http://whatsnextx.blogspot.com/

Cast......In order of appearance.
Richard...zxvytuutyvxz@yahoo.com
Brenda....thegreenbeanlady@gmail.com

Narrator
Richard

It's nighttime. I'm sitting, at the counter, in a diner. Brenda walks in and takes the seat next to me.

BRENDA: "Hi."

ME: "Hi."

ME: "I'm trying to write a comedy about people Loving Jesus."

I laugh a little.

"Do you have any comical ideas about that?"

BRENDA;  "I find the subject funny in and of itself, personally - worshipping a zombie. But I'm what might be called a 'born again agnostic.' I had enough religion in my first 40 years to last several lifetimes."

ME; "An agnostic or atheist?"

A server comes over. Brenda orders coffee. The server pours it and leaves.

BRENDA; "I think agnostic, but I could probably go either way. I can see there's some power that makes things work, maybe just nature. I have seen and felt evil and good. I do know that God either doesn't exist or at least doesn't get involved in people's daily lives - he doesn't answer prayers."

ME: "I wish I could find something funny about religion. About people loving, loving and loving Jesus. Do you think that's funny?"

BRENDA: "It is funny, in a crazy way - funny that they'll devote their lives to loving Jesus while hating everyone who disagrees with them, starting wars, and alienating their own family members."

ME; "I have to find something funny about them.. Like them saying, Jesus is so beautiful, I love him so much, I want to be with Him and be loved by Him. What do you think they do that's funny? Really funny, laugh funny."

BRENDA: "The logic behind their worship is laughable: original sin was required, by god, then God cursed us because of it, then impregnated a young girl with himself as the offspring to then be sacrificed as a blood atonement for the sin he required in the first place. Circular logic at best. It always makes me laugh to see people all 'caught up in the spirit' praising Jesus when they find their lost car keys or some such trivial thing. Too bad his power isn't going toward ending hunger."

 

ME: "Yeah, but I'm not laughing. Give me something that makes me laugh. I can't think of anything."

BRENDA: "I personally don't find religion to be a laughing matter, it is the root of war, hatred and oppression. Though picturing Jesus in more modern, non-traditional roles and situations can be funny. Also, I believe that if Jesus lived today he would likely be treated very poorly by those who call themselves "Christian."

ME: "Okay. Stupid, crazy things are supposed to be humerus, aren't they? So why can't we laugh at them? You know."

BRENDA: "I think you can laugh at them, as long as you aren't worried about offending people."

ME: "I'm not. How would I laugh at them?"

BRENDA: "Bringing out the absurdity of worshipping a being and a book that have been revised and rewritten many times, and then cherry picking their own beliefs at that. They'll persecute gays and ignore adultery, for example."

ME: "I'm looking for something different and I'm having a hard time explaining that."

BRENDA; "Well, can you tell me something about what you're thinking, maybe we could brainstorm together. Sometimes it helps to just bounce ideas off someone else."

ME: "I guess. Something about the idiot agony they experience when they talk about Jesus and their Heavenly Father. I always laugh at them."

BRENDA: "No more effective than talking to a brick wall."

ME; "Yeah. We can't find anything funny. What do you do? work, go to school, stay at home?"

BRENDA; "I'm currently in college - better late than never! - and I also work. I have a part-time job doing fine gardening and one doing alterations and tailoring. I'm also dabbling in costume design."

ME; "What are you studying?"

BRENDA; "I'm majoring in psychology for my associates degree, but I'm mostly doing my general education requirements right now. I am in an introductory psychology class, and it's really fascinating.

"What do you do?"

ME; "I'm a truck helper, mainly on furniture vans. It pays good, $12 an hour."

BRENDA: "Nice. Sounds like too much hard physical work for me.

"Did you go to college?"

ME: "No. I didn't graduate High School. I wanted to study psychology too. I studied it on my own and discovered almost everyone is crazy. Go figure. We're living on The Planet of the Damned. It's not a pretty picture."

BRENDA: "Sadly, I'd have to agree. People are crazy."

ME: "But the media never says that. They're supposed to be reporting the news."

BRENDA: "Anyone with a fraction of a brain can see that the media is simply a tool used by the political powers. It carefully feeds us whatever is in the best interest of the powers that be. It turns us against each other, fills us with fear, and distracts us from the real issues and their solutions. It tells us how to feel, what to think on issues, and then fills our time with hollow entertainment that generally either serves to keep us busy dreaming about things we'll never accomplish, or feeling superior to those shown as less intelligent."

