Perception, Reality and Politics

I've done my best to stay out of the political mess that is the Presidential race in my home country of the USA.

I've sat back and watched the process over the past year with a large dose of cynicism, a fascination at how the actions of one of the candidates (pick one) effects "the people" directly and through the media.

I've listened to "talking heads" attempt to look intelligent in their analysis of the process and in defence of their chosen "champion".

I've seen friends of my youth take sides on social media, posting MEMS, videos and "secret" information that puts down the candidate they don't want to win in rather "unflattering" ways as "proof" that their candidate would be better.

I've been asked countless times by my Canadian friends "what's going on in your home country?" while expressing fear about what will happen after the election.  I'm thinking if Canadians are worried, the rest of the world likely is too.

 My fellow Americans we are being manipulated!

Anytime a campaign comes down to who's the least offensive, the one who's told the fewest lies and the one who's past "sins" are more acceptable, there is a problem.  Instead of focusing on what they will do for the country, both candidates and their supporters are spending all their time focusing on what the other candidate has done wrong in the past and why they're "unfit" for our nations highest position.

The perception is that they will change the "system" to help the average American.

The reality is that both have used the system to get where they are today and there is little evidence to show that will change in the future.

The perception that is being painted by both candidates is the country needs their expertise and help to strengthen America.

The reality is the power to change lies within the people of the USA and what is needed is a true leader.

The perception is that a leader is one who leads by example.

The reality is a leader is one who motivates others to rise up and meet or exceed their own expectations.

The perception is that a change or addition of laws will make things better.

The reality is that it will take individual action on the part of each one of us to make things better.

I don't have answers to the problems that exist in the world today, however I do know that my home country is far better than what the two candidates in this current presidential race represent.    Let's face it, we're stuck with the winner for the next 4 years and I hope that this "lesson" will pave the way for a process whereby the true leaders of our country will stand up and pave a way to bring the country's citizens together instead of dividing us.

Now for the "real" Talking Heads - Slippery People

Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker

Different And Yet The Same Or Better

History has a way of being repeated and yet most of us fail to see this.  We feel the events that are happening in "our" world are new and worse then what's happened in the past.  Some will long for the "better times" of the past and worry about today and what the future has in store.

Recently I ran across a story written by economist Roger W. Babson that has helped me gain perspective and has reduced some of my concerns about our times today.

"When I find myself depressed over present conditions, I can, within one hour, banish worry and turn myself into a shouting optimist.

Here is how I do it.  In enter my library, close my eyes, and walk to certain shelves containing only books on history.  With my eyes still shut, I reach for a book, not knowing whether I am picking up Prescott's Conquest of Mexico or Suetonius' Lives of the Twelve Caesars.  With my eyes still closed, I open the book at random.  I then open my eyes and read for an hour; and the more I read, the more sharply I realize that the world has always been tottering on the brink.  The pages of history fairly shriek with the tragic tales of war, famine, poverty, pestilence, and man's inhumanity to man.  After reading history for an hour, I realize that bad as conditions are now, they are infinitely better than they used to be.  This enables me to see and face my present troubles in their proper perspective as well as to realize that the world as a whole is constantly growing better."

Babson passed away in 1967 at the age of 91 and this story was likely written during the time of World War II.

In memory of where the World Trade Center Towers once stood.

A testament to the resilience of humankind.

I believe the point of this story was to point out that humankind has issues and if history is an indication of the future, humankind will continue on and worrying about what will happen in the future (including tomorrow) is a waste of time and energy.

Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker

Do You Want Adventure? Travel!

Do you want adventure?  I'm going to assume your answer was "YES" because you're reading this so here we go.

Travel is adventure and it will change who you are without you trying.  Over the years I've had the opportunity to travel and so far my experiences have taught me more about myself and others then any book or class could.

Saturday night in the main square in Peru's second largest city, Arequipa.  I never expected to see a car show / cruise-in but that's I found.

In contrast, this is what life is like in rural Peru.

Travel will change your perception of reality.  It's that simple.

Writer Aldus Huxley wrote -  “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.”  The same can be said for parts of your own country that you've never been.

I had heard many negative things about New York City and had little desire to visit the city.  After visiting there in 2015, my perception was changed and I will be heading back for a longer visit in 2016.  

My favorite quote on adventure and travel comes from Mark Jenkins.

Perception is our interpretation of realty.  It is influenced by our experiences, upbringing, what we read, what we hear and what others tell us.  If we stay in our own small corner of the world, our perception of reality can be distorted, dispassionate and cold.  By traveling to new places, even within our own country, we will grow and will see our world and others differently.  Travel may confirm you’re perception or change it.   The world does have it's ugly side and yet beauty can be found in every corner.  Be bold, get out of your comfort zone and see the world on your own terms.  Your perception of the world will become your own and not the views of someone else.

Gerald Trees

Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker