The Squeaky Wheel

As an individual, a nation, and a culture, we choose the future of our world and society.  Our voice is heard even when silent.  Apathy is a choice with long-reaching effects.  The vocal minority rules the apathetic majority on many occasions.  To avoid such an outcome, let your voice be heard.  My mother emphasized this sentiment when she said, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease."  The spirit of democracy is not to control people.  Freedom to choose, even poorly, is a right we all desire.  Protecting that choice has resulted in wars, heartache, and sacrifice throughout the ages.  Sadly it remains a necessary endeavor even today.

Critical Knots

A knot is a primitive method of securing a line in an attempt to protect a load.  Designed to hold strong in times of stress when pressure is great, a slip results in unpredicted damage and catastrophic events.  As a Boy Scout, I learned many knots and mastered most.  My objective was not a matter of securing cargo, but merely of mastery.  Of them all, it was the square knot that became my greatest challenge.  Performed in two efforts, the latter created my test: fold left or fold right?