Saving Private (Citizen) Caitlin

Disclaimer:  The following blog in no way pledges support for Russia, its president, or any supporter of its regime.  The blog also does not support the US and its constant efforts to create profitable wars and or force other countries to become members of NATO or any other war-mongering organization.

Let me say this most emphatically; I AM AGAINST WAR OF ANY KIND!  War
should be avoided using any and all peaceful means.  Let me also say that
if the Russian president fell off the face of the earth, I would not shed a
tear.  However, while we are on the topic of falling off the face of the
earth, there are many other leaders for which the sentiment applies.  This
list includes many European and US leaders.  There, I am now a candidate
for banning, and I have voiced an opinion that could label me a
traitor.  

It seems like we have had this discussion a lot lately, you know, blocking
those who have a different opinion.  Closing them out of the world of
ideas and discussions.  Shutting down any and all who do not conform to
the mainstream view or as I like to call it: your opinion crafted by fascists
who specialize in thought control.  With narratives that blossom in
conference rooms and are approved by war profiteers, the train of thought in
America has been derailed (pun intended).  It is bad enough that the truth
is getting difficult to find, when we do find it, it is covered up with shyte
and hidden from view.

Normally, I don’t drop names in my blogs, instead, I plump for a nickname or
enough background info that my reader will either know or research whom I am
referring to.  Today I am dropping a name, Caitlin Johnstone. 
Caitlin is an Australian writer, author, blogger, journalist, columnist and
according to those who know her, one of the kindest, most sincere individuals that
you will ever know.  After reading her writing for five years I tend to
believe that what her acquaintances say is the truth.  In addition to all
of these other things, Caitlin has a better grasp on everything that is the
Empire-United States, than most Americans do.  She does not hesitate to
make her feelings known about our evil empire, another quality that I admire.

The reason why I bring Caitlin into this conversation is that she and many
other free thinkers are under fire for publishing their articles and materials
on platforms owned by Russian organizations or affiliates.  Of course, the
Russian president has carried out a despicable act (what war isn’t), but how
does that give us the right to shut down any of the thoughts or opinions from
people other than the Russian leader?  I would like to remind my fellow
Americans of a president and his Secretary of State who crafted an illegal war
by lying about “weapons of mass destruction” then went on to destroy a
sovereign nation, killing hundreds of thousands of people (mostly civilians).

When this happened was the world shocked or dismayed?  Was anyone in
the US blocked from offering their opinions online or elsewhere?  I don’t
remember anyone trying to block my world views or opinions.  I was harshly
criticized by my fellow country citizens for opposing the war, some even going
as far as labeling me a traitor, but no one was blocked.  We in America
seemed to have a very short memory of history and are absolute hypocrites when
it comes to heinous and illegal acts and who should be punished.  Our
government, mainstream media, and PR firms in the United States have spent
billions twisting the truth about our alleged enemies and our beloved
empire.  It has become essential for us to hear the opinions of outside
writers and news sources.  In many cases, the truth has only been told by
those who exist outside of our corporate-owned propagandist media. 

In addition to Cailin Johnstone being criticized for where she publishes her
articles, she has also been widely criticized for her willingness to have
conversations with people of opposing viewpoints.  Isn’t that what
negotiation is all about?  Let’s get real here for a moment. There will
always be someone who has a differing ideology or viewpoint on any topic, they
are not going away.  It remains critical that we understand other views
and are willing to debate them in an arena of ideas.  Just simply calling
people with differing ideas stupid is short-sighted and narrow-minded. 
Writing, unless directly threatening, endangering someone or something should
always be given its space, no matter the opinion.

Writers of all postulations must be given a forum.  To agree or
disagree is left to those of us with the patience to indulge their opinions and
make our own.  To block any forums, even those of countries whose leaders
may be unhinged, is not justifiable.  Keep in mind my friends we have had
a few unhinged leaders ourselves.  If you find someone’s writing, not to
your liking then don’t read them.  It is ok to disagree with anyone that
you don’t share the same opinion or disagree with their findings.  But
shutting down forums and platforms reeks of the Nazi’s playbook. 

To Caitlin Johnstone, I say, “keep up the good work kid!”. They can try to
block us all they want but we will not be silenced!  To those in the US
that would block any Russian platforms, this is an idea that is ridiculous and
should cease immediately. the expression “fog of war” has existed all
much as long as war itself, it is difficult to find truth or accurate data in
any war situation. With that in mind we must keep all channels of news and
discussion open.  Keep speech free all over the world, always encourage
the ideas and thoughts of others to be exchanged.  As always this is just
my opinion (please don’t block me or have me removed).

The Grumpy Old Fart Citizen

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