I see much of life as a struggle to maintain a vigorous consciousness and cultivate a vital, life-affirming conscience. I see the powers that be as offering a vain, numbing “contentment,” free of inconvenient or uncomfortable realities. Security becomes distancing oneself from such realities. The temptation to build a heavy-doody wall and outfit fashionable blinders to such realities can induce an impressive slumber. Falling for such offerings is a pinch of incense on a profane alter, voiding true change. Stay awake, my friends!<\/p>\n