Programmed minds!
Or, why are they like this?
It seems the most enlightening disturbing conversations can be heard… at one of your local college campuses.
If you’re one of my devoted word warriors here — part of the posse of my screeds — then you already know about how I asked one too many hard questions (seemingly) to a young black lady.
Yesterday, though, Nichole — who, again, manages the Science department — heard the following short dialogue in a stall next to her in the restroom:
Young female (in stall): “This bastard is going to take our birth control pills from us!”
Other female (on speakerphone): “Yeah, Trump is a tyrant!”
Young female (in stall): “Grandpa wants to control our bodies. Perv!”
Other female (on speakerphone): “Kamala understood us”. Now weeping. “How could this have happened!”
Online, you obviously have heard about this kind of irrational (and programmed) fear into these young, impressionable minds. But it doesn’t really become real until you have first-hand experience with it… or, like in this case, via a loved one’s account of it.
If you had to boil down this level of emotional intelligence — so low that it reeks of classic TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome); something that should now be part of the DSM-5; The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition — how would you do it?
Petulant children, now young women, who’ve never been told ‘no’?
Fanciful delusions of self-importance, tied to no strong parental figures?
Indoctrination, so severe, not even a real class in Civics could unwind this?
I mean, look, this sh*it is real: 👇
Someone made the comment that… people looking at the U.S.A. from the outside, from another country, might start to think there’s a collective mental health crisis beyond repair here.
At a minimum, the adult version of Toddlers & Tiaras, where Narcissism and self-indulgence are learned early in life. It’s as if these people have meltdowns because, in their minds, something will be different… if they do.
On a more creative, actionable note… I saw this ad a few days ago:
Hey, why not….?
The way I see it, too, is that if someone really doesn’t understand how our system of government works (let’s school them, for starters, on three distinct branches)… or, if they don’t get that Trump can’t magically be a Monarch…. Or, if their daddy issues, and resulting trauma, get too stressful for them…
By all means…. Scoot outta here!
In many ways, the American Eagle is representative of the highest office of the land, in which it’s two wings each get a bit of play, from each side, when it’s in flight. I’ve already written about its purposeful design — to divide ‘n conquer.
So, when one of the wings of the Eagle come to power again, it’s still un-American to run just because you’re not affiliated with it, politically.
Hopefully, the analogy makes sense.
In this case, the blue wing, the Democratic Party, got fooled into believing that the most vocal people in America — the whiny b***** victim-itis ones who value extremism and weirdness — are actually the normal ones.
When you cater to abnormalities, just because this minority has the loudest voices, then you lose a grand majority of the popular vote; the silent majority, who focus on home-spun kitchen table issues.
Identity politics, seen through a prism of race, gender, misogyny, etc., is futile. It’s nothing more than a misguided effort to tilt at windmills, not much different than that absurdity of Don Quixote's battle against non-existent giants.
It doesn't take a strategist to figure this s*** out, just someone who understands human nature, collectively, over time.
Being an American means standing firm in your beliefs while respecting the democratic process. It means working to improve the system from within, not abandoning it when you feel it’s being led by a_____ (fill in derogatory term).
Recently, a local business acquaintance wrote the following to me, about this bulletin, on his Facebook feed:
👨🦲 Trevor:
I respect your strong stance on vigilance and protecting personal freedoms. That dedication is essential in preserving our rights. I’m curious, though… while we guard against overreach, how do you think we can foster both freedom and community-mindedness in our local communities?
I believe both aspects strengthen us, but striking that balance at the local level can be challenging. What are your thoughts on keeping that balance grounded in our day-to-day interactions?
🐻 My Reply:
I gave a CALL TO ACTION around the latter, community-mindedness, via my linked bulletin.
To expand here, however...
Remember, true community-mindedness isn't about forcing people to contribute; it's about creating an environment where people WANT to be involved.
When we strike this balance, we honor the spirit of what America was meant to be – a place where individual liberty and collective welfare aren't at odds, but work hand in hand.
But... let me back up a bit:
For years, I've echoed the sentiment, "It doesn't matter WHO you vote for, the Government still gets in."
It's a reminder that regardless of party lines, the machinery of government often continues its course, sometimes ignoring the will of the people it's supposed to serve.
Take Bill Clinton in the early '90s—he rallied Americans with "Make America Great Again!" long before it became a contentious slogan. Back then, no one batted an eye. It shows how political rhetoric can shift in meaning over time, depending on who's saying it and when.
And speaking of shifts, I can't help but think about Benjamin Franklin. If he were around today, I suspect he'd be aghast at the size and scope of our current administrative state.
The balance between individual freedom and government oversight has certainly evolved in ways he might not have anticipated.
But, at the end of each day, in spite of the divisive two-party Blue vs Red BS in America... this country's current polarization can overshadow the fact that most Americans historically have been, and likely still are, "middle-of-the-road" centrists.
----> In ref to community-mindedness...
A few ideas immediately come to mind:
Embrace Personal Responsibility: Freedom starts with taking charge of your own life. Encourage people to be self-reliant, whether it's starting a business, learning a trade, or simply managing their finances well. When individuals thrive, the whole community benefits.
Volunteer, Don't Mandate: Instead of pushing for more government programs, get involved in local volunteer efforts. It's amazing what a group of committed citizens can accomplish without a single tax dollar.
Promote Education, Not Indoctrination: Support schools that teach critical thinking and American civics, not just rote memorization or ideological agendas.
Engage in Civil Discourse: Host community forums or informal gatherings where people can discuss local issues without fear of cancellation or reprisal. Free speech is the bedrock of both freedom and community.
Support Local Businesses: Keep your money in the community. Shop local, eat local, hire local. It's a great way to exercise your freedom of choice while strengthening community ties.
I hope those few actionable items spark some more perspective in ya.
👨🦲 Trevor: _________ (crickets)
Sadly, I have found over the years… there is a wide gap between those who want to talk a good game, but when given actionable solutions to an apparent problem, you won’t find them around.
To my fellow Veteran’s, I will be giving you a digital salute 🫡 on Monday! This weekend, however, I highly recommend you start the following series:
TURN: Washington's Spies (2014)
Great cast. Superbly shot. Incredible scripting, from historical and verifiable events worth remembering.
Related Posts:
Agree. It begins at Home.
Trevor, thot I'd add favored *rules to live by*.
Think globally - Act Locally.
The Circle of Concern v/s the Circle of Influence:
We all care about the world's problems, altho (without the money of Soros or Gates) we have little if any influence to change them.
The Circle of Influence is acting and helping locally, in our communities, where we Can make a difference and effect change. (Close to the quote, "All politics is local.")
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead