comic with poppy
Originally uploaded by icemakk.
As November 11 nears and we honor our vets who gave so much for our freedom I think of such things and am grateful for the sacrifice made by many before me. Freedom from tyranny on a global scale or a smaller one. We have enjoyed our freedom for so long many continue on with their lives believing we are all safe and sound, not giving it a second thought. Perhaps as a country we are okay but we must never let our guard be fully down. I observe the 2 minutes of silence, as a small way of saying thanks, every November 11. I hope you do too.
I have studied extremists groups and organizations. It is interesting to see how some people can be manipulated by those in control to believe in some unfair system. Perfectly healthy, sane indivuduals putting their own morals and truths on hold due to fear, a misguided belief system, a sense of needing to belong and/or if they are entrenched in the upper echeolons of the systme;self profit at the expense of others.
Three of these seem so close in defintition as to be almost interchangeable. Fascism, Cults and Dictatorships. Check the definitions.
Fas·cism noun
any movement, tendency, or ideology that favors dictatorial government, centralized control of private enterprise, repression of all opposition, and extreme nationalism
Cult noun
1. a system of religious or spiritual beliefs, especially an informal and transient belief system regarded by others as misguided or unorthodox
2. a group of people who share religious or spiritual beliefs
3. extreme or excessive admiration for a person, philosophy of life, or activity
dic·ta·tor noun
1. a leader who rules a country with absolute power, usually by force
2. somebody who behaves in a tyrannical way
3. somebody whose opinions on a subject are listened to and followed by society at large
I like to think that humans are honest and logical creatures yet groups of control and absolute power tend to form, rise up and take over the minds of many. At times they use false information to guide their subjects down the path of their control. Even if, within the ranks of such systems, there are those who question the beliefs they play along for fear of retribution from those wielding absolute power (or the illusion of such). It can happen in politics, business or a relationship. I have learned that if it feels wrong, then it probably is.
Everyone is different and when they see the truth they reclaim the freedom that is rightfully theirs. This is why a controlling ideology eventually fails.
History has proven this over and over.
Have you ever attended a multi-level marketing meeting, like Amway? It is a similar thing and it boggles the mind how many cling to the hope of grabbing the elusive false carrot that dangles before them. You see them chanting the mantras of the company while getting worked into a fevered frenzy. Yet no one ever gets ahead as they focus on the “building the business”, selling the company name, recruiting others while peering at the carrot on the stick that is always just out of reach. The whole time they forget the reason they are there- to sell the product. It is probably why I have never met anyone who truly makes real money in such a system despite all the hype.
Freedom exists at many levels. On a smaller scale there are those who are not really free but kid themselves that they are. Society, business and personal. There are many examples of these and if you know my act you know such things are a part of my wrath. It is the ones that stop thinking for themselves that lose. Stick with the devil you know.The fear of the unknown. Many are unhappy yet do nothing.
I have also worked for companies that behave like the above 3 definitions. They use intimidation, deception and fear of job loss to keep all the subjects in line. Rules are made to limit self growth. A select few within benefit from the system to give the masses the fantasy of rewards to be reaped. At times the followers become "mini-me" versions of the controlling ones, hoping to selfishly advance at the expense of all others. I have always despised those that veer from the "win-win" for the "me only" way of doing things. I’ve always left such relationships and come out far better.
I do know that I am my own product, I am in control and that is “the business”.
I am going to sell and sell it I will. EVERYWHERE! I have also realized….I don’t even like carrots and have left the meeting.
Life is good, thanks for asking.
Daryl
24 comments:
makk, you make a compelling argument for standing up for one's self, & that ONE person can affect change. IT ALWAYZ starts with first one....then as others watch/listen/learn.... WE EACH MAKE OUR FINAL CHOICE....in how we are going to behave; how we choose to view/label others ie/ judging them; what we believe another is truly experiencing/feeling; and maybe we will remember we ALL bleed = we ALL hurt....we are ALL scared of something....WE ALL need to LEARN something (:
My favorite annual new years' resolution (re-resolution) "YOU BECOME THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN YOUR WORLD"
Don't wait for some one else to make a move/change, be responsible for yourself....BE yourself, and maybe choose to be the best YOU.....you can be! And the world will benefit as well as your family .....and you (:
"there comes a time in a man's life when he no longer worries if he iz being cheated by his neighbor, but that he might be cheating his neighbor" ralph waldo emerson
Idealism:
1. The philosophical theory that ideas are the only reality.
2. Impracticality by virtue of thinking of things in their ideal form rather than as they really are.
3. Elevated ideals or conduct; the quality of believing that ideals should be pursued.
Are we not all idealistic to some extent? "Spreading Truth and Reality"...isn't that what you stand for? Who's truth and Who's reality are you spreading?
