Today's MOSTLY TRUE SHORT STORY: The Epiphany

While on one of my daily sojourners through town, I was approaching the local "Y" when I noticed a young couple heading towards me. They caught my eye immediately because they were, well, so different.

Walking arm in arm, I would estimate they were probably late teens, maybe 20. Even as I got closer, it was still hard to tell exactly. Everything about them defied the norm. Their over-all appearance made it even difficult to identify their gender. I the past, we may have called them asexual or, more accurately, androgynous. Today, I believe non-binary is preferred. Personally, I like the latest term. It implies more of a choice.

One was covered by a long, black coat. He/she had medium length, dark hair with blue high lights. His/her eyes were covered in dark makeup. If not for a rather youthful countenance, you might describe his/her appearance as goth.

The other had light hair, mostly blonde but with multi-color tips. In great contrast to the darkness of the other, she/he was wearing a brightly colored top, pleated skirt, and multi-colored long stockings.

They seemed in great spirits and were obviously enjoying each others company.  As I passed, I sensed that the dark one was aware of my interest and gave a slight, wry smile.

If they only knew the plethora of thoughts and emotion that were coursing through my brain!

At first, I felt a wave of standard judgment:

Why would someone want to look like that?

Were they lovers or just good friends?

What are their parents like? Are their parents embarrassed by them? 

Are they aware that people stare?

Do they care?

Should they care?

Then I had an epiphany.

I've always been good with live and let live. Ultimately - and the key word is ultimately - I get there. What you do in your time and space is your business and what I think has no bearing.

However, this was something more; I didn't just accept them. I liked that they were different. They were creative and having fun. They were defiant and enjoyed being that way. They were very much what they wanted to be.

I found it refreshing.

Really.

So, as I passed, I smiled, too - a good, genuine, feel good smile.

There's plenty of room for everyone.

Today's MOZEN: Say NO to Bullies!

There are some that mistake a bully for a tough guy (or woman).

But, bullies are not. In fact, the truth of the matter is quite the opposite.

Have you ever heard the slogan; when the going gets tough, the tough get going?

Yeah, well, bullies get going - right out the back door!

Sure, they can be intimidating. Intimidation is one of the most important weapons in their arsenal. However, when confronted by a situation that requires real courage, true sacrifice, and genuine tenacity, they fail.

Miserably.

Terribly.

Always.

That's why it's important to stand up to them. They are creatures that feed on fear. The more they perceive, the greater the sense of false courage they feel. It gives them license to be abusive. Therefore, you must always confront a bully; quickly and decisively.

I know that this is not always easy. Bullies often posses a physical make-up that gives them an appearance of strength. No one wants a potential beatdown! And, whereas as truly tough individual would use that as a positive attribute, i.e. protect the innocent, the bully uses ANY perceived superiority, particularly a physical one, to their best advantage.

They bluster.

They rage.

They threaten.

It's all about them and getting what they want, when they want it.

Unfortunately, these tactics can be effective. It's the reason WHY they use them - over and over again.

Therefore, it's SO important to confront a bully!

I'm no psychologist, but I do believe I have a good understanding of human nature. And, I believe that bullying behavior is a defense mechanism employed to hide deeply rooted insecurities. It almost seems to be inversely proportional: the deeper the sense of their own lack of value, the more the need to devalue others.

Look. I am not a physically imposing person. So, in that sense, I'm not that tough. As a kid, I was on the short end of virtually every confrontation I ever had. And, I had lots of them - because, at some point, I just wasn't taking ANY shit from anyone, particularly a bully.

Sure, I took some lumps - lots of them! And, like everyone I guess, I'd rather avoid getting the shit kicked out of me on a regular basis by some over-muscled troglodyte. However, from my experience I came to realize that if one doesn't step up to a bully at some point, the behavior will continue and you will be eternally shat upon. So, to my way of thinking, you might as well confront them sooner rather than later. Because, believe me, by their very nature, if a bully knows that you will ALWAYS fight back - no matter the consequence - they will stop. A bully's entire Raison d'etre is to take the path of least resistance. They are not interested in hard fought victories - only ones cheaply gained.

