Commentary-Lets Talk

Our survival. Do you really want to survive?

The following is a commentary I first wrote in 2014, but it seems to be more relevant with the passage of time. This commentary was published in the La Vernia News on January 12, 2017 and in the San Antonio Express and News on January 15, 2017.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/commentary/article/Do-we-really-want-to-survive-10856793.php

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The wonderful beauty of democracy is that it subscribes to the notion, perhaps even a truth, that each and every human being is an integral part of the survival of the world. Therefore, it is of critical importance to each individual in protecting the right to life-to survive in peace and harmony, liberty - the right to choose how to live their lives as long as it does not infringe on another's chosen path, and the right to pursue their chose of how to be happy, again without wrongfully causing someone else's unhappiness. If we are able to achieve this, survival will take care of itself.

With such freedoms it be hooves the world to strive to determine how to protect them. Obviously, if we truly believe that each and every individual is capable of managing their own lives without external interference, then we must recognize that another’s opinion is an invaluable element of our overall survival, no less then our own. This means that we should listen first and decide for ourselves whether that opinion or suggested solution will be an important factor for our own survival. If you think about it, this applies to anything in our daily lives-not just our survival.

In other words, humanity’s overall survival is critically dependent on each of us - we are intrinsically tied together whether we like it or not. So, do we really want to survive? If the answer is yes, then we must listen and act accordingly.

Since we are free to disagree, it should become clear that there must be multiple ways to deal with our problems. Consequently, it doesn't make sense for anyone to attempt to destroy another or their agenda simply on the belief that there is only one solution. It is especially senseless when those who attempt to destroy or disrupt peace and harmony are doing so solely with the notion of their own supremacy. We then call this evil - by definition.

Essentially, if we are to survive as a species, and many have not, humanity must come together to work through problems we face everyday. And more importantly, to master the task of reconciling the differences of opinion that divide us. Incidentally, at the very beginning, that is exactly what we had to do in order to survive, and our DNA is still telling us so.

Unfortunately, we have turned those very survival techniques against ourselves. Today this perversion is permeating everything, not just the obvious, but also in our neighborhoods, our work places, our sporting events, even our local and national governments. We are beginning to lose those very traits that supported our ability to survive in the past. We now call this the ‘survival of the fittest.’ Without a doubt it is a rationale of those already having the means for the short-term survival. It does not guarantee the long-term survival of the planet.

Is it too late? No, It is not too late; it's never too late to come together for ultimate survival, even if it is painful. But we must listen first, and then act, regardless if it means using a combination of solutions, not necessarily to appease, but rather if it is the correct solution.

This is the answer! What is the right thing to do for the people is the correct answer in order to protect Life, Liberty and the right to pursue happiness for all. Now, intelligent people, and we believe we are, should be able to discern what is the right thing to do.

Harry J. Perez

Harry, from San Antonio, Texas is a technical writer by profession, and along with his wife Linda Kaye is also a freelance travel and aviation Journalist. Together Harry and Linda share a passion for traveling and writing, and discovering the very best in all corners of the world. 

Just think for a moment, and ask yourself, how do I want to be treated? How do I expect to be treated? Then, that is exactly what everyone else expects as well. To deal with the established truth of individual freedoms otherwise, goes against our moral dictum. In the past numinous civilizations have come and gone simply because they failed to recognize the concept that they could self impose their own demise. Is our destiny to be the same?



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What do we really know?

   Look all around you, and what do you see? Chaos!! Everywhere, you see things falling apart, roads, bridges, and the whole of the world’s infrastructure including societal behavior crumbling before your very eyes.

      Why is that? Well, when we intentionally take a human life, or choose not to help our neighbor, we are setting into motion a series of happenings that we will not be able to control, and will in turn place us in jeopardy in our very survival.

        The first thing that we will see occurring is the loss of civility in our social behavior. Then this will lead to unrest and violence. As we lose control, it will predispose us to more complicated disorder; decease, famine, distrust, panic and finally the loss of purpose-demise will quickly follow.

      Perhaps the simple answer is too simple, and therefore we cannot grasp the true meaning of it all, Life itself. Do we really know and understand what it is?  Is it that we really don’t believe in life after all?  Do we live in a delusional world where the only thing that truly exists is YOU?

       Apparently it has been easier not to deal with it – generally this is what happens with a society that loses its way, and it’s moral compass. History has shown that those civilizations reaching this point are basically on the down side of their existence and do not recognize that they are creating their own demise (i.e. the Egyptian Empire, the Greek Empire, the Roman Empire, just to name a few). Doesn’t it seem that today everything is going to hell in a hand basket, as the old expression goes?

