In The World Of Comic Books

                                 Who Is Superman
(Please click on the link above) 

These modern self-proclaimed experts and pundits of comic books characters are confusing and in a way shooing us comic book lovers aside by making complicated and convoluted the characters and personalities of our funny pages iconic heroes.

Comic books were and should still be intended for kids and those who are children at heart at times.  Allow them free rein in their fantasy and escapist world. We regard and honor these heroes as they were originally introduced to us during their nascent times.  Invested with the kind of unequivocal clarity and cut-and-dried qualities that kids understood and adhered to.  Truth, Justice, and Honor.  Law and order.  And yes, they  are all American ways.

But these usurping writers and artists have co-opted these characters and their qualities and fleshed them out with details that depict these heroes as possessing dark and sinister persona, gravely conflicted and agonized, and at times even misguided in the superhuman pursuit of their noblest aims.

Please leave them as they were.  But yes, do keep improving the artwork, artwork that glorifies the beauty and goodness of their characters and again the beauty and perfection of their physical beings.   With dark and foreboding artwork we now find in pages of their works, one may be prompted to assume that many readers/viewers are harboring ideas that our heroes are now villains because of how they are drawn.

Comic books are works of fiction.  Leave dark facts and unseemly realities to works of non-fiction.

In Pursuit of Justice and Civility

In an amazing display of concerted denunciation and unity, it feels like the entire city has been instantaneously and spontaneously marshaled into a singular groundswell of empathy and support for one of the city’s elder statesmen. He is shown in a truncated video to have been verbally and publicly abused by a lesser-known city alderman, known by a good number for his at times abusive behavior in his exercise of duly-constituted power and for sometimes having a virulent tongue.

Almost quite out of character,  local social media exploded with news about the public abuse heaped against our elderly statesman, who is already in his 90’s and who is also bound to a wheelchair.  Being a good measure of the local public pulse, social media gave us an undisputed collective response, when many posts from various sources were unanimous in their condemnation and their drive to expel the alleged abuser from his positions in both public and private sectors.

Even the public apology delivered in impassioned and bombastic tone typical with many local politicians did not sit well especially with those who had expressed negative sentiments and were adamant in the move for his expulsion.  The apology delivered in front of a gathered city council came dressed with a little bit of sobbing, and stray mention of some fragile medical condition.  The entire package delivered with apparent intent to appeal to the emotions of those within earshot, especially the one of forgiveness.

This all made for good theatre, histrionics and all, but there is a larger issue here that hopefully society in general could recognize and piggyback on, for the greater good.

The unfortunate incident does have its grave ramifications on the social fabric of this society but there are other important and deadlier issues that have to be dealt with by a collective and motivated citizenry.  One just hopes that this cohesive unity of force and influence will continue to be harnessed and directed into addressing those more critical issues besetting the entire city.  Issues like rampant corruption in public governance, alleged misuse of public funds, widespread flooding, apathetic public officials, widespread disregard of the rule of law, etc.

Causes near and dear to the subject elder statesman.  Thus needless to say, he would be mighty glad if something good and lasting ensued from this.  And it would be our greatest show of homage to him and his life.

A politically active and engaged citizenry is a good start.   This unexpected mishap has galvanized the citizenry to unity and action.  It is best to feed that momentum for greater advocacies all relating to the ideals of local governance.

The sacrificial lamb in the person of a low-level political huckster has ushered in a new possible dawning – of an organized force ready to pursue greater causes.

We can all do it!

Imitation of Christ (Thomas a’ Kempis): Still Relevant?

For the last 5 centuries, the work of Thomas a’ Kempis, specifically his book, Imitation of Christ, had enjoyed tremendous notice and following, running a close second to Holy Scriptures.

But I suspect the very soothing ease and fancy trappings in modern living have pushed it aside.  Modern man preferring devotional materials more in consonance and congruence with civilized and comfortable living

Indeed critics of Imitation of Christ have said that its core teachings are too ascetic and austere, and too isolationist, and thus maybe too well beyond the reach of most or least liked by most.   That it is too critical about modern life and its myriad of enjoyable pleasures.  That it is too focused on staying clear from those activities that cater to the temporal needs and wants of man.

While the old centered the living of life on sacrifices and deprivation, the modern wants a more tolerant outlook of hedonistic modern life and its allures, exorcised   maybe with some moderation and control.  As a way of deflecting any sense of guilt?

