Great break down. Thank you! Politicians and elite power brokers figured out many centuries ago that fear was a way better motivator than fun. But every current political movement can be broken down into the Hegelian dialectic, from local taxes to world wars. Problem, Reaction, Solution. I suggest everyone study that problem framework.
The people in charge have a Solution in mind first, a direction they want everyone to move in. Then they create or allow a problem to fester over a period of time. Then they wait for the citizens to react and literally beg them for the very solution they had in mind to begin with.
This explains why things seemingly get worse and worse, because we (the Citizens) simply have not begged for the correct pre-ordained solution yet. Everything will continue to degrade around us until that time when we beg for the solution they want. I don't know what that solution they have in mind is but I feel like it's closely related to total serfdom.
The only way to change this course is making everyone aware of the trick being played on us all and refusing to play their game. Just say no to the fear and the manufactured crisis all around us. This is why they hate movements like CCWD, it's changing the dialog, uncovering the fear tactics, and presenting critical thinking. Thank you Jeff and the all the contributors.
I hope everyone spends a little time and studies the tactics that Jake has presented in this article. Great opportunity for this community to become resilient to their powers.
The most important lessons for us all to learn: Hegelian Dialectic. Overton Window. Normalcy Bias. Manufactured Consent. Co-opting opposition. Crisis exploitation. Cultural Hegemony. Surveillance for intimidation.
And remember........Fear is used for motivation. Fun is used for distraction.
What did I say on Friday..? Celebrity status baby!!! CC Watchdog is where it’s at. If anyone needs personal security detail, it ain’t Jim Stoffer. He only WISHES he was as cool as Jeff. No one likes being lied to or gaslit. If you want the raw truth, you’re gonna get it here 😉
Excellent commentary! My fave argument made by the guvmint for decades has been, "If you don't approve the salary/benefit package increases (an argument which never clearly outlines the future impact of COLAs and step increases given based on time served, not competence) we'll never be able to hire the best and brightest." As if the best and brightest flock to government work now, as evidenced by the usual slow, poor service and mediocre decision making that often occurs. Today government employees make excellent money and have unparalleled insurance/vacation/retirement packages. You'll never, ever see a government department advocate for reduced spending; the bigger their budget, the more they can grow, and thus, the more power they have and the greater their ability to as Governor William J. Lepetomane so sagely said in "Blazing Saddles", "protect my phony-baloney empire."
I would have voted for the commissioners to improve themselves in better "public engagement & transparency" however I already know that will never happen with the shady characters that are currently in our government system~! I selected "Lowering Taxes" even though I know that is also unlikely with these same shady characters and their nasty little shell game that is so well described here by Jake Seegers. Thank you Jake Seegers and Jeff Tozzer for bringing us this exceptional description of the way that "we" (Americans) are so often played for fools by those who understand and deploy the most dirty and deceptive techniques against our universal weakness of trusting government and those who are by definition untrustworthy. I hope that the good folks here who are reading this can see how these underhanded deceptive techniques have been used against them and their best interests all of our lives~! That would be a great start for Americans to begin the process of "enemy identification" in all those who profit by tricking us~! Then, as we desperately need good folks in a MUCH smaller government management matrix, we will have a better chance of finally selecting honorable Individuals that will be best for the entire community. The other major thing that "we" absolutely must be on guard for is that these slimy fraudsters in our government MUST have been selected, promoted, and installed by equally if not worse bad actors, so it will be necessary to have a better understanding of that criminal element & power structure right here in our own community that has been pulling all of these evil strings that have been going on behind all of those closed door meetings~! Thankfully, we are beginning to see through the "gaslighting" of these liars who have been ruthlessly taking advantage of us all of our lives and that is always a great first step to the bigger solution~! I wish everyone here a great Sunday and an awesome new week~! Sincerely, Mike
Great article, Jake! You and Jeff have given us tools to apply to every political situation. With money, it's ALWAYS the slight of hand. The Commissioners really want this next tax hike and the CRC really wants this Water Resilience Specialist. Beware everyone! They'll do anything to get them.
