I, Nazgûl

I admit to being under the power of the ring. I am more aligned against the symbols which I oppose rather than those with which I agree. I applaud this discourse as a contemplation on what should/could be. However, where do we find “reasonable people”? Who are people who do not equate symbols with their personal interests and therefore their motivations? And while I academically contemplate my own associations as dominated by my self interests I see little hope in history or the present of experiencing an alternative behavior pattern.

I think there is world of difference between equating them as identities and associating them. There are beautiful symbols, narratives, and stories that can inspire us. I worked through some of my very similar thoughts to your own out loud in a piece from a couple years ago.

In the end, I think it is useful to think of the word reasonable in its very literal season: one who is able to reason or be reasoned with. If we aim to be one who reasons or may be reasoned with, the willingness and ability to question the symbols of identity as you are doing is often enough. Being able to isolate and internalize them as attachments but not identities is even more, I think.

You mean we aren’t supposed to pick a candidate based on a 30 second ad telling us why their opponent will end the world as we know it?! I needed the embedded link to The Battle of Evermore, which then had to be followed with Stairway to Heaven.

We are doing Election Night differently this year. My wife and I are hosting 3 of my closest friends (bonds formed as a bowling team) that span the political spectrum. Great bourbon will be sipped, everyone is reasonable and those with opposing views know how to listen. I am looking forward to the evening even if the path/direction it tilts the US towards is as clear as mud.

Bad News: I’m flying to Houston late tomorrow for my uncle’s funeral down in Brazoria County on Wednesday
Good News: I have secured a bottle of Russell’s Reserve 15 Year for my dad and I to sip after I land

Sorry the visit to the Houston area is for that reason. My condolences to you and your family. I’m sure your dad will appreciate both being there for him and the bourbon.

Yikes, I had two more possible Rings of Power flash into my brain while reading your note.

You had the Ring of Faith used and abortion as the example.
You had the Ring of Science used and climate change as the example.

The Ring of Woman might change all pronouns in the note to she/hers. Would the above discussions be perceived differently by some of either/both genders if that would occur? IMO yes.
The Ring of Man might say “enough of this crap, go team Red”.

Convenience, unfortunately, sells. Even with enough time the % of people who have the capacity to comprehend Rusty’s note is likely in the low single digits.

One person = one vote. A double edged sword.

It’s gonna be a helluva week most likely.

To your point Rob, a poll I read this week had the spread between non-college educated men supporting Trump and college educated women who favor him at 43%!

Love this, yin and yang! We must love and resist. Even ourselves as we see our own shadows.

At this point I am burned out on the election, having had to read a slew of notes on impacts of each candidate’s tax plans and energy plans. I just plan to binge watch a tv series tonight. Hopefully by this weekend we will know who the next president is.

Haha! Who forced you to do THAT? My sympathies….
A different strategy involves ignoring the majority of other’s opinions and doing a different kind of bingeing with friends - more similar to what Rusty and Patrick seem to be up to.
In most craziness, as long as one has awareness to potential dangers, there is an entertainment factor.
Go for it. Now. Next week might be different.
Dang - a live ET Connect of some sort on a night like this could be EPIC!