JJ's World Views

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  • Who and Why

    Who and Why

    Hello, I am JJ ODonnell.  This post is about who and why I am starting this blog.  I have two main reasons for starting it. One I hope this can be a form of therapy for me and hopefully can help others with this blog.  Second is to practice my writing skills.

    When I was young I used to like to write.  I would write poems and short stories, unfortunately many of them have been lost in my many moves over the past two decades. Then for some reason I stopped in my early 20’s, most likely I just got to wrapped up in the chaos that was my life for so long.  I have been diagnosed and dealing with Major Depressive Disorder.  I have a hard time finding enjoyment in many things,  I am always tired and I hated myself and others. I have secluded my self in my home, except for work and even that is hard at time and of course the really bad thoughts about myself.

    Over the past couple of years I have been trying to get stuff together.  Before that my depression had taken a large toll from me.  I had 2 hernia surgeries in the span of 2 years. My family had moved back home to Minnesota from Florida, where I was still living with my with and step daughter.  This is where I really felt trapped I loved my wife and step daughter, I still do care for them dearly.  I also despised living in Florida  and missed Minnesota so bad.  I ended up moving back to Minnesota and filed for divorce.  She was not a greedy person despite what some people would have you believe.  All she wanted was for me to be happy and get the help that I needed.  The only material thing the divorce took from me was the lawyers and court costs.   I could go on but I will save the rest of the details of my descent in future blog posts.

    Fast forward 2 years, In 2014 I here on the internet about this Young woman who stood up to the Taliban in Pakistan so that girls had a right to an education.  Malala Yousafzai’s story stirred something in me.  “With all the death and destruction in this world here is this kid at the age of 15 was shot and came back a couple years later to win the Nobel Peace Prize.”  I said to myself.  ” This young woman can take on a ruthless extremist like the Taliban. Look at me I am almost 40 and have not done?” I asked myself again.  So I decided to make a loose plan to get me on the right track.  What am I good at? What inspires me? And what do I want to do?  I realized I wanted to go back to school to become a teacher, specifically Social Studies.  I also realized I want to try and help people as much as possible.  So, I also want to join the Peace Corp and help out around the world. I also feel if you are going to teach about other cultures I should at least experience a few other cultures than just the American Culture.  This way I can be able to put context into my teaching tool chest.  I also had to get help to battle through my depression and went to the VA.

    Which leads me  to here. I just finished up a group counseling class at the VA (Veterans Administration) Hospital here in Minnesota.  The class was called CBSST (Cognitive Behavioural Social Skills Training). In this class we are taught how to think of things in different way using critical thinking skills.  I started this class 3 months before I started back to college, in September of last year.  Now I am About to go into my Third semester of college at the end of August.  I use school as a form of therapy for me.  It is a place where I can exchange ideas with people and become a custom to more social situations.   Instead, of hiding from the world.

    I am doing this to learn as much as for therapy.  So if you have constructive criticism it is welcome.  If you have questions or need clarification about anything do not be afraid to ask.

  • Empathy-Driven Senate Campaign: A New Vision

    Written by

    JJ ODonnell

    in

    Analysis, Home, Journal, Political, Thoughts

    This post is to gauge people’s thoughts on my potential run for Senate next year.  Taking Tina Smith’s seat.   I have been working on this off and on for years. I never thought I would seriously consider running for office. The following is a plan to help better our country and the world.  I would like to see us be more empathetic and work for the benefit of all citizens, not just the wealthy. 

    Issues

    Economic equity

    1. Universal Health care (Medicare for all)

    Reason: Our health determines the type of jobs we can have. This also lowers sick calls. If a person is sick it makes it hard to look for a job if they do not have one. This will also cut costs of medical and dental bills. No more co-pays, no premiums, no deductibles.

    This would be paid with taxes.

    2. Universal basic income (social security for all)

    How will this be done? Removing the Cap on how much people have to pay each year.

    Reason: To make sure our citizens would have capital during National emergencies such as pandemics and other natural disasters that the people can not control.

    3. Universal education through a bachelor’s degree

    Reason: most low-wage jobs are going away. This is due to jobs being sent to other countries and automation. This would make our citizens more competitive in the global economy.