Fortunately, I caught on a couple of decades ago. In California, a huge bond measure for the CHIL-DRUN or transportation would be passed, then at the next election, they would scream for another bond measure, so voters naively passed it again. Unbeknownst to them, the previous bond measure was largely unspent, so rather than the new one ADDING to the old, for the CHIL-DRUN, it REAPLACED the old bond measure, freeing the unspent portions of the first one to be used for whatever the politicians wanted. Or so was the very believable rumor-- I never tried to confirm it.
So, rather than approve more money, my attitude is that they should find cuts elsewhere to find the extra money. There is absolutely no reason for the county budget to rise faster than inflation.
Awww, thank you, Kate! It was awesome seeing your family yesterday. Thanks for getting Lux onto the spinning teacups…you should be negotiating our county’s finances(;
Can’t hardly wait for the ballot so I can go through and vote “No” for any increase of taxes. Don’t read what it is for any longer. I have to counter all the people who want tax increases, really don’t understand. At this point it is about our survival not the privileged because the privileged already have more than enough available to them to be productive members in society. The privileged are the people getting all the freebies, those are the privileged fyi.
It is shameful how the good intentions of the citizens are exploited. I recommend deep diving into The Clinton Foundation for an understanding of how altruism is used as bait and switch for personal gain. Just a wee bit more money and Governance will end homelessness, unfairness, inequity and any other soft spot you might have that will open that wallet.
So true. Gates, Buffett and many others bask in the accolades of their philanthropy as they “give away” 90% of their wealth to personal foundations. They support taxing the 1% to support an ever-expanding government, while their wealth is insulated from estate and capital gain taxes with the foundation loophole. Their “philanthropy” is really a tax-free transfer of wealth to their heirs who can charge millions to run the foundation in perpetuity.
You have correctly identified what is called the "Overton window". You have a dog in mind, but realize that probably won't be accepted by the people you want to pay for it. So you propose something outrageous like a Pony. The people paying will scoff but then be willing to negotiate for anything less than that, even the dog. Tactic used with every bond measure and bill that seems completely outrageous when proposed. They are actually looking for something less, but more than you would have accepted before.
Thank you both for the breakdown and tactics. It is very hard for me to understand why people continue to vote for this and can’t see the forest for the trees. We would have stopped by but are in Austria. Stay safe.
It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday at the fair. I've been a long time follower and didn't realize how bad the local government machines are and who they pander too.
Being a 4th generation and nowy daughter a 5th generation local business owner I've definitely seen a lot of changes especially the last 5-10 years. Between the state, city and county I really don't see us surviving much longer. Every time I turn around it's something new.
The people in charge pander to the small vocal peeps that have moved here and brought all their baggage with them. If you ask why they moved the reason is quality of life. Then why do you bring all that baggage with you and turn our small Hamlet into another ongoing shit show?
I have no idea who's on the PA city council anymore. I used to and they would come over to my office and actually talk to me and get a feel of the community. That's when sidewalks were fixed and pot holes were filled. Now it seems to be all about them and som BS idea on our dime.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by. Can to hang in there a bit longer? There's some good PA city council candidates that need our support ramping up to November. We can change things together.
It's getting harder and harder. Tbh the last 4 years were terrible. Everything was working AGAINST the small business owner. We burned through more reserves than we ever had.
The prior 4 years 2016-2020 we were rocking and rolling everything was great.
The last 30 years of Olympia BS has not helped either
I don't know any of the city council candidates. Can't vote for them cuz I live in the county.
Great break down. Thank you! Politicians and elite power brokers figured out many centuries ago that fear was a way better motivator than fun. But every current political movement can be broken down into the Hegelian dialectic, from local taxes to world wars. Problem, Reaction, Solution. I suggest everyone study that problem framework.
The people in charge have a Solution in mind first, a direction they want everyone to move in. Then they create or allow a problem to fester over a period of time. Then they wait for the citizens to react and literally beg them for the very solution they had in mind to begin with.
This explains why things seemingly get worse and worse, because we (the Citizens) simply have not begged for the correct pre-ordained solution yet. Everything will continue to degrade around us until that time when we beg for the solution they want. I don't know what that solution they have in mind is but I feel like it's closely related to total serfdom.
