2002-10-5 17:21:00
Susan,
Glad you are open minded enough to find points of agreement in this heated discussion. Let us cover your areas of disagreement. You write: 1. I disagree that it is of little importance what laws are on the books vs. what is being used. If they are there they can be used.
"When's the last time you heard of a law being used where a vast majority - like 70-80% of the public would be outraged?
Perhaps a quote from Project Peace and Good Will best illustrates how I view the power of an informed public.
Beginning Quote
The war in the Falklands between Britain and Argentina illustrates the power of indoctrination in molding public opinion, but more importantly, the power of public opinion over a dictatorship.
On the Argentina side, public opinion was directed in favor of repossessing the Falklands through teaching the people from their first history classes in school that the islands were a part of Argentina, and that Britain had an unlawful possession of them. Thus when the military dictator, Leopoldo Galtieri, ordered the invasion of the Falklands the people supported the idea of getting back that which they thought was stolen from them. Public opinion was roused further by glorious promises of victory.
After the war began the dictatorship saw that they must keep public opinion on their side so they told many lies to the people through their controlled media. If Britain would shoot down six planes they would say they lost one and if Argentina would sink one British ship they would report three. If they had to retreat because of superior British forces the dictatorship would tell the people they were consolidating forces to strike a master blow. The people were greatly deceived and supported the war up to the last moment.
Finally, the moment of truth came. The British gained the victory and it became clear as crystal to the people that they had been deceived and they felt like fools. Public opinion rose with one voice against Galtieri, a totalitarian dictator, and he was out of office in several days.
The common people are the masters of the world. History records that they are, presidents and priests obey them, and kings and dictators fear them. If the common people can bask in the light of truth there would always be progress toward peace. If the Argentines were taught the history of the Falklands in their true perspective they would not have made the first aggressive act. They may then look upon the Falklands in a similar light as the French look upon Louisiana that Napoleon illegally sold to America, or as Mexico does Texas which was lost to the U.S.
If the people are presented the truth in a way that they can understand they will generally make the right decision, and that decision, be it good or evil, is all powerful. All repressive governments could be overthrown in a day if the people so willed It. The common man must awake to the power he has so he can use it intelligently.
Another good example of this power was the resignation of Richard Nixon. He was a man with perhaps as great of an attachment to leadership and power as can be found, yet he stepped down. Why? Not because he felt guilty over Watergate, not because he was impeached, but because public opinion demanded it. He would have faced a life in chains or even risked his life to retain control if the public had supported him, but they did not. His Master spoke and he obeyed.
On the other hand, President Clinton faced a similar ordeal and was smart enough to focus all of his efforts, not on defending himself, but on manipulating public opinion in his favor. It was only because a high percentage of the public supported him that allowed him to remain in office.
Then when public opinion was directed against Ken Starr, even though he was no worse than most other prosecutors, his power to even use the law against Clinton was neutralized.
If public opinion can strip proud men of their power, and control the rise and fall of world leaders, could it not accomplish the more simple feat of influencing presidents and leaders to endorse the Declaration of Peace and Goodwill? After all, such endorsement may place them in the honor roles of history. They should be happy to follow their Master (the people) on this important item.
The one per cent property tax initiative which started in California some years ago is a good example of the constructive power of public opinion. Few of the leaders or candidates liked the idea and frowned upon it, but their Master, the people, thought otherwise and supported it.
Leaders and candidates then switched positions and decided it was good after all, and it became the law of the state, because the people were enlightened and educated on the subject and THEY WILLED IT TO BE AND IT WAS SO. End Quote
Susan
2. I disagree that we are overall more free now than we were 40 years ago.
JJ
I guess there is only one additional thing I can state on this for which disagreement should be impossible. I am more free.
3. I disagree that we are financially better off because more people own homes.
JJ
I did not say this. No disagreement is possible with that which I do not say or think.
Susan
Our taxes are higher over all (gasoline, sales etc), our savings accounts are non-existent, our debt ratios are nearly double that of the 60's, and most families can't exist with only one income.
JJ
No disagreement here either.
Susan
4. I disagree that there is nothing to worry about concerning the conspiracies because "nothing has happened." I think we have all pointed out plenty of things that have happened. I feel especially ignored in this.
JJ
I never said there was nothing to be concerned about. There are lots of conspirators plotting lots of mischief and it should be stopped.
Susan
5. I disagree that we should not be concerned about the trend we are headed in.
JJ
Again, I agree with you.
Susan
And this is the area of biggest disagreement. You seem to take lightly everything we have pointed out to you. The pattern is there and it is being slowly and carefully carried out. Because there is not a leader to fight yet can we ignore all the signs? I believe this tyranny is larger than Hitler in that it is so faceless and hard to pinpoint. A known enemy is easier to fight. Has there been disinformation thrown out over the years? Of course, but that does not negate the stuff that is real.
JJ
I do not take the behind the scenes work to destroy freedom lightly, but I am not going to waste all my time and effort shadow boxing when I see real targets where I can strike a blow.
All the anti-conspiracy people in the world have not done as much to improve our situation as has Rush Limbaugh, who does not even believe in a conspiracy, but does attack real targets.
Susan
6. I disagree that with the majority lies safety when the majority is being brainwashed.
JJ
I agree with this also. What makes you think I do not??? I will be adding clarification to this shortly.
As I have said, you must respond to what I do say, not what I have not said.
Copyright 2002 by J.J. Dewey, All Rights Reserved