Shifts in the Matrix

The Matrix - Ultimately, the choice between the red pill and blue pill serves as a powerful metaphor for self-awareness and the pursuit of truth in a world filled with illusions.

Looking back, I can honestly say that I had always felt a sense of pride in all that I was and all that I accomplished. From childhood, my teens, young adulthood, and on into adulthood, I carried with me in my toolbox of Life and Living which contained: the Golden Rule, the Ten Commandments, morality, ethics, an embrace of spirituality, civic responsibility, respect for the law, and love for America for what I came to know it stood for among the nations of the world.

This toolbox had been handed down generation after generation, with love for America added to it by both sets of grandparents when they migrated from Europe to begin a new journey pursuing the American dream in the New World.

Like the “football” that follows the President of the United States everywhere he goes, my Life and Living toolbox went with me everywhere, every day, throughout life. From Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Sons of the American Legion, to airman in the United States Air Force, and on through retirement from active military duty as a Warrant Officer in the United States Army, I fashioned every stage of my life with the tools in that old, trusty box.

As a result of my tenacity to “walk the straight and narrow,” over time I had become entrusted with higher security clearances and assigned to positions of increasing responsibility. I felt honored, privileged, and prouder at each step along the way.

I worked exceedingly long hours on assignments, with little time off, always under the caveat that my efforts were critical to mission success. Duty frequently called me away home and family, but the outcomes were clearly measurable, and I was convinced were all well worth the sacrifice.

The Berlin Wall came down, and with it fell the Iron Curtain! Goals I had a hand in accomplishing, but which happened much sooner than any of those within my circle imagined it would. We had overtly and covertly been kicking ass relentlessly for two decades, so we were certain that it was only a matter of time - not if, but when.

Upon leaving the service, I had been drawn into the civilian sector supporting ongoing and forward-looking defense and intelligence efforts. My experience and clearances immensely paid off in handsomely high salaries. Not missing a step, I continued fulfilling my long-standing committed, dedicated, patriotic duty toward insuring America’s national security and military superiority remained second to none. I felt proud being part of that elite, tight knit, community, until I no longer felt proud.

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) having been dismantled, left behind an unanswered question: what happens to the black-funded super-duper, razzle-dazzle, covert programs already underway? So many scientific research breakthroughs and engineering marvels have been accomplished. It was there, somewhere amid all the celebrating and questioning, that a major shift occurred in the Matrix!

Somewhere, by someone, a decision was reached: a few programs would proceed as scheduled. In the black program world where nothing exists, and therefore nothing ever happens, who would be the wiser? Where national security had been the all-time justification for such defense and intelligence programs, the rather abrupt shift now made corporate America their primary beneficiary.

Connecting the dots that existed with those that “never did” resulted in a personal epiphany: that there was a power emerging out of the ending of the Cold War that was greater than that of the United States government, or any governments, for that matter. It was corporate, it was worldwide, and with the undergirding of latest and greatest technological innovations at its disposal, would be virtually unstoppable.

Seeing the "invisible ink" writing on the wall, I knew I could no longer remain a part of it. It contradicted the intended purpose of every tool in my Life and Living toolbox. As foolish as it may seem, considering the insane money I was making, I decided to terminate my employment. It was not a simple process. It was not received well. I was told that once I left, I could never return to the fold, in any capacity, anywhere. Without hesitation, I left and felt incredibly good about that decision. Once again, there was a shift in the Matrix.

One thing I learned while “inside”, was, it would behoove one who ever chose the “outside” to clearly live as to present no threat, or perceived liability to that which they left behind. So, with toolbox of Life and Living in hand, I began the process of metamorphosis. I grew my hair long, bought a vintage VW campervan, and headed straightway to Key West to begin a new non-threatening life, one that was calm and simple, one where I could easily be observed, and one where I could live proudly in the open, no longer carrying the heavy weight of secrecy.

Well, to be totally honest, my ensuing time in Key West did result in the acquisition of a whole new classification of secrets, ones that may, or may not, ever be released to the public. So secret, in fact, I felt the need to create and sign a personal NDS (Non-Disclosure Statement). Some old habits are hard to break. Peace out.