       Lots of questions, but do we have answers?

      My thought is that the answer to all our troubles in this world is very simple; if your about to do something for or against your neighbor, and you would not want that done to you, then you will know that it is wrong-and maybe it’s illegal or should be!

      Then You Will Know, you will then understand WHY. You may now ask, how do we fix it? The answer is so simple that you’ll want to kick your self when you hear it.

       Ask yourself how do I want to be treated? Exactly-treat your neighbor the same.  Maybe smile once and awhile. When your neighbor sees that, he/she will return the favor. Before you know it, the world will come back under control, and you helped make it so. SEE - SIMPLE!

       Right? Is my naivety showing? Well, it has to start somewhere, and YOU will be surprised! 

 Harry J. Perez, San Antonio, Texas

4-22- 2021


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Who or what am I?

 I once was tattered and frayed.

I was  always, lonely and afraid, because no one had prayed.

 But now I am bold and bright,

Yet the world is still not right.

 And even though the red and blue still fight,

There still may be someone, who can make it right.

 How long must I wait in my plight.

Hurry, you who are waiting in the wings, for I will not last must longer, in my fright.

 Here, I stand at attention, all dressed up in red, white and blue.

And once again you seem to have no clue.

 Listen carefully I don’t have much time.

For I am running, out of rhyme.

 All I can do now, is wave in the breeze.

However, you now must stand up for what is right, without the need to appease.

 But please, don’t let me once again get tattered and frayed, and without great 

pain

Lets all come together, and create a new goal to attain.

 You really already know who and what I am

So, please do what you can.

 With your help I may reach for the stars,

But I won’t again leave any scars!

 

Will you?


Harry J. Perez, posted 1- 5- 2015

 

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To Speak or Not to Speak 

We live in a country that extends the privilege to everyone the freedom of speech and expression, all within the framework of the law. What is said may be wrong, maybe even immoral, yet everyone has the right to speak his or her mind, express opinions, suggest ideas, without the fear of reprisal.

None of us have the right to judge or prejudge those who may speak out or behave badly without due process.  If a grievance results from such behavior, then resolution should be reached through a proper process and not by retaliation through intimating or terrorizing and certainly not by blackmail. These tactics are dead wrong even by simple human standards, and perhaps illegal in most civilized societies. Those who perpetrate such acts are no better then those they accuse, maybe even worse.

Obviously, intelligent people can easily see through smoke screens created in the attempt to sell a bad idea, or to cover up a mischievous deed. But nonetheless, Human that we are, these things will occur. And those that are not able to see through the smoke screens should be helped by those who can. What we really should be focusing our attention on, is what is right with the world and strive with all our might to replicate it, nurture its source, and do so with dignity.

Now, you may say that this is naive, but if we truly want peace in the world, then we should sincerely promote it, while at the same time enforcing the laws, principles and beliefs that rational Human Beings know will protect us all. In other words, “speak softly, and carry a big stick,” and do it out front where everyone can see you.

Harry J. Perez, posted here 12-17-14

 

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Do you really want to survive?

The wonderful beauty of democracy is that it subscribes to the notion, perhaps even a truth, that each and every human being is an integral part of the survival of the world. Therefore, it is of critical importance to each individual in protecting the right to life-to survive in peace and harmony, liberty - the right to choose how to live their lives as long as it does not infringe on another's chosen path, and the right to pursue their chose of how to be happy, again without wrongfully causing someone else's unhappiness. If we are able to achieve this, survival will take care of itself.

With such freedoms it be hooves the world to strive to determine how to protect them. Obviously, if we truly believe that each and every individual is capable of managing their own lives without external interference, then we must recognize that another’s opinion is an invaluable element of our overall survival, no less then our own. This means that we should listen first and decide for ourselves whether that opinion or suggested solution will be an important factor for our own survival. If you think about it, this applies to anything in our daily lives-not just our survival.

In other words, humanity’s overall survival is critically dependent on each of us - we are intrinsically tied together whether we like it or not. So, do we really want to survive? If the answer is yes, then we must listen and act accordingly.

Since we are free to disagree, it should become clear that there must be multiple ways to deal with our problems. Consequently, it doesn't make sense for anyone to attempt to destroy another or their agenda simply on the belief that there is only one solution. It is especially senseless when those who attempt to destroy or disrupt peace and harmony are doing so solely with the notion of their own supremacy. We then call this evil - by definition.

Essentially, if we are to survive as a species, and many have not, humanity must come together to work through problems we face everyday. And more importantly, to master the task of reconciling the differences of opinion that divide us. Incidentally, at the very beginning, that is exactly what we had to do in order to survive, and our DNA is still telling us so.