I disagree with you when you say that eventually ideology will fail. Our society is entrenched with ideologies that have survived hundreds of years. A perfect example being Christianity...
It is human nature to "follow" and to be "herded".
Having studied extremist/cults/radicalism as well, I can honestly say that the followers firmly "believe" in their cause. They haven't "abandoned" their morals. As Canadians we sit back shocked and appalled at what extremist/terrorist events take place in the world and shout out that we are so lucky that we don't have that (is that in it's self morally wrong?)...HA! In my humble opninion ;^), the only difference between terrorists and christian fundamentalist are their choice of weapons to empower themselves.
This brings me to this question...is freedom a choice? For me it is....do I want to be just like Martha Stewart? Do I want to have a "Bow Flex Body"?...Am I normal to say screw you all...I don't care what you think of me? On a personal level, this is my freedom.
Sure it's great to be who you are and I firmly support that, but if you think this will change the world that's just idealistic crap.
Cheers,
Connie
Hey Connie
While you make some valid points your comment "Our society is entrenched with ideologies that have survived hundreds of years. A perfect example being Christianity..." is a bit flawed. Christianity is slowing crumbling. Been to a church lately? Most people I know don't bother with such things.
Also note that I referred to "Controling" ideologies. These are the ones that people eventually wake up from and realize they have been duped.
I have no grandeur plans on changing the world, just my little part of it.
I don't fully agree with your "...that the followers firmly "believe" in their cause. They haven't "abandoned" their morals".
I think many have been tricked into believing in their cause, often with brainwashing techniques that give them a sense of self worth even if it is only a facade that makes them feel better temporarily. It is kind of like the way advertisers get people to buy crap we know is bad for us (like junk food) by showing us happy people enjoying it. This sort of thing goes on in the work place, the church, in politics and so on.
The trick is wake up some of the masses so they are not so easily fooled by false truths. There is no set list, it can vary from one individual to the next. That is for each of us to sort out.
Have fun in church (if you are a church goer) I use that day to sleep in as the bible said is was a day of rest. i'll believe that part!!
:-)
Hey Daryl,
I guess that you may have missed my underlying point. People have a strong need to have "faith" in something. I don't understand what you mean by "controlling" ideologies....it's not the ideologies controlling the masses...it's the persons who have the power to abuse and manipulate those ideologies. Thus, we are talking human nature...the need to
be the dominant race.
When I said that followers believe in their cause and haven't abandoned their morals....I guess I was thinking of the middle east. For the masses there, their war is based on their religion...and perhaps you envision their "morals" are different from ours.
You're absolutely right when it comes to interpreting "truths".
It's encouraging to see that you would like to change your corner of the world. For me it's simply easier to roll my eyes, do a mental head slap and think "Jeezus, I hope that they can figure out what hell they are doing"
Church goer is not what I am...not even remotely religious. I guess I gave you the impression that I was the idealist....I was hinting that you were. :^)
Comedians...Catholics...aren't they all the same!? hehehe
I think we've beat this one to death..whaddya think?
Connie
P.S No way is christianity crumbling! If you look closely there are just different forms of it lying in waiting for idealists ;^)
well connie guess all us 'idealists' will let you forehead smakin' intellects passing out be a sign of tooooooo many forms of xianity/religion!
Wouldn't it be easier just to choose sometime to actually move/change yourself -- be & act responsibly..... as with the apathy you choose is why even idiots get a chance at being leaders sometimes. Haven't we learned enough already what constant bickering leads to = death: death of..... relationships.... friendships.... of dreams/aspirations ....anything that YOU appreciate that makes you want 2 bring a child into this kind of world ?
just askin'
olikunvrhav
Well, It seems I may have stirred the pot a little... ;^) I guess if we didn't have people like you in the world, life as we know it would be in the toilet(eyes rolling)
The responsiblity I take are for my own actions...not for others.
I am certain that we have acknowledged that our "constant" bickering has resulted in endless tragedies...but WHERE has this acknowledgment taken us? Look around you....has our society been improving? Kids are killing kids in school...people are still killing each other over religious beliefs...
Are you saying that being idealistic means putting an end to this? (mental head slap for you!)
