Forward Unto Dawn

By Craig Petersen FPP contributor

Where am I? This isn't what I remembered. I was molded into a being by those who knew what was what. They made me idealistic. They gave me visions of a past that was scarred, smudged around the corners, but something that at its core was meant to be glorified -- Something that, despite its condition, was something to be proud of: they told me the future was shining, that there may come a day when we as mortal men and women may achieve earthly enlightenment. This future, one that is inexorable in nature, is one that would be to the benefit of all mankind. It is one in which all mankind would actively strive toward. But as I'm looking around today at what has unfolded, I can see only a present decimated by those who wish to live in meticulous absurdity in an effort to score those few extra points for their own sides. There has been no observable progress towards to betterment of humankind. From where I stand, it would appear that those groups who would pull humanity to a previous destination in time are far stronger than they should ever morally be.

There were days in our past that were bad, and there were days in our past that were good. It seems as though a polarizing effect has caused men and women to change their preconceptions of truth, morality, and ethics with reckless abandon. This particular fact holds no sway over me. However, it does bother me that some are allowing this change to jeopardize the enlightenment of others. There was a day when intelligence was idolized, when love for fellow man was preached to crowds, when acceptance of all people was said to be equivalent in importance to food or drink. Religion has always been a proponent of love, peace, and happiness; now, it is used as a weapon by those who would discriminate, judge, and diminish others. Mob mentalities have given courage to the weak man and allow him to speak heinously about their fellow humans. These attitudes and behaviors serve only to limit our potential as creatures of Earth.

What has become of the days when people dreamed that opposites came together at the table of brotherhood? What has become of the days when children could live in a world better than the one they were born into? The opinions, beliefs, morality, and ethics of my brethren in humanity mean no more to me that the dirt we walk on together towards our bright and prosperous future. However, if this is not a place you wish to travel to, then I would ask that you do not impede me or any of my brothers who has chosen to take a path that is different than your own. But all I have are words – not fists or weapons. This should represent something though. Words cannot bully, beat, or threaten; I use words because those who desire to move forward as a people should do so of their own will, not be forced by those with perceived strength. It should be a mutual agreement amongst all people. And those who would stand against us, I may only warn you of your futility, for you cannot stop us forever.

In these past few days, events occurred that confused and disturb me deeply. A man was elected to lead our nation who 70 years prior would never have dreamed it possible. This should be a moment of pride for those who not only agree with his politics, but those who disagree as well. Instead, people are flustered and submitting petitions to secede from the Union. You do not wish to partake in a push towards the advancement of our human cause? To those I say goodbye and good riddance. While even I may not agree with the man, he was chosen because others do agree with him. This is something that must be accepted.

So I ask all people, not as a liberal or democrat, not as a citizen of this state or this nation – I ask all people as a human being and a denizen of this Earth, do away with your petty squabbles. Embrace your brothers and sisters as fellow beings of existence and let us work together for a future held together by acceptance of dissident ideas, love for all people, and compassion regardless of belief. Only then will our world shine like it was always meant to.