Death, glory, and computer games
Let's suppose for a moment that you're a member — the most junior member, the rookie — of a squad. Your squad may be police, it may be corporate security, it may be a criminal gang; this doesn't matter. What does matter is that it exists in an environment in which all these things exist, and compete; in which they compete using lethal force.
As the rookie, you've been issued with a weapon. It isn't a very good weapon; it's old, worn out, not particularly powerful; and you're not yet very skilled in its use. But this doesn't matter; there are half a dozen other folk in your squad who are all more experienced and better armed than you. Your leader is a very experienced — famous, perhaps notorious — combat veteran. You feel safe, and your squad is moderately successful.
On Violence, with reference to the invasion of Ukraine
the photograph shows the Czech activist Jan Palach burning himself to death in the aftermath of the Warsaw Pact invasion. Note that I am not certain whether this is an image of Palach himself, or of an actor playing him in a film of the event made in 2018.
Czechoslovakia
Plan for Smallholders UK week
I'm in charge of the @SmallholdersUK account next week. This is my overall plan for the week.
Monday: Standingstone
Introduction: programme for the week
The Union: Sketch outine for a Cyberpunk mod
Preconditions
This mod becomes available after you have completed at least the Pisces side quest.
On Suicide
This is an essay about suicide. If that triggers you, don't read it. Similarly, if you're tempted to respond with a sentimental knee jerk response — especially a religious or mystical one — please don't, it really isn't helpful. I'm not seeking help, or sympathy. I neither want, nor need, either.
I am a person who suffers from depression, and who has done so over most of my life. But I do not believe I am depressed now. On the contrary, I believe that I am rational and clear eyed. Please do me the courtesy of reading this essay (if you choose to read it at all) with that understanding.
Life is harsh. I'm not speaking about my life, particularly; I'm speaking generally. Most people get by from day to day without any rational basis for hope. Across the world, most people are poor, many are hungry. Very few have significant agency in their lives.