h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

So, dear friends, exactly when is the appropriate time to confess to your children that you are a liar? Hence the Easter Bunny Dilemma. A while ago, a man that I know to be moral (unbelievably stringent, certainly dogmatic, absolutely 100% correct in all things - with NO room for any mistake as he is enlightened by God himself!) informed a group of us that we were, at best, the world's most horrible and incompetent parents. And, at worst, agents of the devil himself. HUM. The basis for his concept was this: WE (the horrific, horrendous, most horrid horde) have betrayed our offspring through our overt and deliberate deceptions. Via an intricate web of fabrications and delusions, a conspiracy that is infinite in its scope through a total lack of love - and I do mean not even one scintilla of affection!! - we have set out to perpetuate our evil at any cost. And part of that disgusting vileness is personified in the form of the EASTER BUNNY!! DO YOU NOT KNOW ? -- HE DOES NOT EXIST! How dare you promote this repulsive nefarious behavior and/teaching? What will they ( YOUR SO-CALLED "BELOVED CHILDREN") think of you when they discover you have intentionally misled them? They will HATE you. And that dear friends, is Exactly what you Deserve. How interesting that so much intolerance, so much hatred is perpetuated in the name of righteousness and good. Why is it that Holy Wars are never holy - just bloody and hurtful and ultimately -- not successful. Where, oh where, has the love gone? Can anyone tell me? Happy Easter.

And that is why 'organised religion' is something I personally can't feel comfortable with, especially those religions that claim that their beliefs are right and everyone else is wrong, and those that will fight bloody and cruel wars because 'God is on their side'.

I have plenty of values... some might even be considered 'Christian' in ethos, but first and foremost, treating people, animals and this planet with respect is my 'religion'.

The Easter Bunny, like Santa Claus, is there to make kids feel good. I think most kids know soon enough that they are 'not quite real', but the rewards they bring are worth stringing your parents along for.

Anyone, regardless of religion or otherwise, who makes a point of criticising and accusing other people is someone who is seriously lacking in their own lives. Even the Bible offers you the option of 'goodwill to all men', 'forgive they neighbour' (rather than 'an eye for an eye') and so forth. Different people will interpret these things in different ways, according to what suits their purpose best. Unpleasant people will make the most of the unpleasant interpretation. C'est la vie.

Sus xx

You are an excellent writer - I admire your form, your technique, your content and your prose. Thanks for those enlightened words. It probably appeared that this individual affected me adversely - this is not the case. In fact, I know he is somewhat afraid of me and often views me as a threat. But, ironically, there is respect, admiration and genuine liking between us. (HE isn't a bad person - but a human who exists only in a world of black and white. There is NO GRAY! Whereas in my book, everything is a shade of gray and NOTHING is black and white. ) My concern is that he does wield power over others - I can envision them cringeing right now. I learned a very long time ago that man-made religion is often a farce -but that in no way diminishes its potency. I was raised Catholic and existed in interminable fear of "burning in HELL" FOREVER !!!!!!!! Then I grew up and prayed for wisdom (literally). Slowly things seeped into my brain. Religion was an institution - just like school. There are rules and regs. and formulas to be adhered to. And of course, unspeakable consequences etched onto your "permanent record" if you broke any of these man-given codes. It would surely follow you to the grave (and then some!) I always refer to myself as being Christian. But that is a philosophical framework - I admire the life of Christ and try to emulate it. (I fail too frequently)But I do try. Please write more about how you view the world, what is our purpose, how should we treat our enemies, how does one combat evil effectively or anything else you'd care to share. And again Sus ( this is getting redundant but it is still quite heart-felt) THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING - You are a wonderful positive force in my life. And, may God bless you always.

Here to help... actually, I'd like to think that's a philosophy that could be extended. People want many things out of life, and like most people, I don't want to feel my life has been wasted. For me, that means that one day I would like to be able to look back on my life with the satisfaction that I achieved some good. It is more complex that that though... what I want is to achieved something that has improved the lives of others in a tangible way.

