Witt's End

I believe in the audacity of equality. By that I mean equality of opportunity. That's an American ideal if there ever was one. And it's never been truly achieved. It's still an aspiration. I don't say that to be pessimistic. But I mean that in a real sense. Equality for all has not truly been achieved in the USA, but we're constantly progressing toward it. Often times, most times, we've led the charge. That doesn't mean we don't have problems to solve. That we've overcome injustice yet. But we're working on it, more than some want to admit. Sometimes in that progression we need to address where the gaps in opportunity are, and any other real injustices. Given the conversation about race, I believe it's a time to have a discussion on the topic.  I don’t buy wholeheartedly into critical race theory and intersectionality. I believe personal accountability is important. Vital even. I can hold both of these ideas in my head when I examine race. I

It's time for a bit of honesty. I'm scared of my thoughts and where they often take me. Over time I've realized something important. There's a difference between intrusions and temptations. We need to talk about that. I'm a person of faith, I'm also a man who's struggled with aspects of his behavioral and mental health. I'm not going to say that I'm an expert in theology or psychology, but I feel like maybe I could apply a little of my own life experience to this discussion. I hope that it can help someone out. That we can start discussions that are productive. That we can adequately differentiate between issues of mental health and legitimate sin. I think in many ways it would be easiest to address the more spiritual aspects of the discussion first. Let me start that by saying I truly believe we as humans have access to guidance and comfort from a literal Holy Spirit. Some may call what we're discussing their Jiminy Cricket or their consci

I have been wondering how to write this.  It's only been a week. The realization and the diagnosis.  I have ADD/ADHD. Both impulsive and inattentive characteristics.  An adult diagnosis. It wasn't entirely out of the realm of reason, but it still hit like a sledgehammer. So much harder than I ever could've expected or anticipated. This changes things I didn't realize it would. I've not exactly shied away from discussing my mental health as of late. Writing, connecting, both have been cathartic for me. Almost necessarily so. People may not realize that. The feelings isolation that often accompany both the symptoms of mental illness, and the stigma of getting help for them. Connection is as important (in my opinion) in resolving feelings of depression or anxiety as mindfulness, exercise, or even medication. It's all aspects of life, and just tools in a toolbox. That's one thing that has me rattled. I've worked hard in therapy, personal resilience, journali

The following letter was written to Benjamin Franklin in Latin as it was the only common language that was intelligible between the two men corresponding. The opening line is personally an underrated piece of American literature.  --- Most Illustrious Sir: Golden freedom cannot be purchased with yellow gold. I, who have the honor to present this letter to your Excellency, am also following the call of the Fathers of the Land, as the pioneers of freedom always did. I am a free man and a Hungarian. As to my military status I was trained in the Royal Prussian Army and raised from the lowest rank to the dignity of a Captain of the Hussars, not so much by luck and the mercy of chance than by most diligent self discipline and the virtue of my arms. The dangers and the bloodshed of a great many campaigns taught me how to mold a soldier, and, when made, how to arm him and let him defend the dearest of the lands with his best ability under any conditions and developments of the war. I now am he