Oprah!

I get a kick out of how even the comedians don't pick on Oprah... I am not that reverent and I have been an avid fan, and I do still admire her. So I did post my poem Dr Ill And Pope Rah!

I found this quote on twitter: "Whatever has happened to you in your past has no power over this present moment, because life is now." -Oprah


That sounds really good and like the true meaning of choice and I would like it to be true. It would justify our distain and public humiliation of drug addicts, the homeless and poor, and those who do not rise above their circumstances. There is a difference for admiring someone who has overcome difficulties in their lives, but we don't truly understand the dynamics of how that happens. Life is now. However, that does not lead to the conclusion that the past has no power over you. How you are is a product of genetics and your childhood. And depending on how indelible that has been, what you do as you mature can seem like overcoming the past or succumbing to it.


Some children who were molested or abused become child molesters or abusive, others do not. Some children of alcoholics become alcoholics themselves, others don't drink at all, and still others manage moderation.


We say that children learn, not by what you preach, but by your example. It's just not that simple. Selfless mothers who do everything for their children, do not raise selfless children who do everything for their children. 


We try to reconcile our discomfort with some of those who do not overcome their past, by attributing their behavior to diseases or addictions, like depression, or anorexia.


There's an interaction from the "how you are" that has evolved from living, and the "who you are" that evolves from self reflection and values you take on as your own.


Freedom and choice are idealistic concepts that give living meaning, being human is whole lot more messy.


If we don't have real choice, then how can we judge and condemn, and execute people for their horrific behavior. If we don't have real choice, what meaning is there to living, what significance is there to what we do.


Oprah has an awesome ability to rally people to good causes and to inspire people and instill hope. Religious extremists, of all religions, have the same ability but they apply it to the destruction and killing of others.