ME: "That's a good description of them.  I know enough about them not to believe anything they say. They communicate to and for stupid people. And refer to their critics as  "Ranters.'"

BRENDA: "I don't watch the news, or TV at all. I look into the things I'm curious about, and research issues to make my decisions."

ME: "Oh, I just watch the news. Do you want to be a psychologist?"

BRENDA: "I'm considering it. I'd love to help people get past things like PTSD. I'm just not sure I can deal with listening to people's troubles. I'm too empathetic."

ME; "Yeah. That could be interesting."

BRENDA: "I had a friend tell me about a new approach, studying positive psychology. What the factors are that are involved when people are well-adjusted, happy and confident. That sounds fascinating."

ME: "All the crazies are happy and confident. And why not? They have every thing the rest of us have nothing."

BRENDA: "Well, for me, I'd rather use my brain, even if it removes my rose-colored glasses. I love to learn, but I want facts."

ME: "Facts are nice. How long will it take you to get a degree?"

BRENDA: "I'll have my associates in two years. Right now I'm working on writing a paper for one of my classes. I chose to write about so-called religious freedom and how it is used to deny non-religious people their freedom. What's your opinion on that?"

ME "I don't argue about God from that perspective. I merely maintain that no one's ever seen Him so He doesn't exist. Also, what do we need Him for?"

BRENDA: "I neither need nor want him, which is why I am unhappy about religious people trying to force their rules on the rest of us."

ME: "How does your argument go? i.e. religious freedom versus freedom for the rest of us."

 

BRENDA: "The simple version is that religion belongs in people's homes and churches, and has no place in government, businesses and schools. Laws should be to protect innocent people, but certainly not based on biblical values." 

ME: "Do you have an example of what you're talking about?"

BRENDA: "Kim Davis, the county clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples based on her Christian beliefs, in total disregard of the law. There are several law enforcement agencies who are putting 'In God We Trust' decals on their vehicles. Did you know that 'In God We Trust' was added to our currency in the 1950s? As was 'under God' added to the pledge of allegiance in 1954. Why? Because of fears that 'atheist communists' were going to destroy the country so they were bringing the country 'back to God.'
"I've had this discussion with several Christians trying to explain that as they, as the current majority, put religion where it doesn't belong and try to legislate compliance to religious beliefs. It's setting a dangerous precedent. What happens when Christians are no longer the majority and we're all forced to bow to Sharia law for instance, under the legal precedent they pushed for? Now I personally don't like being ruled over by religion of any kind, but for those who want to follow a religion they would be wise to keep it where it belongs. It's in the best interest of all of us."

ME: "It's unfortunate there're people who can make us say "in God we Trust.'"

BRENDA: "It's more unfortunate that laws are being made to force people to comply to biblical standards - of course cherry-picked standards."

ME: "You lost me. What are 'cherry-picked standards?'"

BRENDA: "For instance focusing on a few verses in the Bible that talk against homosexuality and using that strictly, but ignoring verses against adultery, coveting, gluttony, greed, etc. They cherry pick which verses to adhere to without exception, and wink at others with the excuse that they weren't meant to be taken literally or that they applied then but times are different now."

ME: "You're right that they want us all to lead 'Bibical' lives. There should be some legal way to stop them. Marriage is 'Biblical.'" The 'States' should stop issuing marriage licenses."

"The word marriage is never used in the Bible. But are you saying that the concept of pairing up and making commitments between people is only a Christian idea? Did it not exist otherwise? I find that hard to imagine.

"Besides, in today's world, where a marriage is a legal, civil contract with financial implications, it makes sense for the government to issue licenses. Those licenses should be available to all consenting adult couples. You can always get a religious ceremonial marriage to fill your religious beliefs. When I got married we got a marriage license at the city building and then had our religious ceremony in the evening. At that time we believed that the religious ceremony was the one that really mattered, the civil marriage was what gave us a financial advantage - tax breaks, it was easier to put both our names on our children's birth certificates, we had the legal right to make decisions for each other in emergencies, etc."

 

ME: "There's no real reason why people would want to live together. The idea was created by religious types."

BRENDA: "I may be crazy, but I think there are reasons. Maybe that's just leftover thoughts from when I used to be religious, but I don't think so."

ME: "Well, the idea of a special ceremony is 'Biblical.'"

BRENDA: "Perhaps, but getting a marriage license doesn't involve a special ceremony, it's simply a legal contract."

ME: "Yeah, but it comes from a ceremony. There's no reason for a contract."

BRENDA: "With the way our society is set up now, a contract has definite benefits. It's a civil agreement. Religious ceremony is making moral promises with God."

