Some days I feel like I fell down a rabbit hole and woke up in 21st century America. How do we live in such surreal times?

I don't worship flags, eagles, songs or uniforms. Instead, I affirm compassion, reason and creativity.

I cannot believe that all political and social positions fit neatly on the one-dimensional continuum of left to right; I live in a three-dimensional universe, moving and evolving through time.

I will not resign myself to the exploitive puppetry of parties, sects and corporations. I am more than a vote, a prayer or a purchase. I don't have to wear a label to know who I am.

I have also learned that contemplation can become inertia, and that activism can become militancy. These realities do not obscure the present crisis: America, and the world, need, more than ever, thoughtful action, real reform, honest dialogue.

Bumper stickers, bombast and bullshit are not enough.

--Richard Garrard