Posted by
The Fisher King on Sunday, November 16, 2008 10:46:51 PM
I agree 100% that self-published books are the only way for serious authors to publish in the current USA. I have two real, offset books out and three self-published. The one is a history book -- the others are attempts at serious creative "idea" works.
But on the content of your work Reason Reigns -- that "all people" should have the Constitional right to "pursue happiness" . . . Well, that's another kettle of fish. My own opinion is that individual freedom is destroying the American Empire. Too many people misunderstand the concept as having the legal right to steal less aggressive people blind because money makes them happy. We philosophers call it unbridaled greed. Frankly, you just can't give freedom to these priviledged people -- who have no conscience, no morals and no compassion -- and no ambition other than con other people without consequences.
So what's the answer? The French took care of a similar problem in 1792. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. There must be another answer than to drag Madam La Guilletine out of storage. Though she is a little rusty and thirsty . . . .
Individual freedom is a spiritual state, not a material state. You don't have to serve the state if you don't want to. You don't have to serve mankind. You don't have to serve a god. But that doesn't mean you can serve yourself!
Why is suddenly "uncool" for me to believe in individual honor and integrity?
Sure, you've written a good novel, Ilyn, and I'm certain it has a strong moral foundation. I'm just saying that not everyone has the right to "pursue happiness" if cheating me out of my money makes them happy. There are simply too many money-worshippers to give everyone the freedom to pursue this individual brand of happiness. Murder makes some people happy. Sneering at less wealthy people makes some people happy. Only publishing trash makes some people happy. The philosophy of America seems to be "sell things for more than they are worth."
Most people I know or have known are decent, caring and naturally honest. The rats -- rich, mid-way and poor -- must be less than one-half percent of the poplation. So let's put out some rat traps. Thousands of them with teeth on the edge. Then and only then can we moral, upstanding, "common" people be free to pursue happiness. What is happiness, anyway? It is not good food, warm shelter, mutual love, earned respect, spiritual peace, meaningful knowledge, useful accomplishments, artistic expression, good health, health care, getting-what-you-paid-for, a clean conscience and, most impotant, freedom from fear.
By the way -- let me add this and I'll shut up --by "immoral" I am not talking about frequenting strip joints, drinking to excess, cussin', taking drugs, sexual preference, gambling or anything else that doesn't hurt anyone but the person doing it.
In the context of this discussion, I'm talking about cheating good people out of money, making them suffer. That's become the American Way.
Modern America reminds me a quote from no less than the Marquis de Sade: "There are plenty of plates. Everyone can have what they want." What would make me happy, old graybeard philosopher that I am? Bailing out the corrupt banks and corporations on the condition that everyone working in an executive position be fired and prosecuted. That's for the rich cats sticking it to us. As for the thugs and hoods -- put tanks on the streets!
I remain yours -- America's most ignored and despised underground philosopher, The Fisher King.
http://authortree.com/richardleefulgham