ME: "I can only repeat I don't think a contract is necessary."

BRENDA: "That's fine. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I see things differently."

ME: "What else do they do that's 'Biblical?' And an imposition on the rest of us?"

BRENDA: "In most states there are laws giving exemptions for religious beliefs, even not allowing civil or criminal prosecution of parents whose children die from what are often easily treatable conditions. Why? Because the treatment would go against the parents' religious beliefs. Many don't get their children vaccinated, not only opening themselves up to preventable diseases, but in some cases spreading disease to those around them.

"How 'godly' is it to deny medical care to innocent little children? They have no voice, so they suffer and die as martyrs to their parents' religious beliefs. Then it is rejoiced that 'god's will was done.' "

ME: "I don't know how they can get away with this. It would be simple enough to declare these people as  'unfit parents' and take the kids away from them. This is really crazy."

BRENDA: "There are laws protecting them. I actually learned just today that a dozen children have died within three years in Idaho, all part of a religion that doesn't believe in medical care. All from treatable conditions. And the coroner doesn't even do an autopsy when children die from lack of medical care for religious reasons.

"The Supreme Court has made rulings, but states have used states rights to create exemptions. Boils my blood! I have six kids and I can't imagine letting them be hurt for 'God'!"

ME: "That's too bad but there's nothing we can do about it."

BRENDA: "Isn't there? The lawmakers in this country want power and they want to he elected. If enough people would stand up for the protection of children it would change. It may take time, but we need to at least be moving in that direction."

ME: "I think you'll be disappointed in the number of  'Stand Up' people you find. Are you familiar at all with the specifics of these cases? "

BRENDA: "I read a little bit about some of them, but I haven't had a chance to do real research yet. One piece I read was written by a pediatrician, and she talked about how difficult it was for her to see children that she knew could be helped, but the parents wouldn't allow treatment."

ME: "What did the Supreme court say about these cases? And what are the exceptions you're talking about?"

BRENDA" "The Supreme Court made a ruling, I don't recall the year, but it basically said that if adults want to die as martyrs for their religion that was their business, but they aren't allowed to choose for their children to do so. But states have individually made exemptions where parents can't be prosecuted for the death of a child from withholding medical care if it was because of the parents religious beliefs. Maybe no one has tried to push these cases to the Supreme court? I honestly don't understand how it all works."

ME: "I don't think the States could make a law like that. Not after the Supreme Court said what it did about the matter."

BRENDA: "Yeah, it doesn't make sense to me either. But, like I said, I really don't understand it all. I'd love to talk to someone who could explain it." 

ME: "Let's talk about something else. Why does the Government have to spend all this money on the military. No one wants to invade us or bomb us. What would be the point? I think we should do away with our Navy and Air Force. And most of our Army. What do you think about that?"

BRENDA : "I agree. I think keeping our money and manpower inside and creating a strong nation would be ideal. Once we can take care of all of our own citizens, then we can worry about other countries."

ME: "I don't see why we have to worry about other countries. Let them do what ever they want to."

BRENDA: "I think they might come to more lasting solutions, and very likely with less loss of life than when our military gets involved."

ME: "Did you ever wonder how all these millionaires got their money? What could someone do to make all that money?"

BRENDA: "I know that most millionaires came into their money by, if not outright dishonest means then at least by unethical means. Practically stealing it off the backs of the working poor. Those who do the hard, menial labor can hardly survive while their bosses live like kings."

ME: "Yeah, but what do they do that's so important it's worth millions? Aren't they just moving money around the same as a lot of people could do? I don't think they have any special abilities."

BRENDA; "I completely agree. Very few of them are actually doing anything. Their only real skill is in hiring people who can effectively do the work."

 

ME; "Yeah. These people should be taxed 90 percent of their income."

BRENDA: "A far better approach would be if the pay scale wasn't so extreme. Having the super rich heavily taxed just puts the money and control in a different set of greedy hands. If the common worker was paid better, it would keep money circulating and make a stronger economy. Not to mention the boost in hope. I believe much crime can be attributed to loss of hope."

ME: "I don't get it. How does taxing the millionaires 90 percent of their income make things worse?"

BRENDA: "Because how do we get money into the hands of the Workers instead of the pockets of the politicians? Less money needs to be paid to the highest paid people and spread among the lowest paid people. Give them power over their lives instead of turning to government hand outs to survive."

ME: "The government can do both. It can raise the minimum wage too. The way you have it, the rich remain rich. They're not going to pay raises out of their own pocket."

