BeautifulMag #234 Week 08-09 | Learning to walk

EDITOR’S LETTER

Some of you have complimented me on writing skills various times and asked if I use them for other purposes than BeautifulMag. Over the past weeks I have been doing exactly that. And for a very different purpose indeed. Which has, unfortunately, caused me to neglect BM. But never with the intention to let you down or to not come back. So for those who have been so patience, thank you very much.

A lot has been said and doubtless a lot more will be said in the near future regarding the 45th President of the United States. It has kept me quite busy over the past weeks, literally, and I have to admit that still, after all these weeks, I wake up every day and think by myself, how did our world get itself into this situation. Because let’s get one thing straight, whether you like it or not, the President of the United States is a person who has a huge influence. Not only domestic, but certainly also on the international chessboard of politics and economics.

It is not my intention to answer questions or add to the already entangling situation we are in right now. But allow me to ask this one question: how on earth did we get into this mess. How is it possible that in a time where even people who are possibly less educated but still have access to all the information they need to make the right choices caused this. And even more important, how is it possible that when one realizes a tremendous mistake has been made, we refuse to correct it, even though we have the means to do so. How is it possible that the power games of a handful might, can and definitely will influence the lives of millions if not billions. And not in a better way, except for themselves. Haven’t we learned anything? I truly believe our biggest accomplishment, as a human species was to rise on two feet and learn to walk like that. After that we haven’t accomplished that much. Am I seeing things black? Maybe. Possibly. But one only needs to take a step back to see where this is all leading to. If you have the heart and stomach to do so, because I guarantee you it isn’t a pretty sight.

I am done. Over the weeks I have written a lot. To bring awareness, to rally, to try to make a change, small as my voice is. Now I’m handing over the stick to others, maybe better suited people. People who are in the position to actually do something, make a difference. People who possibly can make us learn how to walk on two feet again And me? I will concentrate again on the things that make life still beautiful. But please forgive me if I use this one outlet, my editor’s letter, to vent some of my frustrations every now and then. Because no matter what, our world, our lives, are too beautiful to not fight for. –BM-

Cover photography http://www.beautifulmag.comby Nige Rorbach, featuring Adam Reeves.

BEAUTIFULMAG | Everything That Is

Comments

[Chad Weese]

I, for one, am happy you're back. Frankly, I missed this. Coming here every day or every other day was part of my routine.
As for venting here; every week, you have an editor's letter that expresses your thoughts on many different things. I think that is the whole point of them, so to use them to vent isn't a deviation from that. So, feel free to do so.
That said, you ask how we got into this mess but, unfortunately, it's all too clear. When a country's society works to hold down the voices of a portion of a country's demographic, that will simmer and bubble until, one day, it explodes. Two governments did that within my lifetime. It was a terribly kept secret that the Russian presidency and Prime Minister spots were just being swapped around in order to fit in with the ridiculously loose laws governing leadership in that country. However, when "democracy" was introduced, a large portion of the population that still supported the ideals (if not the idea) of the U.S.S.R. were simply told to put up and shut up. Add in a charismatic leader with a communist bent to the mix and you have provocation to expansionism and war waiting to happen.
The U.S. is similar. You have one half of the country enjoying decades of mostly ideal governments until the other half finally blew their top. Trump is the result of that. He's not the cause or even the catalyst. All he did was ride the wave of frustration right into the oval office.
That said, there is a new side being stepped on that is already bubbling over. The mass protests happening everywhere are a direct symbol of that. Unless those in power open their collective eyes and see for themselves the escalating volatility happening around them, war is inevitable. The only question to ask at that point is: who are we fighting?

[Chad Weese]

Editor:
In hindsight, it might be better if you removed the whole section about the mess we're in from my comment (provided you want to have it posted at all). This is a place to appreciate beauty and art, not a forum for my silly diatribe. :)

[jos]

very fine text! just a song's title as answer and it comes from "Vandergraaf Generator" : The least we can do is Wave to each other

[RJ Miller]

....your "Learning to Walk" editorial is so spot on. I've long since admired your writings/editorials. I've reached out a few times to inquire where one might read more of your views on the world. I truly believe your talent for "hitting the nail on the head" type views need to be heard/read by a larger audience. I live in the Los Angeles area and I swear you're a fellow American Citizen by the nature of your familiarity of all things United States. For someone living abroad you appear to have a better grasp on what is happening here in the US than many of those that actually live here. Please consider a second career in producing a regular "blog"/web orientated editorial to enlighten the masses here. I really believe your succinct views/instincts are badly needed. There is always room for one more common sense view of the world. Thank you for your continued enlightenment...and of course Beautiful.

[Jorge Orlando Giovachini]

Beautiful words. I am from Argentina and sometimes (many times) I wonder the same thing ... What do we do to make things so bad? At the Society level, at the Government level ... And I'm 57 years old, I'm a DADDY BEAR committed to social issues. In short, hopefully find the Light, both USA and the rest of the world. Kisses and affection from ARGENTINA!