I Fell for It
Admitting I was duped so that I can move forward
No one wants to admit, “I’ve been had.” It’s embarrassing; the ego is bruised. But, I like to follow the advice that my father repeated often: “When you make a mistake, admit it. Covering it up, or doubling-down, only compounds the problem.”
Here in the United States, where the science behind effective propaganda has been long perfected, our brains are assaulted continually by the mainstream media news (the mouthpiece of the corporate oligarchs), and the provoking of opinion through the use of PSYOPS, serving to keep us a people divided according to whose “truth” we choose to believe.
We are also a nation of rising inequality, with more and more of us so busy working overtime or juggling multiple jobs just to try to stay one step ahead of inflation. Keeping the populace exhausted and fearful of scarcity is one of the ways to “nip in the bud” any chance for leisure time devoted to reading or critical thinking.
“Trust the cable news analysts! Ukraine needs your tax dollars more than you and your family need healthcare, education, or a roof over your head! Disagree? You're pro-Putin!”
More money for war (to keep us safe?), more interest rate hikes (to ease inflation?), we can’t afford a $15/hr minimum wage (but we can afford a multi-billion dollar military budget?). Really?
A few moments of independent thinking would allow us to become aware of all the deception. But we are so bombarded by “experts” telling us why we have to practice austerity in our own lives in order to save democracy (and so alienated when we dare to disagree), that it just seems easier to go along and place our faith in the “experts”.
And, I have believed what politicians and news reports have promoted as “truth”.
I believed that AOC and The Squad were actually progressive Democrats. Nope. They fall in line when told to.
I believed Dr. Fauci about the origin of COVID. Nope. He was part of the origin cover-up.
I believed that NATO was a defensive organization. Nope, it’s simply a part of the proxy war machine.
And, so I turn to meditation, and the practice of beginner’s mind. Take nothing at face value. Look deeply, and keep looking.
Sitting quietly, I allow my critical thinking skills to emerge.
And, rather than feel that I have to offer my opinion on every topic in the news, I remind myself that my actions are my real message; how I go about my everyday life.
Am I living in awareness of what’s happening right now in my life and the lives of those around me. I don’t need the news to tell me what I can see and hear for myself.
I listen to neighbors complain that they can’t afford their rent. I listen to a friend who can’t afford to go back to school for the master’s degree that is required to advance in her job. I drive down streets filled with potholes, and over bridges that are visibly deteriorating. I cough and sneeze because the air quality index is so high. I look at my bank account that has been decimated due to medical bills.
No politicians are taking real action on these issues—the everyday concerns of the people. Lots of talk, but no action.
Positive changes will only happen when more people become aware that they are being fed a steady diet of lies and deception.
Say it with me: “I’ve been duped.” Now, move forward and take positive action.