All is it Not as it Seems: Writing ContestG.W. Balding The best thing about the Internet is theres just so much information out therebut the problem with the Internet is theres just so much information out there. Author unknown, circa 1999. Several decades ago I learned that the vast body of popular media was propaganda and mind-manipulating entertainment, controlled by corporate elites or government special interests. It turns out that this machine is insatiable, vying not just for our money and time, but our body and minds as well. With the simplest of research almost anyone one can work out that a conspiracy exists, although that would take being awake, sincerely searching, and tuning to a different channel. But dear truth seeker, which channel? One of the challenges for the inquiring mind, once it has worked out what truth is not, is to locate a legitimate truth source. You may recall the old adage theres a little truth in every lie? If that be the case then by default special-interest groups will work to delegitimize their opponents by obscuring the message. One way of running interference is to deride the proponents of the message rather than the message itself. I.e. mock the messenger and ignore the content. (David Ike found this out). Another strategy is to bulldoze an unpalatable truth out of existence through repetitive campaigns which cast doubt. A third strategy is to align with a truth movement, counterfeit the message without actually offering anything new of substance, then once the audience is faithful cannibalize the movements counterparts, then ultimately steer the audience in a new direction by subtly re-engineering key truths. A way forward is to avoid the temptation of black and white thinking. There are many versions of the truth, most of which probably differ from how the universe actually exists. (The alternative is believing that everyones truth is right.) One must accept from the outset we are limited beings and cant know everything in this lifetime. Of course if he or she is fortunate enough to know or be some kind of guru thats different. The point is, we shouldnt need to be hoodwinked either. When one realizes that mainstream media is based on fabrication, and the illusion of free choice is just a strategy to prevent authentic questioning, then there may be a tendency to rush toward any and every alternative news source. Take your pick; they vary from pseudo-scientific, eco-fascist, radical Islamist, black supremacist, neo-Nazis (and many others) legions of diverse extremists exists, many of whom entertain some valid points, but end with conclusions that are quite frankly disturbing and divisive. While still in his disorientated state, the neophyte truth-seeker may be vulnerable to well-packaged ideas which appeal to his sentiments at some level, and risks fuelling his new-found curiosity with equally distorted versions of reality. At the very least, his sources may be under-researched, agenda-biased, and prone to viral hunches or other delinquent dreams that play to the fancy of opportunists more lies. Ultimately this harms the truth convert, and of course the truth movement itself. Once he loses faith a number of times, the truth seeker simply wont believe in anything anymore. Dear reader, view everything you see and hear critically. Cross-reference, challenge, and keep an open mind, even to the point of recognizing that some of your own re-organized beliefs may be erroneous. Know that the weaponry used to manipulate thinking is sophisticated and insidious. Be aware that the best-intentioned humanitarians make big mistakes all the time, so dont take everything anyone says with certainty. (I often hear about the greatness of Mahatma Gandhi, and so I read one of his autobiographies to find him not a little self-centered and petty, albeit incredibly willful. Read him.) Consider that some of the things your parents told you might actually be right. Importantly, dont be distressed if you have to fine-tune your conclusions even if it feels embarrassing or uncomfortable. Truth and vanity are not compatible bedfellows. Theres a lot of disinformation out there, but likewise there are insightful and well-researched sources too. If one takes the time to process the content and understand the relevance then ones awakening will be positive experience although personally, it found mine quite harrowing. Still, much is at stake and it is within the conscience of everyone to attempt the shift. Heres some food for thought. I served as an FS-5 (a plebiscite) in the United Nations for two years. One of the chiefs became a friend. Whilst in Iraq we would meet up on the weekends to have breakfast in my UNAMI porta-cabin under a sandbagged roof. One morning we were discussing conspiracy theories. It was a flippant conversation. I joked that while I thought some theories were valid, some had gone too far and I explained how ridiculous it was for anyone to believe in Reptilians and Shape-shifters. The tone of the conversation changed suddenly and became serious and disconcerting. The chief paused, thought for a moment and then asked, Do you really think its so ridiculous? I dont! From that moment on, the way I thought about such things changed. If he was a believer at his level, we must consider why this happens to be so. This submission has been entered into a contest to win 2 premium tickets + $500 for travel to see David Icke at Wembley Arena, London October 27, 2012. If you like this article, please share it far and wide, as the winner will be determined by the total number of pageviews acquired before the end of the contest on June 15th. For additional details about submissions, please visit our Contest Page. linkwithin_text=Related Articles: 