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"We will either draw the new boundaries ourselves, or we will hand power back to them.

That's a choice. That's the only choice."

Maybe my favorite piece of yours not just because it's no math. This goes to the heart of individual sovereignty and liberty possible in a digital age waiting to be fulfilled.

A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace

<3 ~ John Perry Barlow ~ <3

Governments of the Industrial World, you weary giants of flesh and steel, I come from Cyberspace, the new home of Mind. On behalf of the future, I ask you of the past to leave us alone. You are not welcome among us. You have no sovereignty where we gather.

We have no elected government, nor are we likely to have one, so I address you with no greater authority than that with which liberty itself always speaks. I declare the global social space we are building to be naturally independent of the tyrannies you seek to impose on us. You have no moral right to rule us nor do you possess any methods of enforcement we have true reason to fear.

Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. You have neither solicited nor received ours. We did not invite you. You do not know us, nor do you know our world. Cyberspace does not lie within your borders.....

https://www.eff.org/cyberspace-independence

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May 3, 2022Liked by Mathew Crawford

Not trying to be pessimistic but without openly verifiable election results our choice feels hollow and manufactured.

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author

I cannot disagree.

There are many other aspects of power. Some are easier to tackle than others.

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May 3, 2022·edited May 3, 2022

I hate posting comments without proposing at least a single solution. It feels like complaining into a black hole.

That being said, I wouldn’t know where to start to begin to solve these systematically baked in issues. BUT it would be interesting to fundamentally attack (figuratively speaking) their political ideologies (everyone on both sides) based on promoting a social credit system for congressional members that oppose open elections and support anti-American actions or laws. Any action that can be seen eroding or degenerating power of the US Citizen’s rights. Something to the effect of a decentralized grassroots movement in the form of software based on blockchain to categorize and classify every vote, every comment every move they make and give them a simple score. I think one of the major concerns we currently face today as citizens is that we don’t know what the stakes are because of the entrenchment of bureaucratic system of government. They have no accountability if elections aren’t open. If everyone knew what the stakes were and could have a simple way to categorize politicians based on a score that aligns with well defined values and goals maybe then we could actually get enough people that care about certifying the elections openly (at the point votes are tallied) and change the system for the better. It would obviously be a massive fight.

Maybe this is a stupid and ridiculous thought pattern but it feels like a way to tackle the problem at hand! Felt inclined to follow up. I enjoy your readings thank you.

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Or, like Maine, our "choices" are 2 sides of the same, corrupt coin. Heads they win, tails we lose. 🤷

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Focusing on getting good representatives in office is a losing proposition for many, many reasons. Not the least of which the fraud. Instead, focus on making them terrified of trampling rights no matter what party they subscribe too or how they ascended to the throne.

The division isn't, and has never been, between political parties. It's between the elites and the citizens, particularly those who would be free.

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Begin by calling for the repeal of the 17th Amendment. It moved to put the selection of US Senators to the vote of the people, which seems on the surface to be a good thing. But in reality it put the selection of senators into the hands of corporate-owned media, which easily persuades the people to support the man the media wants, a man the people really know nothing about. The Founders, in the Constitution, originally put the selection of senators in the hands of each state legislature, which selected the man among themselves who would best represent each state's interests in DC. The 17th Amendment corrupted the US Senate, allowing corporations to promote their own interests, to the detriment of the People. It should never have been ratified, and it should be repealed. This would be a first huge step in the right direction. Senators chosen by legislatures would be followed by the selection of Supreme Court Justices who would truly uphold the Constitution in their rulings, or in other words, the rights of a freedom-loving people, since the Justices have to be approved by the Senate.

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May 3, 2022Liked by Mathew Crawford

I was a straight A student. Climbed out a classroom window, in my cheerleading uniform, in winter, in Michigan. Got to Shelley’s car. Not one of the other escapees followed. In the freezing cold I listened to a replay of “War of The Worlds.”

Changed my life!

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"Strongly rivalrous factions."

Exactly.

And yes, there will be no final victory.

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author

There are always games and equilibria between the earth quakes.

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"Choose wisely."