    4. Minimum wage $20/ hour adjusted with inflation and overtime at 32 hours Mandatory family and sick leave 3 weeks minimum

    Reason: Due to how highly productive Americans are they need a livable wage. They also need more time with family and friends in order to have a work-life balance.

    5. Raising taxes on the wealthy using a progressive tax rate. (Itemize how taxes will be spent from their taxes) also lifting the cap on social security to coincide with taxes.

    This also puts a limit on how much capital (a form of power) one person is allowed to have.

    6. Ending the war on drugs (legalize tax and regulate all drug use tax to help pay for rehab and Education

    Reason: Considering these are racist and focused on blacks and hippies.

    7. Ending wars and nuclear disarmament

    Wars are one of the most expensive things a government can spend money on. Making a deal with other nuclear powers to dismantle the nuclear arsenals around the world.

    8. Green infrastructure

    Converting to alternative fuels

    (Geothermal, tidal, solar, and wind) heart go planet.

    8. Staying out of other countries’ politics (Allow them to govern themselves without interference except for humanitarian efforts, military involvement is the very last resort.)

    This means no more regime changes like in Iran and Argentina. We have done the people of these no good by doing this.

    10. Undoing the Patriot Act.

    This piece of legislation took many of our rights away. It is time to get them back.

    11. Having a transparent government.

    It is my thinking that people cannot make informed decisions if we do not give them all the information.

    12. Push for Psychological testing for all candidates running for office.

    After this last election do I really need to say more.

    13. Itemized tax returns

    This is where you can see how your money was spent the previous year.

    14. Eliminate Club Fed

    We all know that white-collar crime is rampant throughout our country. It is time to let them know we are no longer messing around.

    15. Ending Citizens United

    This would end the legalized bribery that has brought us to this point in history.

    16. Adding an amendment to the constitution that gives the citizens a way to take a vote of no confidence.

    17. 21 Days of personal leave and 3 months of parental leave. 

    This would give people more time to spend with families. 

    18. Any medications that were partially or wholly financed by tax dollars will be capped.

    This would help curb the obscene amounts the pharmaceutical companies price gouging.

    19. Legalize, tax marijuana

    20. Redirect DEA funds to put more emphasis on human trafficking.

    21. Eliminate for-profit prisons

    22. End wars of aggression and ending financing the aggressors in war.

    22. Get rid of the Electoral College putting the power directly on the citizenry.

    23. Inheritance tax on inheritance over one million at 50% and 100% over ten million.

    24. Put more resources towards the Peace Corps.

    25. Add human rights to the constitution.

    A. All human beings are free and equal.

    B. No Discrimination

    C. Right to life

    D. No slavery

    E. No torture and inhumane treatment

    F. Same right to use the law.

    G. Right to be treated fairly by the courts

    H. No unfair detainment

    I. Right to trial

    J. Innocent until proven guilty

    K. Right to Privacy

    L. Freedom to move and residence.

    M. Right to asylum

    N. Right to nationality

    O. Right to marry and have family

    P. Right to own things

    Q. Freedom of thought and religion

    R. Freedom of expression and opinion

    S. Freedom to assemble

    T. Right to Democracy

    U. Right to Social Security

    V. Right to work

    W. Right to rest and holiday

    X. Right to social services

    Y. Right to education

    Z. Right to culture and art

    AA. Freedom around the world

    BB. Subject to laws

    CC. Human rights can’t be taken away

    26. Putting limits of 5 years after classified operations are finished.

    27. Equal representation in both civil and criminal courts limiting the number of lawyers any human can use

    28. Increase investment in rural areas.

           Subsidies to smaller farms, and rural internet, should help to revitalize our rural towns.  Especially when we allow more people to work from home.

    29. Divest from big Agro

    39. Incentives for moving to move to more rural areas.

            More work-from-home jobs and incentives for small businesses should help bring back small-town America.

    40. Investment in rural hospitals, clinics, and schools

    41. Tax breaks for pets and increased animal abuse laws

    42. Putting more limits on the presidency

    Votes of no confidence if the citizens feel that the president is not working in our favor.

    43. Open up elections and debates to more than just the 2 parties

    44. Trimming the defense budget.

    Considering that they have failed the last 7 audits.

