Chop off one head, two grow back

[rolanni]

I crossed six things off my to-do list today. Why is it longer now than when I started?

It's snowing.

In anticipation of this very event, Steve went out to the front yard earlier in the day and wrapped a deceased potted Christmas tree with a string of Halloween lights, sat it on the bench in the Cat Garden, and plugged it in. The result is rather cheery, and pleasant in the falling snow.

Spent some time reading Great Swathes of I Dare, Plan B, and Carpe Diem, which counts as writing -- or at least research -- and took care of a short edit letter (which also counts as writing, if only to keep me from wallowing in a Slough of Despond). Still sort of feeling my way, dernit (explosions! I need explosions!), and noting Odd Facts.

Such as:

*Miri left Surebleak as an apprentice soldier in a mercenary unit when she was fourteen years old.

*When Theo was fourteen, she was a minor child, subject to her mother's absolute authority.

Tomorrow is a writing day, to-do list or not. At the rate it's growing, it'll have opposable thumbs by Tuesday, anyway, and then it can clean the house.

Progress on Ghost Ship

10355 / 100000

Comments

[keristor.livejournal.com]

"In some developing countries, within some social strata kids of 14 have been already initiated in gangs, are dealing drugs, or work as prostitutes."

I know some of those countries. A couple of them begin with 'U' -- SA and K.

The problem I can see is that a number of things are going the "Safe World" way right now. Rampant "nanny-state" initiatives in a number of western countries, all of course "for your own good", right down to what you can and can't be allowed to eat or drink or say or read or go.

Both scenarios are frightening...

[ligeia-bm.livejournal.com]

I know some of those countries. A couple of them begin with 'U' -- SA and K

Being a South American myself (Argentinian), this phenomena hits really very close to home too. It's disheartening and frequently born out of desperation and lack of opportunities, plus police and judicial corruption. They use the kids, because ultimately, they are easy to replace. Too many out there, without any family or social net to protect them. Or worse, with a family that exploits them too. On one hand, very sad. On the other, very frightening.

The problem I can see is that a number of things are going the "Safe World" way right now. Rampant "nanny-state" initiatives in a number of western countries, all of course "for your own good", right down to what you can and can't be allowed to eat or drink or say or read or go.

Both scenarios are frightening...

Yeah, I know. Individual liberties are being eroded quietly but surely, in the name of safety. In a world that grows more and more violent each day (violence which comes essentially from those who are waving those safety measures in our face) the question would be "Whose safety?"