An Open Letter, Plea to Mitt Romney

Dear Mr. Romney,

What a busy campaign season this has been for you, your family and your staff! Certainly this is one of the more vigorous primaries in recent times. The dust has settled and you have emerged as the likely candidate who will face off against our current leader in November. President Obama, though well-meaning and full of good intentions, has failed to even underscore the real problems facing this nation. Plaguing our descendants with unimaginable debt, we’ve robbed the future to serve a mediocre present. Additionally, years of reckless urban sprawl and irresponsible stewardship of environmental resources combined with our insatiable lust to live outside our means have left Americans emotionally and financially bankrupt. Afraid to face the music, we constantly blame shift and seek temporary relief measures to ease our misery. We need a firm hand to guide us back to reality and point us in a prosperous direction. Your proven track record in managing crises qualifies you to swiftly correct our monetary malpractice and set a business minded America on a successful trajectory.

Now that you’ve embarked on your clear path toward securing the presidency, I challenge you to consider fully embracing the title leader of the free world. One major component of being American is feeling secure in the promise of equal rights. Many prominent, developed nations still antagonize certain subsets of their population with no immediate hope for justice. While our nation has overcome much strife surrounding marginalized peoples (women, racial minorities, the disabled, etc.) we still largely ignore a significant body of our brothers and sisters. For decades now the plight of the American homosexual has been held under the microscope by newscasters, lawyers, judges, politicians, preachers and even presidents. Most recently one of your own talented, hard-working and experienced advisors was forced to abandon his post due to bullying by advocacy organizations proclaiming exclusion in the name of family. Yes gay activists have had their say but many of us have watched quietly as this nation attempts to reckon with a very real group of people it tried once tried to forget.

Conservatives in this country must be reminded of foundational principles that sharply condemn the actions of far right fringe groups. While passionately claiming liberty the far right seeks to supplant freedom by relegating to the sidelines those who do not adhere to their interpretation of biblical standards. Curiously these champions of a constitutional America would happily discard its values in favor of imposing their own. This behavior is no different from far left proponents who aim to destroy any hint of Christianity throughout society. These extreme fringe groups are waging unecessary, costly philosophical wars that ultimately benefit their own interests, casually disregarding the well-being of most citizens. Now is the time to disengage these special interest groups, looking instead to the richness of the US constitution which clearly provides for the freedom of equality for all.

Our government holds the keys to marital contracts which are the driving economic force behind much of our commerce. Furthermore, it is marriage that lawfully binds families together in safe, protective environments that encourage future reproduction. Regardless of religious or political beliefs, the argument that marriage provides for a more stable society suggests that it should be encouraged and offered to all citizens. American homosexuals are living together, creating families together. We pay taxes like all other citizens and we desperately want to participate and contribute to society. What better way to accomplish this than to make lasting vows to commit to preserving stable family life? Certainly Mr. Olson and Mr. Boies have articulated the finest arguments on this matter, and their unlikely partnership in this endeavor exemplifies the unity Americans so fiercely crave.

Mr. Romney, we are now at a crossroads that presents you with the unique opportunity of uniting this country like no other leader in the last fifty years. You sir, are a fine man who undoubtedly recognizes the value of each citizen regardless of race or creed. Many of my friends and colleagues vote the Democrat party line simply because they believe rich old white Republicans scoff at minority rights. Conversely, many of my Republican counterparts vote through a biblical litmus test that incidentally disqualifies you from their support due to your non-mainstream evangelical faith. Personally I like rich white men–at least those whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. They humbly support community charities, local churches and make smart business decisions that create jobs and boost the economy. Additionally, many of these men support equal rights for all, even if they personally disagree with one’s lifestyle or creed. Conservatives have the chance to finally show that they care for all the nation’s citizens and seek first to preserve the Constitution while making smart fiscal decisions. Above all, this party should be seen as the champion for liberty.

