A Response

It's not often I write a response to a blog (in my opinion, it's really an article), well in this case an email. It's even less often that I will let the person know that I even wrote it (Part of me likes it being out there with out the intended person knowing about it. Hoping that some day they may come across it.) That won't be the case today. Today, I'm going to try my best to have them see it. I want to do this, not to hurt him, but in fact the exact opposite. I want to show him, and the world, that people can have a rational reaction to an article that's been written. I want to show him that there isn't just crazy people out there on the interwebs. Who am I talking about? Well, none other than Jason Calacanis. A human being, who in my opinion, is extremely smart, creative, hardworking, and most importantly.... caring. I guess I should give some back story. Jason sent out an article talking about how because of the internet and it's anonymity it has, intern, robbed us of our humanity. His article can be read here, and I do highly recommend everyone that's with in eye sight of it read it completely through. Even with that endorsement I do think there are some problems with the his conclusion. There is no doubt in my mind that there are things said online that most would never say in person. There is also no doubt in my mind that those horrendous things that are said, are said because of the anonymity. But, even with that said, there is no doubt in my mind that it's not an epidemic. I know, I will now get flamed, but I think what I say is true. If we look through out history people have been committing atrocities since the start of civilization. That doesn't make it right, but what it means is that we aren't loosing our humanity because of technology. We're losing it because of our lack of understanding, respect, and empathy. These sick, ignorant, people say what ever comes to there mind. There no different then racists or sexists. All we've done is find an new kind of ignorance. This time it doesn't care what color you skin is, what God you believe in, or even what you look like at all. In fact, they like it better to just make these details up. It suits there fantasies better. Fulfills there need for being in power and dominating someone. But this isn't new, this is old. Just look through out history and you'll see it every where. But that only explains half of what Jason was talking about. There was a time in our history when people would go to hangings. They had no reason to be there other than to have something to do in the afternoon. Even worse is some would come for the soul reason of watching someone die. We as a world have been watching people beat the shit out of each other, calling it a "sport", for as long as I can remember. And, even though it always makes me ashamed to bring up, we, meaning human beings, used to have slaves we beat, some to death. A lot of the time there were people more than happy to watch these things. Some of these instances have evolved into legitimate sports, others are now against almost all earthly laws. My point, if you can tell in these ramblings, is that what Jason's talking about, has always been here. It's in our history, maybe even already in our DNA. Nothing I've seen, I haven't already seen in the history books. It's just coming out a different way. That's what technology does, gives a new way of doing old things. Now, that being said, I believe with ever fiber of my being that it can be changed. Maybe, I'm being naive by thinking the world in fact can be a better place. Maybe, but I rather see the world get better than see it fail. I will do my best to make the world better. What would happen if everyone thought that way? P.S. - Jason Calacanis I think your are a great inspirational man. I love hearing and reading your insights, thoughts, and ideas. I don't always agree with you but I respect your opinion and position. Thank you for sharing your life. #empathyday

New Year, New Beginnings

So much and so little has happened this year. We as a country elected a black president and in the same instance took away rights to gay individuals. I ended the year no different then I had entered it. I've learned things, no question about that. I just wish that I could see some distance between where I was and where I am now. On the bright side, this is a new year. I have a lot of exciting things coming down the pipe. One of them is a show I've been working on that I hope to have up in the next month or two. Along with that, a website re-design for this site and a new site for the new show. Also, look forward to more shorts and maybe even some mini-series and/or shows. All and all this should be a good year.