The speech – given over government-censored airwaves pirated by the character, V – talks about how people gave in to fear – of sickness, ironically enough. And turned over power to an authoritarian government – or rather, submitted to it – out of desperation for a return to some semblance of calm and normalcy.

One of the specific things V touched on was the perfectly natural desire most of us have for the familiar things, the everyday routines and places – and how this can be used against us by psychopathic political types to leverage our submission. No one wants to put their life's work in jeopardy, much less their family's security. People cherish their friends and community; they love their homes.

It is very difficult to say good-by to these things.

But sometimes, it is the only thing to do.

I learned this, like many others have learned it, when I was excommunicated from the little coffee shop that had been part of my daily routine for several years. I enjoyed spending a few hours in my usual spot, having some coffee and writing among the ebb and flow of people I had gotten to know over the years. It was a pleasant part of my life that became very unpleasant when the owners joined the Sickness Cult and insisted that patrons play Sickness Kabuki if they wanted to buy a cup of coffee. Since I would not join the cult, I was cast out.

I have also said good-bye to a number of people I once considered close friends of mine. I learned, to my great sadness, that they were not. Friends do not demand that you practice their religion – nor denounce you for failing to do so. These people did and so I call them friends no longer.