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May 3, 2022Liked by Mathew Crawford

This is a tangent from the geopolitics. A little internet research produces the epitaph on Claude Rains's headstone, written by Rains himself: "All Things Once Are Things Forever, Soul, Once Living, Lives Forever."

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author

That's lovely.

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May 3, 2022Liked by Mathew Crawford

You've issued a warning. Most of us would agree with you, or rather, those of us who are skeptical and inquisitive. What is your solution?

Many years ago I read, "A Peace to End All Peace," by David Fromkin. It has a place of honor on my bookshelf. It explains the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the creation of the modern Middle East. Many of the ongoing problems in the Middle East are a direct result of Churchill's vision and plans, and T. E. Lawrence's execution of those plans.

Now I love and revere Churchill. He was farsighted in so many ways but his vision had to be carried out by mere mortals with likes and dislikes and prejudices and avarice.

So

What is your solution?

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author

Invest in your community and family, not in politicians or heroes. Do not give deep trust to anyone you do not know in person---particularly at a leadership level.

Decentralize and relocalize to the extent possible.

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Or following the example of the Dark Ages arm yourself as best you can, gather the strongest around you (knights) and build strong walls with narrow arrow slits.

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May 3, 2022Liked by Mathew Crawford

A tactical shooting instructor taught me the "3 Rules to Winning A Gunfight."

1. Hang out with friends who have guns.

2. Shoot First.

3. Cheat.

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Shoot first accurately and after that often.

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May 3, 2022·edited May 3, 2022

The problem is the feudalistic lords had the knights, strongholds and arrow slits! IMHO we’re still fighting the same groups of people the serfs of the Middle Ages were (the feudalistic lords/nobles). Dare I say the invention of democracy feels like a veiled way to shadow those in power giving them unbridled control. And introduces the idea that the people are to blame for the direction of government and society based on their vote (voting has consequences).

Maybe this is overly simplistic and a stupid take however reading through the history of the birth of democracy throughout Europe, it seems awful convenient and suspect. People in feudalistic time periods knew who their rulers were, when they were starving or mistreated they knew exactly who to blame. Modern democracy helps to remove that issue for the elites.

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May 3, 2022Liked by Mathew Crawford

Dr. Zelenko posted about Dr. Barbara Marx Hubbard, suggesting she founded the depopulation/environmental agenda. She died recently, but her foundation lives on. And the guy who replaced her speaks of her as if she’s some sort of deity. She made him promise to continue her work, which he is thrilled to do. And it occurred to me that this is part of the issue. Cecil Rhodes is another example of someone whose tentacles continue to run deep long after his death through his foundations, allowing him to inflict his ideas upon the world in perpetuity. So many of these are cult-like. And it’s difficult to fight these psychopaths when they’ve taken these measures to ensure their legacy lives on. They want immortality for themselves—and, well, mortality for the rest of us. But I would love to find a way to start dismantling these foundations that are mostly money laundering vehicles anyway.

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I don't believe she founded it. Thomas Malthus worried that population growth would exceed the food production. Margaret Sanger was for eugenics. Anyone remember the dire warnings of the bunch promoting Zero Population Growth. They've been quiet ever since the First World reached that about 20 years ago. At the moment the population growth is below replacement levels in many, many First World countries including Italy, Japan, Russia, etc. In the United States we are at replacement level only because of immigration.

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Many of the foundations have become corrupted by their boards and don't follow the original intent of their founders. The only one I can think of that was true to its purpose was the James M. Olin Foundation. When he set it up he put in an expiration date. He had observed how other foundations had become corrupted and misdirected from their original purpose and intent. He made sure that wouldn't happen to his legacy.

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Thank you for the new research topics! Cheers!

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Looking at it from maybe 500 A. D. on that is true. However, when the Roman Empire collapsed, and with the collapse, the imposition of government, order and stability, there were no feudal lords, per se. That came with time. Many of the rich retreated to their family lands.

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I don’t think we’re looking at a systematic collapse though. More so we’re faced with a controlled demolition that suits those in power. Obviously my conjecture.

