Think, reflect and question everything for we are living in a manipulative world during a significant, historical time. The current American way of life and standard of living are on the decline and have been for decades.
The Normalcy Bias
Before I jump into a few facts, I want to emphasize a certain type of bias: the normalcy bias. The normalcy bias is a term referring to the mental state one encounters when facing a disastrous situation; it’s the assumption that everything is “normal” and will be the same today as it was yesterday. The normalcy bias often results is inadequate preparation prior to a catastrophic event and the inability to cope with the situation when the unthinkable reality is experienced.
Examples of the normalcy bias can be identified throughout history and even in the reflection of one’s own experiences. Major examples of the normalcy bias include the Holocaust, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and the Fukushima reactor explosion. Many lives have been ruined by limited preparation and proper action. The normalcy bias is somewhat inevitable to a certain degree considering we can’t possibly prepare for everything at all times. However, the acknowledgment of the normalcy bias should make one more consciously alert and aware.
There’s even a normalcy bias “test,” which is comprised of just a few questions to help you undertand your own bias.
What’s Going on in the Untied States These Days…?
HUGE question I know, but there are some things going on that should be receiving more attention than others. Yet, today we are living in a world with an excess of information, and it can be easy to get lost in all the noise and clutter. The U.S. has become a corporate-run nation driven by money, power and greed; and all that money, power and greed results in distortion of information and statistics to keep the general public ignorant and compliant.
If you ask any grown American about the current state of the U.S. economy, chances are they’ll agree things aren’t in the best shape. Ask them exactly how bad things really are, and that’s an entirely new question. Bottom-line, things are BAD. While you may feel overwhelmed and confused by all the numbers and statistics in the media, here are a few eye-opening facts:
Even if all U.S. citizens were taxed 100% of their income… it would still not be enough to balance the Federal budget! We’d still have to borrow money, just to maintain the status quo. (via the National Inflation Association)
Nearly 15% of the U.S. population are receiving food stamps.
The unemployment rate is a skewed statistic as it excludes discouraged workers, people who’ve stopped searching for jobs or those who were unsuccessful in finding a job by the end of the 12 month unemployment term.
The U.S. dollar can only continue to be printed as long as it remains the world’s reserve currency.
A group of world leaders including China, Russia, Japan and France have come together for secret meetings to discuss the end of dealing oil in dollars.
China has been dropping its holdings in U.S. Treasury bills since 2009.
Different currencies are already being discussed and implemented in different states and local communities. (List of community currencies in the United States)
One thing to keep in mind while digesting and researching the above information is that you’re on your own; the U.S. government has it’s own self-interest to worry about especially during a time of crisis. If you believe that’s an overstatement, consider the lack of government support during Hurricane Katrina; imagine the entire country in a state of chaos… Also, if the government was truly concerned about it’s citizens during these uncertain times, shouldn’t this information along with instructions and advice be known by the general public?
Ignorance
Again, the amount of information readily available today can most certainly be overwhelming. It’s up to each individual to make it a priority to protect their rights and freedom by learning and interpreting the facts. There are some things in this world we can’t take for granted, and freedom is something that should never be taken lightly. I understand a lot of the facts can be both alarming and frightening to some, especially those who believe ignorance is bliss. However, I believe ignorance may be bliss, but ignorane is also tyranny, and willful ignorance is the tyranny of a man ignorant to freedom itself.
Stupidity
In recent months, I’ve received a variety of different comments, stares and backlash for some of the topics I’ve been posting about and discussing. My stance on this: I don’t argue with anyone. I am willing to have an open discussion with anyone in a respectful manner regardless of one’s views; we all learn from each other, and we all need to continue to learn and open our minds until the second we die. That’s how I’ve come to learn most people are blinded by the normalcy bias, and some people are simply just ignorant to certain facts, which we all are/have been at some point in time.
If someone disagrees with me, I encourage them to research the topic to prove me wrong or help me better understand a different perspective. Yet, there are still those out there who reject the truth and refuse to do the research for themselves; that is stupidity. Excuses such as “I’m too busy,” “It’s not that important,” “There’s nothing I can do about it,” or “Someone else will take care of it,” are absolutely ridiculous. Some people are so bizarre and close-minded that it’s difficult to distinguish between stupid or brainwashed.
It’s Time to Wake-up
“Better to fight for something than live for nothing,” George S. Patton once said. Personally, my favorite variation of the quote is that it’s better to live for something than die for nothing. We have one life, and it’s not to be wasted on nothing, as nothing is nothing, not even the absence of something. Taking that into account, you should recognize the importance of waking-up to reality; once you do, I can assure you your priorities will be different.
This post isn’t intended to scare or worry anyone. It’s simply to raise awareness because if the people don’t come together soon, these realities are going to be harder and harder to confront in the dismal times to come.
Originally published Jan. 28, 2012.
