Kamakura Buddha

Apologies. 

Growing up in the 60s, I became deeply disillusioned and mistrustful of my government, the media, and all things smelling of “The Establishment.” I directed myself as far away as I could, so I adopted Buddhism, Socialism, even Communism. I worked as a carpenter, a plasterer, a farmer, and a caretaker of cows. Later, I programmed computers and taught English.

My distrust of ‘things as they are’ was deepened by endless war in Central America, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and support of Israel in her shabby treatment of Palestinians. I did do a stint with the Democrats when Bernie Sanders ran for President, a flawed candidate miles superior to his peers. But he did not win.

Now, I am sorry to say, I cannot believe anything at all in the mainstream media or manifested by our government, Republicans or Democrats. I discard what these people say.

So, if I disdain Hillary and the DNC, express support for detente with Russia and do not demonize President Putin or President Assad, if I do not hate the North Koreans, the Chinese, or the Iranians, if I think that the capitalist neoliberal program is destroying both our democracy and our planet and must end (right now), excuse me for my life experience.