It is interesting to note that the holy Roman empire seems to have morally and ethically created the value systems that lead to feudalistic Europe. Again very high-level and probably moronically simple take. I’ve just recently begun revisiting what I believe history is supposed to be.

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"Is supposed to be" or actually was? The ruling structure of the Roman Empire, after it collapsed, became the model for the Catholic church hierarchy.

The evolution of feudal Europe makes complete sense in light of the barbarian invasions that came in after the Roman legions abandoned the empire. If you are being invaded, your homes are ransacked, burned, your livestock stolen, and your women raped what do you do? You go to those natural leaders that arise in every community and you seek their guidance. They have the ability to organize. If you aren't sure how this happens watch that excellent movie, "The Magnificent Seven," or its inspiration, "The Seven Samurai."

In the movie two of the remaining members of the Seven ride off, but one, the youngest and least jaded, stays to become a farmer. In future if the town is again put under stress who do you think the townspeople will turn to for guidance? This young man who was part of the group that saved their town will eventually become the mayor or town wise man. Bet on it.

What is worrying is that we are potentially looking at a world civilization collapse caused by 1) the lockdowns from the virus, 2) the supply chain collapse, 3) rising international inflation caused by artificial fuel shortages, 4) the mishandling of the Ukraine-Russia conflict 5) which is causing fertilizer price spikes and food shortages. There are already food shortages in Third World countries. Food shortages are ALWAYS destabilizing.

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I agree! 👍🏼

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May 3, 2022Liked by Mathew Crawford

You made my day better.

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I am not sure that "we" will win this battle, but this I do know: I love and serve a God who is truth. He loves the truth and he hates the lie. As his child, I love the truth and I hate the lie, and I cannot help but fight that battle. And even if this battle is lost, I know that He won the war about MM years ago. And there lies my hope in fighting and hopefully restraining evil.

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So my son is celebrating his 14th birthday with five friends. Are you suggesting Lawrence of Arabia for entertainment at the party?

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author

Depends on personality types?

It's over 4 hours in length. Keep that in mind. I have watched it numerous times, but tended not to suggest it to company due to the length.

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I vaguely remember watching it when I was around his age. It is an engaging movie (and long). Maybe we’ll put on in the background after the days adventures. He talked me into getting a rental on the vineyard, so we’ll be out and about. Wish me luck 🤞🤣.

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Jan 31, 2023Liked by Mathew Crawford

It is also lost on a TV screen, the full magic is at the theatre. I saw it in 1965 (approx) at the theatre and was blown away. The only other film to really affect me was Apocalypse Now and I'm still not sure if the effect was created by the film or The Doors playing "The End".

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I still haven’t seen this movie and I’m 43. But if you’re doing this for a 14yo bday party, it would be embarrassing if I still didn’t watch it... 4 hours tho... 😬

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Do it. Saw it multiple times back in the day. Even read 7 Pillars of Wisdom. It's just a movie but it's a great movie.

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May 3, 2022Liked by Mathew Crawford

A Saudi friend introduced me to Sykes-Picot from their perspective, a lesson that most aren't taught. Time will tell who will be the victor

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author

What was their perspective?

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May 3, 2022Liked by Mathew Crawford

They believe that most of the current conflicts were exacerbated by arbitrary and capricious lines and it was purposeful; but that it does not exempt them from their own responsibility in not resolving disputes within their brothers, "family" so to speak. They hoped Trump's approach of treating them as equals (unlike previous administrations) would bring understanding and peace. 4 years was erased in an instant ~

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May 3, 2022Liked by Mathew Crawford

Very, very well presented...and said. Thank you!