This change in outlook, or call it compromise, now has widespread currency in the world, even among those of strong religious fervor and faith.

In a real sense, a’ Kempis and his beliefs may have lost relevance and applicability to our ever-changing world.

One last hurrah for my personal depiction of the world that might have come from the pens of a’ Kempis and the writers of the old books:

It appears as ever that man is destined to suffer in this world, regardless of how differently everybody else thinks.  That no amount of good intentions and noble actions can stem the surging tide that is pushing man to the path of perdition and misery.  As we read in the classical good books, man is bound to suffer and that is his lot.  That there is no escaping that.  So might as well prepare for that, designing plans and attitudes with that in mind.

Thus many of us have resigned to the reality that life is not intended to be enjoyed, but suffered through.  We have been destined not to gather peace and happiness but to go through tribulations and crosses.  

Perish the thoughts then that because life is short, we ought to pursue whatever little fleeting enjoyment we can derive from it.  Like, plan for those dearly-craved-for vacations and fancy trips to witness grand sights and interesting people never before experienced.  Gather as much pleasant memories while the candle of life still burns.  For when life is no more, everything is gone.

But if once life is gone and everything else is gone, why bother?  Isn’t there wisdom then in the Biblical saying that we should not gather material treasures that fade with time, but instead gather those that will last for eternity?

For indeed what has happened to the enjoyments and the pleasant experiences of the last happy trip? The momentous once-in-a-lifetime vacation taken with special friends and family?  The historic meeting with cherished acquaintances separated by so many decades?  Even the thrills and smiles of yesterday?  They probably have lost their novelty and before long will be consigned to the unattended corners of our mind and life.

 At most, we ought to seek only for contentment or some degree of satisfaction that we have tried hard to live a good life. A simple and uncluttered life.  A life of constant challenges and countless occasions of begin-again moments.

 The real measure being in the dogged determination and passion of the attempts, rather than the grandiosity of the results.

IN REVERIE: WHAT DO STRONG RECURRING DREAMS SUGGEST?

It is conventional wisdom to believe that sleep best approximates the state of being dead – to the world, at least.  In sleep, we suspend our wakeful consciousness from the world around us and from our real selves.  But in careful introspection that latter is not so, since we know that when we slumber our reveries inhabit that consciousness.  And our dreams are as commonplace as the involuntary act of breathing.  Except we do not have much control over them, and they are wont to regularly deviate from the cold realities that we are subject to in our wakefulness.  Thus, in dreams we can fly, not die, though at times we are unable to do acts that in reality are easily done like running away from danger, etc.

And because of their very random occurrences dreams have been subjected to so much and so many scholarly studies, not only dissecting their whys and wherefores, but also and at times importantly, what their significance are to the person’s real life.  And thus, hopefully can be used as tools or aids to healthy and more purposeful living. But in spite of the tons of researches spent on the subject, it is still largely the case of the jury still being out when we try to explore their connections and relations with the dreamer’s real life.  A life so typically frothed with stressful and traumatic situations.  It would be easy to suggest that the resultant mental traumas of such worrisome situations could easily spill over beyond one’s consciousness, and into the person’s world of dreams.

But regardless of the clear absence of iron-clad verdicts on what dreams mean or suggest, I took the liberty of listing the recurring dreams that I have experienced in my life, those I could easily and randomly remember because they keep coming back unsolicited it seems.  They appear to be of some significant consequences for me.  The myriad other dreams are too diverse to tackle and categorize as to merit precious attention.  Thus, they have been summarily relegated to the dustbin of forgetfulness.

Anyway, here is a listing of the dreams and some explanation or possible significance.  And what are the possible common threads in all or most of them?  This I do know, that when they unfold I feel uncomfortable, apprehensive, and fearful as if something bad would happen or something sinister would be uncovered.   

 

1.        That I have not really left my last long-term employment in San Francisco so that I find myself still reporting for my duties though not many appear to know that I still do.  And the workmate that I worked with is nowhere to be found to confront or confirm with.  I just keep reporting for work with no ID time card and not really verifying if I am getting paid still.  I go out without swiping any card.  Etc.  And I am always fearful that somebody would notice me coming in and going out.  But I soldier on, eager for the hoped-for pay that I assume I will continue to get.