Well, not on my dime.

This post is not about one person. It's about a behavior - not politics. However, I can't help but think about the word bully without a image of former President Donald J. Trump firmly planted in my mind's eye. Forgive me for the hackneyed joke but, if you look up bully in the dictionary you will see a photo of him next to the definition.

Mr. Trump possess all the necessary traits of a classic bully: he's a large man, about 6'2" (6'5" with his hair) and over 270 lbs. He's loud and uses that volume to drown out the voices of others - literally. He has fame which he leverages to ultimately to his own advantage. If he perceives a weakness in ANYONE, rather than offer help he attacks without mercy. He doesn't want to just defeat you. He wants to destroy you.

Some, i.e. his followers, for some strange reason, interpret this behavior as strong or tough. It is neither. This is simply the Cult of Personality: he sells them an image and they are insecure enough in themselves to buy it.

He continues to sell his BIG LIE, i.e. the 2020 election was stolen from him, simply because in typical bully fashion, he cannot acknowledge THE FACT that he lost.

Typical.

That's not tough.

It's pathetic.

Give Me Another Beer!!!

Life is like drinking an icy cold beer on a blistering hot day after laying 20 miles of stinking, steaming asphalt -

You suck it down with reckless abandon, the excess pouring out of the sides of your mouth and dripping down your open shirt. You gulp it down so fast that it even hurts a bit.

But, you don't give a shit. You want it - now.

It's your Highway To The Danger Zone!!!

I ain't no stinkin' co-pilot.

I'm flyin' this plane.

Bad To The Bone.

Master of My Own Destiny.

It's win or go home.

And, I'm good with that.

Now, give me another beer!!!!

Today's MOZEN: The Written Word

It's been a while, my friends.

I've been derelict in my duties.

I have not posted any original writing in a couple of weeks now (some might say that I haven't posted anything original in a couple of years - if ever).

There have been a number of excuses.

Some of them legitimate - like, preparing for school and trying to help with the care of a 97 year-old mother.

Others, not so much - like, I don't give a shit (or worse, nobody gives a shit).

And, I need another bourbon.

Not that many quite noticed (more later). 

But, sooner or later, I will always come back to the written word - no matter what form it may take. Writing is both my addiction AND my salvation. Because such is life. And, the writer, the good writer, is the conduit to it.

Parker said it best: "I hate to write. I love having written."

Words are like old friends; they come and go but, in the end, they are always available when you need them. You may have to search a bit for them, but they're there.

So, here they are - here WE are. 

Together.

Even if just for a few moments.

We are connected - united.

In a way that is uniquely human.

With words.

Virtually ALL animals communicate in one form or another. Some may use a simple series of clicks or grunts. Others my be as sophisticated as dolphins and whales who use sonar and echo location as a means of communication. Or, mysterious, like insects who use smell!

However, ONLY humans communicate by a method that is both visual as well as audible - i.e., it is written/read AND spoken.

Yet, my numbers, i.e. the amount of people who actually read my shit is pitiful, at least my today's so-called Influencer standards. I'm not sure how to change that. Perhaps, I should give more tips on makeup or shoes. The Kardashian/Jenners get millions, I get 25 - not millions - VIEWS.

But, you know, it doesn't matter.

It ain't ZERO - and never has been been.

And, I feel better to just having done it. . . 

 

Today's MOZEN: The Horns of the Bull

The path to Enlightment  should not been seen as a straight, ascending line. Yes, it has peaks of euphoria. But, it also includes dips of painful revelation. I avoided using the word failure because these lapses should not be seen as such unless you do nothing to deal with the issues that created them in the first place. You must be mindful, i.e. have the awareness that these areas need attention. Then, you must actively work to improve upon them.

Often, at least for me, it's hard work to change these issues because they are against your very nature - that which seems to come to you naturally - without thinking.

My birth sign is Taurus. My lineage/culture is Sicilian. Although both are associated with many admirable qualities like loyalty, integrity, style and class, learning, persistence, and more, they contain others that are less desirable. These include willful pride, stubbornness, a fierce temper, frugality, and judgement.