The only way to change this course is making everyone aware of the trick being played on us all and refusing to play their game. Just say no to the fear and the manufactured crisis all around us. This is why they hate movements like CCWD, it's changing the dialog, uncovering the fear tactics, and presenting critical thinking. Thank you Jeff and the all the contributors.
I hope everyone spends a little time and studies the tactics that Jake has presented in this article. Great opportunity for this community to become resilient to their powers.
The most important lessons for us all to learn: Hegelian Dialectic. Overton Window. Normalcy Bias. Manufactured Consent. Co-opting opposition. Crisis exploitation. Cultural Hegemony. Surveillance for intimidation.
And remember........Fear is used for motivation. Fun is used for distraction.
What did I say on Friday..? Celebrity status baby!!! CC Watchdog is where it’s at. If anyone needs personal security detail, it ain’t Jim Stoffer. He only WISHES he was as cool as Jeff. No one likes being lied to or gaslit. If you want the raw truth, you’re gonna get it here 😉
I LOVE THIS 💥🇺🇸😊
Excellent commentary! My fave argument made by the guvmint for decades has been, "If you don't approve the salary/benefit package increases (an argument which never clearly outlines the future impact of COLAs and step increases given based on time served, not competence) we'll never be able to hire the best and brightest." As if the best and brightest flock to government work now, as evidenced by the usual slow, poor service and mediocre decision making that often occurs. Today government employees make excellent money and have unparalleled insurance/vacation/retirement packages. You'll never, ever see a government department advocate for reduced spending; the bigger their budget, the more they can grow, and thus, the more power they have and the greater their ability to as Governor William J. Lepetomane so sagely said in "Blazing Saddles", "protect my phony-baloney empire."
Or how about Pelosi and her "we have to pass this bill so that you find out what's in it."
haha
I would have voted for the commissioners to improve themselves in better "public engagement & transparency" however I already know that will never happen with the shady characters that are currently in our government system~! I selected "Lowering Taxes" even though I know that is also unlikely with these same shady characters and their nasty little shell game that is so well described here by Jake Seegers. Thank you Jake Seegers and Jeff Tozzer for bringing us this exceptional description of the way that "we" (Americans) are so often played for fools by those who understand and deploy the most dirty and deceptive techniques against our universal weakness of trusting government and those who are by definition untrustworthy. I hope that the good folks here who are reading this can see how these underhanded deceptive techniques have been used against them and their best interests all of our lives~! That would be a great start for Americans to begin the process of "enemy identification" in all those who profit by tricking us~! Then, as we desperately need good folks in a MUCH smaller government management matrix, we will have a better chance of finally selecting honorable Individuals that will be best for the entire community. The other major thing that "we" absolutely must be on guard for is that these slimy fraudsters in our government MUST have been selected, promoted, and installed by equally if not worse bad actors, so it will be necessary to have a better understanding of that criminal element & power structure right here in our own community that has been pulling all of these evil strings that have been going on behind all of those closed door meetings~! Thankfully, we are beginning to see through the "gaslighting" of these liars who have been ruthlessly taking advantage of us all of our lives and that is always a great first step to the bigger solution~! I wish everyone here a great Sunday and an awesome new week~! Sincerely, Mike
Great article, Jake! You and Jeff have given us tools to apply to every political situation. With money, it's ALWAYS the slight of hand. The Commissioners really want this next tax hike and the CRC really wants this Water Resilience Specialist. Beware everyone! They'll do anything to get them.
Fortunately, I caught on a couple of decades ago. In California, a huge bond measure for the CHIL-DRUN or transportation would be passed, then at the next election, they would scream for another bond measure, so voters naively passed it again. Unbeknownst to them, the previous bond measure was largely unspent, so rather than the new one ADDING to the old, for the CHIL-DRUN, it REAPLACED the old bond measure, freeing the unspent portions of the first one to be used for whatever the politicians wanted. Or so was the very believable rumor-- I never tried to confirm it.
So, rather than approve more money, my attitude is that they should find cuts elsewhere to find the extra money. There is absolutely no reason for the county budget to rise faster than inflation.
The three taxaholic compromised commissioners i think just want more tax $$$ to please JKT and other outsider groups.