Life is short, and regardless of views on life after life, you only get one shot at this one. I think it should be enjoyed, providing no one individual's enjoyment of it infringes on another's enjoyment, and where possible, you make life more enjoyable for others.

Why don't you tell me some more about your ethos? I hope my previous comments didn't offend.

Sus xx

All I can say is that anyone who hasn't time for some make believe and fantasy for their children is a very sad individual and consideration should be given to whether they should be allowed to have kids.

What next? The Cat in the Hat? I had to have years of therapy when I found out there was no such thing!

Without fanatasy as children we will never stretch our imaginations, and without stretching our imaginations we can never have dreams or aspirations, never free ourselves from the daily grind, never better ourselves.

It's late and I've a stinking migraine (probably from too much easter bunny brought chocolate) so good night.

CHawke

Aww. Hope you feel better tomorrow.

*is tempted to blame the migraine on too much w*rk and not enough play*

Sleep well.

Sus xx

Hi Sus, There was nothing in your writing that I could ever take offense at. There might be a situation where we disagree but to date that has not occurred. If I know nothing else I have learned this - to examine VERY carefully a person's MOTIVATION. People say and do stupid things ( I put myself on top of that list!) - but that does not make them evil or even somewhat vile. They made a mistake. A human mistake. Now sometimes that is tragic but most times it's simply annoying or causes temporary distress. (Tragedy is altogether different with ramifications of its own). These innocuous sorts of things can be readily dealt with. They're pains in our various body parts but fairly easy to truly forgive and forget. It is when deliberate actions happen for the only purpose of inflicting harm that I turn into "The LYONESS". When greed or lust or cruelty (especially against those who are highly vulnerable) combine with planning, subtrefuge etc. it incenses me. At the very least I must speak out. Usually, if I'm passionate, it means I'm being "called to action". You witnessed a glimpse of this on the message boards. Someone MUST TAKE ACTION! And that someone is probably ME! WHY? Because I have been given first-hand knowledge of a specific situation. Of course I have free will - I can decline to take it on. And there are times when I should let others do it. (That's another long viewpoint which I won't go into now). Anyway, to sum it up succinctly -- if you find yourself in a situation assume it is a gift --- even when it really stinks, you detest it, want nothing to do with, don't have time for it, do not DESERVE it (that's a super big one), and just G.D. it, DON'T WANT to do it. Follow the lead of Mother Teresa: DO IT ANYWAY! There are many folks who find me different - that's o.k. because I am. But I have been endowed with enormous gifts and not to use them intelligently, appropriately and for the greater good would surely be a sacrilege. I am blessed and I am grateful. I have this moment - that is all. I must use it wisely. Fond regards, KAT

Hi C Hawke, Lovely to meet you . I think you're right on about children and fantasy and fun. Wouldn't it be super if each of us could always retain our "eternal" child to live free and enjoy life? KAT

I have to say you 'took the words right out of my mouth' there. How great is it when you meet someone on the same wavelength? Makes me just want to laugh at the BBC for the wonderful thing they've done, out of their stupidity. I frequently express myself badly and end up offending people IRL, but I never ever set out to do so deliberately. Anyway, I'm beginning to think that *just this once* the BBC did us both a favour. That should annoy them.

Sus xx

Oh... and you do sometimes meet people who intend to be hurtful. I have developed the philosophy that I feel sorry for them... it is very sad that the only joy they can get out of life is by trying to make it worse for other people. They deserve to be pitied.

Yes indeedy - Divine Providence is a fab thing! Again, when that door closes..... Another reason why I must maintain the quest to locate my cyber buddies from the Lounge. Smart, educated, thoughtful folks. You are so correct about mean people - there are far too many of them and they certainly are to be pitied. That's when it's important to "lead by good example". Sometimes that is incredibly hard to do . And sometimes that meanness IS evil ( but it's been my experience that much evil is well diguised). I view the loggers as being evil - they truly personify greed and a total lack of love for everyone and everything. Frequently I become so tired of the fight, especially when friends turn tail and you see their true colors - not a pretty sight ! That's horrendously disappointing since no matter what the outcome you can never truly trust these "friends" again. Something akin to adultery in a marriage. How do you deal with betrayal? That is a major theme of my existence and it's encountered constantly. Any thoughts are appreciated! KAT

Betrayal? That's difficult. It does depend on the case to some extent. In what way they betrayed you...

