THOUGHT CONTROL? FIRST FIND A BRAIN

Thought control is an accusation slung by those who need you to agree with them.

Based on their outlook and attitude, if you don’t agree it’s because you’ve been brainwashed.

Like that’s a bad thing all the time. If you join the Army you get a good wash, learn to help others, at the same time learning how to stand up for yourself.

I joined the Army after the Vietnam draft ended, but early enough to qualify as an Era vet. I did my service in Philadelphia, South Philly.

A man from my hometown, an Army guy, posts thoughtful pieces on Facebook. I asked if I could repost to a bigger audience after his recent effort. He said yes.

The following has been edited for brevity with additional comments.

Thank you, JB.

I’m pretty disappointed with the American people right now. This country was founded on guts, grit, greatness, determination, and united pursuits for the common good.

Now I see a very split and tribal citizenry with little common purpose or concern for their fellow Americans.

What a heavy burden it must be for some to care only about themselves. It’s a waste since they consider themselves Diplomats, Soldiers, Doctors, Nurses, Scientists, Immigration Experts, Educators, etc.

When Fake Experts Work Thought Control

What is it about those who give themselves titles to feel better? In a time when people are looking and hoping for good news, what drives people to set themselves up as a source?

Could it be a hangover from the prior administration’s habit of making things up? I’m old enough to remember press conferences about covid where the medical people stood to the side while the bullshitter in chief rolled out a bright light cure, a bleach cure, a malaria drug cure.

Now it’s a horse de-worming paste cure for covid?

A recent twitter post read, “Why is that every conversation with a pro-vaxx person always turns turns into insults?”

It was followed by thousands of anti-vaxx tweets degrading the vaccines and anyone who got them.

They made my brain hurt with disappointment. Which has a better outcome potential against covid: a medical vaccine or horse medicine? Is that even an argument?

Back To JB

It’s sad so many don’t actually serve others, because their self recognized expertise is greatly needed to fight the problems we face. Unfortunately, for many, their most demonstrable attribute is whining, mocking, and criticizing others trying to make a difference.

I long for a time when the first thing we notice in people is their happiness rather than their anger. When we see Christians talking and acting like Jesus.

When patriots don’t just wave a flag or stand for it, but actually live the ideals that flag represents. When we enthusiastically greet and care about each other, whether born here or in some far off land.

When we recognize that rich people, poor people, refugees, or those of a different skin color are also God’s favorites just like we think we are.

When we realize what “do unto others” actually means. When we learn that helping someone in need is our purpose and not our burden.

When we learn that investing in the development and success of the less fortunate will be repaid to us ten-fold. If we can do even some of this as a people, then our blessings will be overflowing and our prosperity immense.

Each of us as human beings has the ability and inherent goodness to do better. I pray we do! I think we can!

If This Is Thought Control Sign Me Up

Read the part again starting with “When patriots,” and tell me you didn’t tear up a little. Don’t lie. Go ahead and get a tissue.

I just read it to my wife and it sounded like Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have A Dream’ speech.

“Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.”

This is why I asked JB for reprint permission.

Thoughts?