Michael Backus

Focused on transcending division, fear, and dualistic thinking; Awakening unity, courage, and self-awareness to elevate both personal & collective consciousness

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

When each day we humbly ask for inspiration and supply our own perspiration the inevitable result is a life well lived. Carpe Diem!

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

@overton_news Iran made a major mistake. They bet America would fold, but the team held firm on dropping enriched uranium. Inner fears block fair deals. The Strait blockade stops nuclear risks and forces reality. This could break old patterns for peace. Will they change? Your thoughts?

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

@AbhiCodes15 @RealProductGirl Turbo Pascal from Borland. In the heady days of the MS-DOS explosion it seemed like a good idea to learn such a useful language in the PC space. But my career opportunities focused on the IBM mid-range for the next two decades and I never really used it to build anything 😢

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

@Jacobsklug Build please 😎

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

@kevinclark All good energy in Bad Bunny’s Superbowl Halftime Show tonight. Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin could both easily headline but instead added to the upswell of ❤️. Why would anyone criticize this creative and enjoyable musical performance?

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

@sheilatebra Jesus had a human body with mammalian instincts. He withdrew after John’s death to calm nerves and face drives. In quiet, He integrated his parts. We stay busy to skip physical feelings. What if Jesus calls us to own our full human experience? Will you withdraw and look inside?

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

Dear Fellow Boomers,

I want to have an honest chat with you all. We’ve been pretty vocal about criticizing Gen Z lately. We call them lazy, entitled, too sensitive, and always on their phones. But let’s pause for a second and think about this. Is it fair? Or are we just repeating the same old cycle that every generation goes through?

Remember when we were young? The 1960s and 70s were our time. We protested the Vietnam War. We fought for women’s rights and civil rights. We shook up society. Our parents called us hippies and rebels. They said we had no respect for authority. Sound familiar? Now we’re the ones pointing fingers at the kids.

The truth is, the world Gen Z lives in is tough in ways ours wasn’t. Back then, a high school diploma could get you a good job with benefits. Houses were more easily affordable on one salary. College didn’t bury you in debt. Today? Jobs are unstable gigs. Rents eat up half their pay. Student loans are a lifetime burden. And internationally pollution is worse now than when we were their age.

So when we say they’re lazy for not buying homes or starting families young, we’re ignoring reality. The economy we built favors the wealthy. Many of us benefited from it. Gen Z is adapting by side hustles and remote work. They value experiences over stuff. And it’s their choice to make.

About being sensitive. We mock “safe spaces” and “trigger warnings.” But think about it. We dealt with stress by toughing it out. That often led to burnout or worse. Gen Z prioritizes mental health. They talk openly about anxiety and depression. That’s progress, not weakness. Their boundaries at work? Like not answering emails after hours? We could have used that.

And tech? We say they’re addicted. But we’re on social media too. We share memes and argue politics. Gen Z uses tech to build communities. They start businesses. They spread ideas globally. Their creativity on TikTok or Instagram? It’s entrepreneurship in action.

Here’s the bold part. Our criticisms might come from envy or fear. Envy of their freedom. Fear that our achievements look dated. Maybe we’re defensive because they blame us for inequality, pollution, and debt. And honestly, some of that blame sticks. We had power. What did we do with it?

Instead of bashing, let’s reflect. What parts of us resist change? The controlling part? The fearful one? By understanding ourselves, we can empathize with them.
Boomers, it’s time to step up. Mentor without condescension. Support their causes. Vote for policies that help all generations. Gen Z isn’t the problem.

Let’s dig deeper. Economic data shows the wage gap. Gen Z works multiple jobs yet struggles. We call it laziness? Where are the full time factory jobs we grew up inheriting? Robotic assembly lines build things now. And they’re competeing with AI horning in on entry level jobs in ways we never contended with.

Socially, they’re more inclusive. They champion diversity we only began. Their ‘woke’ is our civil rights extended.
Psychologically, criticism often projects our unresolved issues. What freedoms did we crave but give up for conformity? Seeing it in them stirs that up.

Challenge: Talk to a Gen Z person. Listen without defending. You might learn something new.

In conclusion, fellow Boomers, let’s choose understanding over judgment. Empower the next generation. Don’t diminish them. Our true legacy will be the world we help them build. Not the one we criticize them for navigating.

They’re the future. Let’s make sure it’s a bright one.

With hope for unity,

A Reflective Boomer

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

@LithDael @spooked75 Time will tell.

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

Dear Fellow White Folks Who Call Yourselves Supremacists,

I’m an old white man in my mid sixties, born and raised in this great land of America. I’ve seen a lot in my days. Wars, changes, good times, and bad. But let me tell you straight: your ideas about white supremacy make no sense to me. They hurt us all, including you.

