2020 January Update

So, I have been slow to work on my travel journal. Since I have gotten back from Russia at the end of October, I have been having issues with motivation and life. There are a few things which keep coming up.

A) I need a way to express certain political concepts, especially to not feel like people are considering my viewpoint impossible, as if, if I understand to be true certain things contrary to the liberals which the conservatives say, I must be one of the "bad guys."
    When I describe such things, everything keeps coming back to the need to change the dialog -- instead of talking conservatives vs moderates vs liberals, look instead at, say, "The Secret World," and separate people into Illuminati, Templars, and Dragons. Typical conservatives and liberals are both Templars in this picture -- they believe their ideology, and all who oppose are obviously evil or need to be saved from themselves.
    So if everyone talks in terms of good vs evil, and are opposed to people whom they claim to be only for their self interest, but I need things in terms of adapting and surviving ...
    People can debate if a given political figure is an angel or a demon, but as any fan of fantasy can point out, paladins and angels are often jerks. So, while I would always emphasize the humanity of humans, I also emphasize that even in the case when someone legitimately has the best of intentions, this, and not selfishness, can be what leads to the greatest harms, especially when you don't listen to those whom you intend to help. Also, this has been a significant part of my experience in life, and, therefore, is extremely important to me for people to recognize.

B) I feel more comfortable in Russia than the US, or even Canada.
    Since I have talked with many people, I recognize that for many people, the US is the best place for them. But just because it is the case for some people, doesn't mean it is the case for everyone, or even most people. My understanding has developed in lines with the concept that the US is just another country, like every other country, and like every other country, it has its own strengths and weaknesses, and needs to develop on its own terms, without glorification or "democracy shaming," (which is a favored game by the US and EU). The US is as legitimate as any other country, not better or worse. While one can debate the legitimacy of any government, there is a point where one needs to accept an all or none aspect to this debate. Every culture is different, has different needs, and every culture is a process, changing over time, able to correct itself if allowed on its own terms.
    Often explaining how I don't want to live in the US (and it is not even the political situation) is difficult. Explaining further that I want to live in Russia is also difficult. Just internally, it is a difficult concept for people to wrap their mind around, as it goes against everything they are trained.

I have pages which are coming. People can ask for links if they wish, for either travel journals or things which are more political. I am also hoping to restart progress on my story at some point.