Joining Together

     In her novel "Allegiant," Veronica Roth illustrates how people can remain loyal to home, groups, and individuals yet may change allegiance when necessary.  One character thinks to herself, "Maybe we'll make a home somewhere inside ourselves, to carry with us wherever we go."
     Our first awareness of the word allegiance comes from the phrase "I pledge allegiance..." which we learn to recite as young children.   We grow to understand the meaning of being loyal to our nation and appreciating our republic, liberty, and justice.  Patriotism helps keep citizens loyal to their homeland.
     We also learn what it means to be a loyal family member, friend, and part of a group.  Sometimes, we have to leave behind our family and home as we move away to college, get married, and establish a career.   Sometimes, we stay loyal to early ideas, opinions, and beliefs; sometimes, we choose to establish our own point of view.
     Our lifetime allegiance must be to ourselves so we can survive, develop our potential, and use our minds and talents.  We can choose to give our allegiance to others by joining together to improve our lives.
    

Creating a Better Way

     In the book "Insurgent," the author Veronica Roth gives this definition of the title: "A person who acts in opposition to the established authority, who is not necessarily regarded as belligerent."  A person may be an insurgent without being hostile or engaging in conflict or war.  In this novel, however, insurgency becomes war.
     Authority usually has a beneficial function in family, political, religious, and ideological groups.
Children are born into family and religious groups and may not be equipped to analyze their authority figures.  Adults need to use their own thinking powers, become aware of a variety of ideas, and make wise choices when giving their allegiance and loyalty.  Members of a group need to be sure those in authority are meeting the needs of everyone.  When members feel they are being treated unfairly or brainwashed to be parts of a machine, they should work toward changes or leave the group.
     We need to be responsible when we choose and follow authority.  If the established authority does not function as it should, we should proclaim our opposition and act toward improvement.  This can apply in families, religions, and politics.  Citizens should also keep watch on how our government establishes its authority around the world.  We can oppose others through diplomacy instead of being hostile and going to war.  The goal of an insurgent is to create a better way.  

Mythology

     Those stories made up by ancient civilizations seem unbelievable to the modern world, but our condescension can made us feel that our more advanced intellect and better understanding of nature prevent us from believing such tales.  However, mythology is a feature of every culture, including ours.
     Down through history, mythology has provided an explanation of how the world and humanity came to be.  These stories often include supernatural beings, moral lessons, models of behavior, and taboos.   All around the world, cultures have their own mythologies often incorporated into their religions.  We usually see the myths of others as products of pure imagination, but view our own as truth.
     Today, many people still believe stories explaining nature and history that have very little to do  with scientific reality.  We must look at our own beliefs and judge what is true and what might be mythology.

May News

TV broadcasters have decided to go back to the family-hour with programming suitable for all ages until 8 pm Central Time.  Parents can be secure that children and teens will not be exposed to R-rated themes and language.  They can go to the internet for that!
TV news will no longer follow the premise of  "If it bleeds, it leads."  Unless information can lead to finding criminals, viewers don't need to see the dark side of society. They can go to YouTube for that!
FOX news remains Far Out Xtreme.  MSNBC  remains Most Sensible News Broadcast Company.

Welfare is a temporary aide until recipients are able to pay their own way.
Everyone needs health insurance and most people will pay their share of the premiums.
Illegal immigrants need a path to citizenship and can be an asset to our country.
Abortion should remain legal.  Women have the right to choose.
LGBT are born that way and should have equal rights.
Those who carry guns guns can shoot you.
Send in the diplomats, not the soldiers.
Religion should not be a selling point of political candidates.
Experience is a very important attribute to qualify for any job including the Presidency.
If you believe the above, support Democrats.

Welfare is abused by too many undeserving, lazy, cheats.
Health care is for those who can pay for it.
Illegal aliens should be sent back to their homelands.
Abortion is a sin and should be illegal.  Women's rights end with contraception.
LGBT lifestyle is a sinful choice.  Marriage is only for heterosexuals.
Those who carry guns can protect themselves.
Send in the troops.  Diplomacy can't be trusted.
Conservative Christian values are a must for a good political candidate.
Having many years of experience means you are too old to be a leader in the future.
If you believe the above, support Republicans.