Dear VCC Community, The manipulation and separation of humanity increased exponentially this week with the hostilities in Israel and Gaza. This is the latest of a series of strategies to pit one sector of society against the other and keep us distracted and divided. The psychological weaponization of care and compassion has shifted from vaccination to Russia and Ukraine, and now Israel and Hamas. What is missing in all of this is thoughtful discourse and a willingness
to look beyond the images being projected on our TV screens and laptops, and ask the question – Are we being played? Who is pulling our strings? Who benefits when humanity focuses on each other as the enemy? The false narratives on both "sides" allows the moneyed interests, the military industrial complex, and the corollaries to continue to benefit from violence and war. I suggest we need to identify the correct enemy, and it’s not each other. Vincent Gircys, in his career with the Ontario Provincial Police, conducted forensic analysis of accidents to determine the probable cause. Vincent learned that his analysis had to be based on solid evidence or it would not withstand the test of cross examination. Opinions were meaningless
unless based on a solid foundation of facts. He also learned that the process of cross examination is how truth is revealed and that we should welcome cross examination. This same principle holds true for the ideas and ideologies present today. Can they withstand the test of cross examination? Are they based on facts strong enough to withstand the rigors of debate? The problem is that debate is no longer allowed. There is no opportunity for cross examination. Instead, we are to accept the presented narrative because to do otherwise is to invite shaming, shunning, and censorship. I remember a time in my youth when my extended family would have rousing and robust discussions around the kitchen table. Voices were raised and
passions aroused, and in so doing, ideas got tested, and arguments refined or revisited. I suggest we need more of this, not less. The human condition is complex and complicated, and our perceptions and ideologies need the refinement of cross examination. We need to learn to tolerate debate, challenge, and some cross examination, otherwise they will keep us in a constant state of war. Ted |