We All Wear Masks

I’ve never been a fan of clowns, even though I was often the class clown in grade school and have even dressed up as one on Halloween, but only on a few occasions. I’m sure film and television have ruined what I thought was good innocent fun. By no means am I coulrophobic (yes, there’s a word for the fear of clowns), and I think it’s great when others, especially children enjoy them, but for me – they are disturbing!

The creepiest clowns of all are those in government, and standing on a pulpit attempting to be something they are not. I’m not implying all, but we do seem to have our fair share of individuals misrepresenting the Constitution and God’s purported word.

This mask, hanging in a window of a costume shop, made me think of the clowns in politics, as well as religion, spreading evil in the most malevolent way. I need not mention any names because we all know who they are (dare you admit the obvious).

What I thought we were, a more focused contemplative society, now becomes more precarious by the day. We need politicians with a positive vision for all of humanity, and clergy who empower all souls, which means less castigating and more praise.

Propaganda machines must be dissected and exposed, self-righteous bigots – outted, and the judging… We must refrain! We all do it, and at the end of the day who does it hurt but those who sit on a pedestal thinking they’re better than others, making them even more bitter and cynical than ever before? Our time would be better spent dealing with our fears. The enemy is out there, and it can be anyone, but it’s not the person who is gay, Hispanic, black, Jewish and the countless other minorities who are simply looking for their slice of the American dream – the equality we all crave, desire and are entitled, too.

A separation of church and state is mandatory. Furthermore, both together must stay out of the bedroom and doctor’s office, and a few others places where you know they try to enter but don’t belong. There’s a time and a place for everything. There are moments of decision when it comes down to what’s best for you, and who needs the added pressure, especially when we know all is not black and white. Please keep in mind, there are choices we make, and some we don’t. I know this all to well, but I digress.

I don’t belong to any one particular political party, as some may think. My views run the gamut. I refuse to be part of the extremism in this country because it’s killing our nation. We think we have to be all or nothing, especially in politics, and it’s simply not true. There are good and bad people on every team, and the goal should never be to conform, especially if you are like me – passionate and full of vigor for your opinions, but to help others see the light (as hard as it is, and it’s not an easy task).

Life would be boring if we always agreed, but when it comes to equality we all know what’s right and what needs to be done, but we choose fear, spreading outrageous lies and using others as pawns to bolster an image, all to serve a greedy purpose – most for political gain or to pad pockets – thriving big while others barely survive, which if you want to talk sin is this biggest one of all.

Life is a beautiful struggle and so many of us make it harder than it needs to be, thus making it even more difficult for the next guy (I guess misery really does like company).

It’s a new year! Don’t acquiesce on thinking for yourself. Don’t allow someone to manipulate your heart because of his/her interpretation of history. Don’t live your entire existence feeding on sound bites, but facts. Find your voice, and allow it to be one of great strength and purpose, championing the cause of equality for all, because you need me just as I need you. now more than ever. – paerki

"We all wear masks, and the time comes when we cannot remove them without removing some of our own skin." – Andre Berthiaume