Abe
In that "Dear Abe" speaks as George Zidbeck's alter ego, know that both share the same background. For those interested, H. (Honorable) Abe refers you to earlier issues wherein Mr. Zidbeck wrote monthly under the pen name of Country Squire from Feb. 2010 thru April 2013. (See Archives)
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Dear Abe
by George Zidbeck
RR from Central CA writes:
I'm an older guy, and with so many changes the past three elections, I'm not sure where this land o' the free is going. It's gotten to where I don't know if I should embrace the godless, tax raising Democrats or the 19th century Republicans?
ABE: I can't understand why anybody expects me to be the final arbiter on what political party best represents American citizenry, much less define the issues that separate the two major parties. Methinks Mr. Senior Citizen above well knows where he stands politically and maybe phishing to get me to present where I stand. Given his age and his wording, I'm certain he has no genuine problem finding (his) political identity. Not likely the man is a paid up member of either the Dems or the Repubs. All those voting for his judgments arising from a secular humanist base raise your hand.
CB from So-CA writes:
I use the words ethics and morality interchangeably. But I recently talked to a friend who argued that although the words may seem alike when people small talk, he feels they're really worlds apart. I've checked a few dictionaries and scanned the Internet, but can't detect any big distance between the two.
ABE: Very few word definitions stand absolute for all time. In fact, the thicker the dictionary, the more extensive the examples and applications. Nevertheless, in light of the contemporary cultural dysfunctions that come from language misunderstandings, I do believe the distance between moralities and ethics should be highlighted and made more specific. To that end, I offer the following provided by a professor in a comparative religion class in UCLA back in 1957: "Morality is what a god wants us to do, ethics is what humans expect of other humans." The question requires a panel of Ph. Ds weighted in philology, linguistics, theology, and philosophy. Any reader(s) out there who want to jump on this issue? And, please, no more inquiries about politics or religion unless you have a special problem that relates to one or the other, or both….
'Princess Di' from AZ writes:
What does it mean when a woman — with whom I choose not to talk — accuses me of having a "thing with her man?" I'm certainly not intimate with her guy. I'd like to simply ignore her words and go about my daily business, but I'm not confident that's the right action to take. I'm worried that I could be in big trouble.
ABE: When jealousy rears its ugly head, innocence goes into the back burner and gets incinerated. Your question takes me far afield from my desire to answer questions with mirth and whimsy. First, I'd share your concern with "her guy," and then go to the police station to file an incident report, not make any formal complaint. In that she made no specific threat, not likely that woman faces a formal arrest. As for your asking me what that woman meant by using the word, "thing," I haven't the faintest notion. Oh, by the way, do you have a firearm?
Anonymous from OR writes:
What makes you so smart? You think you can give good advice to anybody and everybody? I think you're a stupid busybody!
ABE: I hear what you say loud and clear. However, the words "smart" and "good" require sound (inflection) and place (the moment) and speaker (case-history of person using such words). People can act smart but be seen as foolish. They can attempt sincerity but do so only when inebriated. And, they cannot be taken seriously when the party of the second part (namely me in this case) chooses to walk away from your question, reserving my time and judgments for those whom I believe merit my attention. Note: From here on, anybody who elects to remain anonymous needs to ask question(s) that 'explain' why such an individual has cause for such status. Dear Abe is not a forum for name-calling!
ET from New Mexico writes:
I expect you'll ignore my problem. But, please read me out. Given that many people worldwide allow the possibility of some kind of outer space life form, I want them and you to know that on February 28th this year, I met a space alien. It's not important what he looked like or how he was outfitted. I can report that we communicated telepathically for hours before he gradually disappeared much in the manner depicted in Star-Trek transport — sparkling before going poof. I have some very important news to tell the world, but skeptics surround me. What am I to do?"
ABE: So glad you wrote me. Such a relief to know someone other than myself who has chitchatted with inter-stellar pilgrims. In fact, I've had tète a tètes with dozens. That confession now openly made still compels me to tell you in the strongest words possible, Shhh! Mums the word!
The greater world human population simply can't digest — except in small, semi-secret cabals — any talk of outer space creatures. I know you speak truthfully, so let us join hands and minds and be patient. Someday our experiences will be validated and we cognoscenti can step forth proudly from our closets and then be envied in all quarters of the globe. I hope such a time arrives soon.
We have to accept that the whole subject of extra terrestrials resembles an oasis in the desert. All kinds of animals come in for a drink, and many of those animals are predators. So, let's take our sip of water and scoot.
You may wonder if I'm really coming out of the closet when it comes to believing in outer space life forms. But I'm just stepping out for a quick breath before sneaking back into the closet. And unless you have solid evidence presentable for scientific review by noted astrophysicists, it's best to keep mum.
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