Well done, Douglas, saying so much about free will and it's detractors, subtly. I wrote a poem the other day with the descriptive yet boring title, "Poem of War, Peace, Love, Fear, Science, Philosophy and Spirituality," that you might enjoy. It's over 100 lines because it covers so much, and includes these lines that relate to your post:

"Love or fear, can you discern the difference? That sounds simple but think about why you freely choose one action or inaction over another — is it really so clear? Are you thinking for yourself or being swayed by others?

I speak not of your genes

Science is so god damn reductionary

Conform or not to conform?

To be or not to be?

If you live in not Being have you de facto suicided?

Living versus existing —

You choose

Can you think critically?

Of course

We all have free will

a matter of choice,

my heart be still"

Here's the link: https://medium.com/illumination-curated/-542c44925416 I just remembered one of my poem notes included a tangential link to your recent piece about the anniversary of your dad's passing but my tag of you was of the silent variety