When do you believe socialism is appropriate?  Social security?  Public Schools?

What is the right mix of socialism and capitalism?  What needs of society should be met by capitalism? by socialism?

#AncientTexan

We make the rules, or more correctly, the rich make the rules that help the rich man become richer.  Meanwhile, the IRS makes sure the masses pay for the machinery of our government that supports the rich.   Is that too harsh?

We as a nation, and each of us that seek to be honest, must examine our relationship to the truth.  We have to seek the truth when we listen, act, and talk.  Do we have a responsibility to make sure that what we are sharing is true?

Is our balance between competition and cooperation in America what we need for more people to realize the American dream? 

The American Dream has been based on competition, but upward mobility in America has stalled.  Is it time to remake the American dream around cooperation?

#AncientTexan

What is your political religion?  Which pill did you swallow, the blue one or the red one?  Did you surrender your right to disagree on some issues and cross the aisle to the other side?  Did you agree to judge, shame, and berate anyone that does not tow the party line?  Did the pill you swallow make you judge the Other's motives?

When does the fetus become human?  What makes life human life? When do the rights of the fetus begin?  When do the rights of the mother supersede the rights of the fetus?  

Are there acceptable reasons for abortion?  rape, incest, mother's health, unwanted pregnancy, unable to care for the baby?

Can external factors like free childcare, financial support, etc. impact the answers to the above questions?  Should birth control be free to reduce unwanted pregnancies?

Could you discuss these issues peaceably and with respect to someone that holds the opposite point of view?  Could you listen to someone that holds the opposite point of view and hold their life and views as sacred?

Namaste, 

#AncientTexan

This is a conversation with Matt that happened this summer.  It's long, but if you knew and loved Mat, may this bring you some comfort.    Rest in peace, dear friend.

I hope this note finds you,  my dear friend, writing poetry across the universe.

Robert

What conversations about life and death, especially about death, do we avoid?  What is the value in having those conversations?

#AncientTexan

What is the story, the religion, behind wearing or not wearing a mask?   What is your story/religion?  What is the story/religion of those on the other side of this issue?

Do you understand the context behind the stories?   Do you know the heroes behind the stories?