BRENDA: "Well, I don't trust the government any more than I trust the millioniares - they're two peas in a pod, in my estimation. I guess the real base problem is greed, and you can't legislate greed away.

"I don't watch the news, do you have any idea how raising the minimum wage is working out in the states that are trying it out?"

ME: "I'm talking about an ideal situation rather than what's going on now. In my ideal situation

the government is honest and sensible. And run by normal people rather than Christian 'Fuzzy Brains.'  

"I suppose the people who got raises took the money home and spent it. I don't know anything more about it than that."

BRENDA: "If the government was honest and sensible that would solve a myriad of problems. I just meant in reference to whether or not raising the minimum wage is working or if all the issues that were predicted by the business owners came true? Like cutting jobs so that fewer people have jobs... Maybe someday I'll write a book about what I think the ideal society would be like."

ME: "I don't know. There's hasn't been anything in the news about it."

BRENDA: "Do you watch Star Trek? I have always hoped that something similar was in our future - where war and poverty on earth is a thing of the past, and technology is used for the good and well-being of all."

ME: "Technology isn't the answer. The problem is all the crazy, stupid people  around. Something the Media hides. We can't solve anything important until these people are reprogramed."

BRENDA: "I guess I hold on to a more optimistic outlook, and hope to make changes in this world. If enough of us, who do use our brains, wouldn't give up we could do it."

ME: "You know, I haven't found anyone that's pessimistic about the stupid, crazy people. That makes you a conformist."

BRENDA: "If only more people would conform to optimism about the stupid, crazy people! If I'm going to be labelled a conformist, that's about the only thing I could agree with."

ME: "That's very amusing. You really should be on the stage."

BRENDA: "I've had people tell me that before. I suppose if making people laugh about serious problems gets awareness I'd be for it."

ME: "Well seriously, the stupid, crazy people can't be helped. What are you going to do, anyway?"

BRENDA: "By bringing awareness and education to those who will listen and spreading intelligence. Hopefully we can just outnumber those who refuse logic and at least limit the damage they can do."

ME: "Okay."

 

BRENDA: "I have ideas for projects that could help women and children. It's kind of about connecting people, at least for part of it. There have been several stories lately of women either abandoning or killing their own babies. Many times post-partum depression is blamed.

"When I had my babies I was fortunate to have family and community that were my support network. When you add that to a life of raising and caring for babies as well as a stable home life, I did okay.

"Sadly, too many women don't have those things. They need help, and I'd love to organize something that would provide some help, and ultimately influence success. If children start life with stability, it seems rational that their lives would be influenced for the better.

"I know, more of my optimism showing through."

ME: "Yes, yes, you really are the Very Shining Ray of Hope. What's next?"

BRENDA: "I'd like to set up safe houses for victims of abuse. Where women would get job training and education, and help getting on their feet, but still have some privacy in a setting separate from homeless men, drug users and so forth."

ME:"Well, you're certainly a Champion of the downtrodden. It's not going to do you any good. They're just as stupid, rotten and ungrateful as everybody else."

BRENDA: "I'd like to believe that there are at least some who just need a hand up. I feel like that's where I came from. Willing and able to work hard, just needing a boost out of despair and hopelessness.

"Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I would be bitterly disappointed."

ME: "They're going to tell you their happiness is getting a punch in the face. People are Crazy."

BRENDA: "Well, then I suppose the only sensible thing for me to do would be to just quit, give up my ideals, and live for myself."

 

ME: "Yeah. People can't be helped. I look at these sad creatures and realize they're all crazy. I've talked to them. They're confused. And you can't tell them anything. We live in a Giant Lunatic Asylum."

BRENDA: "I'm beginning to feel as though it's a punishment to have intelligent thought and reasoning when most of the world is filled with crazies."

ME: "Yeah. You can't 'Get with the Program.'"

BRENDA: "Okay, so you're convinced that the world is full of stupid, crazy people who have no interest in improving their situation. Then would it be morally acceptable for those who use their intelligence to live selfishly and get whatever they can?

"I've always had lofty goals to help others, and you say that's a hopeless cause. So I should feel no twinge of conscience if I keep the fruits of my success to myself?"

ME: "There's really nothing to do except that. The Leadership, of the 'Monolith,' tells us there're causes to champion but it's just another scam."

BRENDA: "Why do you think they say there are causes to champion? What do they hope to accomplish by pushing the scam?"

ME: "To keep people occupied with nonsense."

BRENDA: "Well, once I get rich I'll decide what I'll do with my wealth. For now I suppose it doesn't matter - I'm too poor to do much for anyone else. It's enough to provide for my own six kids."