    45. Canceling student loans

    46. Fix international relationship

    47. Bring back the scam police

  • My Best Friend

    My Best Friend

    For 14 years we have been together

    I saved you from the shelter in Sanford

    But since them you have saved me more

    Through the Multitude of moves

    To my marriage and divorce

    You were there when I pushed everyone else a way

    You showed me love when I did’t think I deserved it

    I will miss the swirls of fur on your chest

    To the way you twitch your nose when you smelt food

    You have meant more too me than you know

    I love you Bentley The Best Damn Friend a man could have

     

  • It Has Been Awhile

    It has been awhile since I last wrote anything.  I have been busy working two jobs.  One that I love working as an Educational Assistant.  I get to work with some remarkable kids.  They all have their issues but I love them all.  I just got done making a video with them which is funny as hell.  We are promoting Marker Recycling doing our own version of both Avengers infinity war and Endgame.  It took me an hour to write and hour to shoot and 3 hours to edit.  I loved every minute of it.

    My second job I am not in love with it but it helps keep me in my home for now.  I work at a local convenience store.  I have done this type of work too many times before.  The people I work with are cool.  But my other job takes so much out of me that i am exhausted when I work there.  I have found that when I work there I hate people more and more.  Don’t ask me why.  I would just say “I feel like I have sold my soul for a paycheck.”  That is how I have felt at many of my old jobs.  The advancement they talk about is only working to make others rich, instead of enriching myself.

  • A Humanist’s View of Life After Death

    A Humanist’s View of Life After Death

    Last night I was watching Star Trek: Voyager and the episode Mortal Coil came on.  This is an episode where Neelix dies and comes back to life via nano-probes from Seven of Nine.  When he awoke he has a crisis of faith in his afterlife because he did not see any of the thing while he was dead.  This got me thinking, what do I think happens when we die?  I do not believe in heaven or hell, a god, gods or even the devil.  So, what does happen when we die? Well, I feel our bodies go into the earth in order to help nourish it.  As for our energy that we use, it is all used up while we are alive.

    What motivates someone to be a good person in life if there is no reward or punishment in death?  That all comes down to being human and putting out positive vibes and helping make the world a better place.  Yes, I would like to see peace on this beautiful planet in my time.  I know that it most likely will not happen, at least not while I am living.  But, this is where it can start.

    We has humans like to think of a soul as something that can be transferred from this world to another.  Though I can neither disprove or prove this hypothesis, I see things in a much different light.  In the centuries that came before us very few people knew how to read or write, even less would be published.  This is why we wanted or needed to believe in an afterlife, in my opinion.  In our current world many can read and write and almost anyone can be published for the entire world to see.  In this way we are becoming immortal in a sense. If we are putting out negativity history will show that, if we put out positivity history will show that as well.  To me heaven or hell is the way history will see who I am.  I do not need a threat to be a good person I just need to be myself.

    But, if I had to chose a religious version of an after life, I think I would be closer to reincarnation.  This is because as we die and decompose we are transforming into something new.  We are helping to create fertile ground in which plants may grow, so that animals can eat and in this process we live on in the greatness of our planet.

  • How to Curb the Obscenity of Wealth

    How to Curb the Obscenity of Wealth

    Kids born into wealth will never know what it is like to serve something bigger than themselves.  While kids born into poverty see the only way out is to serve our armed forces.  The poor uneducated children fight for what they believe is a noble cause only later to find out that, they are fighting for the wealthy’s privilege.   The people above have never known what it is like to give their lives for anything but themselves.  They have never had to risk anything yet, they are some of the most wealth individuals in the country nay the world today.  Why should these people be so entitled?  Why should they not be obligated to serve our country? I can tell you one thing, I am not in favor of a royalty like they have in England.  In fact I think it should be done away with completely.  But I do have respect for the royal family at least they served in the military.  That is more than I can say about these people.