Because I am mindful that ALL exists within me, I have laid the foundation to perpetuate more of the good stuff and less of the bad.

Two of the negative influences within my personality that I am working so hard to change are my temper and my judgement.

Being a Taurus and a Sicilian is like having the double-whammy for fierce temperaments. I take no shit from anyone - ever - especially if you attempt to bully me. Simply ain't going to work. And, if you try, you are going to get the horns - Big Time! My temper is fierce.

Now, this in and of itself is not necessarily always a bad thing. We need to stick up for ourselves, especially against those who wish to oppress us. We also need to defend others who may not be cable of defending themselves. However, I have to learn when to let go of my anger. Everyone, even those who love us, are bound to commit some personal transgression at one time or another. As I can be so quick to anger (too often), I need to let go of it just as rapidly.

And, I need to be less judgmental. I have always set the highest standards for myself. I expect to give my maximum effort into any endeavor. And, I expect the same from others. However, I need to not only understand but ACCEPT that others set goals for themselves and need only to meet THEIR standards and NOT mine! Different IS better.

This means increasingly my level of compassion for others. Compassion does not judge. It does not ask why is this so? It simply acts to do the right things for the right reasons.

I need to remember these these things.

I'm working on it.

Today's MOZEN: The Arc of Moral Justice - On the 20th Anniversary of 911

In a strange twist of fate, I was watching a program called "The Hunt for Osama bin Laden" on the eve of the 20th Anniversary of the attacks on 911. It told the inside story of the years of effort and the final push to locate and kill the mastermind of 911. Needless to say, it was riveting.

The combat group charged with executing the mission was the Navy's legendary Seal Team 6. These elite warriors trained for months for this very moment - they were inside his compound and the search was on. As they approached the 3rd floor, where bin Laden was reported to be hiding, they heard him say into a cell phone:

They've come from above!

He was shot to death by the Seals moments later.

Think about it. They've come from above.

Just as he unleased countless death from above, so death came for him - alone, in the dark, and at the hand of strangers.

The arc of arc of the moral universe is indeed long.*

*Theodore Parker

Today's MOZEN: WOMAN - USE YOUR POWER!!

 

A few years ago, after the election of Donald Trump, I got into a (mostly) friendly argument with a feminist friend. It seems that she took exception to the point that I was trying to make which was this; women bore more responsibility for his election than many would care to admit. Even though less educated white men were Mr. Trump's most ardent supporters, millions of women voted for him as well. Millions.

I tried to further my point by presenting the fact that my disappointment lay with the fact that WOMEN HAVE THE ULTIMATE POWER - they outnumber men in the general population AND they vote in greater numbers. The problem is, unlike the uneducated white men who elect misogynists like Donald Trump, they don't stick together and too often vote against their own best interests!

And, it happens all of the time.

Texas is the latest example.

As we are all aware, Texas, the 2nd largest State in the Country, just passed the most draconian anti-abortion law in the land. In essence, it removes a woman's right to choose. Unfortunately, the damage was further exacerbated by the US Supreme Court's (a Trumpian court) support of it.

Now, despite the fact the millions of women (men too, like me) are outraged by the decision, millions more support it. And, it goes further - millions of women voted for the people (mostly men) who sponsored and passed this awful legislation.

I'm sure I'll catch hell for this but I'm going to challenge you women once again: GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER and VOTE THESE SOB'S OUT.

Or, you will get what you pay (vote) for.

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CREATE CHANGE.

TAKE IT TO THE STREETS!!

DO IT - NOW!!!!!!

That is all . . . 

Today's MOZEN: Constant Companions

 

Words and Photo: F LoBuono

When I'm by myself I am never truly alone. My thoughts are my constant companions. And, as long as I rule them and they not me, all is well.

Today's MOZEN: GET VACCINATED!

 

For the brave souls who actually follow this blog with any regularity, you are aware that I don't shy away from controversy and good, spirited debate. Yes, my intention is, in fact, to stimulate hearty, healthy discourse - even if it gets heated. In my mind, this is how positive change may be implemented.

