Truth exists independently from the medium that proclaims it. A logical conclusion, whether from the mouth of a fool or a genius, by definition, owes nothing to that which publicizes it. Two plus two equals four. This equation, if uttered by a saint, is true. If stated by a convicted murder, it is true. Dumb-smart. Evil-good. Talented-incompetent. It always is true: 2+2=4.
Seems obvious, yet it isn't, at least not anymore. People ignore the truth for a plethora of reasons; however, here I want to specifically explore one that blinds millions: the polarizing hatred of an individual or an entity that disables one's intellect.
Before casting stones, I have looked inward for potential prejudices, for any selective conclusions. I have searched for beliefs based not on sound reasoning, but formed as a reaction. Have there been instances where someone said "zig" so I said "zag"? A foe suggested night so I chose day? Have I ever, because of my feelings toward an individual or a personality, flavored my ideologies with my distaste for another's views.
Is this making sense? Maybe not, and that is the problem. It doesn't make sense, and I, at this point, am not able to relate. Especially recently, I have experienced and observed instances where a person or people ride a merry-go-round of thoughts. In one context, a discussion leads one to avow conservative principles: those of liberty, and individual rights. Point to a recent news story that reveals the communist leanings of a newly appointed "Czar" and hear a friend claim disapproval. Mention that Fox News reported the story, and see him defend the appointment with religious zeal.
Call attention to specific Orwellian tenets of the recent health care bill, and the room fills with rage. Reveal that one first heard about these oversteps of power from Glenn Beck and find the same room filled with Barack Obama sycophants.
I don't hate Barack Obama. I disagree with just about every one of his policies. If he were to announce tomorrow that, instead of more government intrusions, he had decided to pursue tax breaks for charitable contributions, I would cheer from the rooftop. His approval ratings, his electability are not my concern. I want what is right. How he would benefit or suffer is not on the radar.
How can we develop good and just policies when so many people color their perceptions with emotional reactions to the person? Truth is not affected by those who report if or subscribe to it; however, when a simple emotional appeal can send so many astray, vertigo is nearly unavoidable for those who think.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Down and Out
Its been over a month since the last posting here. Nothing to say? No, that's not it. No time? No, we make time for what is important. So what has happened?
The last entry was July 4th ("Independence Day"), a day to celebrate freedom and liberty. Please forgive the excuses, but I am in shock at the state of the nation. I have fallen and I can't get up. The daily decrees and declarations out of Washington has numbed the mind. Liberty? Independence? No, I am drowning in socialism. The depression, the sadness, it comes from this: many of the people with whom I speak about these issues fall into one of three categories which include ignorance, apathy, and assent.
The ignorant ones are people that simply don't know. They are like children. A child cannot think past his or her own wants. He wants a toy and he wants it now. He does not compare his parents' income and expenses to determine if it is a prudent purchase. He does not consider how it will affect his welfare or that of his siblings. It is tunnel vision. The child's scope of awareness does not extend beyond Freud's Id. "I want that GI Joe action figure now. I need it." To these individuals, Marx's "to each according to his need" concept is all that is necessary.
The second group is one of apathy; its membership simply doesn't care. Those under this umbrella have social sites overflowing with fantasy applications and top ten lists. Ask them for the name of the recently confirmed Supreme Court nominee and prepare for a blank, glassy stare. Ask them what new sitcoms come out in the fall and be prepared to stay for a while. Rome is burning, yet they have no idea because they are in the basement watching the Home Shopping Network.
The third group terrifies me the most. The assentors are those who see what is happening, understand that principles of socialism are antithetical to those of liberty, and this is what they choose. To them, maybe Marx was more right than Jefferson and Madison. They perceive freedoms posed by capitalism and free markets as the root of all evil. These seek to bring a Utopian balance to the world through "good intended" impositions. Identifying their policies in the Communist Manifesto are no longer met with contention, rather prideful concession.
There actually is a fourth group, and it is surreal. It often includes those in the first three. It is religious in nature. It's prophet and leader is the current US President. Underneath him are myriads of priests who conduct ceremonies in their temples: the House of Representatives and the Senate. There are other temples around the world: the UN, the British Parliament, the World Court. Underneath the clergy are uncountable minions and sycophants. They worship the creation but not The Creator. They have a "form of godliness but [deny] its power" (II Timothy 3:5).
Of all the groups, it is the third and the fourth for which a physical solution remains hidden to this writer. A tenacious campaign of intellectual discourse and debate may win a very select few, but when the majority not only disregards logic and reason, but rather loathes them as obstacles, elements of argument are sterilized. Ultimately and fundamentally, the only thing left to do is what God asked us to do, that is to pray.
I will continue to write, but most importantly, I will pray.
The last entry was July 4th ("Independence Day"), a day to celebrate freedom and liberty. Please forgive the excuses, but I am in shock at the state of the nation. I have fallen and I can't get up. The daily decrees and declarations out of Washington has numbed the mind. Liberty? Independence? No, I am drowning in socialism. The depression, the sadness, it comes from this: many of the people with whom I speak about these issues fall into one of three categories which include ignorance, apathy, and assent.
The ignorant ones are people that simply don't know. They are like children. A child cannot think past his or her own wants. He wants a toy and he wants it now. He does not compare his parents' income and expenses to determine if it is a prudent purchase. He does not consider how it will affect his welfare or that of his siblings. It is tunnel vision. The child's scope of awareness does not extend beyond Freud's Id. "I want that GI Joe action figure now. I need it." To these individuals, Marx's "to each according to his need" concept is all that is necessary.
The second group is one of apathy; its membership simply doesn't care. Those under this umbrella have social sites overflowing with fantasy applications and top ten lists. Ask them for the name of the recently confirmed Supreme Court nominee and prepare for a blank, glassy stare. Ask them what new sitcoms come out in the fall and be prepared to stay for a while. Rome is burning, yet they have no idea because they are in the basement watching the Home Shopping Network.
The third group terrifies me the most. The assentors are those who see what is happening, understand that principles of socialism are antithetical to those of liberty, and this is what they choose. To them, maybe Marx was more right than Jefferson and Madison. They perceive freedoms posed by capitalism and free markets as the root of all evil. These seek to bring a Utopian balance to the world through "good intended" impositions. Identifying their policies in the Communist Manifesto are no longer met with contention, rather prideful concession.
There actually is a fourth group, and it is surreal. It often includes those in the first three. It is religious in nature. It's prophet and leader is the current US President. Underneath him are myriads of priests who conduct ceremonies in their temples: the House of Representatives and the Senate. There are other temples around the world: the UN, the British Parliament, the World Court. Underneath the clergy are uncountable minions and sycophants. They worship the creation but not The Creator. They have a "form of godliness but [deny] its power" (II Timothy 3:5).
Of all the groups, it is the third and the fourth for which a physical solution remains hidden to this writer. A tenacious campaign of intellectual discourse and debate may win a very select few, but when the majority not only disregards logic and reason, but rather loathes them as obstacles, elements of argument are sterilized. Ultimately and fundamentally, the only thing left to do is what God asked us to do, that is to pray.
I will continue to write, but most importantly, I will pray.
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