by K. Russell

Created on: November 28, 2011

I honestly believe that the world is facing a crisis of integrity and self determination.

When scientists lie about the facts, when politicians flaunt their lawless behavior, and when teachers are punished for encouraging students to think beyond the status quo, our world is at serious risk of losing far more than economic stability. 

I believe that living with integrity and freedom, people are better able to nurture and benefit from their natural born gifts and talents. I believe people are born good….most of them, anyway. I believe that parents should discipline their children, fairly and humanely, to teach them to be honest and realistic. I believe teachers should earn a six-figure income and receive the status, respect, and honor they deserve. Without an education that teaches the value of integrity, effort, and stamina, our world will suffer far more than economic disaster. We will face the loss of a reason to live beyond the scrabbling greed of hungry animals.

I believe that greed and cruelty occur when people become ignorant of, or prevented from realizing, their natural skills and goodness. When human expression is thwarted, violence and neediness are quick to follow. I believe that Daniel Quinn was correct when he told us that there is no one right way for people to live. If people can respect the rights of others to live as they choose, far more people would attain their potential and the greed and neediness that cause problems in all levels of society would be reduced.

The current economic problems are indicative of the greed, shortsightedness, and unrealistic expectations common to the more childish side of humanity. In real life, earned rewards are gained through effort, sensible decision making, and the freedom to  act. The spoiled child demands, destroys, and throws tantrums when they are not given whatever they want, whether it is earned, good for them, or realistic.

I believe in liberty, the right to live your life as you see fit. I believe that the fire that burns me is mine. I am responsible for my life, my choices, my actions, and my dreams. According to Elbert Hubbard, "Responsibility is the price of freedom." By taking responsibility for our thoughts and actions, we maintain the integrity of our lives and can better protect our right to live as we choose. It also empowers us in fighting against the greed and deceptions of others.

I believe in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I believe politicians should face criminal charges for breaking the law. I believe there are too many laws. I believe that the American legal system is a disaster, full of compromise and payoffs. I believe that a free market economy, in which goods and services reflect the true cost of their production, is best for everyone, preventing unrealistic production, expectations, and pollution.

I believe overpopulation is our biggest natural disaster.

I believe YOU are lovable, playful, and creative and that you deserve all the happiness you are willing to accept.

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