Sunday, May 31, 2009

This and That

“As nightfall does not come at once, neither does oppression. In both instances, there’s a twilight where everything remains seemingly unchanged, and it is in such twilight that we all must be aware of change in the air, however slight, lest we become victims of the darkness.” Justice William O. Douglas
I posted this as my status on Facebook because I feel that we are in the twilight. While it is twilight, if you are aware, you can make plans for the darkness. You can buy lanterns and stack firewood and position supplies. If you languish about and take no action, you suddenly realize, "I can't see", panic sets in as you grope around trying to find light or sustanance. In this panic you may latch onto anything, not caring what freedoms you may give up, or moral compromises make. Make plans for the darkness! It is coming and the prepared will carry through to the other side with no regrets or remorse.
One of my Facebook friends responded by asking, "Is the oppression here, or is it coming?" This was my response.
"It's a matter of degrees...were they dropped into our time, our founding fathers would say the oppression is here. I fear that our grandchildren will say this was a time of great liberty."
We all hear people talking about the "Good Ole Days". There were good things about the past but our lives are so much easier than they were in the past. I fear that the "easy" has spawned the cultural and moral decay that we observe today. I long for Mayberry, sure it was a ficticious town in a made up show but there was a remarkable resembalance to the life I led growing up in Kentucky. Setting on the porch at Granny and Papaw's felt like Mayberry. Going to the feedstore with my Dad felt like Mayberry. Every now and then I get a whiff of it. You have to go far away and sit really still and listen really well to everything...but you can still get a subtle taste and know that it can still be found.
My wish for you, my family and friends, is that you prepare so that you can avoid oppression. Listen so you can hear the beautiful sounds of children laughing. Raise your nose and breath in the smell of freedom and liberty and lives well lived which provide our heritage. Look around and see all of the little things. This will get you through the darkness and into the light.
Once again, I'm Beef, and these are my tips!