It’s hard for me to convey all the elements of the philosophy in one draft of a poem (or what was intended to be a poem, and comes off more as an amputated essay). I do see the many, many benefits of living in our times. It’s healthier, we’re getting greener, and there’s more information access than ever before. But I believe we shape the world we live in through everyday living, and the values we uphold in the process are critical TO the process. I’m sometimes accused of bringing a boatload of traditional values to the table, some of which are considered outdated. To me, my values are like Restoration Hardware–I bring the classics that never go out of style, or never should.

I wouldn’t want to live in the 50’s or 60’s. We’ve made too much progress. But if I can be the vintage store of style and substance, bringing back some classics (gentlemanly behavior, respect for the elderly, arts and crafts over spasmodic get-it-now amusement), then I’ll take it with glee. I live with a child–I know the importance of setting a good example, and it’s made me more aware of the very real risk of values I cherish being lost to the upcoming generations.

The Truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off. –Anonymous

I don’t thing there’s a lot to be gained by creating a false dichotomy between the bad parts of today and the good parts of yesterday. You can’t really split the coin into its two faces. Sure, everyone can find you with three clicks, but there are Sudanese refugees finding jobs on the internet rather than rotting away in camps. People in those small towns who happen to be gay/black/goth/weird can find other people just like them on the internet, and it makes their lives survivable. With a few clicks, I can find information that even 10 years ago it would have taken me a plane ride and 3 days in a library in Illinois to find.

We live in interesting, amazing times. For every tale of horror and woe, there’s one of hope and inspiration if you know where to look. I’m not usually a Pollyanna, but when it comes to going backwards or looking forward, I say damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead!

Here’s some inspiration for you:

freerangekids.wordpress.com/

http://www.boingboing.net/2009/11/16/teaching-refugees-ho.html

Not even close anymore… :/

I guess what I’m saying is that you can’t take too much responsibility, you know.

Many of us probably wish we could make everything better – easier somehow -, but there’s a process that must be respected. The one thing we *can* do is to be at your side, and because you’ve let us, cheer in your birthday and give you some long overdue props!