Imagine if you were to support gay marriage. Obviously this issue is precarious in the general election, but this country is long overdue for someone to take a stand and lead. You would be the only candidate with solid solutions unafraid to break from fringe interest groups. Countless voters who blindly support liberals would see you as an individual who loves Americans and wants to see all of them flourish. Your defense of constitutional rights would not interfere with your personal religious beliefs–they would coexist peacefully. Surely the far right (and left) would come after you, but they would do so regardless. You would be remembered as the one who finally reconciled America’s marginalized brothers and sisters into the safety of family. You would be the one who embraced a hurt people and breathed new life into a union so divided.

Perhaps my thoughts are a pipe dream of silly fantasy. Or perhaps they are a sobering tip of the iceberg of your leadership potential. Many will read this letter as nothing more than a verbose detachment from reality but thankfully such assessments do not stifle my dreams. Sir I plead that you enlarge your tent. Expand your vision to go beyond what you originally dreamed. Lead us to accept the notion that we can live in peace but still disagree; that we can step forward as one people even though we are many; that we can show the world we accept responsibility for our situation and are taking steps to correct it; that we will leave a better America to our children. Take this country to new levels of excellence and lead us into the future.

 

Sincerely, the hopeful.

The Awkward Co-worker

We’ve all experienced it. An obnoxious colleague who takes it upon himself (or in this case herself) to point out the obvious–especially details relating to one’s physical appearance. Daily this person abruptly approaches with a shrill “hi there” hurled in a needy tone. Desperately I want to be friendly and maintain excellent professional rapport for completely selfish corporate political reasons, but alas I am weary. One day it’s:

“there’s something in your hair–oh wait, no, it’s just silver. Wow you have gray hair!”

Other days the exchange relates to the sudden arrival of facial hair:

“I didn’t know you were going scruffy. Is that just from this week?”

My favorite surprise occurred in a meeting with multiple people:

“Your teeth look so white! Don’t bleach them too much or they’ll turn blue!”

Certainly she’s well-meaning and has not an ill feeling toward anyone. Unfortunately I’m boiling over with ill feelings due to the constant comments about my appearance. It’s uncomfortable! It’s just not done. I realize I’m far too English in matters of protocol but gentlemen and ladies should indefinitely withhold certain observations. There’s a reason when a woman asks “does this make me look fat” we men respond with a quick “of course not!” Lying and saying nothing are noble, decent endeavors when engaging in conversations surrounding appearance.

At this point, other co-workers visibly notice my disapproval by the scathing look I wear when presented with yet another scrutinizing sentence. Since my eyes are not conveying my inner anger perhaps it’s time for more drastic measures. God knows I know how to deliver a line with a serpent’s venom. I can turn a phrase. But then I’ll spend the next few weeks placating the poor souls enveloped in my terrifying wake. So for now I’ll have to bite my lip when greeted with:

“there’s something on your nose. Oh wait, it’s only dead skin” and ”wow your eyes are really red today!”

Back to the grind…

Here and Now

January arrived with no pomp and circumstance. Even this post is not arrived by some clever mechanism; simply delivered through my humble smartphone. Thieves left me to face a simpler life at the start of December and I must confess it’s most enjoyable.

Forced to reckon with my new habits I quickly developed a liking to a slower pace at home–if that was even possible for me (my pace is considered by some to be somber at best). So I’m content being among my thoughts and books at night. Pages with their musty smell still give great comfort. Silence due to the lack of music–no, that’s a lie. My smartphone contains a last precious copy of my favorite tunes. Backups are something I take seriously. Even now as I type on the tiny screen I’m listening to sounds of Sarah fill my heart with hope.

Nevertheless my dwelling is engulfed by a blanket of something less than was before. And that comforts me. Even so, my babble about such nostalgic nonsense is nothing more than an ill fated attempt to delay the inevitable. Just days from now I leave the home I’ve known for the better part of five years. So many memories. Happy, sad and those that go with you forever. My brother met his wife and started his beautiful family here. I came to know my honest self. Living here brought about that which could never been accomplished otherwise. What a whirlwind.

