The Distinction Between Centrists and Libertarianism
The War On Terror turned 21 yesterday … and to be honest I’m not sure how to even finish this sentence. We have witnessed the slow but almost complete destruction of multiple countries across the world, erosion our Bill of Rights, collapse of our currency, and decay of our culture, yet we are still plagued by global and national terror while the criminals perpetrating and the propogandists perpetuating these offenses against humanity not only go unpunished, actually retain their positions of authority or influence. Even more depressing, radical anti-war and anti-state voices who have consistently spoken out against modern imperialism are still denounced and ridiculed by the regime, and moderates rush to defend the cruelty of reality against inflammatory language in the name of respectability.
The politicians, lobbyists, and bureaucrats responsible for, *gestures vaguely,* all of this, are all well known and even revered, their lies, maneuvers, and failures long exposed, yet the bombs still fall and the troops continue to deploy. Blinded by symbolism and tradition, well intentioned citizens identify themselves and their perceived American principles with the monsters cloaked in official Red White and Blue so deeply as to ignore atrocities in order to maintain the air of order and civility. The world view held by the center is built on a house of cards, its fragility exposed by the unprincipled fervor with which they defend it, it's very existence dependent on their self imposed ignorance and apathy.
Others refuse to accept the simplistic jingoism, and are willing to recognize the pervasive narrative for what it truly is: a disorganized collection of manipulative shadows on the cave wall. Where "Never Forget" has historically been the acceptable dialogue surrounding 9/11 and any discussion of the consequences of the Global War on Terror, I have long preferred Harry Browne's response, penned 21 years ago today: When Will We Learn?
When will we learn that the actions of our government created this situation and have led us away from the safety and freedom that they have sworn to uphold? When will we learn that the policies of our government consistently deliver the opposite results of their supposed intentions? When will we learn that National Security only refers to the interests of those in power and never to the lives and future of We The People? When will we learn that speaking unpopular and dangerous truth is always preferable to placating the irrational mob?
When will we learn that tragedy, fear, and respectability are weaponized by those seeking control to trap the complacent middle?