This I Believe

There are several memes in our pop culture that exemplify my world view.  Don't misunderstand me.  I realize that some of these are works of fiction or exercises in commercial self promotion.  But if you look within, you'll find elements of truth that, on the one hand, hauntingly remind us of the dangerous direction this country is headed, and on the other hand offer us hope that individuals who remain true to their principles can effect positive change.  The film V for Vendetta is the story of one man's rebellion against an increasingly authoritarian society, and how he struggles to rally his countrymen to the cause of liberty.  Even if you've never seen the film, you may have an eerie feeling that you already know the story.  Many of us feel that we are living that story.  Another film, The Matrix, depicts a population oblivious to the realities of their environment.  The protagonist of the story is offered a choice.  Take the Blue Pill to remain comfortably ignorant of the true nature of the world around him.   Or take the Red Pill, and face the harsh reality.  Spoiler alert.  He chooses the Red Pill.  Well guess what.  I chose the Red Pill as well.  Unfortunately, many of my fellow citizens apparently chose the Blue Pill.  Do you ever feel that way?  If you do, you've come to the right place.  The problem is, once you've chosen the Red Pill, you can never go back.  And heaven knows, there are times you almost wish you could.  Conformity can be a powerful drug.  Life could be so much simpler if you'd just be willing to bend to the demands of the world and follow all the rules.  But some of us can't accept that.  Some people have always insisted on dancing to their own music.  Others have an almost religious epiphany.  Suddenly they realize that much of what they thought they knew is wrong.  Someone's been lying to them, and as they begin to grasp the truth,  they get mad.  Either way, you know that the world we live in is not always friendly to those with a streak of individualism and a desire for personal liberty.  They call you different.  They call you a trouble maker.  They call you crazy.  Well, here's to the crazy ones.  Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.  Be crazy with me.  But remember, all I'm offering is the truth.