    We send our brave men and women overseas to fight wars that we have no reason being in.  In fact, the U.S. does more harm than good sending our troops over there.  It is so confusing that we are never sure if we are targeting the soldiers or civilians, this creates more people who hate the U.S.  I love our troops I just wish that the Executive and Legislative branches would plan things out better and define what victory meant.  I also so think that maybe, we should bring back the draft or make it mandatory that everyone at the age of 18 does some kind of service to the country.  These would all be low level positions either in the Military or in the civil service; like Americorps or Peace Corps.  This way everyone can get out of their bubbles from a relatively young age.  For that matter the wealthy kids should have the same schooling as the poor kids.  This way we all start off on equal footing.

    I also believe in order to end inequality we need an inheritance tax.  Why should the wealthy be able to horde money throughout generations?  An inheritance tax is like a tree that dies and gets decomposed so that new life can start fresh.  I am not saying take everything from the kids, I mean if they can not make a five million last or expand on it then they are really not that bright to begin with.  Most people do not even get that much when their family members die.  I also think that there should be higher percentage of taxes on extreme luxury goods.  Say vehicles up to $25,000 are taxed at a 7% rate and every $25,000 it increases by 7%.  So, on a car that costs $25,000 a person would pay $1,250 in taxes, on a car that costs $50,000 a person would pay $5,250 in taxes.  This would continue on up the scale.  Where would all this money go you might ask well back the public in the form of small business grants, college institutions, Universal Healthcare, upgrading infrastructure, creating a basic income, and so much more.  These taxes give everyone equality of opportunity, not outcome.  These are just a couple of taxes to help level the playing field and make sure that no one is left in poverty.

    Once we expand our economic base to everyone in our country, we can truly start to help make this a better world for all.  This can be done through cultural tourism.  The more people are exposed to new cultures and people, the less likely they are to fear them.  We would be able to learn from each other and build upon our foundation that is set forth.  This would create less animus among peoples all around the world and help to finally bring some peace in the future.

    It is kind of funny how this turned out I was going to rail against the mega rich, instead it helped me to come up with ideas to help build a better world.

  • Hermit

    Hermit

    I live like a hermit

    alone in my room

    Day by day

    my hopes drift away

    Loneliness consumes me

    as though I have forgotten myself

    I hurt to the core

    since my life is a bore

    I live like a hermit

    how can I change

    No money no life

    I live with this strife

    I hide myself away from the world

    behind a screen

    Only leaving to work

    my mind encased with murk

    I live like a hermit

    so what do I do

  • Incentives

    Incentives

    It seem that there are many people who believe that money is the only way to incentivise people to be productive members of society.  This is just not true.  Me for instance I am not like that at all.  I am incentivised by helping people and trying to create a better world to live in not just me but for all our sisters and brothers around the world.   The people that think that money is the only incentive I feel have been corrupted by greed.  They project their own desires away from themselves and on to everyone else.  It is a shame that for most of the worlds history this is how the leaders have chosen to incentivise the people. For to me greed brings out the darkest parts of our nature. It fosters hate, fear, war, famine and disease.   It cuts us off from each other, dividing us to the point where we can love one another and bring peace to the world.

    Those who focus on altruism and charity bring light into a society that is filled with grief and despair.  They are the glue that binds us all together and strengthens social bonds.  People like this do not worry about if people like them for themselves and not for what they give others materially.  Looks are dashed for their inner beauty shine through, and people want to be around them for who they are.  These people give with their hearts not their pocket books.  These people see the darkness and do not shy away from what others think or say about them.  This is a constant struggle with temptations and hurdles, which are put in their way.

    Some people have a desire to learn and gain as much knowledge as they can.  This is to help inform and teach the others to become better people as well.  Their are also those who seek knowledge to use against others and gain power over them.  Their hearts are dark with a smidge of light or no light at all.  There are those who are lead by being to discovery, searching out adventure and seeing new things.  Some seek adrenaline to which they skydive and compete in different events.  Some explore the reaches of our minds in order to heal themselves or others.  Others crave physical power over others through fighting or personal physical growth, to feel confident in oneself.

    Many of these incentives overlap with one another.  The people who driven by overlapping incentives can be some of the most balanced of individuals or off centered as well.  It all depends on which of the incentives that guide them.  If someone allows greed and knowledge they may use the power they gain in destructive ways.  Whereas, those who are guided by altruism and knowledge may try to enlighten the population.  Giving of themselves to better the human condition.

