Today, we received word that the world had lost another one of its greats: Carrie Fisher, known throughout the world for portraying Princess Leia in Star Wars, finally succumbed after days of fighting the effects of a massive heart attack. We do not know the details of this struggle, and I’d personally hope that we do not pry. Her passing hurts us enough that anything more would, in my humble opinion, just add more layers of sadness.

I was four when Star Wars came out. Despite not being taken to see the first film in the theater, the attention that surrounded the movie soon had me firmly in its grasp. Between audio books (read me books that came with a small record) TV appearances, and more, I knew the tale better than many that were older, and who’d actually seen it in on the big screen. And when Christmas rolled around, one of the things I received was a set of action figures – and Leia was probably the one I played with most. As a little boy, I thought that she was pretty, but looking back on her role, and how *I* had her act in my games, I now see that she was so much more. The character, like the actress herself, was strong without being mean, compassionate without being foolish, and giving without being played.

As I watched the character develop on the screen, I saw something that helped shape my world view. I saw a woman who was just as important, just as passionate, as her male counterparts. Couple that with being raised on TREK (which in principle supported this level of equality) and the idea that men would be superior to women (or vice versa) became an alien thought to me. And Carrie Fisher was a BIG part of that realization.

Now, I have children of my own. My daughter has grown into a strong young woman, whom I admire greatly. And Star Wars has played a big role in her life. I’m proud that she has grown up watching strong, human women on the screen(s), and has found her own way to live with strength and grace. I’ve been told that I write strong female leads in my novels, and I honestly feel I could have no greater compliment.

Today we lost one of the women that led the way for my generation, and generations to come. And the world is lessened by her passing.

Sleep well, my dear Lady. Your impact will never be forgotten.

It was brought to my attention that I need a link for those who already have books one and two, so click Below to order MURDER: Book Three for only $11 (plus $4 S&H)

Looking for a great Christmas Gift? For a limited time, I’m selling the Dark Zone Trilogy for a special price of $30 (plus $6 s & h) for ALL THREE BOOKS!

This is a great way to save some money, and treat the reader in your life!
Just click the PayPal button below to place your order! Limited quantities available at this special price!

Not only American history – but *human* history – is replete with examples of an almost unbroken cycle of ‘us vs them’. When we were but young sproutlings, and could barely make swords or bows, we did enough damage that entire religions sprang up touting the ideals of ‘peace’ and ‘love your fellow man’. No, Christianity is not the only one of those, but we will get there later.

As our world grew smaller, and we learned more and more, we used that knowledge to make new weapons; to invent better ways of killing people we didn’t like. And as horrible as our history has been, dotted with genocides both accidental and intentional, in the nineteen thirties and forties, mankind fought a battle with itself unlike any that had ever come before. But, while Germany used the propaganda machine to stoke the fires of anti-semitism, Americans at the time were not much better in their behavior and beliefs. The vast majority of the population hated the Negro for no reason other than the color of their skin. Plus, having someone to look down on makes even the lowliest of fools feel proud and tall. Jews were treated only a little better. It took the revealing of the worst barbarism in modern times, through pictures and movies, to begin putting a lid on anti-semitism. And yes, it took a generation or two, but now it is considered a sign of foolishness and bigotry to be anti-semitic.

If only we could achieve this for the black people, the asians, the arabic peoples, etc…

But as *great* a nation as we think ourselves to be, there is still a rotted, pus-filled tumor in our society. It is this sickness that tells us that we are stronger when we separate from each other, that one *class* of person is better than another, etc etc etc… And like a cancer, it has quietly grown over the decades, over the centuries. Sadly, now that it thinks its voice can be heard, it walks right up to the microphone, and touts its sick ideals – ideals that are as anti-American as you can get, all while wrapping its fetid, selfish heart in a gown of Patriotism, Religion, and Nationalism.

There are so many points I could make. I could say that science has PROVEN to us that, genetically speaking, we are only the HUMAN RACE. But there are people who, in their ignorance, simply say they ‘believe’ otherwise. Personally, I don’t care what you ‘believe’; it is your right, but it is *my* right to reject it, and believe what I can prove. And it is my right to LIVE by those principles.

Also, if you insist on seeing ‘race’ as a factor, I suggest Genetic testing. We are all a mix of races that many would never believe. You might not like the test results, but they will hopefully be eye opening.

