So much of this is running the risk of being self-referential at this point. But I think what I wrote five years really hasn’t changed a lot:
Do you think you can ever trust a politician’s word?
At the risk of being labelled terminally-whitepilled, I don’t think most politicians are deliberately lying.
At the same time, I really don’t think that most politicians, or people who preach government force as a solution to problems, really consider the underlying basis of their thoughts.
You do something because it’s just, you know, the way that things are done.
You want people to stop doing something? Great. I don’t think that it’s a good idea to do that thing, either.
So you’re okay with men with guns locking people in cages for doing something you don’t like? How about breaking into residences in the middle of the night?
Oh. Um. That’s how we’ve always done that.
Here’s an idea — don’t hurt people, and don’t take their stuff.
And I’m having trouble concentrating on this, unfortunately, so I’m stopping.
I think the pandemic, despite the legion of officious assholes who’d like to save you from yourself, is still largely true. For all but those really big on Respect My Authority, you can just take the Nancy Reagan approach.
Not going to be accommodating? That’s fine. Understand that you’re not getting any of my money.
Know that I can hold, and have held, grudges an awful long time.
Why don’t you just buy this?
I don’t give them my business.
That’s stupid! They’re great!
Whatever. It’s what I’ve chosen to do. I can be persuaded to change my mind if I hear a compelling argument from someone whose opinion I value. Otherwise, the relationship is finished. Sorry, but really not sorry.
RACIST!
You have no idea about my origins; go fuck yourself.
So maybe a little less white pilled.
But even more on the side of personal choice, responsibility, and not being upset about consequences stemming from actions.
You do something that irks me, I stop paying attention to you. It’s really not that difficult.
If you try to force me to pay attention, rest assured I never will.
Another few more hours…..