First off, think about what you’re saying. You claim white people are better than others. Better at what? Smarter? Stronger? Kinder? History shows that’s not true. Look at the great minds from all over the world. Einstein was Jewish. Gandhi from India. Martin Luther King Jr., a black man who changed our nation with peace. These folks show genius comes in all colors. What about inventions? The traffic light by a black man, Garrett Morgan. Peanut products by George Washington Carver. Contributions everywhere.

You talk about preserving white culture. What is that, exactly? America is a mix. My grandparents came from Europe, but they mixed with others here. Irish, Italian, German – all white, but they fought each other back then. Now we see them as one. Why can’t we include everyone? Our strength comes from blending ideas, foods, music. Jazz from black folks, tacos from Mexicans, pizza from Italians. Rock ‘n’ roll has black roots. That’s America.

You fear losing power. I get it. Change is scary. But holding on to old ways by putting others down won’t help. It makes you weak. Real strength comes from lifting people up. When we all do better, we all win. Poor schools in black neighborhoods hurt everyone. Crime goes up, jobs go down. Fix that, and society improves for all. Look at economics. Free markets lift all boats. But hate divides labor, wastes talent.

Let’s talk about the shadow side. We all have dark parts inside. Hate, fear, anger. You let those rule you. But ignoring them or blaming others won’t fix it. Face them. See how your fears come from inside, not from “them.” When you hate, it’s your own pain talking. Maybe from lost jobs, broken families. Heal that, don’t project it.

You say whites built everything. Not alone. Slaves built the White House. Chinese workers built railroads. Immigrants from everywhere made this country. Denying that is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. Native Americans were here first; we took their land. Honesty about history builds real pride, not fake superiority.

Science says race is not real in the way you think. We’re all 99.9% the same DNA. Skin color is just adaptation to sun. IQ tests? Biased and don’t measure worth. People rise when given chances. Look at successful immigrants. Hard work, not color, matters.

Your groups breed violence. Shootings, rallies with torches. That ain’t American. Our founders said all men are created equal. They meant it, even if they didn’t live it fully. We can do better. Slavery ended, civil rights passed. Progress happens when we unite.

I challenge you: Look in the mirror. See a human, not a superior. Talk to someone different. Share a meal. You’ll see we’re all struggling, loving, hoping. Your kids play with diverse friends. Why fight that?

Drop the hate. Join the real America – one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

It’s not too late to change.

Sincerely,

An Old White American Man

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

@Suzierizzo1 It’s unfortunate that local law enforcement is not cooperating effectively with immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Why is it we primarily see these kinds of unnecessary conflict escalations in “sanctuary” communities? Perhaps because you’re not actually protecting anyone?

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

@jasveer10 Your take hits home: India’s pressure forges enduring operators, but crushes spirits. Is this ‘success’ masking collective trauma? Western safety nets spark creators, yet soften resolve. What if we engineer systems blending rigor with compassion? Too idealistic?

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

This is why I support The Convention of States (COS) Resolution which has three elements:

(1)  Impose fiscal restraints on the federal government

(2)  Limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and

(3)  Limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.

Read the petition here: https://t.co/7crej5asoc

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

A Letter to The Resistance,

As a compassionate libertarian, I respect your passion for justice, equality, and diversity. You aim for a better world for all. These goals are good. But let’s dig deep. Some questions might make you think twice. It’s time to question the stories we tell.

Start by looking inside. We all have different parts in us. The protector shuts down debate. The wounded part sees threats all over. The idealist seeks a perfect world. In your groups, the protector often rules. It labels other views as hate to keep you safe. But does this block growth? We have biases in liberal spaces too. Facing them builds true strength. Bring those shadow sides together. Don’t push them away. Real progress comes from inner unity, not division.

Think about economics. Good plans are key, but results count more. Tax the rich a lot? It sounds fair. Yet data shows it can hurt everyone. Businesses raise prices or move jobs abroad. Studies show that high wage raises lead to machines taking jobs or stores closing. This hits low-skill workers hardest (the very people we want to help). Aid programs can make dependency traps. Stats on long-term use show this. Real help means pushing new ideas, learning, and personal responsibility. Put facts first over feelings for change that lasts.

Identity politics helps many, but too much can split us. It puts people in boxes as bad guys or victims. Data on crime, school, and health points to culture and choices. Not just big system problems. Blame all on race or male rule? It misses what people can do themselves. This creates anger, as polls show more backlash. Unite around shared values like hard work, family, and merit instead. History shows constant victim stories can hold back. True power comes from owning your story.

Climate action is understandable, but extreme views push people away. Saying ‘the science is set’ is like old strict beliefs. Data on green energy shows it’s not ready to swap fossil fuels without unrealistic costs. Like power cuts and higher bills for poor folks. Push for smart fixes: nuclear power, new tech, not just bans. Your energy is important. Mix it with real life to draw more support.

Culture fights go on. Protecting weak voices is a must, but cancel for wrong think brings fear. Schools, news, and tech become same-think places where one view wins. Studies on mixed views show this leads to bad choices. Challenge your side: does ‘fair share’ mean bad treatment sometimes? Free speech keeps all safe, even views you dislike.

