This will start a series focusing on topics and documents such as the Bill of Rights, the constitution, “Fringe concepts,” and Biblical prophecy (Regarding eschatology and seizure of freedoms.)
What do I mean by “liberty v. Security?” Well, anyone who’s been around the block for a bit knows that’s about Benjamin Franklin’s poorly quoted reference to giving up liberty for a bit of safety. We’ve been taught over the years within a specific field of thought that this erroneously cited reference meant that we needed not to give up our liberties for a little bit of safety or, as referenced in spots, “security” because we would deserve neither if we did. But is that what was genuinely implied by this quote? Well, For a while, I always heard this quote get thrown around within the “Patriots” and “Conspiracy theorist” community. We must fight for our freedoms, never back down, and never give up essential liberties! That was the consensus of said quote. It, in a way, makes me wonder how many other quotes out there are misquoted and have fueled a narrative for x amount of years…? The feelings are still alive in dissidents and theorists, we still believe the same things, but now we have fewer quotes to press into.
On the off chance that anyone is as interested as I was to see the actual quote and the context of the passage, you can view it here.
Before you click the following link, let me give you a little teaser; it’s not referring to what we’ve been misled to believe for so many years…
Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin.
We must be careful of this exact thing and tread cautiously through it.
If we’re not careful, we fall into the category of people who blindly believe something simply because our ‘research skills’ have been handicapped by the likes of quick and easy memes on Facebook and social media. Before you know it, the meme turns into gospel, and people start crowding around an ‘ideology.’ Plain and simple because of an off-the-cuff remark that was ultimately taken out of context, consequently changing the contextualization of it to something that it was never meant to be… but got ratings, reviews, or a following, so from henceforth became what it meant.
This quote is in that nature of thought.
"The most misleading assumptions are the ones you don`t even know you`re making." - Douglas Adams
www.wisesayings.com/misleading-quotes/?sm=133288#133288
To this point exactly, without proper research, critical factors are missed. Is this factual? Is this in context? What was the historicity of said content/quote?
Do you know what it is you don’t know, that you don’t know?
Wrap your head around that one!
Folks, I should confess I’ve fallen into this category several times. Even with the research on this particular article. I was doing some preliminary research on this topic to provide good sources of knowledge. I wanted to come in guns blazing! Throwing out digs left and right on the political spectrum as well as the biblical scope, however, I came across the article mentioned above from Benjamin Franklin’s memoirs and, upon reading it firsthand, realized I was at a precipice!
I could press on now, knowing the authenticity and factual context of the quote, essentially furthering the lie! Or I could do further research on the topic and present things as they’ve unfolded in hopes that somewhere down the line, the assimilation of this quote is accurately portrayed, if only amongst my network of followers.
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Honestly, this is a conundrum and an awkward spot because it throws a wrench into many thought processes I’ve had over the years. However, as awkward as it can be. It’s great to be, and I’ll tell you why.
Because as a writer and someone who spreads the written word as far as it goes, it’s up to me to be sensitive to this fundamental truth, But I’m also obligated always to tell the truth! Even when it presents itself in an unfavorable light. At least knowingly, I will not be another dismal voice pushing a false narrative!
So it’s my mission to be fair, honest, and accurate concerning the topics and material I write about. Suppose I don’t know something about a particular topic or some material. I’ll do the required research on it, and If I can’t find the necessary facts on a specific subject, I’ll say I don’t know enough about XYZ topic. Part of being honest! Not only Honest with you, the reader but with me, the writer.
However, in all of this humdrum about writing. We should take stock of the value and the importance of such legislation in our country as the 1st amendment to the Bill of Rights.
It’s one of those things that I’m convinced we, as 21st century Americans, take for granted and assume everywhere in the country; you have the freedom to do or say whatever you want about the establishment or governing parties. But you don’t! All it takes is an extended stay outside the USA to see that fact.
Look at China, Russia, and North Korea…, and the awe and wonder in which we live within our county become real. Now, it bears mentioning that we are currently facing quite a bit of censorship in some regards. BUT! … But, we must remember the censorship we feel is on a public social media platform. That is free to boot, and in saying so. It’s important to remember this principle. When a platform
doesn’t outright sell a product, thousands of millions of people use it. You Are the Product! And it’s no use crying about censorship on a free platform. BECAUSE, when we all signed up, we had to agree to the terms of service! Which. Specifically spells out that whole point of view, but it’s drawn out and monotonous, so no one ever reads the terms of service.
We’ve become a spoiled brat as a nation, socially speaking. We have politicians and talking heads threatening to leave the country if we don’t play ball their way. I say good, go for it! Maybe we won’t hear garbage constantly at that point…However, I know that won’t do anything. Even more truthfully, these celebs and talking heads will never truly leave the US because there’s nowhere else on earth with a constitution like ours. They ultimately know it. But they’re trying to pull a classic schoolyard tactic.
In closing, if you appreciate this content and you want to see more, leave some feedback on parts of these newsletters that you enjoy. I’ll try to include more of those components!
Have a great rest of the day, regardless of whatever part of your day you’re in.
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