Human nature

It was Benjamin Franklin who said: “If you want to be a success in life then learn about nature … human nature..” Sometimes I try to take Dr. Franklin up on his claim. I’m not sure why aberrant behavior garners such a great deal of interest. This is likely driven by an evolutionary need for understanding. It has been said that democracies die in the dark. It is for this reason I feel it necessary to illuminate and underscore the threat is Donald Trump.

Fortunately, I feel I have encountered very few people who’s only concern in life is themselves. Unfortunately, one such person is running for president. I would invite anyone who may disagree with this assessment to watch the Access Hollywood video and listen as the leader of the Republican Party explains how you can do anything you want to a woman as long as you’re famous. Even the most cursory analysis of this statement, one can only infer that this man has no regard for 50% of the world’s population. And if we are being honest, he could care less about the other 50%.

When I examine the likes of Charles Manson, Donald Trump and Jim Jones, I find these people a little fascinating. But, the fascination is exclusively limited to the sway and lure that these predators have over other people. Observing these asymmetrical unions makes me appreciate the fact I was likely born without a brain-wash receptor. As I watch the Republican Party and certain religious factions merge into one big conformed copy of their demigod, I can only offer a bleak assessment. This strange tripartite of fiction and contradiction can never be joined with any degree of viability, credibility or sustainability.

Earlier this year my friend, neighbor and World War II veteran Lee Howard, Sr., passed away. A few years back I spoke with Lee about how he became a participant in the Second World War. Lee told me he was a student at Stewart Indian School in Carson City, when they heard the news of the surprise attack on the Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor. Lee told me what they did was wrong and decided the best way to stand up to this injustice was to join the U.S. military. I will always be able to draw courage from his heroism. Rest easy friend. We have the watch from here.

Dylan Winfree Big Pine