"Social Media" has proven to be an unreliable forum for publication, and consumption of my life's experiences, interests and opinions. Thus I have decided to revert to the that old standby, the personal blog. "living is easy with eyes closed" will be an obvious reference for many who find their way here. In this instance, it is my hope that I can influence a few, to understand the danger inherent in "keeping their own council." It becomes more important each day for all of us to educate ourselves beyond our prejudices, and develop awareness and an ability to think critically beyond the boundaries of our personal comfort zones. Abdication of our ability to criticize, is abdication of all the freedoms we hold as "rights"