    These motivations can be combined in a multitude of ways and used for the betterment of society or it’s demise.  We have to choose for ourselves how we are incentivised and how we would like to use what we have gained.  Whether, it be for selfish or altruistic reasons.  Let me ask you “How do you choose to be Incentivised?”

  • North Minneapolis Police Shooting

    North Minneapolis Police Shooting

    I just saw a news report about another black man being shot by police in North Minneapolis on Saturday Turman Blevins.  There was something that caught me off guard from the report.  That is that the officers involved in the shooting get to look at the shooting before they give their statement.  This to me seems a wrong does everyone accused in a shooting get to see the evidence before they give a statement?  No.  Why should the police be able to? We are supposed to be living in a society that has equal rights.  This means that the police have the same rights as everyone else, not more rights.  This makes it seem as though the police are getting their story straight before hand.

    Now I want to believe that their are good officers out there.  But over the past 5 years I have seen an abundance of police shooting where they nothing is really done.  No officers have been jailed because of the laws and their authority over the public.  I feel that they should not shoot unless shot at.  This makes it clear that they were in danger.  We have become a society that lives in fear from the police.  We should not have to fear the police we should be able to embrace them.  But unfortunately, their actions speak loud and clear.  If you are black you will be shot whether you are innocent or not.  It feels like we are in the movie Judge Dredd, where the police are judge, jury and executioners.  We need for this type of mentality to end.  We need to make sure civilians are treated with as much respect and dignity as the police.

    Now I am not a reporter I just heard something that did not sound right.  I want justice and the truth.  One thing is for sure is that we need major reform in policing throughout our country.  When Dylann Roof shot up a church with a black congregation the police did not shoot him and I feel he was far more dangerous than many of our black brothers and sisters out there who have been shot by police.  This double standard needs to stop.

    The image above is from the Star Tribune.

     

  • Philosophies of a Humanist

    Philosophies of a Humanist

    As a self proclaimed Humanist  I do not believe in a God or gods.  I believe in the power of humanity in and of itself.  I have been to many churches and they all seemed strange to me, even the Catholic Church in which I was loosely raised in.  The whole sit, stand and kneel ritual was quite irritating along with the sermons and the Bible.  They all just rubbed me the wrong way.  When I got in to my twenties I read the Bible from front to back and the contradictions within it drove me nut as well as the whole lineage stuff.

    It was when I was introduced to Bruce Lee and his philosophy of martial arts  that I started developing my own system of beliefs.  I liked how he took the best parts of other martial arts and combined them together to create Jeet Kune Do.   I liked this and wondered why no one had thought of doing this with religion or faith.  So, over the years I started developing my own philosophies.  I did not just stick to the ideas of religion though I also took from themes within fiction and movies where religion lacked.  I try to live by a code that promotes peace and harmony without being hypocritical to my beliefs like many do with in religion.  Some may think it is naive but I see the world as it is and I aspire to make changes with in myself, so that I may help change the course of humanity in a positive way.

    I strive to eliminate hate from myself, for to hate I feel is to give power to that person or group over me.  This is no easy task.  I may get angry at someone but I will not hate them.  Anger will only last as long as I let it.  I do not hold grudges anymore, for this only hurts me.  It darkens my heart and breeds discontent in those around me.

    I remind myself fear can be both a good and bad thing.  Fear can keep me safe from the dangers of the world.  Remember not to let fear control me, for if I allow it to have control it can hinder my journey through this life and lead to hate.  When fear becomes too strong I must face it by putting myself in uncomfortable situations, this way I understand what I am afraid of, henceforth stifling hate.

    Be kind to those around me.  This is can also be hard to do especially if I am angry.  I am not perfect and will not claim to be.  We all make mistakes so, we must own up to them and learn.

    Love everyone no matter the race, religion, sexual orientation or any other way society deems to separate us.  I have come to the realization that I may not be able to love in a romantic sense,  because my heart is filled with love for all humankind.  I am fine with that.  In some ways it is lonely and I crave the affections of someone but this may hinder me from the mission I have taken on.  I vowed to not be with anyone until I have finished my Bachelor’s Degree that was almost 3 years ago.  I have almost allowed myself to fall back into the old routines, of mistaking sex for romantic love.  I do not wish to do this again.

