Maeve

The powers are aligning. Buckle up folks!

I think... And I'm still learning... Left, right, center, if we keep doing what those we criticize do, in mirror image, we will keep up the downward spiral. The abyss extends above us, just as it does below. That means understanding that there is a very fine line between defense and aggression, retribution and rehabilitation.

And re -education done punitively is still just retribution.

We need to look at left, right and center ideas, implementations and their respective successes and failures, then find ways to improve. That means when rehabilitation and re-education become punitive, those responsible immediately get re-educated and re-habilitated, and it always begins with ourselves holding ourselves accountable. A tall order. Weakness is seeking to control others. Strength is controlling ourselves.

That said, we have a lot of individual and collective work to do, before we are ready for anarchy. I would advocate for socialism that is gentle to the people, rigid for enterprise and government apparatus. And even that may be deeply flawed.

I think a lot of us are still in denial about rotating villains, ratchet effect, Overton window etc.

Heh. They were once considered American allies. Until we didn't need their help anymore.

Yep, same. And it made me wonder if it is the feds.

:'(

They did that on 9-11. Out of a plane full of Saudis and two Iraqis, look how that is still turning out.

Ask Turkiye.

If the icc issues arrest warrants for people, they will be painting pictures of themselves taking showers like other infamous USA administration members.

Good luck, Syria! ✊

Thank you so much for your kindness. I would indeed appreciate any recommendations for reading factual information! Maybe others here would, as well? Please feel free to DM your recommendations, but also maybe post a few here, in case anyone else is interested? Of course that's entirely at your discretion.

You have been so kind in this exchange, I also feel you and the entire exchange is wholesome and enriching. It's so sad that societies, in real life and online, has devolved into getting even/"owning” the other. In full disclosure, I went down that road for entirely too long before finally realizing it leads to nowhere good, for individuals or societies. It's going to be a long way home, but I'm on that road now. I'm so honored to share the "road less traveled” with honest, kind people who will hold me to account with rigor and compassion, to both coax and prod, as appropriate to the need of the moment. I thank you again for the enrichment you've brought to me, along our way.

I do wish you all the best, as we walk together. I can't give you a real+life hug or handshake; please know I give both, in my heart and mind, for whatever small value that may hold.

The depth of your generosity will be the saving grace of humanity, imo, expressed so confident here:

an age of misinformation and buzzwords, we should try our best to learn.

I look forward to learning and growing with you.

Thank you so much for affording me an opportunity to grow a little, in this exchange. May you be happy and well.