Much Food For Thought

Last night a very interesting, (maybe odd) and thought provoking conversation took place between an old army alumni and myself. The topics ran the gamut from theology, politics, economics, military strategy, and of all things, UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects). For fictional purposes only, I will call the army alumni Andy. As Andy sat back and began to consume a Beck's beer, he pontificated about human nature, and its relationship with theology. He questioned why they have been at odds with one another since recorded time. Meaning, why people do horrible things to one another, yet use their "taught" beliefs to justify their actions. For example, the debate between "Pro-Life" and "Pro-Choice opponent's. What you and I hear and see on television and print, only addresses a small percentage of why they are for and against. Rarely do you hear or see the story of the person, couple, and family of why they had to come to such a decision. With that in mind, he began to question religious leaders that take a position on issues such as this, and various others. He began to point out how these leaders contradict every teaching of each belief (no matter the religion). No matter the subject, or topic, he proclaimed, "the bottom line is to live in peace". I could not have agreed with him more on that note.

After another beer the conversation switched like a flash of lightning to politics. Andy expressed his dismay at the constant "nit-picking" of the Republican Party, and those on the extreme right within it. He became especially dismayed at the farce of a so-called budget the Republicans hailed as the miracle to set things right. He said, " Did you see that"? No details, no numbers". "Do they really think the American people are that stupid"?It was just like that sham of their counter "stimulus proposal". Again, I could not have agreed with him more. On a more lighter side, the conversation quickly swung to the economy/capitalism, and how "Kentucky Fried Chicken" is infiltrating, or should I say, popping up all in China. I immediately told him to get another beer. That's just my way of distraction, or how to stop a person from sounding like a screw is coming loose. It works from time to time, but not last night. He came back with the moon landing was fake. With that statement, it moved to technology, not only on a scientific level, but military applications and strategy. I began to explain to him the technology we had then, compared to now, is no comparison. I explained to him it took us a while to make the switch from analog to digital, fiber optics, and you get the picture.

Then came the ultimate food for thought moment. UFOs. Now please try not to laugh. Trust me it was a bit difficult to contain my own self. I guess those beers were sneaking up on old Andy. Andy pontificated why no "people of color" ever claimed to have had an anal probe. I know, I almost fell out of my chair. In order to regroup, I suggested maybe they are not the aliens we may think they are, but, possibly Angels visiting the earth to give certain species a check up. Hey, anything is possible right? But he eventually held fast to his belief that the clergy needs to re-evaluate their teachings, the chicken chain is on the march, the moon landing was fake, but advances in technology are good, and UFOs and the people they probe are nuts.

I hope he does not stop by tonight. Happy Fathers Day.