2.        The other recurring dream is that I find myself still going to school and taking some subjects, though I absent a lot and do not review for exams, and I appear to know little of the subject matter.  But I am still enrolled and still looking for where the classes are being held.  Have not even read the books assigned.  I constantly am anxious because of my absences, my not studying the lessons, or reading the books assigned. Still going to school but quite clueless about the subjects being taken, and bereft of any commitment to passing the subjects.  Like I am only present in body but my mind is somewhere else.

3.        The 3rd one which have not occurred recently is about flying, where I am always attempting to fly by dropping off high mountains and gliding to the ground.  I always appeared to fly somewhat though with difficulty and at times with great effort, but I never crash or get hurt.  And when somebody is chasing me, I usually encounter difficulties and thus not easily able to escape the pursuer.  But I end up still safe.

4.        4th recurring dream has been that of taking international flights where anxieties abound – like whether I have my ticket and passport, the luggage I am taking with me, etc.  I always appear that I have not prepared well enough for the trip so I am in constant apprehension about the above things.  Also like missing my flight, the places In Bukidnon or Camiguin where the flights are coming from.  Etc.

5.        5th recurring dream has been that of repeatedly traveling toward Gingoog on a not so reliable vehicle, passing through bad detour roads somewhere in Balingasag, roads in constant repairs and detours, sometimes going through off-roads, and staying overnight in places like Medina or Gingoog.  And always feeling anxious and apprehensive, like reliving trying times maybe during my two assignments to the place.  So these dreams are possibly a reliving of those very trying times that may have left permanent scars in my memories.

 The question for me has always been what the significance or meaning of those dreams in my real life.  It appears that I have not been able to put closure to my work in my last employment, thus the reason why I keep thinking I am still employed there.  That maybe because of the particular way I ended my employment there, I am still not convinced that I have really separated from it.  That the decision lacked finality and determination.  Thus, I am constantly reliving that employment, like the separation was just in my mind.  Though not personally meeting with him, I am also constantly thinking of my last workmate and his whereabouts in the hotel.  He appears to still work in the same department and he appears not to mind my working my graveyard hours while he does the days.  The 3rd member of our team has not figured in those dreams.

Regarding the continued schooling sessions, it is probably because again I have not put closure to my studies which were stopped before I completed them, thus I continue to aspire for their completion.  And I do admit that I continue to want to take up my studies again if time permits. 

So for both dreams, these two things must really mean a lot for me way deep down inside so they would resurface involuntarily in my dreams, asking for attention.

Regarding the flying, I believe it is because I do a lot of daydreaming and fantasizing during wakeful hours that again somehow this flying symbolizes the fantasies I am quite fond of thinking.  Yes, I can understand why I would dream of flying because on many occasions I imagine myself being able to do these above-human stuff and impressing all of humanity especially the womenfolk.  Not just flying, but practically all other stuff legends are made off, including physical attributes that would court admiration and desire from the rest. I still have to learn to fly the drone I have.  And my dreams of owning a gyrocopter are still quite strong.  After all, I spent much time learning about such flying crafts and how to pilot them.  Even planned to enroll in actual flying lessons.

Are these clear signs of insecurity or immaturity, or just plain inability to deal with realities as they are?  Insecurity because I am not comfortable with the results or outcome of my employment and the many flaws that I exhibited? I exposed myself to many perils during that employment.  Things that could have merited censure or termination, or maybe possibly some legal challenges. But I took risks anyway, feeling like I could have not lived with myself if I did not pursue them. Or because forgoing with them  was not an option to me at the moment,  And I was always ill at ease in that environment, always fearful and timid about what to do in the discharge of my duties.   And as much as I could avoided contact with the higher-ups.  In short, I was not at ease, though I did not feel like an inferior.  I was just timid and fearful.

OBAMA LEGACY: Fundamental Change of the US

Wittingly or unwittingly, post-racial Obama in his two terms of office was able to bring about real and impactful fundamental changes to the US as a people and as a country.  Early on he had declared in no unequivocal language that he would lead the US to a path that would result in fundamental changes to its practices and institutions.  This he declared publicly and in the open, in his many speeches which were ripe with references to this, and even in direct policy initiatives.  Not couched in hushed whispered tones, or in secret meetings with his selected cadre of committed and adoring devotees, which included many of those in mainstream media.  But out there for all to hear and learn.

