Battleground State

[Bill Floyd]

The state I'm in, it keeps me focused squarely on you.  The state I'm in doesn't allow for mirrors.

Too much, as they say, is at stake.

The state I'm in doesn't take into account that history is a constant series of "pivotal moments" or that the innovators of yesteryear now appear to us as quacks or that entitled people forever belittle others as entitled.

(Ever notice how it's always the worst drivers who are most furious at the way other people drive?)

This state I'm in, it precludes compromise, so I'll never have to be that strong.  

[Jamie Hogan]

Mike Handley...preach! No Facebook, no Twitter. 6S is the only social media I frequent. I don't have to pay attention to all these people who are just dying for attention, for someone to think they are smart or funny or anything besides...no, don't say it, it's too horrible...average.

And for the author, I've said before and I'll say it again - nobody does social commentary better, or smarter.

[bolton carley]

i despise politics.  and my world is full of entitlement.  i see kids at what i call "the air of entitlement" table.  in all things like this, i try to remember we must keep hope alive.

[Bill Floyd]

@Handley: That Groening is a fount of wisdom.  6S is about the only place I read comments.  The Onion's AV Club used to be one of my favorite websites, until the comments section convinced me that most of the readers are way too impressed with their own pseudo-intellectual faux cleverness, which typically amounts to "I hope you get raped by an gorilla with AIDS."  Seriously, that's a real and recurring comment.  

Said it before & I'll say it again: the problem with American culture right now is not the morons, but the people who are supposed to be smart.   

[Jeanette Cheezum]

Hang in there, Bill. Excuse me while I catch my breath.

[Ron. Lavalette]

Yeah, yeah, but ain't the leaves pretty this time of year?  La-dee-dah, La. Dee. Dah.

Pass the earplugs, please. 

[Mike Handley]

Very clever, Bill. This is one of your best, and the title KICKS ASS. Since I've now sworn off TV news, newspapers, and "unfollowed" two-thirds of my Facebook friends, I'm in a much better state these days. I know you'll appreciate this ditty from Roy Blount Jr. in the latest issue of Garden & Gun: He attributes the following statement to Matt Groening ... "Never read online comments, because about the fifth one down will make you hate all humans."

[Paul de Denus]

I might be looking at this wrong but I see this as a political piece especially from line 3.

[Teresa]

I just read a book on spousal abuse, the physical and/or verbal, emotional and psychological crushing/intimidation.  There is one primary characteristic all abusers have which is related to their deepest beliefs and values.  They don't lack anger management skills.  They don't lose control.  It isn't the alcohol or drugs that make them do what they do.  It's a lopsided sense of importance -- a sense of ENTITLEMENT.  That's the word repeated over and over again in the book.  Entitlement.  They control and bully because they feel superior, because they feel they have the right to control and bully.  They know what's better for you, your state.  They belittle because they already think you're small.  There are no mirrors because they're so sure of their superior image; they have it memorized, their unequivocal truths so shiny and static (they may quote the Bible, say the man/government should rule the home, that the wife/people should submit).  Your state sounds like some of the worst relationships.  Our country is full of them.  Unfortunately, there's no counseling or shelter for you and others.  The police won't come.  Your state has not committed any visible crime.  "Too much, as they say, is at stake."   What they're talking about is their own gains, power, big-bubble, red-white-blue wedding ring that says you're not only on state property, you are property.  This is the same power that tells you to have faith in the healthcare bill, to "vote now, see what's in it later."

 

You got me ranting.  I love your brain.   

[Brittany]

A horse with binders on, to hell with hindsight kind of feeling? I like to think that those people who have that passion in their bones, and feel with that amount of emotional vigor are lucky. It is a warriors spirit.

There is the extraordinary writer/poet in you that writes sentence six and that last thought…  It reminds me that the soul of a philosopher lives in you.

I hope the other side brings light or peace, maybe both.

[Gita]

The state you are in brings us some extraordinary writing. Whatever it is that will take six more weeks, use it for fodder, man. Use it and make it your bitch and write it for us.