Leaders promise unity, but rules on borders, schools, and money fire up the other side. What if The Resistance changes? Move from fight to fresh start. Renew views by facing shadows, taking hard data, building bridges not walls.
America grows with debate and new ideas. Drop the high moral ground. We all have faults. See MAGA folks not as enemies, but as fellow Americans with real pains. Talk tough but fair.

Picture a movement that fixes divides and uses facts to guide kindness. That’s real progress.

Let’s talk.

Sincerely,
A Fellow Seeker

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

Dear MAGA Friends,

As a compassionate libertarian, I write to you with respect for your passion. You fight for what you believe is right for our country: America first, secure borders, smaller government, true freedom. These ideas have real value, but let’s look deeper and ask hard questions that make us think.
First, think about our inner world. We all carry different parts inside—angry ones, scared ones, hopeful ones. In the heat of rallies, the angry part often takes control. It feels good to chant and blame others, but what if that anger hides deeper hurt from lost jobs, changed communities, broken dreams? To see this does not make us weak; it makes us stronger and more complete. When we bring these parts together, we make better choices from clarity, not just reaction.

Now, on economics, facts should always win over feelings. Government spending might seem helpful, but it often causes problems. Look at data from studies: high taxes on businesses lead to higher prices for you or companies moving away, resulting in fewer jobs. Raising low wages can cause small businesses to close, leading to more unemployment. Real growth comes from new ideas and hard work, not from printing money that causes prices to rise and makes our groceries more expensive. Let’s push for rules that reward effort and don’t punish success.

Immigration is a big topic. We want strong borders, and that’s understandable because open borders without rules create chaos. Schools get too full, hospitals face hard times, wages for low jobs drop—studies show this. However, there’s a good side: smart immigration brings in talented people who help with tech, medicine, farming. It’s not about hate but about balance—protect citizens first, then welcome those who add value. Why not improve the system to make it more effective and efficient?

On race and who we are, these issues tend to divide us. Stories of being victims sell well, but they can trap people. Data on school and family tells the story: kids with two parents at home do better, no matter their background. Culture matters more than looks. Promote values like hard work, learning, family ties, instead of constant blame on the system. History has pains, but healing comes from moving on, not being stuck in the past.

Culture wars go on. Protecting old ways is important, but forcing views on others can go wrong. In schools, focus on basics like reading, math, history, leaving other topics to families. Media is one-sided, so seek facts from many places and avoid same-talk groups—challenge your own side too.
President Trump is shaking up the system; that takes boldness. He points out bad stuff, but leadership needs more than fights. It requires a vision that brings people together. What if MAGA focuses less on anger and more on action: build communities, mentor young people, start businesses? Show the world the true American spirit through deeds.
America’s greatness is in its people—diverse, tough, creative. To keep it great, we must continue to evolve by facing our dark sides, embracing facts, bringing together our inner fights. Drop the us vs them and see opponents as fellow Americans. Debate ideas hard but with respect.

Imagine MAGA as Make America Grow Again—grow in prosperity, spirit, culture. Unite around truth, not division. That’s the path to real greatness.

What do you say? Let’s talk.

Sincerely, A Fellow American

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

@australianwoma1 Your story hits home. I once asked about the left’s hard rules. But don’t overcorrect. Seeing immigration as soft takeover ignores the West’s past gains from it. History is complex. Real progress comes from talk, not barriers. What policies do you suggest for fair change?

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

@newstart_2024 Sexton’s right. Death awareness destroys the consumer machine. Denying death fuels wars and greed. Dying people value love- not wealth. Volunteer in hospice. Confront your shadows. Cherish connections now… or regret later. Does this scare the system? Ready to live truly?

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

@dylanmallman Your words hit home; groupthink stifles the soul. Yet, in running from the crowd, we risk missing truths that shape us. A free mind moves between alone time and connection, asking all, even itself. Isn’t the real cage our unchecked ego? How does blending shadows lead to freedom?

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

@m4h007 @Holden_Culotta @FmrRepMTG Why back the corrupt political system? Get out! Vote for outsiders. Back ranked-choice voting. Make primaries open. Stop money to major parties. Aid grassroots groups. Skip biased news. Ask for term limits. Fix rigged districts. Do local work. Take back power from the elite!

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

@CNNPR I’m disappointed in you CNN. No journalist is above the law. And to characterize a criminal indictment as “unacceptable” is at best premature. Mr Lemon will have his day in court where he’s presumed innocent until proven guilty. What’s unacceptable is your journalistic integrity.

[Michael Backus @BackusMike]

@argosaki This changes motherhood views. Breast milk is not just food—it’s a chat shaping nutrients and signs for tough kids. Science’s mistake? Picks pills over old wisdom. Hinde’s facts call to lift natural ties, fight formula lies, spark better baby plans. Heed biology’s whispers now.