Great article. I appreciate your reminding folks to stand up for what they believe in and the insanity of the main stream commentary on all sides of issues.
I didn't realize encouraging folks to stand up for what they believe in was political. In fact, it seems like it corresponds highly with mental health. At any rate, putting non-traditional health and fitness topics in a separate newsletter is an idea worth considering.
I wasn't trying to be hostile or argumentative. You seem from your writings to be a serious, genuine, nice guy, which is part of why I keep reading !
As you know, in America today one needs to be exceedingly clear about both the intrinsic & extrinsic meanings of any words or phrases one uses, largely because many words & phrases have been weaponized in one way or another.
I reacted to your sentences "We are shamed into silence. And then we're told 'silence is violence'. ...We are coerced into accepting one set of ideas." I'm not sure who the "we" is in these sentences, and I seem the same thing constantly in newspaper headlines and articles. Right now, the NY Times is featuring an article "Why did we put so much faith in the crypto whiz kid ?", just like so many articles I've read wondering why "we" are so absorbed with twitter or what "we" think about the latest television sensation.
I'm not sure what "we are shamed into silence" means, or exactly what events that phrase describes, nor do I understand the idea of an adult being passively shamed into anything. I do know, however, that this specific diction is a common trope used by persons who wish to condemn what they think of as "woke" or "cancel" culture. And it's because of my making that association that I referred to your comments as being "political".
I love your writings about fitness -- the mechanical, psychological, and emotional components -- as well as what I find to be your excellent words on stepping outside the noise of the popular culture, preferably into nature, as a way to begin to live a balanced and happier life.
I am a little jumpy today. Being less reactionary is something I am working on personally.
You are correct in prioritizing clarity over everything. Words have tremendous power as we've both said. I stand behind what I said, but things can always be said better. I try to be as clear and concise as I can be, but sometimes I leave something to be desired.
Scott, there you have a case in point... stay convicted, you are right.
“Do not give one inch to those who wish to silence you. Those who wish to bully you, intimidate you, manipulate you into one particular viewpoint. Today they take an inch, tomorrow they take a yard.
Dare to hold a different opinion in the face of objection. Act in accordance with your beliefs and remain steadfast in those beliefs. Think before you speak, know what you mean, and mean what you say.”
Good talk! Thank you for the link as well. I probably would never heard Daves uplifting words without your thoughtfulness. 🙏💚
Great article. I appreciate your reminding folks to stand up for what they believe in and the insanity of the main stream commentary on all sides of issues.
Thank you Scotty.
This post made me unsubscribe 🤷🏻♂️
I appreciate your support thus far Julian.
Maybe you should stick to writing about fitness and keep your political opinions to yourself, or make them the subject of a separate newsletter.
I didn't realize encouraging folks to stand up for what they believe in was political. In fact, it seems like it corresponds highly with mental health. At any rate, putting non-traditional health and fitness topics in a separate newsletter is an idea worth considering.
I wasn't trying to be hostile or argumentative. You seem from your writings to be a serious, genuine, nice guy, which is part of why I keep reading !
As you know, in America today one needs to be exceedingly clear about both the intrinsic & extrinsic meanings of any words or phrases one uses, largely because many words & phrases have been weaponized in one way or another.
I reacted to your sentences "We are shamed into silence. And then we're told 'silence is violence'. ...We are coerced into accepting one set of ideas." I'm not sure who the "we" is in these sentences, and I seem the same thing constantly in newspaper headlines and articles. Right now, the NY Times is featuring an article "Why did we put so much faith in the crypto whiz kid ?", just like so many articles I've read wondering why "we" are so absorbed with twitter or what "we" think about the latest television sensation.
I'm not sure what "we are shamed into silence" means, or exactly what events that phrase describes, nor do I understand the idea of an adult being passively shamed into anything. I do know, however, that this specific diction is a common trope used by persons who wish to condemn what they think of as "woke" or "cancel" culture. And it's because of my making that association that I referred to your comments as being "political".
I love your writings about fitness -- the mechanical, psychological, and emotional components -- as well as what I find to be your excellent words on stepping outside the noise of the popular culture, preferably into nature, as a way to begin to live a balanced and happier life.
Thanks
Bob - thanks for a thoughtful response.
I am a little jumpy today. Being less reactionary is something I am working on personally.
You are correct in prioritizing clarity over everything. Words have tremendous power as we've both said. I stand behind what I said, but things can always be said better. I try to be as clear and concise as I can be, but sometimes I leave something to be desired.
Scott, there you have a case in point... stay convicted, you are right.
“Do not give one inch to those who wish to silence you. Those who wish to bully you, intimidate you, manipulate you into one particular viewpoint. Today they take an inch, tomorrow they take a yard.
Dare to hold a different opinion in the face of objection. Act in accordance with your beliefs and remain steadfast in those beliefs. Think before you speak, know what you mean, and mean what you say.”
I appreciate it ATOM.