisoning. So how to decide which poor choice to go with at the polls? It’s common practice for lies to be told and campaign promises to be broken, so other factors need to be considered. One important area is the potential for increased future conflict and war, and both candidates show signs of it. The difference between them is where it’s…

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Society

Childhood Lessons

Alyx Kaye

Remember experiencing those tough childhood lessons as we learned the rules of our society and how to function within it? Where we learned about acceptable behavior, and how to interact with others? Well those years formed the basis of our character and those lessons were meant to teach us how to survive as adults. As with most things, the old is eventually replaced with the new and the lessons have changed. However, these are timeless lessons that we need to reintegrate into the raising of our children. Their displacement has been nothing short of a disaster. So what are these childhood lessons that our societal system now rejects? They’re to be found in those watchwords of old such as respect, accountability, and responsibility. Children were taught to respect others and to work through their problems. Children were given responsibility and held accountable, and in the long run these lessons were…

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World

We the Audience Members

Alyx Kaye

  Being an audience member is fine when attending an event, such as a Shakespearean play. Attendance is optional, and if the performance is poor you can always leave before it’s over. You will not get your money back, but the experience is not going to have any long term effects on your life. It can be put behind you once you leave, and you don’t have to ever return to it. Being an audience member is not so fine when the performance is happening on the local, national, and world stage. Attendance is not optional, it’s mandatory. We cannot exit the theater because it’s all around us. We are reluctant audience members forced to witness poor performance after poor performance. Negative feedback is frowned upon, and disruptions can lead to retaliations. There is, after all, a huge divide between the performers and the audience, and much that separates the…

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World

Hard to Imagine Massive Change

Alyx Kaye

Massive, unsettling change – it’s hard to imagine it happening to our civilization isn’t it? We wake up every day with the expectation that our world will be as it was yesterday. Creatures of habit and routine, we depend on this for our sense of safety and stability. It’s hard to imagine waking up and finding that the world as we know it is no longer. Since it’s hard to imagine, it’s easy to deny the possibility, but that doesn’t mean that we should. The world is experiencing a period of transition. We are struggling to make sense of, and find solutions to numerous issues and problems. But we are attempting this with outmoded systems and mindsets that no longer produce effective results, only more of the same. It’s like the saying goes that “the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over expecting different results”. Take…

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Society

Contentious Social Issues

Alyx Kaye

Oh those troublesome social issues; what a true breeding ground of condemnations, hostility, and willful blind ignorance for the close-minded and self-righteous they are. People are always fighting to have laws, policies, and people put in place that reflect their positions, but the fact remains that they cannot change people at their core – much as they wish they could. Even if it were possible, I don’t think that would make them happy. Where would they direct their anger then? They would be lost without it and certain contentious social issues provide the perfect channel for such people. The two that fit the bill the best are abortion and homosexuality. These volatile issues are conditions that have been a part of the human experience forever and they aren’t going to go away. It doesn’t matter if you approve of them or not; they are a fact. Tremendous energy is wasted…

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Society

Commercial Bliss

Alyx Kaye

I have decided that in my next life I’m going to come back as characters in commercials. Why not? In commercials there is guaranteed happiness. I can have everything I’ve ever wanted, along with everything I never thought I wanted but have been convinced that I can’t live without. I will eagerly enter into the world of commercial bliss. I will have the perfect family. You will see us sitting down at the table savoring our preprocessed food with true enjoyment. No arguments or sad faces, only smiles and laughter. We will live in a perfect house in a picture perfect neighborhood with charming pets and neighbors. Our lawns will look fabulous as we cheerfully mow them on our brand new mowers. Be sure to notice our two shiny new luxury vehicles sitting in the driveway. My perfect house will be spotless because I will finally be able to truly…

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Society

Workplace Battles

Alyx Kaye

Every day, all across America, there is a battle in the workplace that makes for a difficult and stressful atmosphere for many. It’s an undeclared and largely ignored battle which comes complete with tactics, strategies, and propaganda. Power plays and drama are evident in the actions and attitudes of employees on one side, and employers and managers on the other. Long term consequences may be unintended yet they are harmful and clearly not thought out. You are lucky to find a workplace in which common sense and cooperation prevails on both sides, and some do manage this. However, most of the time this seems to not be the case. The two sides are working from different angles with different goals. There is little effort or concern with forming and maintaining productive relationships, at least other than superficially. This friction between the two sides can be found in all types of…

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Society

Minding Their Own Damn Business

Alyx Kaye

Whether from near or afar, people just cannot resist sticking their noses into other people’s business. It’s a constant bombardment of intrusive, rude, and indifferent people wanting to push their own agendas or beliefs. Self-righteous and judgmental people do it because they think it’s their right, others are after monetary or material gain, and some do it for the feeling of power it gives them. This leads to a tremendous amount of unnecessary stress. Whatever the reason, humanity would be a lot better off if people would worry about minding their own damn business instead of everyone else’s. However, it seems most people are unwilling or unable to do so. Many people who claim to be religious tend to be rigid in their thinking believing it’s their right and duty to tell others how they should behave, what they should believe, even what they should do and how they should…

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World

Trust is Lost and People are Moving

Alyx Kaye

It’s unmistakable that people worldwide are on the move and we are all at least witness to this, even if we aren’t all moving yet. Rising levels of discontent, disillusion, and alarm have brought about a process of awakening that has provided the push for this movement. Evidence of this is clear no matter what news is followed, and this movement takes many forms. Leaders of all types fear this as it threatens their sense of control and stability. These events should really come as no surprise to them. This is what happens when trust is lost. It causes people to move. Movement on the internet is extensive as people flock to express their loss of trust. It is here that people are moving words and expressing their ideas, opinions, personal experiences, and concerns. Social media, blogs, YouTube and other sites are common outlets. It’s also here where investigative journalists and…

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