[Repugnant Abomination]

Originally Posted by Mr. Blonde

Your Confucius-like-attitude with obeying laws and deeming them as "automatically just and to be followed" has always perplexed me. I don't know your history of fuckery, but I was brought up, (with a few members of this board), fucking a lot of shit up, just because. I know you are probably a "good citizen", Repug, but I hope that as your life goes on you begin to sway further away from being muzzled by the government, and perhaps return to your roots as a true journalist -- perhaps displaying a bit of civil disobedience for once in your life.

I don't think laws are automatically just, but I do believe we have a system in place for how laws become laws and determining whether they're constitutional or not. You can deride our democracy, but until a better system is in place it's the best we've got. I do think the government has legitimate authority, though of course it violates that authority regularly. It's all about checks and balances. I am also a big proponent of civil disobedience -- reading Thoreau's essay was hugely influential -- but I think you have to choose your battles. In this case I don't think your civil disobedience is very justified or worthwhile, because we both seem to agree the law you broke is legitimate, and normally one only resorts to civil disobedience when all other avenues are stymied.

Of course I engaged in my fair share of fuckery growing up, but high school was a long time ago.

Originally Posted by Mr. Blonde

I don't really view it as unfair -- I don't feel victimized at all. I knew it was coming, although I figured it would be at a downtown parking meter, not in front of my own house, which is probably the most insulting part about it. Agreed, the fines are disproportionate to the crime, but that's okay too -- it doesn't really bother me, simply because I don't have the money. What society WANTS me to do, is to freak out about not having enough money, work real hard to get a job to pay them off, get my car back, and be a guilt-free 'Murican citizen again. That's silly. I didn't ask to be born, I didn't ask to be subject to these institutions, and at this point in my life I'm going to do what I want, no matter what it takes. What I have a problem with is the principle, as always -- the sudden flash of insight of how crazy of a society we live in where this is normal. I DON'T think it's normal, I think it's rather fucked up, and so I'm going to do what I can to, at least remove this hindrance from my own personal life.

If that's your position, that you didn't ask to be born of subject to the laws of men, then why follow some but not others? Are you arguing for anarchy? And do you think it's right for you to reject societies laws while still benefiting immeasurably from being a part of society? It kind of sounds like wanting to eat your cake and have it too. Why not abandon society all together and live off the grid?

Originally Posted by Mr. Blonde

It's important for me to let you know how loss I have experienced over the past couple of years. I know you have experienced loss as well, but the kind of loss I have experienced is the kind of loss where I have lost so many opportunities to even create the kinds of attachment where I can even enjoy the pre-loss joy of said lost person/object. I have, ultimately, lost the fundamental ability to form the kinds of attachments that lead to the consequences of loss, a consistent feeling that I can only describe as being that of a living ghost.

I'm sorry. I know you've had a difficult few years and have gone through stuff I can't really understand. I'm trying not to judge, though of course that can be difficult. The reason I engage with you on here is to try and be a friend, listen to your ideas and offer feed back. In this instance I think you might be creating more hardship for yourself in the long run.

Originally Posted by Mr. Blonde

Between mortality-awakening health problems, between constant depression, between having no financial resources to fall back on, on top of being a very good and loyal worker who has tried very hard to "fit in" to society, all failing miserably, I wish that you would look at my behavior and what I'm going through in life not as a direct contrast or challenge to you --- I have, you may have noticed, given up criticizing the lives of others (except for bigots), simply because I don't know the whole story and should really be focusing on my own life.

I don't view your choices as a threat. Everyone goes through different things which influences their decisions. Likewise, please don't take my suggestions or criticisms as a threat or something to lash out against. I try to challenge others with ideas in order to encourage friendly debate, and be as helpful as I can be. I assume since you post on a public message board you expect responses. We won't always agree with each other.

Originally Posted by Mr. Blonde

I have spent a lot more time around police and authority figures than you have (i'm guessing), and because of the turns my life has taken, I have also spent a great deal of time around "the poor" and "meek" of society -- those continually victimized, beyond their control, by figures of authority. These are also some of the most kind-hearted, caring, loving individuals I have ever met, despite all the drug problems, tattoos, and past criminal behavior these individuals have been involved with.

I, nor do I think anyone, would disagree with this.

Originally Posted by Mr. Blonde

If you have to ask the question, I can't answer it for you. We have very different backgrounds and very different interpretations of each other's behavior and life choices. I'm trying very hard not to judge yours, as I have a lot of faith in you as a good-hearted individual who will, I hope, eventually, see things a bit more from the side that I"m seeing things. But until you do, I want you to enjoy your life and the path you have chosen for as long as you are permitted to.

I know. And likewise. I guess I am having a hard time figuring out your goal. It seems like if you feel this strongly about this there might be more successful ways of addressing it. Have you ever thought about going to law school? Or do you really want to completely disengage from civil society and practice small acts of defiance?

Originally Posted by Mr. Blonde

In summation, just try to have fun with it. I really don't have a lot to lose, Repug, and the "crimes" I am committing and plan to commit are on the level of Bansky and the civil disobedient of our society. That's what I mean by not playing by the rules, I guess --- I'm just not going to follow laws I deem are unjust anymore, and on top of that, have decided to become an active agent AGAINST these unjust laws. I am in the unique position of having nothing to lose but my freedom, which is what I am planning on expressing to the fullest amount until it is taken away from me.

And that's admirable, I suppose. What other laws do you plan on resisting? Will you stop paying taxes? Are you prepared to spend time in prison for these beliefs?

Originally Posted by Mr. Blonde

Life means different things to you and me.

That's a little presumptuous. Just because we have disagreements on the means doesn't mean we necessarily disagree on the ends. I think you and I are aligned on a lot more than you think.

Originally Posted by Mr. Blonde

Plus, honestly, what else am I going to do with my life at this point? As far as I can see it society has given me no other choice but to become a public nuisance, and at this point, I'll gladly take on that role. Society as we know it WILL change, drastically, over the next few decades, and I plan on being very involved in that change in whatever way possible. It's just my destiny, man. I don't know what else to tell you.

You sound dejected. Do you blame society for rejecting you? Do you think any fault lies with you? What would your ideal societal situation be? As in, let's say you hadn't lost a lot, and you had a good career, money, a girlfriend, and enough free time to still pursue spiritual and philosophical interests. Is that something you would even want? Or do you prefer more of an outcast role? Very interested to hear your thoughts on this.

I do agree society will change dramatically in the coming decades. Probably much more than we even realize, and in ways we can't anticipate. The potential for the abuse of power is only going to get worse -- this NSA stuff is just the tip of the ice burg. To me it shows our laws are not equipped to deal with the exponential growth of technology, and I'm honestly not sure how to fix it.