Are you inferring by "like I never have"...had dreams or goals? Ummm...well read the definition of idealism again...I think we may be talking about two different things.
Daryl: my intention was not to use your blog as some sort of platform...sorry
C
As I write this comment I will sit in silence for 2 minutes to pay respect to those that gave their lives for our freedom. Freedom which many take for granted or do not respect the sacrifices made. No wonder we have our rights chipped away bit by bit by power hungry ogres.
the clock starts now
2 minutes. A small piece of my life to give up in observance and thanks for those that gave the rest of theirs for us. Please do your 2 minutes of silence folks and never ever relinquish your freedoms or their sacrifice was for naught.
You took 2 min off your blog time..... WOW
I took time off work to attended a local service but we all know how busy you are these days.
anon. said: "You took 2 min off your blog time..... WOW
I took time off work to attended a local service but we all know how busy you are these days."
I take that as a dig but then you are meaningless to me as you remain anonomous. By the way I am in fact VERY busy these days. Thanks for your concern and I hope the service was a nice one.
Do you love the truth more than you need to be loved, or do you need to be loved more than you love the truth? Can you find what is true for you, and share it with sensitivity? Learning how to do that is the path that each of us is on. No one can get off the path. The path is your life. The only question is how long you will walk on it before you realize where it is attempting to lead you, and begin to appreciate what is on it (:
the truth is the path that needs to be loved.
the clock starts now
2 minutes
hey that's more like 45 sec... i timed it
It was 2 minutes. You weren't here. At least I did not lie and put "I took time off work to attended a local service but we all know how busy you are these days"
Posted at 11:21 am. Interesting as most services are not done until noon or later.
My post was one of a serious note, try and give it the respect it deserves by keeping your comments based on it. Thanks
11:21 in Toronto is 1:21
how serious can it be to be sitting at home blogging in your underwear
I'm not trying to be an ass but your 2 min observance pissed me off
DM
U speek of leading yet U fail and mock R day
delete this comment if U want but ur 2min brings shame and I bet u don't even know why
shame
shame
shame
Chatterbox
I don't let them bother me. (alleged) T.O. pukes who have no idea what else I have done that day or any day are as useless as the crud on my feet. Sitting in my underwear? puhleeze!!
Freedom is very important to me and I have always fought for it on every level.
I have always observed Nov 11 whether I am able to make it to a service or not. I wear my poppy on stage the whole week and have always saved it each year.
Anyone so insecure to slag a post on this while hiding behind an anonymous post is one who would never fight for freedom anyway in my opinion.
Chatter, you are always one for freedom and fairness.
Luv ya kid!
Note that the pukes of anonimity don't even say why my 2 mins of silence is some sort of shame? Why? because they are souless shills of the people who have repressed me and this is how they justify their hollow existance.
Nuff said.
Thanks for the comment Jack.
I do find in interesting that some so-called toronto person rushed home after the service just to take time out to stir things up on my blog and put undertones that they know me.
Sad life they lead...a drone for controlling force I suppose?
makk, you have a very misinformed view of Network Marketing businesses. That's all i'm gonna say, cause i've wasted enough time with these negative blogsites... And the banter here is pretty pathetic. no offense
tony I was involved in network marketing years ago. It does not work.
You are entitled to your opinion. happy head hunting.
Thank you makk, and you're entitled to yours. You're 1 of the first I seen to actually use the words "it does not work". Simply amazing. Not "its a cult" or "the tools are a rippoff"... just "it does not work."
Well I KNOW it works! I'm watching it work! How can you say Network marketing "does not work" when there are people in their 20's getting in and in 3 years they're making a 6 figure income and retiring from corporate America? How can you say that. Say it doesn't work for Everyone, but how can you say, it does not work at all?
You can have the opinion that the sun is made of cheese, it doesn't mean you can't be wrong, opinions Can be wrong!
By the way I don't head hunt. See there Are NO headhunting fees. We get paid on Volume just like Any other Business. Amway had its problems, but the new internet model is awesome! Things are different. But you can have your opinions, and you can keep trying to dip your nachos in the sun.
Tony said " Amway had its problems"
That little statement is the equivalent of the captain of the Titanic saying, "We may be stopping near Newfounfdland for a while"
Cool Blog Daryl. Too bad Tonypuke had to come and soil it up.
You are not misinformed by the way, MLM does suck. Even Tony isn't making any money at it, as he has admitted.
Tony
Have fun with it. I wish you luck. I am not interested at all.
Never known anyone to make it big at MLM
Cheers
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