ME: "The leadership exalts in it's own rottenness and corruption."

BRENDA: "Yes, I suppose so. Then I'd best get busy making my own fortune and take care of me and mine."

ME: "Yeah. How are you going to make a fortune?"

BRENDA: "In a variety of ways. I'm in college and going to get a business degree. That can start it, then I'll have money for starting businesses and growing my money. I have a lot of ideas."

ME: "Okay."

BRENDA: "I came from a polygamist cult, which, you may imagine, was filled with strict rules. Since I left, I;ve had to rethink a lot of things. One of them is birth control and abortion. What are your views on it?"

ME: "Abortion is murder. Birth control's alright."

BRENDA: "Okay."

ME: "I think, life exists at the moment of conception. The embryo is aware of it's own existence and can fear death."

BRENDA: "Not until farther along in pregnancy. But I'm only speaking from my experiences with my own pregnancies, and miscarriages."

ME: "Well, we'll have to disagree."

BRENDA: "That's fine. This isn't the only thing we disagree on. Good thing we live in a free country."

ME: "What else do we disagree about?"

BRENDA: "That it's a hopeless cause to try to help people. My optimism just won't let me believe it - at least not as strongly as you do."

ME: "Yeah, I can see that."

BRENDA: "Back to wealth inequality: How about higher education? Should a four year college education be paid for by tax dollars?"

ME: "The only important thing to do is to get everyone into 'therapy.'"

BRENDA: "Exactly what kind of 'therapy' do you suggest?"

ME: "Mental therapy."

BRENDA: "But if people are just stupid, as you say they are, will mental therapy do any good?"

ME: "That's certainly a point. But I think it could be done by removing ideas rather than adding them."

BRENDA: "Wouldn't you need to replace ideas to make it effective?"

ME: "I believe it's suffient to just stop them from thinking about the 'offensive' ideas."

BRENDA: "So they need to be de-programmed. How would you go about doing this?"

ME: "Well, with some sort of aversion therapy. Something unpleasant. It's sad, but it has to be done."

BRENDA: "To me, it seems as though the resulting hardship that their lives have become through their stupid choices would be 'aversion therapy' enough. But then again, I actually think about things."

ME: "I think about things too. They're not suffering. To the contrary, they're having a good time. Their feelings are reversed."

BRENDA: "Then, perhaps, we just need separate continents to separate people. Though those who choose to be stupid likely would self destruct before long."

ME: "Or, like I said, we can go with mental therapy."

BRENDA: "But where do you begin? Obviously these people don't believe they have a problem. How do you get them into this therapy?"

ME: "Right. In the present circumstances you can't. But if there was a coup d'état the project could be brought before the new government. You would say: 'We'll program criminals and dissidents.' And maybe they'd go for it. That would be just the beginning. Ultimately the entire population could be programed."

BRENDA: "True. The only problem comes with who decides what that programming consists of, and who is ultimately the benefactor. The good of the people, or the benefit of those at the top. We could end up pretty much right back where we started."

ME: "It's not possible to discuss these things without a real case."

BRENDA: "There's not a lot you can discuss without specifics."

ME: "No."

BRENDA: "What are your thoughts on the importance of art and other right-brain/creative studies in school?"

ME: "I like art and go to museums sometimes." 

BRENDA  "I'm into teaching it in schools, including it as a valuable part of balanced life and education."

A server comes over. Brenda orders coffee. The server pours it and leaves.

ME; "Oh, I don't attach much importance to it. I suppose, it's good for something. Some of us like it anyway. You know, it's not a teaching tool. Artists say it is but they're wrong. You have to use words to teach. Writers are teachers not artists."

BRENDA; "I disagree. Learning art techniques, expression and being creative is another dimension to our thought processes and how we understand and perceive the world around us. I think that without nurturing all the facets of our intellectual we are missing out on our full potential."

ME; "What exactly did you learn that was so wonderful?"

BRENDA: "I learned to look at things from a different perspective and how to use creativity as a form of expression. I had never really looked at art before, and now I see and understand so much more. I don't enjoy all art styles, but it's as though a whole new world has opened up to my consciousness."

ME; "Art is a toy. It's purpose is entertainment. It doesn't teach anyone anything. Anyway, what styles do you like and dislike?"

BRENDA: "I don't know a lot about styles, but I like natural more than abstract."

ME: "Maybe you'll change your mind when you get more into it."

BRENDA: "Entirely possible. I've changed my mind on many things."

