Although it’s out of character for me to really speak my mind in this way, I felt compelled to write this blog entry (or long rant). Please keep in mind this is my opinion, and if you have any comments feel free to e-mail me.
Today marks the 12th anniversary of the tragic event that unfolded on what seemed like any other morning. We all remember it too clearly and may wish to forget, but we should always remember that life is fragile and everything can change in an instant. I for one, find it difficult to not express rage and frustration when thinking about the impact these individuals have on the world.
Our involvement in Syria and Benghazi are just proof we haven’t learned our lesson. We absolutely should not support either the rebels or the Syrian government, but instead help the innocent civilians, non-muslims who are persecuted for not submitting. If we are to arm anyone or take any action, it should be to support those willing to fight back against the jihadists. It is terrible that chemical weapons were possibly used on civilians, but we should keep in mind that over 100,000 were killed before that and the rest of the world didn’t react. It seems that those in power aren’t willing to stand up against radical islam, and rather support them.
Many seem to intentionally remain oblivious to the fact that the world is in turmoil and trust that the government has the people’s best interests in mind. I couldn’t honestly say this surprises me, as I prefer to focus on the positive in life through my art painting peaceful landscapes and trying to infuse my art with love. However I believe it is counterproductive for society to ignore what is really going on in the world, brushing it off as something out of our control. I think we can make a difference.
There are many tributes to those who died on 9/11, and in events ever since. I would like to ask anyone reading this to join in another tribute to all that has made America great. It would be a tribute where we can all take part as individuals to become stronger in the face of those who intend to destroy us. I propose to “fundamentally transform America” into a country where we put aside our differences and help one another through difficult situations. We should stand up for good and work together against evil. Instead of bashing others for their difference in belief, or for having faith at all we should measure objectively and support those who make the world a better place. We should elect people who will stand up for the people, fix things at home and not see the Constitution as an obstruction of their agenda. We should avoid identifying with restrictive labels, because they seem to be used as divisive tools anymore. Most people cannot think for themselves outside of the bias of their “party” and will freely throw around terms that degrade those who oppose them. In order to do this we need to be honest and promote morals, call out when we see detrimental behavior and appreciate good values instead. If we can accomplish this, in time things will turn around and we can succeed as the great country America has the potential to be once again.
Like I said, as an artist I tend to focus on positive subject matter with very few exceptions. I am tempted to revisit an idea, or play on a theme I worked on years ago in paintings about current events which were dark and depressing. If I knew for certain that paintings like those would somehow prevent horrible events or bring about some positive change I would get to work on them in a heartbeat. I am also aware that anything politically charged can turn people off and the message most likely will not get through to those who need it most. In the future don’t be surprised to see artwork that is commentary on current events or societal issues that are concerning, but for the most part I hope to have positive contributions in the form of soothing landscapes and portraiture. If you would like to see a painting regarding a specific event or topic, please feel free to contact me and I will work with you. In the meantime please keep in your prayers all those who were involved in past, present, and future tragedies, and do whatever you can individually to make the world a better place.
Today marks the 12th anniversary of the tragic event that unfolded on what seemed like any other morning. We all remember it too clearly and may wish to forget, but we should always remember that life is fragile and everything can change in an instant. I for one, find it difficult to not express rage and frustration when thinking about the impact these individuals have on the world.
Our involvement in Syria and Benghazi are just proof we haven’t learned our lesson. We absolutely should not support either the rebels or the Syrian government, but instead help the innocent civilians, non-muslims who are persecuted for not submitting. If we are to arm anyone or take any action, it should be to support those willing to fight back against the jihadists. It is terrible that chemical weapons were possibly used on civilians, but we should keep in mind that over 100,000 were killed before that and the rest of the world didn’t react. It seems that those in power aren’t willing to stand up against radical islam, and rather support them.
Many seem to intentionally remain oblivious to the fact that the world is in turmoil and trust that the government has the people’s best interests in mind. I couldn’t honestly say this surprises me, as I prefer to focus on the positive in life through my art painting peaceful landscapes and trying to infuse my art with love. However I believe it is counterproductive for society to ignore what is really going on in the world, brushing it off as something out of our control. I think we can make a difference.
There are many tributes to those who died on 9/11, and in events ever since. I would like to ask anyone reading this to join in another tribute to all that has made America great. It would be a tribute where we can all take part as individuals to become stronger in the face of those who intend to destroy us. I propose to “fundamentally transform America” into a country where we put aside our differences and help one another through difficult situations. We should stand up for good and work together against evil. Instead of bashing others for their difference in belief, or for having faith at all we should measure objectively and support those who make the world a better place. We should elect people who will stand up for the people, fix things at home and not see the Constitution as an obstruction of their agenda. We should avoid identifying with restrictive labels, because they seem to be used as divisive tools anymore. Most people cannot think for themselves outside of the bias of their “party” and will freely throw around terms that degrade those who oppose them. In order to do this we need to be honest and promote morals, call out when we see detrimental behavior and appreciate good values instead. If we can accomplish this, in time things will turn around and we can succeed as the great country America has the potential to be once again.
Like I said, as an artist I tend to focus on positive subject matter with very few exceptions. I am tempted to revisit an idea, or play on a theme I worked on years ago in paintings about current events which were dark and depressing. If I knew for certain that paintings like those would somehow prevent horrible events or bring about some positive change I would get to work on them in a heartbeat. I am also aware that anything politically charged can turn people off and the message most likely will not get through to those who need it most. In the future don’t be surprised to see artwork that is commentary on current events or societal issues that are concerning, but for the most part I hope to have positive contributions in the form of soothing landscapes and portraiture. If you would like to see a painting regarding a specific event or topic, please feel free to contact me and I will work with you. In the meantime please keep in your prayers all those who were involved in past, present, and future tragedies, and do whatever you can individually to make the world a better place.