Confronting Self-Inflicted "BS"

When associated with human behavior, the transitive verb “bullshitting” (or possibly more gentle, softer, less-offensive abbreviation—“BS”) is commonly associated with that which is nonsense, misleading, deceptive, etc.

Now, in all honesty, if I were ever so inclined to search long and hard enough, there is a trace of possibility that I just might stumble upon something I know very little about (smile). However, not at all so when it comes to “bullshitting”—for therein rests an area I know more than just a bit about.

Throughout my life (as a child, teenager, and so-called adult), self-inflicted “BS” has often been used to self-explain or otherwise excuse why various aims and opportunities were and remain beyond realization by the likes of me. When reality might have been, or might yet be, much otherwise—given more confident thinking and an enhanced level of effort on my part.

Then, there was that self-inflicted “prior to” marriage “BS.” Which, for example, held that when once married I would never make the mistakes experienced by my parents and countless other married couples. This of course being a grossly-naïve view on my part, and long-ago disproved by a continuing history of personal shortfalls, many once believed beyond any consideration by the once self-perceived me.

Followed of course by a massive dose of self-inflicted “prior to” parenthood “BS.” Which likewise held that if I ever were a dad I would never be guilty of the child-rearing mistakes experienced by my parents and countless others. This of course being yet another long-ago unachieved aim—more aptly a not met crucial responsibility—contributed to in no small measure by many painfully-regretful failings on my part.

And now—in the rapidly-diminishing years of my too-often taken for granted gift-of-life journey; as our U.S. constitution, borders, common-language English, and common-culture based on Judeo-Christian values, etc., are being threatened and destroyed before our eyes—I continue to “BS” myself. This time with the lofty notion that somehow I (or anyone) can make a difference; that somehow I (or anyone) can help salvage for ourselves, and preserve for our children and grandchildren, the precious liberty and freedom being threatened by an ever growing number and nature of present and ancient-rooted evils.

Nevertheless, each time the feelings of hopelessness reach the “throw-in-the-towel” (so to speak) tipping point, a sobering thought comes to mind. That being, if they were given the opportunity to ponder—those who have already lost or have never experienced liberty and freedom, would likely consider it to be grossly-irresponsible and self-destructive “BS” to not at least try! Yes, using whatever ways and means one has available, at least try to not let the forces of evil deny the inalienable (God-given) rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

And of course ranking high on the “BS” list would be any thinking that the experiences and concerns expressed above are somehow unique to, and alone shared by, the likes of me. 

                                                      

                                                           —William James Moore  

                                                   = = =


“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” —Helen Keller (1880-1968), American author, political activist and lecturer, and first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.


“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." ―Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865), 16th U.S. President.


“To sit back hoping that someday, someway, someone will make things right is to go on feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last – but eat you he will.” —Ronald Reagan (1911-2004), 40th U.S. President


“We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” —Eliezer Wiesel (1928-2016), Romanian-born American Jewish writer, professor, political activist, Nobel Laureate, Holocaust survivor.

“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” —Eliezer Wiesel (1928-2016), Romanian-born American Jewish writer; professor.


“In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” —Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968), American Baptist minister; 1964 Nobel Peace Prize Recipient; First President of Southern Christian Leadership Conference; activist; most visible spokesperson and leader in civil rights movement from 1954 until his assassination in 1968.