Lastly, (for now) I offer you this thought. If you really want to know why America was ‘Great’ to begin with, it’s because we founded our Nation on being a land of opportunity, a land of freedom and peace. And over the years, it has been discovered that this freedom DOES extend to more than just White Landowning Males.  Precedents have been set that are now long-established Law; precedents showing us that blacks are full citizens, with all the Rights and Privileges thereof. That WOMEN are EQUAL under the law, and have the same benefits in our Society as MEN.

The Issues of RACE are another battle that the Alt-Right lost long ago. The courts spent the better half of the Twentieth century considering these cases, over and over again, and over and over again, it was found that the one central idea that truly makes us great -the idea of FREEDOM for ALL, (dare I say it) ‘trumps’ anything else.

We are not entering Dark Times; we are entering a challenge, where the death throes of Racist, Misogynistic Fools are rising up, stronger than we’d believed, to fight for their superiority. Not for equality – not for freedom – not for an America where ALL are truly FREE.

They are fighting for their own self interest. And I have a message for them.

They will not win. We will stand, we will fight, for REAL American ideals. For Truth that is not subject to religious Bias (but truth that can be proven), for Justice for ALL Americans (and, dare I say it, for anyone on our lands, because that is the right thing to do).

THIS is the American Way; not some backwoods, White Power, Neo-Nazi bullshite. America is better than that. And if it isn’t, *we* will make sure that it will be again.

Dear Mr. Trump;

I hope this letter finds you happy and well. I am writing to you in hopes of speaking to you in the manner you respect the most: with directness. However, it is my sincere hope to do so in a respectful manner, and I hope you take my statements and requests with this in mind.

I know you are *very* busy, so I thank you for your time. Let me cut to the chase. I am writing because there are a lot of people who are afraid. And while I look to the adults who are fearful, and tell them to turn to the Laws of the Land to dismiss some of the rhetoric they’ve been fed, it is far more difficult to explain these things to the children. And, as an American, and a father, I know we *both* understand how important the children are.

Since your election, I have witnessed so much hate from people, and it hurts my heart. But, when a child (*MY* child) comes to me having heard other kids spitting out lies, and the kids are so afraid, I thought the best course of action would be to have you tell them what is real, and what isn’t.

My daughter heard classmates telling black people that they were going to be shipped ‘back to Africa’. You and I both know this isn’t the truth. And, if it only were being spread by adults, I wouldn’t trouble you to respond. But, kids are hearing this, and they are afraid.

I know that you, of all people, do not want that.

Also, a friend of mine has a girl who is twelve years old. A classmate told her to ‘get ready to become a servant again, because that’s where women belonged’. Looking at the strong young women you’ve raised, I can’t for one moment believe that you would think this is alright.

I do not believe that either of these things reflect your beliefs, or any belief in making America great again. But, respectfully Sir, these children are hearing this kind of rhetoric somewhere; either online, on the radio, or (mostly likely) in their, or their friends, homes.

Fringe elements, whether you like it or not, are attributing statements to you, that you have not made. And if there is one thing I know about you, it is that you speak for yourself, and you do NOT let others put words in your mouth.

There are so many other things I could say, but your time is best spent now on two things; the peaceful transition of power, and, as much as you can (as ONLY you can) helping to bring our citizens together, to live peacefully together, under the Rule of Law that makes this country great.

So, I ask only a moment, to in some way, speak to these points. As much as the children need to hear a message of Law and Peace from you, the adults that are spreading this misinformation also need to have a statement; one that cannot be misconstrued, or warped for the means of lesser men.

You have, in your victory, stated that you wanted to be President for ALL of us; and I truly want to see that happen. We have no other legitimate option, so I look forward in hope. But there is so much discontent, below the radar, and there is so much *fear* – and our children are hearing it. And they cannot process it. And they aren’t getting what they need. Only you, Mr. President-Elect, can give the kids the solace that they need to grow, and that they deserve, to be at peace in our great Democracy.

I implore you to reach out. They are not voters yet, but they are everything that our country holds sacred and dear.

Please, Mr. Trump. Consider what I’ve said, and consider speaking on these issues. There are minds and hearts that need these things challenged directly, and only you can do so.

Many thanks for your time, sir. I wish you, and the United States of America, all the best.

Sincerely,
Mr. Derek E Dykes

it’s a few hours early, but MURDER: Book Three of the Dark Zone Trilogy, is NOW AVAILABLE for purchase on Amazon.com!

Currently, we are aiming for a released date of November 8th for MURDER. I’ll make sure the books page is updated soon.

