Well stated. I consider myself a fairly cynical guy, but I've been taken by surprise by the severity of the reaction to you-know-what, both in physical restrictions and in clampdowns on wrong-think. I was at UC Berkeley in the later 1960's, when antiwar and anti-racism emotions ran very high, but I can't recall even the most passionate of speakers demanding that their opponents be silenced. There was (I think) a confidence present which made silencing of others unnecessary: the truth as they saw it, they believed, would inevitably prevail. The frightened demands today for conformity of opinion bespeak some lurking awareness among the narrative pushers that their positions might be full of holes; indeed, it's hard to believe they're so dense that they don't KNOW their positions are full of holes. I've almost given up trying to predict when the whole edifice will come crashing down, as it's already gone on way past what I thought possible.
Unfortunately the same problem exists in the senior ranks of our military. Many say ten, just let me get to retirement. Thus those who might be in a position to influence discussion and evolve good decisions are silenced.
Incredibly worrying but very illuminating as well. My heart both sinks and soars when I see the way in which this will all eventually pan out once the pendulum swings back towards sanity - and The Good. United we stand - divided we fall.
We're in for tough times but The Light will once again, and eventually, overpower this current dark place in our history.
Thanks Barry for another thought provoking piece. My Linkedin account was restricted a few weeks ago so I decided to give it a break. Thankful to have found you here. Vince
Well stated. I consider myself a fairly cynical guy, but I've been taken by surprise by the severity of the reaction to you-know-what, both in physical restrictions and in clampdowns on wrong-think. I was at UC Berkeley in the later 1960's, when antiwar and anti-racism emotions ran very high, but I can't recall even the most passionate of speakers demanding that their opponents be silenced. There was (I think) a confidence present which made silencing of others unnecessary: the truth as they saw it, they believed, would inevitably prevail. The frightened demands today for conformity of opinion bespeak some lurking awareness among the narrative pushers that their positions might be full of holes; indeed, it's hard to believe they're so dense that they don't KNOW their positions are full of holes. I've almost given up trying to predict when the whole edifice will come crashing down, as it's already gone on way past what I thought possible.
Excellent post, as always!
Unfortunately the same problem exists in the senior ranks of our military. Many say ten, just let me get to retirement. Thus those who might be in a position to influence discussion and evolve good decisions are silenced.
Incredibly worrying but very illuminating as well. My heart both sinks and soars when I see the way in which this will all eventually pan out once the pendulum swings back towards sanity - and The Good. United we stand - divided we fall.
We're in for tough times but The Light will once again, and eventually, overpower this current dark place in our history.
My youngest son wants to be a doctor and he’s a libertarian and contrarian like me. I advise him to keep your principals, don’t cave to the mob!
I find it very frustrating that the media in NZ will not allow alternative views regarding the treatment for Covid to be published or aired.
There is no opportunity for the 'science' to be debated and so the public follow like sheep with what the Govt and 'experts' trot out.
Thanks for the interesting and thought-provoking articles.
Thanks Barry for another thought provoking piece. My Linkedin account was restricted a few weeks ago so I decided to give it a break. Thankful to have found you here. Vince
So true. Excellent thought-provoking commentary.