ME: "Does the teacher tell you artists communicate with people at a subliminal level?"

BRENDA: "No. The way I understand it is more of an emotional approach and understanding of a concept. A little less technical and methodical, a little more humanistic, I guess."

ME: "That sounds about right. How do you teach a concept without using words?"

BRENDA: "I think language is often weak when it comes to emotion and art. But words can still be used to help describe and bring understanding to somewhat abstract concepts."

ME: "I don't think they're weak. I think they're necessary."

BRENDA: "I just mean that it can be difficult to put emotions, feelings, and art concepts into words that sufficiently express what they mean to us as humans."

ME: "No it's not, just say whatever you want to."

BRENDA: "Well, perhaps you have a greater command of vocabulary than I do. But I find there are times when words can't describe what my heart and mind feels."

ME: "My vocabulary isn't any better than your's. All you have to do is think things out. Hearts and minds aren't secrets."

BRENDA: "Then perhaps I have deeper expressions of heart and soul. I am teasing you, to a degree, you know. Though I admit I am getting much better at expressing myself in writing."

ME: "Artists are the greatest Bullshit artists in history."

BRENDA: "Oh, no, that would be politicians."

ME: "Take your pick. Do you want to continue to talk about art?"

BRENDA: "Not really, not when you think artists are bullshitters. Besides, I'm no expert anyway."

ME: "Okay. Do you have favorite subject?"

BRENDA: "Social injustice and religion being a fraud that does a lot of damage, and trying to figure out how to change the world."

ME: "You certainly have your work cut out for you if you're going to change the world. Where will you start?"

BRENDA; "I'm going to start with the injustice that I'm closest to: the horrific injustices within the FLDS cult. I'm writing a paper with research on the damages being done through the methods of control they use. Then I'm going to learn grant writing and work on some ideas I'm mulling over for helping victims. It's my jumping-off point, and I'll continue from there."

ME; "The grant writing sounds interesting. I bet you're looking forward to that? Is there a course for it?"

BRENDA; "I couldn't find one at the community college, but there are some online. I'm thinking about trying the library at the U next."

ME: "Then you need to set up an organization and get it okayed by the Government, don't you? Do you know someone who knows how to do this?"

BRENDA: "I believe you're right. I don't know anyone, but I'm pretty sure I can find someone. The research and paper I'm putting together is powerful, and I'll share it with my contacts and I'm confident that someone knows someone who can help me, or at least point me in the right direction."

ME: "It's really hard to find the right person. It always turns out that no one knows anything about it."

BRENDA: "Someone must know something. I'm confident that I'll find the help I need. I'm laying the groundwork and I'll keep doing my part and taking the right steps."

ME: "You should start tomorrow. You'll see what I mean."

BRENDA: "It will take more than a day to complete and compile my research into a paper ready to be shared. But as soon as I possibly can I will start on it, with great hopes of success. I think you're overly negative about things."

ME: "Oh, sure. Years ago I called people in the state and federal government and asks them how to set up a tax free charity. It was so complicated and required so many things to do, that it was impossible. I forget the details."

BRENDA: "All I can do is try. I refuse to give up without trying."

ME; "What do you intend to do with the funding? What are you going to do that you can't do now? There's nothing you can say to the 'Polies' to make them quit. And really, they won't talk to you anyway. How many 'Polies' have you saved? That's what people are going to ask you. And you're stuck with saying: 'Oh, none.' This project of yours is unrealistic."

BRENDA; "I intend to set up job training for women who leave, and help with writing resumes. Most of the women there have never worked outside of their homes, have very little education, and, naturally, have never written a resume or gone to a job interview. That  part was really tough for me.
"Secondly, I want to have a beginning course for them to attend, as part of the program. Something very similar to the Venture program that I attended. It served so many purposes to me and literally changed my life. It was a huge step in meeting people on the "outside" in a safe, educational environment.
"Thirdly, I would like to start a business that creates products that can be manufactured at home. Many of these women have had at least some of there children separated from them for a time before they escaped. And either way, when you first uproot yourselves and escape such an all-consuming cult the thing your children need most is stability and time with their mother. I want to provide subsidized work so those old enough to work can pitch in and help provide. Most of these people are hard working people and it's better to have work than a hand out, but it's very difficult to make the immediate adjustment to working away from home. Also, these children need someone to care for them.
"Fourth, I'd like to get business owners to partner with my organization that would provide entry-level jobs with the understanding that these people may need some understanding and an adjustment period. Trying to provide them with work along with an opportunity to meet people and create friendships.
"Fifth, I'd like to provide tutors who can work with children and adults alike to get them caught up in educational subjects. Education has been something that was ignored for the last 10 to 15 years out there. And I believe that education is a key element to success in this world. At least a good, basic education of the three "R"s, and I'd love to add many kinds of art therapy.
"Those are the beginnings of what I'd like to do, then there are loftier ideas I'd like to attain if I had the financial means. I want to start with my fellow FLDS escapees, but I'd love for it to expand into an organization that helped other abused and disadvantaged women also.
"I'm still struggling with many of these issues and am fighting to do things for myself and family, I haven't got the time or money to help others, but I DO know what would help them assimilate and normalize faster. I've lived through it."

