Self Interest

Self interest is occulted by ideology.

Facts

If one is not entitled to one's own facts, then are we really free?

Buy Nothing

Is a campaign to buy nothing a form of advertising?

Propaganda Studies: Addled Minds

Today, FM has a good post concerning the effects of propaganda, the technical skills behind it (propaganda is not nearly as encompassing without technique), the isolation required to maximize its impact, and some examples, including some very illuminating quotes.  One does not need to buy it all, just enough for the propagandists to be successful in their broader goals.

On Progress

Absent traction, spinning wheels do nothing but burn rubber and consume fuel.

Bloated

A bloated parasite is a rich parasite.

Abundance

Abundance conceals poverty.

Yes, It's True...

The rich are different from you and I, they're heartless scum.

Learning

Although some may possess the ability to simply absorb abstract information, for most (excluding those with a learning disability), one must want to learn something for it to stick.  The necessity of desire is obvious to those whom it applies, for many of the minority that can do otherwise it is an alien concept.  Erroneously, it therefore becomes an issue of just not trying hard enough.  The question of why should someone expend effort on something non-applicable to their daily existence is never considered.  Like most talents, It seems natural learners do not necessary develop insight into its process.

Objectionable People

Rather than be identified with objectionable people, self interest is often discarded.

The Assholocracy

The assholocracy pretty well defines the elite worldwide.

The Better Course

A crisis may be mitigated, but it rarely can be entirely avoided.  Many believe otherwise and will often negate, or at least blunt, measures taken to defuse the situation.  False beliefs are a matter of degree, but can combine with even greater impact than would otherwise be the case where each to be considered in isolation. Bipolar errors are simplistic, but gradational misconceptions are potentially far more destructive.  A heretic is more threatening than an infidel.  A partial believer causes more damage than one who simply refuses to acknowledge party lines.  The former finds an opening whereas the other only encounters a wall.  Commonality is a better foundation for devastating critiques.  Weakness may be exploited by a subtle examination.  Brute force combats inertia; something more subtle deflects.  In the end, a new angle may be the better course.

Sudden Death

Sudden death is a real shocker when it is self inflicted.

Monsters

Why we invented monsters. Some are real.

Motivation

Motivation only has meaning in court; otherwise actions count.

Propaganda Lesson

From How Republicans are being taught to talk about Occupy Wall Street:

"I'm so scared of this anti-Wall Street effort. I'm frightened to death," said Frank Luntz, a Republican strategist and one of the nation's foremost experts on crafting the perfect political message. "They're having an impact on what the American people think of capitalism."

Luntz offered tips on how Republicans could discuss the grievances of the Occupiers, and help the governors better handle all these new questions from constituents about "income inequality" and "paying your fair share."

Yahoo News sat in on the session, and counted 10 do's and don'ts from Luntz covering how Republicans should fight back by changing the way they discuss the movement.

1. Don't say 'capitalism.'

2. Don't say that the government 'taxes the rich.' Instead, tell them that the government 'takes from the rich.'

3. Republicans should forget about winning the battle over the 'middle class.' Call them 'hardworking taxpayers.'

4. Don't talk about 'jobs.' Talk about 'careers.'

5. Don't say 'government spending.' Call it 'waste.'

6. Don't ever say you're willing to 'compromise.'

7. The three most important words you can say to an Occupier: 'I get it.' 

8. Out: 'Entrepreneur.' In: 'Job creator.'

9. Don't ever ask anyone to 'sacrifice.'

10. Always blame Washington.

BONUS:

Don't say 'bonus!'

Luntz advised that if they give their employees an income boost during the holiday season, they should never refer to it as a "bonus."

"If you give out a bonus at a time of financial hardship, you're going to make people angry. It's 'pay for performance.'"

As well they should be scared.  I doubt it is enough.  If this sort is sweating, it shows OWS strategies are working.

The above illustrates the importance of staying away from the political process.  Politicians are combated by denying them legitimacy, and refusing to engage them in any way shape or form is the best expression.  Nonentities should be ignored.  It's not about Washington, because the real power is obviously not there.  Issuing no demands just keep the issues hanging around, and focuses people's attention on this rotten system.  It does not matter if some disprove of OWS tactics.  There is no such thing as bad publicity.

Only 7 US Senators Are Not Scum

There are

• Coburn
• Harkin
• Lee
• Merkley
• Paul
• Sanders
• Wyden

Link.

New Song

A new song, titled You Deserve It! from my Drunk And Armed music project has been released.

Negative Meanings

Negative meanings are ineffectual.