Yes, this is a political statement; however, if you take this as me being for ‘one side or the other’, you are only proving my point. So, Please read. Please, do not comment if you only want to argue.
Now: We’ve become so polarized, so ‘at odds’ with anyone who doesn’t see eye to eye with our own worldview, that they are now considered Deamons, Devils, Ignorant, etc…

Both Conservative and Liberal have become badges of honor, and curse words, depending on your current company.

And, provable facts from EITHER side of the many discussions occurring are simply not accepted, no matter how many sources tell one otherwise, if they don’t fit what people ‘just know is true’.

Friends, I will not let myself fall into this trap. And I encourage you to do the same.

Get your news from multiple sources; fact check what was really said and done; fact check what was tried, convicted, and proven, not just what you ‘feel’ or what makes you feel right.

Because, when you don’t, you are just cattle.

We’ve already been bought and sold; we’re marketed to day and night, and our news is an international joke. There are few facts presented – you have to dig for them. All we get are opinions posed as facts, and too few ever bother to question what we are being fed.

The truth, if there is such a thing, is out there; but it’s not always comfortable, and it won’t always make ANY of us right all the time.
I’m not making this post to change anyone’s opinion on anything. All I am asking is that you take a moment, and question your opinion. Back it up with provable info, not just opinions. Look at what you really believe, really and truly think, and temper that with facts. Actual facts – science is not any more of an opinion than written or recorded record. What you do with that… that is up to you.

Will you hold yourself, and your opinion, to the same standards that you expect of others? Can you forgive and forget for those you see as representing you and your ideals, but not give the same grace to everyone else?

Some will read this, and think I am for Hillary; others will read this and think I am for Trump.

I am for neither. I will not tell you how I choose to vote, because that is my business. But it won’t be for either one of those.
(plus, living in Alabama, I know where the electoral votes for my state are going, regardless; so I have no fear with a write in)

*IF* we are going to actually move forward as one country, one people – if we are *really* going to be great again, we need to take a step back, and really think about the basics of what made is great – what still makes us great – and get through all the BS we’ve been sold that divides us. Neither the term ‘conservative’, or ‘liberal’ are curses. We have come to use them for anyone who doesn’t completely agree with our own worldview. And that, my friends, is how we’ve been divided. Into neat, playable little stacks.

We didn’t get rid of slavery; it just changed gears.

You really want to be free? First step in that is to stop demonizing people that have opinions you don’t agree with. I’ll bet you my life that there is more you can AGREE on than what you disagree about.

Next step, get rid of the electoral college. We have the tech, and the ability, to literally make every vote count. This system is archaic and flawed – it needs to change, if we can even hope to be a representative democracy.

Lastly, learn to reach out – re-learn to compromise. The world doesn’t revolve around you, your religion, or your state politics. It is much bigger, and much more complex, than most people can ever grasp.

Giving rights and freedoms to ANYONE should be a no-brainer in a country that prides itself on being a nation built on freedom. You either give everyone equal rights, or you stop holding that mantle up and shaking it in the face of the rest of the world.

It’s called hypocrisy; if that taste doesn’t sit right on your tongue, don’t blame me. Maybe it’s time you actually sat and thought about things, accepted things that have been proven, forgive those who have wronged (ALL or NONE – there is NO IN BETWEEN). Maybe its time you think about all those pretty words you speak with righteous indignation – and apply that lens to everyone, including yourselves.

UNITED we truly stand; but we ARE DIVIDED. As a whole, we already have fallen.
So what are you going to do about it?

Discuss if you want; I will not respond. I’ve made my point.

there is a saying, that goes back to the Founding Fathers of our nation. Franklin was quoted as saying, “We must hang together, or we will surely hang separately”.
In essence, this is, simply put, “United we stand, divided we fall”.
That in and of itself an idea that defines America; the uniting of different cultures and ideas, working together to make something amazing, and strong.
With THAT in mind, I say this; beware of ANYONE (local, state or federal) that wants to divide people by class, race, religion or nationality of birth. We are ALL Americans, and AMERICA (land of the free, home of the brave) has welcomed others to join in our melting pot.
This is NOT an idea whose time has passed. This is an idea, a belief, for NOW, every day, every moment, until EVERYONE in America truly knows what E PLURIBUS UNUM (Out of Many, One) REALLY Means.
You want to make America great?! Start by UNITING PEOPLE! That is where the real strength, and the real greatness, of America can be found.