ME: "You really are incredible in your concern for people who are too stupid to even say: 'Thank you.'"

BRENDA: "I think that there are a few who would be grateful, I'm interested in helping those few even if many won't be grateful. Besides, I would set things up to be involvement based. If the people stay involved and follow the steps they can continue to get help, but it will not be a crutch forever, just a hand up to success."

ME; "I don't know where you find all this 'Goodness.'"

BRENDA: "It is what I turned to after a life of fear and hopelessness. It's the only answer I can find to help me have hope for a better tomorrow. I want to give others the opportunity I wish I had to get a hand up and a real chance at success. I wish no one had to live in the darkness of oppression, void of love and hope."

ME: "The problem is all the stupid people. Somehow, they have to get therapy."

BRENDA: "It reminds me of one of my favorite sayings: 'Stop bashing what you hate and support what you love.' I can't force stupid people to choose to educate themselves or change. I can do something to help those who are in unfortunate circumstances, those who aren't stupid and will do something with their lives if just given a chance. If enough people succeeded it might show a better way to the stupid ones, if not, they can stay out of my way."

ME: "I just can't show you the 'Light.' Maybe you'll see it sometime in the future?"

BRENDA; "Compared to the darkness I lived in, most everything is 'light' now. Having the freedom to think for myself, to choose to go to school, to choose my friends, to choose where I work....for me, freedom is addictive and true happiness is something I'm feeling for the first time. I only want to help others, like myself, to have happiness, freedom and choices. Maybe someday I'll be ruined, my hopes will all be dashed and I'll die a bitter old lady, but I can't give up without trying."

ME: "Okay."

BRENDA: "What were you trying to set up a non-profit for?"

ME: "It happened a long time ago. I don't remember enough of it to explain why I quit doing it. Anyway, I was trying to get people to plead not guilty rather than plea bargain. I wanted to jam up the courts with cases and force an end to the 'Drug War.'"

BRENDA: "Do you really think that's the most effective way to accomplish it?"

ME: "Well, what do you  you suggest?"

BRENDA:  "I think pressure needs to be put on politicians and studies need to be made, with statistics on how effective the so-called 'drug war' has been. We now have some hard facts to turn to in places like Colorado and where marijuana is legalized. At least from what I've seen their crime rates have dropped, and I know the taxes are immense. Why not set it up for that tax money to go toward education of all kinds?
"If drugs are legalized and regulated we will prevent, to a great degree, the deaths that come from 'home-cooked' drugs that are dangerous and stuff with questionable ingredients.
"To me it's largely a matter of individual rights. Obviously we haven't stopped the use of drugs. We can argue that drugs do damage, but what if there was information given to people so they at least understood the realistic risks involved? What about the 'side effects' of prescription drugs? Have you ever listened to the lists at the end of drugs commercials?
"We already know that scare tactics don't work. If adults choose to do drugs, it's their responsibility. No different than alcohol. If you harm someone while under the influence there are penalties.
"Instead of clogging the court system, wasting tax dollars for useless, victimless 'crimes' we should focus on real crime."

ME: "That's just not going to change anything. You can't explain things to people. I keep telling you this and you never hear me or if you do you forget it as soon as I say it."

BRENDA; "I give up. You go raise money to convince people to clog the court system, I won't try to stop you. Good luck with that."
"Apparently I'm another one of your 'stupid' people who don't listen."

ME: "Yeah. You sure are."

BRENDA: "Well, my 'stupidity' hasn't stopped me from making immense progress in my life in the last three years since I've had my freedom. Maybe we should check in with each other in ten years and see who was right?"

ME; "Ten years from now we'll have the same 'drug war.' And they'll have 4 million people in prision. Right now they have 2 million. And all the while people have been saying: check back in 10 years and we'll see who's right. The 'drug war' is almost 100 years old."

BRENDA: "If you had the ability to choose, what would your life look like? What do you really wish you could do with your life, how and where would you live?"