So in these final hours as I pack away my belongings and material indulgences, I think fondly of how my life was enriched in this place. More than I could have ever imagined. Friends, family and loved ones gathered here to celebrate their fellowship and gleam with the joy of being in each others’ presence. And I’m proud to count myself in their fine company.

Here I loved for the very first time. I loved myself. Being here made me unafraid to look at my naked self unabashedly and be grateful for who I am. Here I dreamed of romance. I yearned for the future. Here I experienced the pain of a broken heart. Tears have flowed freely under my roof and I am not ashamed. This place taught me to grow and be confident in my growth. Sad to say goodbye, I’m ever thankful for how number 126 has moved me.

Peace surrounds as the move approaches. Knowing that time has specifically called me forward, I will happily step into that future I so desired. But I will never forget how I became the man I am today. I will never let go of the times that wove my spirit into a dignified existence. My heart will always bask in the overwhelming feelings that were born in these last five years. Calmly and quietly I will step forward, and with great courage emboldened upon my soul.

Holiday Horror and a Hopeful Future

Throughout this fall season, my hand has been hesitant to say the least. So much has changed and yet nothing feels different. November urged me to write about hard times yet I did not know the definition of such until the Christmas season arrived. Not to diminish the bleakness of the last month, but ultimately my troubles amount to a mere ripple on the water. How I face the coming decisions, then, will affect how far and wide that ripple will spread. Though I’ve shed much of my former superstitious self, I still may yet believe that certain signs exist within the universe to direct our path in one way or another–guiding us that we might enter into a specific destiny, whether it be good or bad. However I’m not oblivious to the slight silliness and ridiculousness of attributing the circumstances of life to a greater design or purpose. Either way, I find myself recalling the words of the grey wizard of Middle Earth, following my nose to pursue a course where the air smells less foul. Events shape our outlook and we take steps to move toward peace.

Humans prove time and again their knack for hostility toward one another. Cruel bastards repeatedly broke into my home throughout the first week of December, causing utter disarray and chaos among the place which is supposed to make me feel safe. They crashed into my dwelling three times, each invasion causing more damage than the last. Finally, they relieved me of expensive electronics and other items, all of which are replaceable material things that do not define me. Perhaps the most disturbing part of these events is the imbalance of emotions that have flooded me daily for weeks on end. Sleep is something I’ve forgotten and my face shows the stress has taken a toll. Yes I’m moving on and I have a somewhat rational plan but a part of me will always be lost to this recent battle. A part of me will never be the sam.

One thing after another has plagued my home since the burglaries. Plumbing issues, faulty construction and a variety of home repairs have pressed me to list it on the market. Leaving always seemed like surrendering to me but I fear ignoring the recent signs will result in insurmountable catastrophe. Currently I still have my wits and I’m able to walk in a new direction with my head held high. I might not be so fortunate should I continue to fight to stay in a place for the sake of my pride.

All this has taught me that one of the only remaining constants in this unpredictable world is love. Experiencing hard times during a season which is charged with being full of joy, family and friends is exceptionally difficult. My heart breaks for those who lose loved ones during this time. For those who endure painful illness or hunger as they cannot afford to feed themselves or their families. These are real heartaches. My losses are not comparable to such tragedy. Nevertheless I know what it’s like to watch your life fall apart as those around you are deservedly trying to relax and enjoy the holidays. Lost and alone, it feels as though the world has abandoned you to your fate. Time keeps turning and you become stuck, paralyzed in shadow as everyone passes by. Darkness encroaches and you strain to keep your head above water, glimpsing frantically for the last fleck of light. And then it happens.

When all seems hopeless and the numbness of silence has set in, someone extends his hand, grasping yours in a reassuring grip. Pulling you close, he acknowledges your personal horror and the hell that’s surrounded you. Simply expressing sympathy for your plight lightens the once unbearable burden. Happiness, long departed, signals its location on the horizon. Wind carrying the air of hope brushes by and points your feet on a trajectory for hope and belief in good things to come. This journey is long and the way set out before me is daunting. But all is not lost. Love remains. Love endures. And life will be joyful once more.

