Ben Bonkoske

I think the last thing the world needs right now is someone else’s opinion on the state of our nation. There may be times in the future when something needs to be said, but today, two days after the election, nobody seemed to want to talk about it in the office.

The strange thing is that everything “commentary-wise” (podcasts) is outdated if it was made before this Tuesday. I think there is a feeling of “Now what?” Will all of our rights be taken away? Will things get better or oh so much worse? Who knows? I don’t. I’ll just have to hope for the best.

I think one thing worth mentioning is this: If we just do our best, and live aligned with good morals and values, who is to be against us? Yes, the system is flawed and stacked against people, but true happiness comes from what an individual does with their lives, not by giving in.

I think it is important to have different opinions in the world, and those who express differences should not be rounded up and silenced, but I also believe in a moral code. My moral code might differ from the average American. But if I have any sense of duty to my country, it is to be an upstanding, kind individual in all that I do and to all that I meet.

I have been exploring the world of social media lately. It has been…not all that bad. This is because it is challenging some of my old ideas. I am on a platform called Substack – which is essentially Twitter for writers – and I am commenting on all these writer’s posts as though I know what I’m talking about and my shit don’t stink, and you know what is happening?

1. I am realizing people are not as stupid as I think they are
2. My thoughts are being challenged

One of the worst things against my moral code is “contempt prior to investigation.” It is thinking that you know everything about someone or something before you get to know them or see for yourself.

One of the worst things a person can do (especially on the internet) is make a blanket statement that they believe and are unwilling to listen to any advice or reason about why this belief might be flawed/wrong/challenged. I think that is why many conflicts arise – people not knowing how to listen to each other but instead just reiterating and repeating their initial points.

Social Media, the internet, Republicans, Bohemians, Rap Music, etc. Although they might not be good for everyone, are not all inherently bad.

I will mention that I noticed that the past few weeks I’ve been spending a little too much time on YouTube, which has been affecting my sleep schedule, so you want to know what I did? I decided not to watch certain videos that were roping me into a bad cycle.

It is possible to not let things ruin your life.

I could also say the same on the other end. I spent almost two years not drinking soda, using social media, smoking, or eating meat. Was I a better person because of it?

Maybe. But there is more to life than self-improvement. It can ruin you just the same as bad habits can.

Let’s try not to ruin everyone’s life or let life ruin us.