Like raising school taxes to give teachers raises “for the children.”
I always catch crap for voting "NO" on schools
We do too, still vote NO anyway!
Jake is brilliant political mind - and a genuine person. This breakdown is succinct and couldn't be more accurate. Thank you, Jake!
BTW, I went to see Jeff at the fair and I physically couldn't get to his table. Someday I'll say "I knew him when..." 😊👍🏻
Oh no, Kate! Well, that's my loss. I wish we could have connected.
I wish so, too. I will find you at one of these events... eventually 😭
Awww, thank you, Kate! It was awesome seeing your family yesterday. Thanks for getting Lux onto the spinning teacups…you should be negotiating our county’s finances(;
Lol, I would live that. Here a cut, there a cut - everywhere a CUT CUT! Always so fun to see you and your crew!
Lux saved me from having to ride those teacups!! She's such baddy chick 😎
Can’t hardly wait for the ballot so I can go through and vote “No” for any increase of taxes. Don’t read what it is for any longer. I have to counter all the people who want tax increases, really don’t understand. At this point it is about our survival not the privileged because the privileged already have more than enough available to them to be productive members in society. The privileged are the people getting all the freebies, those are the privileged fyi.
It is shameful how the good intentions of the citizens are exploited. I recommend deep diving into The Clinton Foundation for an understanding of how altruism is used as bait and switch for personal gain. Just a wee bit more money and Governance will end homelessness, unfairness, inequity and any other soft spot you might have that will open that wallet.
So true. Gates, Buffett and many others bask in the accolades of their philanthropy as they “give away” 90% of their wealth to personal foundations. They support taxing the 1% to support an ever-expanding government, while their wealth is insulated from estate and capital gain taxes with the foundation loophole. Their “philanthropy” is really a tax-free transfer of wealth to their heirs who can charge millions to run the foundation in perpetuity.
TRUTHBOMB
And save the planet from climate change.
Remember, It Takes A Village!
It’s too bad we have so many lined up to be the village idiot! Think, think, how can we choose?
Even kids have caught on. If they want a dog, they ask their parents for a pony.
You have correctly identified what is called the "Overton window". You have a dog in mind, but realize that probably won't be accepted by the people you want to pay for it. So you propose something outrageous like a Pony. The people paying will scoff but then be willing to negotiate for anything less than that, even the dog. Tactic used with every bond measure and bill that seems completely outrageous when proposed. They are actually looking for something less, but more than you would have accepted before.
Trump has and does use this tactic. But that is in a good way, ha.
Jake, it’s time to throw your hat in the ring for district 3
Thank you both for the breakdown and tactics. It is very hard for me to understand why people continue to vote for this and can’t see the forest for the trees. We would have stopped by but are in Austria. Stay safe.
Travel safe you two!
Love the new fair photo and t-shirt!
It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday at the fair. I've been a long time follower and didn't realize how bad the local government machines are and who they pander too.
Being a 4th generation and nowy daughter a 5th generation local business owner I've definitely seen a lot of changes especially the last 5-10 years. Between the state, city and county I really don't see us surviving much longer. Every time I turn around it's something new.
The people in charge pander to the small vocal peeps that have moved here and brought all their baggage with them. If you ask why they moved the reason is quality of life. Then why do you bring all that baggage with you and turn our small Hamlet into another ongoing shit show?
I have no idea who's on the PA city council anymore. I used to and they would come over to my office and actually talk to me and get a feel of the community. That's when sidewalks were fixed and pot holes were filled. Now it seems to be all about them and som BS idea on our dime.
I can go on but we all seem to get the picture.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by. Can to hang in there a bit longer? There's some good PA city council candidates that need our support ramping up to November. We can change things together.
It's getting harder and harder. Tbh the last 4 years were terrible. Everything was working AGAINST the small business owner. We burned through more reserves than we ever had.
The prior 4 years 2016-2020 we were rocking and rolling everything was great.
The last 30 years of Olympia BS has not helped either
I don't know any of the city council candidates. Can't vote for them cuz I live in the county.
Yes Thank you J+J ! It’s now so clear, it’s now so simple ! It’s just a checked box ! Say NOPE TO FEES AND TAXES !!