S: Is for seeing

Freedom and peace are words commonly used to describe the thing we seek. I started to ponder the irony of this after seeing in the news about proposition 8 and the Chris Brown/Rihanna fisco. Freedom and peace are two principles that the United States was built upon, but the interpretations differ from person to person. Freedom and peace may apply to the well being of a general population or to the life of an individual. Peace, defined as a time without war, is very different than peace of mind. Freedom from tyranny or hunger is very different than freedom from a corporate run world that is crashing down around our eyes. I realize that regardless of where you grew up, your political affiliations, your ancestry, or your socioeconomic status, every person is looking for the same peace and freedom. For many, freedom and peace are found in places where the demands are fewer. In exchange for a simpler, quieter life, some conveniences have to be given up. Basic amenities and services are harder to find or are non-existent. This is by no means a glamorous life. Ultimately, a person becomes most grateful for simple things like potable water, beautiful weather, fresh fruits and vegetables, and the company of loved ones. Genuine, hard working, and people who are a joy to talk to become what's of value. Americans still hold a sacred belief that every person has the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that those rights stretch well beyond our borders. This kind of positive thinking is contagious and has an amazing effect. It creates the belief that everyone can live a life without stress or fear, and that this lifestyle can be found anywhere in the world, but we need to wake up and see these rights being taken away. We need to stand up for our beliefs and speak out. We need to bind together and form communities again. We need to remember that life is a gift and it is something to be cherished and valued. We need to stop being apathetic and that is a F.A.C.T.