This is powerful. Naming truth is essential—but the first line of defense starts in our own homes. We can’t fight corruption out there if we’re still compromising in here. Living the resistance means embodying it daily, in our choices, values, and relationships. Thank you for the insight.
In my own State we are in a battle about school vouchers. Of course it is being framed as "parental choice" and "education savings accounts". After all, who could possibly object to those things? In truth, vouchers are not those things. They are nothing but a drain on the public schools we should be increasing funding for. I need a new word for "vouchers".
And for those who do not understand this word manipulation, I suggest watching the television show, “Mad Men.” It is a masterclass in the development of word play.
I am constantly appalled at how the disingenuous re-framing of anti-democratic actions and actual crimes as heroic is immediately accepted and adopted as truth by MSM.
Superlative writing, Mike. We need this call for clarification. I'm reading Vaclav Havel now, too. I wrote reflecting on his essay "On Evasive Thinking" a couple of weeks ago in my Substack. (Reflections on Power, Culture, and Society). Keep up the good work. I am really enjoying your writing and interpretation.
The game is manipulation and misdirection, misinformation and disinformation, divide and conquer, blaming and othering, and it's not a game at all, it's actually a War. Most people don't understand the War being waged against them or who their true enemies truly are. The supreme polarization in America is the result of decades of carefully planned corporate infiltration/capture/control and bought and bribed bipartisan 'cooperation'. Mike, do you consider yourself a democrat? Because if you do, then I'd say that you also don't understand who your true enemies are. Trump is in office only because dipshit Brandon and corrupt Kamala decided they needed to aid War Criminals (and weapons manufacturers) and abet/enable a Genocide, instead of listening to their constituents. Democracy has been dead for a while. Only a pathetic illusion remains and only a Revolution will bring back our democracy. And as unbelievable as this may sound, we could actually create an extraordinary app about all of the ways to do the Peaceful Revolution for that. There are many ways to Protest and continuing to play their 'game' is not one of the ways... www.humbledeeds.com
Yes—confront them on their abuse of language. But it’s still not a fair fight: Democrats seek to communicate and resolve, Republicans seek to obfuscate and defeat. Dems need to stick to their talking points and not accede to R’s twisted argument.
This is powerful. Naming truth is essential—but the first line of defense starts in our own homes. We can’t fight corruption out there if we’re still compromising in here. Living the resistance means embodying it daily, in our choices, values, and relationships. Thank you for the insight.
Well said. It takes courage to speak bluntly without deceitful euphemisms.
Everyone and their mother should be reading “Politics and the English Language.” George Orwell
In my own State we are in a battle about school vouchers. Of course it is being framed as "parental choice" and "education savings accounts". After all, who could possibly object to those things? In truth, vouchers are not those things. They are nothing but a drain on the public schools we should be increasing funding for. I need a new word for "vouchers".
Thank you. Reading Notes from the Circus has become my favourite daily ritual.
And for those who do not understand this word manipulation, I suggest watching the television show, “Mad Men.” It is a masterclass in the development of word play.
Just watched it, via Netflix splurge...and I totally agree with this comment.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
Perfect.
I am constantly appalled at how the disingenuous re-framing of anti-democratic actions and actual crimes as heroic is immediately accepted and adopted as truth by MSM.
Thank you. Don’t stop writing the truth.
Mike Brok you rock 🎸!! Keep it up please!
Superlative writing, Mike. We need this call for clarification. I'm reading Vaclav Havel now, too. I wrote reflecting on his essay "On Evasive Thinking" a couple of weeks ago in my Substack. (Reflections on Power, Culture, and Society). Keep up the good work. I am really enjoying your writing and interpretation.
Words matter.
The game is manipulation and misdirection, misinformation and disinformation, divide and conquer, blaming and othering, and it's not a game at all, it's actually a War. Most people don't understand the War being waged against them or who their true enemies truly are. The supreme polarization in America is the result of decades of carefully planned corporate infiltration/capture/control and bought and bribed bipartisan 'cooperation'. Mike, do you consider yourself a democrat? Because if you do, then I'd say that you also don't understand who your true enemies are. Trump is in office only because dipshit Brandon and corrupt Kamala decided they needed to aid War Criminals (and weapons manufacturers) and abet/enable a Genocide, instead of listening to their constituents. Democracy has been dead for a while. Only a pathetic illusion remains and only a Revolution will bring back our democracy. And as unbelievable as this may sound, we could actually create an extraordinary app about all of the ways to do the Peaceful Revolution for that. There are many ways to Protest and continuing to play their 'game' is not one of the ways... www.humbledeeds.com
Yes—confront them on their abuse of language. But it’s still not a fair fight: Democrats seek to communicate and resolve, Republicans seek to obfuscate and defeat. Dems need to stick to their talking points and not accede to R’s twisted argument.
Great piece!