Unfortunately, we have turned those very survival techniques against ourselves. Today this perversion is permeating everything, not just the obvious, but also in our neighborhoods, our work places, our sporting events, even our local and national governments. We are beginning to lose those very traits that supported our ability to survive in the past. We now call this the ‘survival of the fittest.’ Without doubt it is a rationale of those already having the means for the short-term survival. It does not guarantee the long-term survival of the planet.

Is it too late? No, It is not too late; it's never too late to come together for ultimate survival, even if it is painful. But we must listen first, and then act, regardless if it means using a combination of solutions, not necessarily to appease, but rather if it is the correct solution.

This is the answer! What is the right thing to do for the people is the correct answer in order to protect Life, Liberty and the right to pursue happiness for all. Now, intelligent people, and we believe we are, should be able to discern what is the right thing to do.

Just think for a moment, and ask your self, how do I want to be treated? How do I expect to be treated? Then, that is exactly what everyone else expects as well. To deal with the established truth of individual freedoms otherwise, goes against our moral dictum. In the past numinous civilizations have come and gone simply because they failed to recognize the concept that they could self impose their own demise. Is our destiny to be the same?

 

Harry J. Perez, posted here 10-29-14


Survival of life at any cost, is survival without a cause, and therefore not worth living if the spirit is lost in the process.

 Harry J. Perez


Look at America the Beautiful


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A Flag

As I pass by your home I see that your display of our Great American Flag still means something, for your flag, as tattered and frayed as it is today, continues to wave, as it once did at a place described in our national anthem.

I am so proud to see it, that no matter the reason that you fly the flag, it continues to symbolize what we collectively have in the freedoms we share-the freedom of expression.

I am here today to present you with a new flag; please accept this new flag in honor of a Veteran (alive or deceased) that may have once lived just a short distance down the road. It is their flag just as much as it is yours and mine. And if he or she could be here with me now, they would offer it themselves.

Fly it proudly, for without it, we all would be the poorer in health, with little to no freedoms, and with no way to be truly happy.

When I speak of Veterans, I really mean all Veterans of every conflict in life, not just War!

If for whatever reason you choose not to accept this token of national unity, please pass it on to someone who will.

A Fellow Citizen

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 Finally!

        It has been a heck of a year so far, a nightmare to say the least, considering the crisis we found ourselves in this year. I am sadden to hear that after all that pain, and to Finally get somewhat of a resolution, that those supposed statesmen and women in Washington still wanted to cling to the notion that one individual or one party won over the other. It should never have been an issue of who would blink first or whether the Republicans or Democrats would win the struggle. It always has been or should have been about whether the American People would win; to achieve a workable plan whereby not just a few Americans benefit, but that every American benefits. We dearly want to hope that the system, the national process, a government of the People, by the People and for the People can really work. That would be how ever American can benefit. Remember these guys in Washington work for us, not the other way around. O, excuse me, these States Persons!

       I am glad to see that FINALLY someone winked (not blinked), arming us with an endearment and raising a sense of real hope. Maybe now, We the People can look to the future and just maybe we can restore faith in ourselves.  There is still a lot of work to do in achieving an optimum level of success.  But this will only happen if those in Washington listen. 

       You know what sadden me even more, is that I originally wrote this essay on August the 8th of 2011 and with only a few modifications the words remain the same- December 2013.

         Harry J. Perez, posted here December 20, 2013


Now it's your turn!

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What is Right?

 

    The rioters that are continuing to riot are actually doing the citizens of Ferguson, Missouri a grave disservice. They are behaving like spoiled little children that have not yet reached the age of reason. For if they could see who they are really hurting, they would come to understand that the very fabric of that community is what being affected. By destroying the infrastructure of the community, those who live there will be inconvenienced. The shop owners/operators are losing their sustenance-their livelihood, not to mention the cost to regain that livelihood. The cost to restore order-who will bare that? The taxpayers will, of course.

     If those who have come to supposedly support the community and secure justice in an un-peaceful way, would really look down deep into their own souls, they should either come to recognize the folly in their deeds, or acknowledge the true nature of their purpose, and it is not true justice. This is the real danger in our society.

     Instead of complaining about what others say or do, we should go clean up the some one else’s trash, and chill out. Instead of turning away when trouble looms, turn the other cheek and be humble. Instead of rioting and destroying harmony, clean up behind the rioters and restore the peace, for anarchy leads to nowhere. Instead of cursing the dark, why not light up some ones life. We will be surprised how bright our own lives will become.

Above all, we Americans should look at what is right in our land and give thanks for what we do have, many in this world do not.

Posted 8-19-2014, Harry J. Perez


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   © Harry Perez 2012