Note: I wrote this several days before the verdict was announced in the George Zimmerman murder case, but I would just like to briefly comment on that. We don't know exactly what happened that night. Witnesses have testified as to what they saw or heard, but there is only one person alive who knows everything. What the rest of us should accept is that according to our legal system, George Zimmerman is not guilty of murder or manslaughter. It does not say that he is innocent, but rather that he is not guilty. That is an important consideration. It doesn't mean that Zimmerman or his attorneys proved his innocence, but that the state failed to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt according to a jury of his peers. That distinction is important because in this country, according to our laws and our constitution, we believe it is more just that a possibly guilty party go free than an innocent party go to jail. We don't always like the outcome that results, but it is something I'm sure we would all appreciate if we were unjustly accused of something. If you disagree with the verdict and feel moved to speak out or protest, that is your right. It is an important right. But if you do so with violence or hate, remember that you are only fanning the flames of hate and injustice.
One thing that we've created with the world of Facebook, Twitter and other social networks (even the world of texting back and forth to an extent) is a new definition of friends, and a way to have friends and extended family around the country and the world. I met my wife in a Star Trek chat room, and another very special, really life-changing friend on Facebook. So I'm the last person to denigrate the concept of Facebook friends. At the same time, we need to remember that our true value is not measured in the number of Twitter followers or Facebook friends we have, or the number of 'likes' and 'shares' we accumulate. Our true value is in what we create in life, and more importantly, the lives we touch. One real, solid friend who gets something from you (and can do the same in return) is more valuable than a thousand who are just part of a list. Don't look for your self worth in a number. You won't find it there. You'll find it in that friend who knows they can turn to you for succor. Being a safe place and a solid companion is so much more important than a bunch of people who just count you as friend number 'whatever'.
Something else along those lines, talking about friends. If you know someone who writes or draws or is an artist of some kind, you probably know that these are all quite personal projects. As a writer, I know that any writing project, no matter the subject or seriousness always comes from my heart and soul. As with most art, its true value is not measured in how many people buy a copy, but in the quality of the piece. And even more important than that is the effort the person put into it. We can all be critics. It doesn't take any skill or work or sweat to criticize someone else's work, especially if you can't or won't even try to do it yourself. If you are going to provide feedback of some kind (and believe me, artists NEED feedback), be honest but also consider that the art wasn't created by a machine. It was lovingly crafted by a person. Every word.... Every drop of ink on the canvas... Every page in the book was an effort. And if you are a spouse of an artist (and yes, I consider writers to be artists), remember that you are also supposed to be their friend. That doesn't mean you have to think that everything they do is a masterpiece (not that they wouldn't appreciate that :) ) but it does mean that you should be their first and greatest supporter. Recognize not only the quality of their work but also the hard work and passion that they put into it. If it is something they are trying to sell, don't put them down or say they're wasting their time if it takes a while to take off. Encourage them. Help them. Stand by them. Odds are they are doing the same for you.
I'm sure most of you remember "It's a Wonderful Life". Well, that is not just a wonderful Christmas classic. It is also an excellent lesson about what is important in life. True wealth is defined by what you have that cannot be bought or taken. I live in Las Vegas, in the shadow of mega-casinos owned by people who don't have a fraction of the riches that I get by just one of my friends. I am truly the richest man in this town.
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