    I put my heart into my goals.  This is why I think I am so good at being an Educational Assistant and why I will be a good teacher.  I put the kids I work with first, this is how I am.  I want to make sure that children no matter where they are where they are from.

    Do no harm is another principle I try to live by as well.  This means I will make sure to exhaust all methods of nonviolence.  I would rather die than to physically harm someone.

    These are some of the principles I try to live by.  But, I am not perfect and I will never claim to be.  If I do please call me out on it.

  • Depression: The Invisible Killer

    Depression: The Invisible Killer

    The deaths of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade this week brought have to the surface my own battles with Depression.  I have been diagnosed with clinical depression and been battling it for the past 24 years.  Those who do not suffer from this condition can have a hard time understanding why those with the affliction can not just cheer up.  I have been told to cheer up numerous times and that it is just an emotion.  Well, I am here to tell you it is not just that.  Yes, there is the emotion of depression but this usually lasts a couple of day or may be weeks.  When you are dealing with the condition it lasts for 6 months or more.  It continues day by day and year to year.

    Let me ask you have you ever felt alone in a room filled with loved ones?  Have you battled just to get out of bed asking yourself what is the use? Have you ever looked around and thought of different ways of ending your life? Have you ever spent weeks or months or years not taking care of your personal hygiene?  Wallowing in your own filth only cleaning yourself to keep up appearences? Thinking no one cares or tries to understand you? Have you ever felt like if I were gone no one would miss me or that they would be better off without me? This is what depression the condition feels like.  I continually feel this way.   It is a constant struggle fighting yourself for a glimmer of hope.  I have attempted suicide before, a couple of times actually.  Thank goodness I never owned a gun or I would not be writing this blog right now.

    It is difficult living with depression as you can see, but it can be done.  It takes time, patients, medication and talk therapy for the person who is dealing with depression.   For those who love them it takes understanding, acceptance,  and empathy.  Never looking down on them because you think that it will pass.  Too those who love someone with depression you must learn the differences between the emotion and the condition.  I have been told in the past by friends and family that “you just need to think positively and this will pass.”  It is not that easy.  That to a person dealing with depression pushes them further from you and leaves them thinking, you just do not want to deal with them.  Which increases their chances of taking their own life.

    This part is for those who suffer from depression.  Your friends and family can only do so much to help you.  You must be willing to work on yourself.  I know many do not want to take prescriptions, hell I hate being dependant on them myself, but they can help.  Make sure you are telling you doctors how these drugs are affecting you.  This way they can change the script or rise or lower the dosages.  You will also have to work on changing the way you think.  Understanding the things that set you off is key to this as I have found out.  This way when the feelings come back you have the tools to stop the unhealthy thoughts.  This is not easy and takes a lot of practice.  You must be vigilant in your own mind.

    I was fortunate enough that I had the Veterans Administration to help me understand and train me how to change some of my thought processes.  It was through a class called Cognitive Behavioral and Social Skills Training  (CBSST for short).  I know many people do not have this type of support because of insurance costs, lack of employment or any other hurdles that may stand in your way.  Please know this my brothers and sisters out there that there are people who are willing to help.  That many people are pushing to get healthcare for all which would include mental health.  I know for me forcing myself out into the world more and more has helped me.  Also, find something you are passionate about.  If first thing you try doesn’t work try something else.  Me I like photography, learning and helping others.  This is why I have gone back to school to become a teacher and am working as an educational assistant dealing with special education students.  Left me tell you this path is not for everyone.  It is one of the toughest jobs I have ever held.  But, to see the look in a child’s eyes when the when they finish a project or realize that you are there for them it fills my heart with joy.  Even though they can drive me mad at times.

    In closing if you are someone who has or is considering suicide please get some help.  Below I have a list of websites and phone numbers to call.  Please remember if know one else tells you this that you are loved and, we are all brothers and sisters and we should care about each other in this manner.  Life is worth living and we all matter.

    https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org                                                                                         tel:1-800-273-8255

    https://afsp.org                                                                                                                                 Toll-Free: 1-888-333-AFSP (2377)

    https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml                              1-800-273-TALK (8255)

    https://www.samhsa.gov/suicide-prevention