Facts: The United States of America was founded as a secular country. The constitution contains no mention of Christianity or any specific religion and does not establish a national church. Article VI of the constitution prohibits religious tests for public office, “no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.” Nearly all of the “founding fathers” practiced some form of Christianity. Many of the families of the founding fathers were people who came to the states to escape religious persecution in their home countries. Governmental enforcement of religion was a big concern to these people. Jefferson stated that the American people built a “wall of separation between church and state.” Timeline: 1776 - The declaration of independence was approved by congress. 1788 - The US constitution was ratified. 1792 - The first US coinage was minted containing no religious wording. 1864 - “In God We Trust” was added to the currency. 1954 - “Under God” was added to the pledge of allegiance.

One sign of being a radical/fundamentalist/cult member is seeing only one variable in the world. This shows up in many forms, for example thinking that all problems in the world are fixed by your favorite software, your favorite religion, your favorite politician, etc. Being a fundamentalist is appealing as it is a shortcut, a way to avoid the hard work and responsibility of thinking about things deeply. It’s a way to avoid the effort of juggling all the nuance and complexity in the world.

If I could wave a magic wand & everyone in the world would understand one thing, it would be this: humans are social creatures, our survival adaptation is co-operation w/ one another. Domination is not our survival adaptation, those instincts are hold overs from our more primitive past. What has brought us success is our ability to peacefully co-operate. Americans especially need this. We have a “I don’t need anyone” fetish. I know, I grew up with it. As a kid I read books like Robinson Crusoe and books on edible wild plants and wilderness survival. I had, in hindsight, the rather insane idea that if I couldn’t survive alone in the wood that I was a failed human 🤦🏻‍♀️ Of course it is plausible to survive in the woods by yourself. There are some well documented cases of it happening! But that is not a life that humans are built for nor is it a life that makes humans happy. For evidence see the studies on loneliness and all cause mortality. We are a social species that thrives on interdependence. And no this is not a support of communism. Large scale communism fails because it is not co-operative, it is authoritarian. Nor is this a disrespect for individuality, in fact, we can not have voluntary, co-operative, community without individual rights. This is support for getting better at peaceful co-operation. This is support for understanding that when your neighbor suffers, your quality of life is diminished as well.

I do not want to look like I'm 25. I do not want anyone treating me like I'm 25. That shit was awful.

A good protector doesn’t just protect in moments of crisis, they prevent moments of crisis. Someone who makes rape jokes has failed as a protector.

It’s a growing sentiment, the idea that mocking others, “dunking” on others, is an effective tool for changing minds. It may feel that way, especially on some social media platforms. But… # of likes ≠ winning hearts and minds. In fact it’s generally the opposite. I don’t engage in mockery, not because I’m a superior human, but because I know it is not only ineffective, it is counter productive. Here is what happens when you “dunk” on others… - You “energize your base” and excite those who are looking for emotional revenge. - You silence those who aren’t willing to step into the shit storm. - You demonstrate to the people watching that you are not safe to engage in real conversations with. - You hurt and shut down those who were on the other side but curious about your views. - You inspire revenge from those you’ve insulted, and can expect their blow back in the future. - You further the division. Mockery can feel like winning, especially on some social media platforms, as it is an effective short term strategy. In the short term you excite your base, get likes, and drive away dissenters. But you lose the hearts and minds of anyone outside your core base. You show yourself to be not worthy of real engagement. You push those on the fence over to the other side. And in the long run you’ve put yourself and your team in a much worse position. It might feel really good in the moment, but it’s a small short term win in exchange for a large long term loss. Mockery is an indulgent, short term strategy.

Well, I'm trying.

Just conversation about trains and monetary theory.

"Roles" are a means of avoiding actual emotional intimacy.

What do you suppose would have happened if Biden sent California's national guard into Texas? 🤔

I'm pretty sure that I'm the most popular Hannah Rosenberg on LinkedIn 🙌 #Winning

Would totally attend this class, this dude looks amazing!