>> The myth of self-reliance has made us lonely. It tells men not to need, women not to ask, and neighbors not to interfere. It tells workers not to unionize, families not to rely on community, and citizens not to trust one another. It isolates us behind fences, screens, and slogans about freedom. And what is that freedom worth, really, if it comes at the cost of belonging? <<
Mr. Alonso, you make an excellent analysis, but fail to mention one key factor in why and how we got here: the weaponization of that myth by right-wing leaders and propagandists (and their wealthy funders) for personal and political gain at the expense of the people at large.
And never forget the co-ops. The first act after breaking ground was forging co-ops. Water, storage, equipment, stock, wool, seedβ¦. We even timed planting so we could stagger harvest so we could use shared rotational labor and stock.
And the bad actor was always - ALWAYS - the selfish actor who monopolized.
Reading your analysis of American conservatism, I found the segment on self-reliance particularly insightful. The observation that 'we werenβt just talking about pride. We were talking about faith' realy resonated, perfectly capturing that deep ideological hardwiring that makes the whole series so compelling already.
Thank you, Roxy. There are so many people looking at the issues at hand, I felt I needed to better understand their psychological and philosophical landscape. I donβt disagree with many of the ethos they cherish, yet I detest the lies that have become the mortar holding it errect.
This Sundayβs installment: The Aristocratβs Shadow: From Burke to Buckley, Conservatismβs Fear of the Mob
Thanks for this, Dino. This is such an on-point observation re: interdependence and gratitude. I only wish it could be welcomed by all those in need of a friendly elixir for a hardened hubris.
I love reading your pieces. Your thoughts tend to line up well with mine. Blessings to you, Dino.
thank you for remarking on Americaβs adolescence.
>> The myth of self-reliance has made us lonely. It tells men not to need, women not to ask, and neighbors not to interfere. It tells workers not to unionize, families not to rely on community, and citizens not to trust one another. It isolates us behind fences, screens, and slogans about freedom. And what is that freedom worth, really, if it comes at the cost of belonging? <<
Mr. Alonso, you make an excellent analysis, but fail to mention one key factor in why and how we got here: the weaponization of that myth by right-wing leaders and propagandists (and their wealthy funders) for personal and political gain at the expense of the people at large.
Hi Matt. You are quite right. Thanks for your thoughts.
The cowboy rides again, this time with a cell phone in one hand and a government loan in the other - great picture
And never forget the co-ops. The first act after breaking ground was forging co-ops. Water, storage, equipment, stock, wool, seedβ¦. We even timed planting so we could stagger harvest so we could use shared rotational labor and stock.
And the bad actor was always - ALWAYS - the selfish actor who monopolized.
Itβs amazing how all these βlittle detailsβ of success are casually put up on a shelf to be overlooked. Thanks for reading.
Reading your analysis of American conservatism, I found the segment on self-reliance particularly insightful. The observation that 'we werenβt just talking about pride. We were talking about faith' realy resonated, perfectly capturing that deep ideological hardwiring that makes the whole series so compelling already.
Thank you, Roxy. There are so many people looking at the issues at hand, I felt I needed to better understand their psychological and philosophical landscape. I donβt disagree with many of the ethos they cherish, yet I detest the lies that have become the mortar holding it errect.
This Sundayβs installment: The Aristocratβs Shadow: From Burke to Buckley, Conservatismβs Fear of the Mob
Thanks for this, Dino. This is such an on-point observation re: interdependence and gratitude. I only wish it could be welcomed by all those in need of a friendly elixir for a hardened hubris.