On the Free

Draft 3.0
In the land of the free, we accept freedom by allowing a relative to be regarded as an absolute. Freedom is the grandest of all lies. We rationalize a relative through false associations via passive conditioning. Being more subtle, pervasive and less invasive, modern propaganda has advanced well beyond patriotic slogans and harsh denouncements. The target population need only acquiesce, and allow events to slowly enfold while being distracted by the constant stimulation of the technological world. Except when dealing with exemplary elements, jack boots are no longer necessary in keeping the population within line. Many, too lazy to re-evaluate their value systems, wear them anyway. The so-called "War on Drugs" is an example. A general policy failure, the struggle has been maintained by a power structure that has much to gain through scape-goating, and remains unopposed by the gutless parasites which feed off the bottom-end. A small percentage of users, generally involved in some other illicit act, are persecuted and prosecuted for the general edification of the population, even while large segments are stoned into passivity. The system wins either way by allowing the black-market commerce to operate largely unimpeded and available when the need arises, like election years. A vague ideal world is created verbally, with justifications provided for imprisoning over 2 million. Any other nation would be roundly condemned for such behavior, but not the United States. The system has devised methods against such criticism. We are different. (why?) Potential trouble makers are jailed without a peep of real complaint beyond the irrelevant printed word. An opportunist need only ride the wave and be silent or noisy when required. Of course, even and especially the propagandist are the most effected by their own propaganda. Note how the "master race" (of idiots) fared in Russia during World War II. Claiming superiority does not stop frostbite. Note how the fates of supposedly advanced totalitarian systems, like communism and fascism, have fared. Beyond sociological insight and criticism, Marx didn't know his ass from a hole in the ground. Those professing blanket solutions to social problems have always fallen into the trap created by their own terribly inflated ego. The answers are always lies. Degenerate megalomaniacs always destroy themselves one way or another. Reality has no respect for their schemes. However, although individual systems inevitably fail and fall, the techniques developed are adopted by others and live on. A technological society will always grudgingly accept the efficient. The inheritors merely improve previous failures. The lowest common denominator is only modified, never replaced. The conceptual basis is never even questioned. This steady state may be accomplished by first ensuring individual isolation in a verbal world created by the most effective means. Hence, mass gatherings are discouraged, but past events are given mythical status. Passivity is ensured by multiple, individually weak but collectively strong, contact vectors which eventually mold acceptance. The technical morality has no concern about winners and losers, only its own continuity and rapid advance into as many affairs possible. The concerns "What is moral?" always overrides "Why morality?" in any moral scheme, hence the evident universal carcinogenic properties. At least the lower branches of moral development generally factored in humanity being the central focus, even when extremely anti-natural, rather than as a necessary accommodation. However, despite the anti-natural residing within our minds, the natural will always reign supreme. Hence, the individual feels in contact with reality and always feels an exception rather than a mold. Few individuals, if any, can generally perform self-analysis. The remaining deviant minority is inconsequential and disregarded. Hence, the seeds have been sown for the eventual destruction of the technological system, but not technology. Although related, a grave error, being tantamount to regarding a tool as identical with the product, is made in equating the two. Unfortunately, such mistakes by the opposition only serve to strengthen the machine. Too much tangible evidence exists to the contrary.
The free are chained to property and debt, especially in service to the automobile. An intelligent extra-terrestrial observer would probably feel motor vehicles were the dominant life-form with human beings regarded as lesser symbiots.[1] The free may drive anywhere they please, but rarely have the time or money after being sucked dry by car payments, insurance, gasoline, maintenance and repair. In addition, the extra time required by the daily commute often substantially lengthens the workday, thus shortening time available for other activities. A medieval peasant did not work such hours and would have risen up against the mere idea. The machine tightens the chains, but we are free because we placed our own bonds.
Altruism means nothing in the land of the free, except an excuse to ease the conscience for exploiting any available opportunity to maximum advantage. Money given charitably has some blood stains, but no matter. Shoes produced by prison labor shods the feet of the poor. Any misgivings are inconsequential, and supported by older moralities co-opted to maximum advantage in all possible concerns. The remainder are discounted. The free feel better about themselves by propagating the cycles of exploitation, and have no incentive for changing anything other than cosmetically. Hence, the technical system is never threatened, and grows into something which will make the land of the free stronger while rotting inside. The technical morality can mask nature, but may never change it other than by destruction. The free are necessary fodder in such endeavors.
A man will not live forever, but may leave lasting monuments casting a shadow across the ages. The exceptional produce uncertainty, which may be regarded anathema to the technical morality, and something best discouraged. The blunting of potential must be accomplished, yet still allow the at least a shell remaining for the benefit of progress. Specialization meets the necessary requirements. Focus is intensified and narrowed toward a small area of expertise. Generalization is frowned upon and not immediately profitable. External connections and ramifications are often missed, and remain unnoticed, except those which propagate technique. The result being mediocrity except in one small sub-field which few care about anyway. Note how stupid these types sound when pontificating about anything beyond their own noses. Their drivel is not worth repeating or referencing. However, their varying obsessions do distract and occupy, lest the specialist actually think. Lest stability be threatened and technique regress, the technician must be allowed the delusion of freedom.
The free have many options, but little choice. Unless forbidden, the free may do and become anything allowed by capability and resources. The free may hypothetically accomplish any goal, but few rarely enjoy the opportunities compatible with ability. The relatively few exceptions are shamelessly exploited to maximum advantage by providing an example of valued success under this system. The billionaire with millionaire parents is self-made. The idiot athlete or actor, fodder in most cultures, becomes celebrated for unreal accomplishments. Past robber barons are given mythic status, while their corporate contemporaries continue. The corporation is afforded the same legal status as an individual, then allowed to run roughshod over everything hitherto impossible for a mere individual. Flag waving idiots cheer even while crushed under the wheels of the machine. The free deserve it.
[1] Plagiarized from somewhere forgotten (sorry).
1997 - January 1, 2001