As to whether he truly believed that he could bring fruition to all those implied changes, still remains to be seen to this day.  Many had doubted he had the depth of knowledge and experience to be able to build a comprehensive master plan detailing all that he had wished the US to become.  Though there were some sources he had which served as critical guideposts toward the goal, like the known works of Saul Alinsky which aided him greatly in his previous work as community organizer.  Anyway, his personal belief in himself may have been sufficient prod and crutch to leverage him along the path he had chosen, informed by his ardent leftist ideology.

But whatever and however it was, any serious reckoning would expose  the fundamental changes he had wrought, made easy and aided by many people who idolized him for simply being himself.  Though in hindsight maybe many did not really fathom the depths of the kind of person he was.  And buyer’s remorse like, they are now slowly inching toward discovering the sinister aspects of him with public revelations now unfolding.  That he was not above employing any and all means possible to attain his goals.  That at times he drifted into illegality and subterfuge as what Deep State operations are now showing,  having been exposed to the sunlight.   It is now undisputed fact that his administration illegally surveilled members of the press who were critical to them. He lied with a straight face about patients being able to keep their doctors with Obamacare.  And when confronted with the reality simply brushed that aside. The actualization of the Deep State in its many manifestations and their authorship inexorably pointing complicity all the way to the top echelons could only translate that he had not only prior knowledge but also consent.  And as the Russia collusion scheme has unraveled, we are slowly beginning to realize that this grand coup had indeed tried not only nullify a presidential election but up to the point of attempting to bring down a sitting president.  And to whose lap does all this ultimately fall into?  Slowly things are gelling and inexorably pointing to one direction.

Anyway, here are the ways Obama has fundamentally changed the US.  And to this day, we are witnessing daily the unfolding dramas that speak clearly of these unwanted changes to the American way of governing.

Health care accounts for about 16% of the US economy, a huge chunk.  When Obamacare was passed into law, the established system was radically upended and brought into a quandary even before Obama could leave office.  Now it has become a prickly sore issue and there is no relief in sight.  The problems it has engendered are so formidable, the only solution may be a complete overhaul, and at this time there is nobody or no entity in possession of any possible solution.  A gigantic solution for a gigantic problem would be needed.  This is not even debatable.  Speaker Pelosi when asked then that not enough time was devoted to looking into the voluminous healthcare bill, simply brushed it aside and smilingly replied that yes, it will be looked into after the bill passed.   And indeed, that happened and discovery was not pretty.

Race relations had not been as tense and as bad as during the time of Obama.  A supposedly post-racial president instead brought ripe and tenuous race tensions across the breadth of the country. We can only point the blame to the president who spared no efforts in stoking race tensions for his own political gains.  For all intents and purposes, the country was not only reliving but litigating anew the pre-civil rights era.  But this time around incendiary rhetoric and violence were coming from the other side.

How come and why so?  A new president wanted drastic fundamental change, away from the sustained drive toward an evolving racial harmony and equanimity, to driving divisive wedges against the races with  speech and actions going against established norms and attitudes in play then.

Deep State rumblings started getting notice and register at the start of the Obama presidency, and noted especially in the people he started to fill in positions.  And he took efforts to bloat the Federal bureaucracy with people loyal to his ideology.  And thus during his time, the bureaucracy had never been bigger and more expensive to maintain.  All this came into the fore, when an unlikely Trump presidency became a reality.  And that was when all hell broke loose.  And all the shielded players broke into the open and made their operations more overt and aggressive.  Now everything is in the open, the only question is when accountability and responsibility will transpire, to bring back normalcy and prestige to long-established US institutions.

Where is history in all this?  Will it in the final analysis declare the righteous in all this and bring historical shame and humiliation to all those who disrespected the law and justice?

In this case, with so many players to be made accountable, history may take a while getting all its ducks aligned and all the right places filled up.  One also recalls that in the case of Nixon history made quick work about its job to assign proper places for the players.  But we believe not so in this case.  Nixon when confronted with the facts as they truly were, did not waste time making the right decisions and packing himself out of office.  For that, he gets kudos for his humanity, flaws and all.

Not so nowadays.  Now, getting politicians and their operatives to admit the truth and make amends is no easy task, like pulling teeth.  Even many media personalities have not been inoculated from this. Politicians now lie to the teeth even when the truth sits right before their very noses.  Morality and personal responsibility have been summarily thrown out of the window and into oblivion.