Freedom is Free, featuring ZOMG PANDAS

Yes, it really is.

In no way do I mean to disrespect the people who stand on the front line of the conflict between order and chaos.  The sacrifices of individual members of the military and the police, firefighters, teachers, and all other underpaid, underappreciated public servants improve the quality of the choices the rest of us can make beyond calculation.

But even in the most dire, awful, subhuman conditions, one always has a choice, even if that choice is only to die on your feet or live in chains.  From what I understand of the Existentialists, that seems to be their central message.

I used to think that was a threat and a way to cast moral judgement.

Now, I see it as a promise and an opportunity.

No matter what the situation, we are always able to evaluate it and decide how we want to handle it.  All we have to lose is the esteem of others, our comfort, our life, whatever.  But if we follow our heart/conscience and we do what's right, how much can those things that we lost be worth?  And don't we all believe that strength of character and conviction and living the right way will pay off in the long run?

*CONTENT DELETED*  <--me trying to learn to be more circumspect.  In compensation for the deleted comment, here's a picture of a panda.