Pillars of Light Across the Stars

Approaching the hillside there was a sea of people endowed with a certain fervor and anticipation for the wonder that had initially drawn them to that place. Spread out along the lushly green landscape, patrons took to lounging on their blankets and dispersed the contents of their picnic baskets–treasure chests of gourmet food and wine. As families and friends, strangers and acquaintances began to fellowship over food and drink, a palpable aura of commonality and togetherness quickly set in among the would be colony that gathered that day. Perhaps it was the soothing sweep of the cool breeze amidst the balmy weather that sealed a fate of perfection in the twilight, but it was a symphony of interwoven cosmic events that meticulously bound together men and women to each other and to the artistic expression of music shepherded by the paramount composer.

People took their seats throughout the expansive amphitheater gently nestled into the loving hills overlooking the city below. Nighttime crept upon us as the great Plough descended gracefully to its setting in the northern sky, coming to rest on the shoulders of the great concentric arches who faithfully broadcasted sights and sounds of the stage to every corner of the bowl. Then a great silence hushed the attentive crowd, beckoning that last deep breath before the plunge. With the word given the orchestral realm was revealed and the legendary man emerged. Hearkening back to the glory of the Olympians, the Maestro of the Movies stepped lively across the stage and ascended his rightful throne from which he would evoke his creation. Not a soul among us doubted his steady hand, and with a swift gesture all the heavens broke out in a song that was heard throughout the universe.

Refilling our wine glasses somewhere between the onset and midway point of the first set, we marveled at the precise tones moving like a great ocean, carrying our ship over vast open spaces to lands unexplored. Not a single note was allowed to roam free without purpose; our hearts were held captive by time and meter, crafted by the interpreter of galactic empires and the teller of jurassic tales. Surely a man of seventy-nine years was not at the helm, for the one before us was a fierce thirty and could slay a dragon with his bare hands. We were lost in a world that rekindled within us the nature of freedom. Clocks ceased to detain all of mankind and for those special moments the Milky Way itself knelt out of respect. The evening pressed on and we traveled through cinematic classics to blockbuster legends, discovering for ourselves how the music master unlocked emotions enticing the ear within a visual art.

Intermission was a welcome respite from such stimulation; listeners had to catch up with their amazement. Easing back into his familiar stride, the conductor reveled in his adoration for early western Americana. Surely we could feel the saddle beneath our bowed legs, rocking the body back and forth as the trusty steed marched onward. Safely arrived at the next stop on our journey, something almost indescribable happened. Quietly the flutes began to hint of a strange presence manifesting from the pit below. Strings plucked us from our pews and like mass in a majestic cathedral, one by one three foot candles of red, green and blue solemnly rose to mark the fresh movement. Reverent horns told of the saga surrounding a brother and sister from far far away. Hardly a creature was not counted in the company whose gaze was indefinitely stolen to the engulfing heroic panorama. Pillars of light multiplied until they were innumerable and the sheer awe was overwhelming.

Reaching a zenith in the melodramatic overture, once again the players launched us into the rejoicing anthem that originally earned the symphonist his acclaim. Overcome with splendor we watched longingly as the night drew nearer to its inevitable closing. Grateful for the voyage granted by our mellifluous captain, we would soon disband from that place and return to routine obligations. This enchanting evening was forever imprinted on our humanity, though, and would accompany us into the yet unknown. Tears could not satisfy the cost of passion I experienced on the excursion across the stars, but enlightened joy has nurtured me since. Someday in the not so distant future I shall return to the melodious palace and find myself soothed by ever endearing, breathtaking measures bestowed by the tuneful wizard’s wand. Until then I rest in appreciative contentment, delighting in hallowed memories indelibly embossed upon my soul.