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This is a rant. I was going to lock it friends only, but on reflection I think I'll leave it public.
I combine two unfortunate traits which are not well respected in our society: honesty and strong opinions.
The former deprives me of the luxury of social lies. I can either tell the truth, perhaps at one level's remove but without intention of deception, or I can remain silent, or I can mouth platitudes. I find it necessary to do this last at work often, so I am disgusted at the thought in other parts of my life. I take great pains to be as honest as I know how in my speaking and in my dealings. I keep my given word even when it is costly to do so.
I sleep easily and without regrets. This is a jewel beyond price.
The latter causes me to, in the words of sociologist Gary Marx (one of the good things I got out of my experiences at UC), "Speak Truth To Power." You may not like my opinions, you may strongly disagree with them, but to quote Number Six of The Prisoner:
"I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or Numbered."
I have gone to considerable effort in my life to reach a place where I can express strong opinions in my private life and my public social life without fear or favor. That some people may be annoyed by this is their problem. That others may learn or be provoked into thinking by it, is one of my goals and a high compliment.
I combine two unfortunate traits which are not well respected in our society: honesty and strong opinions.
The former deprives me of the luxury of social lies. I can either tell the truth, perhaps at one level's remove but without intention of deception, or I can remain silent, or I can mouth platitudes. I find it necessary to do this last at work often, so I am disgusted at the thought in other parts of my life. I take great pains to be as honest as I know how in my speaking and in my dealings. I keep my given word even when it is costly to do so.
I sleep easily and without regrets. This is a jewel beyond price.
The latter causes me to, in the words of sociologist Gary Marx (one of the good things I got out of my experiences at UC), "Speak Truth To Power." You may not like my opinions, you may strongly disagree with them, but to quote Number Six of The Prisoner:
"I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or Numbered."
I have gone to considerable effort in my life to reach a place where I can express strong opinions in my private life and my public social life without fear or favor. That some people may be annoyed by this is their problem. That others may learn or be provoked into thinking by it, is one of my goals and a high compliment.