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May 3, 2022Liked by Mathew Crawford

I love your inspirational ending to this post. 🙏❤️‍🔥 I feel surprisingly strong and grounded in my principles. They are trying to institute systems for us to live by. None of our actions and choices individually will make a difference, but collectively they do, we just don't know what the outcome will be. We have to make the choices and take the actions while being somewhat helpless about the outcome. This is the nature of social action. This dichotomy of actions, and no control over the outcome of our actions, often does not rest in people with equanimity. People tend to get over controlling, and overestimate their power and influence. Or they feel helpless and don't engage at all. The gay rights movement is a great example of how decades of concerted action suddenly resulted in San Francisco self-determining that gay people have the right to marry, then a few years later the Supreme Court passed it. I certainly didn't anticipate such a quick resolution to the question of gay marriage (which I happen to agree with, legal adults should be able marry the people they want to, and it promotes stability). Today we have the possibility of Roe vs Wade being overturned soon. There's another outcome after decades of concerted action by pro-life people. I think this one was easier to anticipate though. (This is one I happen to disagree with. I think the belief that life starts at conception is a religious belief, and religious beliefs should be left up to individuals and not mandated. I do appreciate the state sovereignty involved if that ruling does come to pass).

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Since we are not taught/reminded of history anymore it’s easy to forget the power of individuals and the battles we have won against tyrants. I look to the fall of Big Tobacco and Oxy as evidence that a small committed group of people can be a David to a modern day Goliath. I grew up on the tail end of MLK but I recall his dream pushing into my community through a small number of ordinary people (housewives, entrepreneurs) simply standing up and demanding that their neighbors accept their responsibility for righting the ship.

In my estimation, we are too focussed on DC. We have to stop looking for a perfect leader to coalesce around and start leading ourselves. We have to stop thinking that casting a vote in an election or sending a campaign donation is the means to right this ship.

Honestly, we’ve been selfish and self-involved for several decades. These corrupt entities didn’t sprout up yesterday. Embarrassingly classic liberals have been screaming about them for decades and we just turned them off (like their own party is doing now).

We need to reach out to our community and find our personal courage - one person at a time. I get it - it’s our nature not to stand out. But in so doing, we’ve left the community to the corrupt and crazy who know we’re not inclined to show up or take their incoming and have exploited this. Just like any failed relationship, we have to take responsibility for our part in this debacle and address our weakness as we move into battle.

Start reaching out to your community - the guy not wearing a mask is your friend. Show up at the next precinct meeting (it will scare the crap out of them), volunteer to watch the polls (and do it every year not just this one). Show up at a city council meeting and a school board meeting. You don’t have to say anything - you just have to be there to give your support to the mother/father/kid who is showing courage.

We need to work on building a team -think Bad News Bears not Brady franchise team.

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>We will either draw the new boundaries ourselves, or we will hand power back to them.

Who are "us"? The only thing dissidents have in common is that they (we) challenge the existing systems. As soon as the old systems are gone, dissidents will fragment into innumerable factions each supporting a different thing. Each one trying to draw different "new boundaries".

Here is an example of those differences: in a comment below @PamelaDrew writes/quotes: "Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. You have neither solicited nor received ours. We did not invite you..." I think that while technically true, it is naive and misguided propaganda. Power does not give a shit about being "just". Thus it can illicit the consent of the governed by force or deceit. "We did not invite you" - see if Power cares.

Also, being a dissident is to a large extent a personality trait. I became a dissident at the age of 8 (I did not consciously know it then, of course, but I was one.) There were only a couple of relatively short periods in my life when I thought I got cured, after which a relapsed. And when I say "cured", I almost mean it - it is so much more pleasant and congenial to conform.

The Italian political realists (the main representatives: Machiavelli, Mosca, Michels, Pareto) argued that revolutionary change in political power occurs when surplus elites push out the established elites out of power. Often those surplus elites manipulate the populace into supporting them. Sometimes they are even honest about it. But the point stands: it is not us who is going to "draw the new boundaries". It is those new elites who come to power. The only thing we might be able to do is to choose to support those among the elites who are more likely not to oppress us too much.

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Interesting to think about these things. If we win.... they have another plan. Well, they won't win completely that is already clear because in order to win they have to have absolute control and they don't. There are already splinters off financially, plenty of nations ready to abandon the petro dollar, plenty of people doubting the idiocy of the covid shots, etc. I guess for me it gets personal not from the wide angle lens--no they can't win, but we might not. And with an even closer magnification, we may partially win but personally lose. For me that is what is enticing about Lawrence of Arabia. He is in it for the adventure and losing can be philosophically rich territory.

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