ME: "I wish I could get rid of the 'Leadership.'"

BRENDA: "That's pretty much a given, so that's not really what I was asking. For example, for me, I dream of owning a large property where I can have gardens, vineyards and orchards. I absolutely love growing things. I also love preserving my food. I could be very happy with a simpler life, close to the earth. It would be even better with friends and more family around."

ME: "I always lived here and don't expect to live anywhere else."

BRENDA: "Do you enjoy cooking?"

ME: "Not so much. I do it so I won't starve. I heat up something. It takes me 15 minutes to cook, eat and clean up. You know, the Television Turds are always talking about the Joys of Farming so I suppose that's why everyone wants one."

BRENDA: "I don't watch television, so I'm not sure what you're talking about. I just enjoy working with the soil, growing all kinds of stuff, and I love creating delicious food."

ME: "Okay."

BRENDA: "Yep, it is okay."

ME: "Okay."

BRENDA: "Your brilliant and detailed responses in our conversation leave me at a loss for words."

ME: "Me too."

BRENDA: "I will say, we definitely have very different interests."

ME: "How very true."

BRENDA: "But that's what makes the world go 'round."

ME: "The original spining motion makes the world go 'round."

BRENDA: "You might be surprised. If we all became clones and complete conformists the world might come to a standstill! Haha."

ME: "It would be just like it is now. People are clones and conformists anyway."

BRENDA: "You just agreed that you and I have different views and opinions. I refuse to be lumped in with crazy religious types - basically right now there are at least differing groups of conformists. But I still don't consider myself conformist to any group mentality that I know. I very carefully consider, weigh sides, look at information and then decide how I feel about individual issues."

ME: "I didn't say you."

BRENDA: "Well, if I'm not included then we aren't all drones yet. So there's still some variety."

ME: "I suppose."

BRENDA: "Of all the movies I've seen I hate the futuristic ones that show the masses as completely controlled, monotonous robots. I know that In some ways we're not far from it with a lot of people, but I'm sure glad I'm not one of them! And I'm glad I know others who aren't as well."

ME: "I like those movies. One of the best is 'Brave New World.' Written by Aldous Huxley back in the 30's."

BRENDA: "I spent a lifetime in fear of the 'end of the world.' I prefer not to watch those movies. I enjoy keeping busy and focusing on learning, improving and living today to the very fullest."

ME: "I think the end of the world will come, if it comes at all, with a nuclear war."

BRENDA: "I agree. If that happens there's nothing I can do, and worrying or living in fear just steals today. I lived that way for nearly 40 years and now I'm ready to just live!"

ME: "Yeah."

BRENDA: "The world is full of fear and hate. I intend to do my part to spread more peace, love and joy."

ME: "Okay."

BRENDA: "So what are you doing to make the world a better place?"

ME: "Nothing. Am I supposed to?"

BRENDA; "I think so. The way I see it is that if you're not trying to do at least some little thing to make the world a better place then you have no right to complain. Imagine the difference it was would make if every soul on the earth put an effort into trying it? The cumulative effect would be incredible."

ME: "What is it we're all supposed to do to make this a better world? I really think you're hysterical with all this 'helping people' stuff. It's time for you to step back and take a look at yourself."

BRENDA: "For starters just having the attitude that I want to help people will go a lot further than your attitude that "people are stupid and hopeless so why try"? If more people were looking for ways to help those around them, I believe it would make a difference. But I'm interested in helping people where it does make a difference so I would hesitate to help someone with your attitude." 

ME: "I'd like you to answer my question. What are we supposed to do to make this a better world? How could we help someone? What is it your talking about? Is it giving money to charities or what? Who and how are we supposed to help? Where do you get all this caring? I don't understand you at all."

BRENDA: "Showing compassion, being polite, getting past stereotypes and prejudices are all good beginnings. Donating to charity, maybe. But carefully chosen because some charities are run by people who pay themselves an outrageous salary. Donating used items to homeless shelters where you know it's getting to those in need, supporting humanitarian projects, food drives, educational programs and parks, sharing knowledge and passion for things that enrich lives instead of destroying them."

ME: "It's nothing I want to do. I consider it laughable and a waste of time and money. Who cares? Not me."

BRENDA: "Well, I still think it's better to have a positive outlook. Even though some people make it extremely difficult to do so.

ME: "What do they do?


To be continued.
 

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"Nightpeople:...read it for FREE, fiction and documentary, more documentary than fiction, people talking in a diner, 47 authors, 300 pages,