People differ, and sometimes they just don't feel brave enough to deal with whatever is happening. Especially if it's someone else's problem (an 'SEP'!), it can be easier to just leave it... 'not my problem'. Does that make them a bad person though? Or just a coward? With love and support, even the terminally terrified can achieve great things.

The biggest question is whether you should forgive them? Did they do it deliberately (as previously discussed), or was their 'betrayal' a by-product of something else? Even if they don't seek forgiveness, it will only hurt you more in the long run to harbour anger and regret. Revenge or 'an eye for an eye' is not a philosophy I subscribe to. In my opinion, it doesn't make you feel better to sink to someone elses's level. 'To thine own self be true' as a great man once wrote (and a great woman too).

If you don't feel you can resolve the betrayal, then the best thing is to let them go. They are not worthy to be in your life.

Most harm is done in relationships of any kind by not talking about problems... just assuming that someone said 'so and so' or believing they did something, because a third party told you so. Confront them, if it is something specific. Not easy to do, but maybe the lesser of two evils, if losing your respect for them or losing their friendship is the other choice?

Sus xx

Adore your "terminally terrified" phrase - may I steal it please? You're so right about forgiveness - the forgiving is for you and not the perpetrater. Too much baggage to carry around. But at times I find myself not wallowing per se but re-living and re-thinking the situation. That is a supreme waste of my time. On the intellectual level that's easy to get, but it's the emotional level that's a different story. I always need to know why. And sometimes there are no answers. Very frustrating . Luckily, I don't remain in that state too often but even a few minutes is too long! Time is too short and there's so much to do . But it still annoys me when I find myself there because now MORE time is being stolen by my thinking about a lot of when I could be doing constructive things.Do you think I've spent enough time complaining ? Oh, the ego knows no bounds!! Are you playing any jokes for "April Fool's Day"? Must lighten up a bit as there is a long day ahead of me ! KAT

Yeah, knowing how you should cope and actually feeling that way are two different things, huh? I'm very good at giving advice, and am gradually getting better at taking it too. I think the more times I hear myself tell someone else, the closer I get to being able to follow my own advice.

No April Fools' jokes for me. Never been all that into it at any age. The ones that stick in the mind tend to be the ones where someone got hurt, more emotionally than physically. But I do love a good laugh though.

Have you read any of Douglas Adams books ('The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' trilogy or 'Dirk Gently' stories for instance)? A wonderful British writer, humourist, satirist and all round great bloke, and the reason this whole site (h2g2) exists. Douglas has had a profound effect on my life in many ways, through childhood to here and now. Sadly, he suffered a heart attack last May, and was stolen from us at the unreasonably early age of 49. But his vision lives on in this site and the wonderful community that fuels it... though I do fear where it will head under the steering of the BBC.

Sus xx

Haven't read them yet but will soon . Right now most of my time is being taken up with job hunting and doing research for the lawsuit . Very complicated and time-consuming. However the more I can accomplish on my own, the less we have to pay others. And I've learned to be careful - one person I was chatting with who presented himself as interested in helping us turned out to be a spy for the opposition! You just never know --- KAT

Not what you needed. It must be a very frustrating and exhausting situation, and I'm not sure I could tackle trying to get to grips with law.

Well, I do believe this is a mission I'm supposed to take on . And the State Troopers have been very helpful. On the other hand, the local sheriff's office is loaded with idiots, part-timers (who derive the bulk of their income from writing tickets and pocketing part of the fines! ) And they are part of the opposition because they "work" for Mike Blanchfield the illegal logger who is my arch enemy . Living in the country is fantastic for communing with nature but sometimes it's more like Mississippi or Alabama in terms of law enforcement . But I will perservere! kk