Still, many say that you can never change anyone's mind on Social Media but I'm not so sure that I totally agree with that. However, what I do know is that if you can't defend your POV with facts, reason, and logic, then you are just bloviating.

A prime example of such folly is the Vaccination Debate.

I italicized Debate to hi light the FACT that it's a misnomer.

THERE IS NO DEBATE!!

The science is clear - the vaccine works.

In fact, it works remarkably well.

Have some people still been infected? Yes. Have some people experienced serious side-effects? Yes. However, these cases have been in the EXTREME minority. The overwhelming amount of people have NOT experienced ANY of these issues and are helping to control, if not completely eradicate the virus, making the Risk/Reward equation very much within the Reward parameters. 100% efficacy is not realistic.

Those anti-vaxers will argue to the point that it's a matter of choice. Well, it is. No one will tie you down and MAKE you take the vaccine. It is YOUR choice. However, you should make that choice in the light of the clear science but you do so by not only putting yourself at serious risk, but jeopardizing the well-being of others.

If this is OK by you, so be it. I will not longer argue or debate with you. I will not waste any more breath. You're bloviating.

I wish you good luck and leave you with one last request -

STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME.

Today's MOZEN: When Will We Ever Learn

Within the debacle that Afghanistan has become there are many lessons to be learned. If we do not head them, we will continue to make the same mistakes over and over again. Those of us who lived through the Viet Nam era (which, by the way HAD produced similarly disastrous results) are particularly disturbed by this scenario.

Perhaps the lesson most important to grasp is that the American Way is not the Only Way. So-called Nation Building without a firm grasp on the culture and traditions of other peoples is doomed to failure, especially since so much of it is dripping with a false sense of patriotism. Make no mistake about it, like Viet Nam, so much of the conflict, pain and suffering - on both sides - are based on LIES - bald faced lies. And, it happens ALL of the time!

Why?

Well, in my mind, it's simple: FTM, i.e. Follow The Money. If you look at the profit margins of those who form The Military-Industrial Complex, i.e. those who build the war machines, you will find your answer: $$$$$. So, please stop believing that we send our sons and daughters thousands of miles to fight, bleed, and die for some  nebulous, altruistic ideal. If war was a business (which it actually IS), that would be called the sales pitch. And, the product produces handsome results for its investors.

Another salient point to be made is this: A dedicated, fanatical opponent can accomplish the seemingly impossible. This was verified in Viet Nam and again in Afghanistan. In Viet Nam, a seriously outnumbered and outgunned North Vietnamese resistance fought both the French and us with such consistent ferocity that our will to resist them was eventually broken. They were willing to risk EVERYTHING for their cause. We simply were not.

The same is true for Afghanistan. People questioned, "how could a relative few, mostly poorly equipped, rag-tag bunch of poorly educated fighters, i.e. The Taliban, overthrow an entire country, backed by the military might of the US and other nations in a matter of weeks if not days?"

Well, as with the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese army, the Taliban were willing to do anything (yes, even commit atrocities) in the name of their cause. They were willing to die AND kill for their vision of what they wanted their country to be! Obviously, the other Afghans did not believe strongly enough in what our vision was for them.

The government WE installed was woefully and willfully corrupt and the people were not willing to fight to save it. Once again, if you follow the $ you will find it to be the real root of the problem. It should be obvious to most, seemingly except for those who actually pay the bill, i.e. the soldiers: the Afghan government was motivated by greed - the Taliban by ideology. And, the result is clear.

What frustrates me most is that we keep making the same mistakes over and over again. Unfortunately, in my lifetime alone we have experienced the same disastrous scenario on multiple occasions including not only in Viet Nam but Somalia, Iraq, and other countries in every corner of the globe. When I think of it, my mind drifts to these lines from Pete Seeger's seminal antiwar song, Where Have All The Flowers Gone:

Where have all the soldiers gone, long time passing?

Where have all the soldiers gone, long time ago?

Where have all the soldiers gone?

Gone to graveyards everyone

Oh, when will they ever learn?

Oh, when will they ever learn?

Oh, when WE ever learn???