So much of what you write reverberates within me so strongly, I experience it as shock; as if I've been struck with precision by a giant tuning fork at the exact right angle, right force, and in the exact right spot on the head. There is a clear ring of truth and I'm constantly reminded by a whisper that I've thought that thought, but didn't have language for it, or out of fear, abandoned it. I enjoy going deeper in your work, looking up unfamiliar references, studying the progression of thought for structure that I can make my own. Today was no different. But what finally compelled me to go from lurking in the background to actually posting a comment was your reference to "Pink Houses" and "...It speaks to those caught between genuine patriotism and profound disillusionment, celebrating the country and its people while mourning what's happening to them." I thought cynically um, yes, that would be the Black experience in America, and how good of JCM and Mike Brock to notice. But since your writing has offered me a way out of retreat, cynicism and despair, I decided to trust my instinct again. I looked up the song, and sure enough, in the very first verse I am hit over the head! Never knew the lyrics until today, when I needed them. I am truly grateful for your clarity and insight. And your courage, in choosing to share them with the world. So much more to explore about your theory of God as coherence which applies here, too so for now, I thank God, and I thank you...a million times, thank you.
Well, that shatters my naive fantasy that Republicans would turn on Trump when prices went up and social services disappeared. That fantasy didn’t save me from deep anxiety but it did give me a little hope.
I font think we're there yet. This is why galvanizing support (rallies, town halls, meetings, demonstration) in red districts and Red states is so crucial. So people are hearing the counter-narrative against perpetual victimization and will feel a sense of solidarity with a more hopeful narrative.
I totally agree with you and we have to continue taking action while it’s possible. Where I live, I’ve demonstrated many times and I know that taking action in solidarity with others works to counteract victimization and it also produces results in time.
it's possible there are enough people who voted for trump begrudgingly and who remember the faint outline of american prosperity that will wake up with economic hardship. let's keep strengthening and supporting those who are mobilizing resistance (like indivisible, for example). and let's keep understanding how to talk to cult members in ways that don't entrench their beliefs. let's keep holding onto hope ❤️🩹💜
I don’t see coherence proceeding from this system (if you want to call it a system…it could form itself as a system I suppose?) because it is not tracking the truth. It’s possible, but very difficult to create a coherent system when people can say anything and frequently contradict themselves. In addition, the actors are in conflict, and only a few know what they truly want.
Yes, the brutality and chaos feeds the fear and the fear seeks relief by more authoritarian tactics resulting in the feedback loop you mention. Acting quickly is paramount to maintaining democracy, but we may already be past that point.
So much of what you write reverberates within me so strongly, I experience it as shock; as if I've been struck with precision by a giant tuning fork at the exact right angle, right force, and in the exact right spot on the head. There is a clear ring of truth and I'm constantly reminded by a whisper that I've thought that thought, but didn't have language for it, or out of fear, abandoned it. I enjoy going deeper in your work, looking up unfamiliar references, studying the progression of thought for structure that I can make my own. Today was no different. But what finally compelled me to go from lurking in the background to actually posting a comment was your reference to "Pink Houses" and "...It speaks to those caught between genuine patriotism and profound disillusionment, celebrating the country and its people while mourning what's happening to them." I thought cynically um, yes, that would be the Black experience in America, and how good of JCM and Mike Brock to notice. But since your writing has offered me a way out of retreat, cynicism and despair, I decided to trust my instinct again. I looked up the song, and sure enough, in the very first verse I am hit over the head! Never knew the lyrics until today, when I needed them. I am truly grateful for your clarity and insight. And your courage, in choosing to share them with the world. So much more to explore about your theory of God as coherence which applies here, too so for now, I thank God, and I thank you...a million times, thank you.
I AM THE ENEMY OF POWER
Slandered and abused
Beaten, bruised, but still fighting
For you - I am Truth
Not welcomed by all
To those who would do you harm
I’m the enemy
Behold my allies
Diverse views, skepticism
Inconvenient facts
My foes tell their flocks
“Others will lie to you. I’ll
tell you what to think!”
They’re threatened by me
Their power comes from closed minds
Anger, fear and hate
They will convince you
You didn’t see what you saw
Or hear what you heard
They will vilify
Shout-down, demean and malign
Those who speak for me
Trust your eyes and ears
Trust your power to reason
Trust I am there, but …
May be obscure. There’s
not always a smoking gun.
Sometimes, only smoke
But connect the dots
The proof is in the picture
Yes, that’s me you see
I’ve nothing to hide
I can stand your scrutiny
Because I am Truth
©2020 HHThorpe. All rights reserved.
Well, that shatters my naive fantasy that Republicans would turn on Trump when prices went up and social services disappeared. That fantasy didn’t save me from deep anxiety but it did give me a little hope.
I font think we're there yet. This is why galvanizing support (rallies, town halls, meetings, demonstration) in red districts and Red states is so crucial. So people are hearing the counter-narrative against perpetual victimization and will feel a sense of solidarity with a more hopeful narrative.
I totally agree with you and we have to continue taking action while it’s possible. Where I live, I’ve demonstrated many times and I know that taking action in solidarity with others works to counteract victimization and it also produces results in time.
it's possible there are enough people who voted for trump begrudgingly and who remember the faint outline of american prosperity that will wake up with economic hardship. let's keep strengthening and supporting those who are mobilizing resistance (like indivisible, for example). and let's keep understanding how to talk to cult members in ways that don't entrench their beliefs. let's keep holding onto hope ❤️🩹💜
Thank you! Yes, I’ll carry on with my efforts to support the resistance and not lose hope, but rather trust in the American spirit.
you're welcome! i'll do the same, hard as it may be some days. we're not alone ❤️🩹💜
I don’t see coherence proceeding from this system (if you want to call it a system…it could form itself as a system I suppose?) because it is not tracking the truth. It’s possible, but very difficult to create a coherent system when people can say anything and frequently contradict themselves. In addition, the actors are in conflict, and only a few know what they truly want.
Ignorant propagandized voter base + self-interested wealthy = fascist’s dream
Thank you for your clarity. 🙏
The Overton Window is slamming shut ... or is it just being flung wide open?
Yes, the brutality and chaos feeds the fear and the fear seeks relief by more authoritarian tactics resulting in the feedback loop you mention. Acting quickly is paramount to maintaining democracy, but we may already be past that point.
I have been using Pink Houses as my analogy for a long time. Someone else “ gets it”.👏