First, some definitions

My labels have been so demonized in the world I live in, I hope to put out some more realistic descriptions.

As an atheist I don't know whether or not there is something other than the laws of nature controlling things. That's it. I don't proclaim there is no god, no "existence" after death(the moment that the body ceases to function-permanently). I don't know how, where or when life began. That is actually not a priority for my life. I know right from wrong, learning from the respected elders in my life, and observing the effect actions have on hurting or benefiting anyone and anything affected, short and long term. I have an internal drive to help, not hurt.

As a socialist, I believe that all have value and our differences are to be celebrated. I believe this credo: "From each according to one's abilities, to each according to one's needs". Once everyone's needs are fulfilled, then we can decide, democratically, what desires can be fulfilled without damaging our home, the earth. People decide when products of my labor are worthwhile, if not enough people do I must produce something else.

As a pacifist, there is reason among people when our needs are met and we believe what can be proven. If we disagree on achieving anything, we compromise. Competition is nothing more than a game between friends.

My first post

Wow, my first. I hope I can get my thoughts together. Never done this before. The continuation of the title would be"...living in a christian, capitalist, violent country". My hope in this blog is to express how "my" world would look in comparison to the one I live in now. I currently live in a small town in the midwest. I have lived in an east coast city, a west coast city, a Florida town(not the "deep south"), a commune and Israel(mostly in kibbutzim and moshavim).