My parents always supported me
practically, but never philosophically. I was told to go to church. I was told Jesus Christ would redeem my
eternal Soul for the sins committed by the inept earthly Body which gave it a
temporary home—as if ‘sin’ was something which would tarnish me—unless I
followed the Christian word!
Sensual pleasures were especially
taboo. It was a sin to indulge in earthly delights such as smoking cannabis,
drinking beer or bourbon, having sex before marriage, to become mushroomed. Although it was perfectly
acceptable to drink coffee, smoke cigarettes, watch TV, take prescription pills
(as long as you adhere to the prescribed
dose!). Doctors know best!
My parents don’t
smoke cigarettes. They aren’t guilty of the aforementioned hypocrisies like the
majority of those who call themselves Christian,
and it makes me wonder why they bunch themselves w/ the rest. Christian is a popular moniker, made
common by those who advocate it. Become aware, Christians, of those who adorn
your name, and calumniate its worth!
Today is Easter
Sunday. In the Christian Mythology, we are told that Christ rose today, after enduring
an excruciating crucifixion. He rolled away the stone from his grave and
ascended into Heaven. He promised the Key to the Kingdom to all those who
followed his word—of course they would have to wait until Judgment Day to enter
the gilded gates.
Christians are
called to convert those of us who are other
to their side, as if our very Soul is in jeopardy of eternal damnation! Hadn’t
we better focus on the life at-hand? Forget converting anybody to anything
other than Love and Enlightenment.
Mountaineers came
to Appalachia for solitude and freedom. We didn’t agree w/ the stuffy
strictures found in other parts of the early nation. We revered this land for
its abundance, its fertility. You could hunt for wild game, fish the clean emerald
rivers, forage for herbs roots and wild fruits—you had the freedom to choose
your route in life w/o someone dictating your direction for you. Our environment
provided sustenance. Of course, we had to put-in the hard work of building our
community—or we could choose to live miles from anyone at all. What happened? Coal
barons discovered how rich in minerals our land truly is, and established mining
operations to rape the land and control the people. At a point, our entire
livelihood was controlled by the coal company—the company had its own currency,
and that currency is the compensation you received for your work. While the mountain-strong people of Appalachia
were busy making money for the Coal Barons, decimating changes were occurring.
The rivers were being polluted by the mines. The land around the mines was the
scene of abomination. The wildlife who called the area home witnessed their
natural environment torn apart. The balance of the ecosystem depends on
wildlife. Humans think they are so superior to other species, but we are the
only species which destroys this earth which we inhabit. We need to forget
about what happens in the next life. Frankly, we need to live as if this is the
only life. Consider the possibility that there is nothing else. Perhaps there
is, perhaps there isn't. At this point in the evolution of life on earth, we
need to become aware of what we are doing, and take responsibility for our
actions.
It is not too
late to change and repair our world. We need to admit our mistakes. We should
be ashamed of them, but we cannot let an injury to our pride prevent us from
admitting what we are clearly doing wrong, and making changes to correct our
behavior. It is palpable to those of us
w/ eyes to see that coal is not clean, is not efficient, and is not even in the
ballpark of intelligence. It is, however, the way the Coal Barons stay rich. They
are willing to sabotage human evolution to gain more worldly currency. Ironically
enough, Coal is deeply intertwined w/ Christianity.
Beware: do not
just listen to me. Do your own
research. Be very careful of the sources you actually believe. You are the only
person who can discern truth for yourself. I have compulsion to write. It makes sense for
me. It comes naturally. I am not all-knowing. I do passionately care about
Appalachia, as it is my home, and want to spread awareness of the issues we
face. We have to unite. We have to resolve to fix our home. Progress will
become easier to accomplish if we forget about making money and gaining
converts. This life. This planet. One chance.
