Sometimes I Wish I Just Didn't Know

[NanceGreggs]

Sometimes I wish I just didn’t know.

I think about how uncomplicated life would be if I accepted the MSM version of current events, instead of seeking out the real news via more reliable sources. I ponder how I could go about my daily routine with ease if I simply took the word of well-coiffed, corporate-owned shills without questioning their credentials or their morals, instead of searching for more disturbing fare from the vanishing breed of journalists whose only motivation is reporting the truth.

Sometimes I wish I just didn’t know that my government is being run by warmongering profiteers, who view taxpayers’ dollars as a source of personal wealth to be deftly transferred from the pockets of hard-working Americans into the bank accounts of themselves, their families, and their friends.

Sometimes I wish I could just pretend that these are fine, moral people who just happened, through sheer coincidence, to have profited from the deaths of so many, along with the death of the American Dream.

Sometimes I wish I just didn’t know that the current administration is a collection of thieves, incompetents and liars, the kind of people who hide behind phrases like executive privilege and for reasons of national security while destroying the Constitution and ignoring the rule of law.

Sometimes I wish I could just be one of the mindless sheep who convince themselves, on an ongoing basis, that there have been no freedoms lost nor laws broken – and if there have been, it is of no consequence.

Sometimes I wish I just didn’t know that people on the other side of the world are dying not to promote or sustain democracy, but to fill the coffers of the greedy and fulfill the sick aspirations of those who see the dead in terms of meaningless numbers, and the resources of the oppressed as something they are entitled to exploit for the sake of their bottom line.

Sometimes I wish I could truly believe there is a positive outcome to the ongoing bloodbath, and all of the destruction, the violence, the inhumanity will somehow transform itself into a happy ending for all concerned.

Sometimes I wish I just didn’t know that the only power being promoted and embraced by the present government is the power of the Almighty Dollar, and its only goal the pursuit of ensuring that every last dollar be wrested from the hands of the honest and hard-working in order to be handed over to the already wealthy.

Sometimes I wish I could ignore the plight of my fellow citizens, and just tell myself that survival of the fittest, however immoral the unleveling of the playing field, is what America is all about.

Sometimes I wish I just didn’t know that my nation, once the Cradle of Democracy, has become a breeding-ground of torturers, that the Home of the Brave is now the refuge of cowards who sit silent in the face of the complete destruction of those perceived to be weak, that the country built on the principle of Freedom of Religion is populated with so-called Christians who preach intolerance, hatred, violence, and the all-important ethic of visiting death and destruction on those who worship differently.

Honestly, and with all sincerity, there are times when I wish I just didn’t know – times when I dream about how peacefully I could sleep if I didn’t have nightmares about my own country and what it has become; times when I wish I could look at my children and not imagine how it would feel if they were imprisoned and tortured, times when I truly desire to see an American flag waving and not wonder what atrocities are being committed in its name, times when I want to be free of the knowledge that everything my country once stood for has been dragged through the mud by corporate greed and those who enable it, by Bible-spouting propagandists who prey on those of true faith, by alleged patriots who supplant love-of-country with lapel-pins and bumper-stickers, and by sadists who hide behind phrases like Keeping America Safe in order to enjoy the excruciating pain of those they know to be innocent.

Like many Americans, sometimes I wish I just didn’t know. But to deliberately not know is to be complicit, to be part of the deafening silence that allows such things to happen.

To choose not to know is, in and of itself, to choose not to care. And if we choose not to care, all is truly and irretrievably lost.

[tbyg52]

1. K&R#1 (this never happens to me!)

Edited to add that you say what I was thinking, only *much* better, of course.

[flvegan]

2. In "The Wall" they just marched right into the meat grinder.

It might be easier, but it's never better. I would never want it to be easier like that.

Okay, maybe sometimes, a mindless break would be nice. You're right.

[Yael]

3. Thanks Nance!

[DB1]

4. deja vu

[Fumesucker]

5. I'm reminded of an old saying..

If ignorance is bliss, then why aren't more people happy?

[Ichingcarpenter]

6. Damn, You just blow me away every time

Kick and nominated.........

[islandmkl]

always keep in mind:

He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool. Shun him.
He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a child. Teach him.
He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep. Wake him.
He who knows, and knows that he knows, is a leader. Follow him.

--Attributed to Omar Khayam, 13th century philosopher

[Ichingcarpenter]

8. One of my favorite writers

thanks.

[NanceGreggs]

9. Thanks for adding that ...

... things we should all keep in mind.

[Demeter]

12. Aye, There's the Rub---Where Are Those Who Know, and Know that They Know?

That's us, guys: Leaders, or we should be. Tag, You're IT.

[ananda]

16. two more

He who knows and pretends not to in order
to allow a leader to harm others or profit
at their expense is pure evil.

He who knows and deliberately falsifies
what he knows in order to get votes or
followers is the very devil himself.

[Martin Eden]

41. He who knows not, but thinks he knows ...

... is to be to be resolutely opposed (especially if he holds the reigns of power).

[undergroundpanther]

64. I would change the last line

He who knows, and knows that he knows, is a leader. Follow him.
To
He who knows, and knows that he knows, is a leader. Walk beside him and begin to lead thyself.

[Breeze54]

7. "Knowledge is Power" and "Silence is Complicity"

Artist is on death row

'Weight On'


http://www.ccadp.org/billieallenweighton



I wish I didn't know or couldn't know either. :(

:kick: & Recommended

[Cooley Hurd]

10. Damn our infernal brains!

At least, when the history of this era is written, our souls will be clean.:thumbsup:

[Jester Messiah]

55. How so?

This degradation of America happened on our watch. B*sh is going to get off without so much as a slap on the wrist while our elected representatives either wring their hands or wink at one another. It's enough to make me sick. Clean souls? No, I don't think so.

[Jack Rabbit]

11. Let me make a suggestion to everybody . . .

Image from TurnOffYourTV.com

[EFerrari]

33. "Blow up your teevee / throw away the paper"

:thumbsup:

[kentuck]

13. Sometimes I wish you didn't know...

also. Then you wouldn't have to depress the hell out of the rest of us with the facts. :-)

[babylonsister]

14. There are so many people who fit into this Nancerant; I think I'm

going to send it out to a few of them that I haven't yet pissed off. Thanks, Nance, you are great! :loveya:

[eleny]

15. Just today I was thinking how it would be if I tuned it all out

How my life would change and be calmer, even serene. And then I got hold of it. Like you said, it would mean I chose not to care.

N-a-a-a-h...

[Fireweed247]

17. I too can understand why people want to turn away and deny what is happening in this country..

...especially the events of 9/11. Some people get angry when you try to tell them the truth.

But at this point we have the overwhelming majority that realize what a farce the Bush administration and Congress are, people want an end to the illegal immoral war and Impeachment to prevent Bush from doing anymore damage. Apparently We the People no longer has meaning because the Congress could care less what we think.

Since we have a majority, what do we DO to make changes in this country? All I can think of is that we replace the entire US Congress with people who have not been corrupted by the Corporations or blackmailed by Bush and his Mobster friends.
That is the idea behind this movement www.peacecandidates.com

But I am open to more ideas....anyone know what we can DO to take back our country?

[Solly Mack]

18. For a split second each day...and then I get a move on. Excellent! Thank you!

K&R

[mmm413]

19. I know how you feel

Just the other day (within the last week), I was talking to my daughter about how bad the economy is tanking and I said, "I wish I didn't know." That was the exact phrase I used. I've been a political or current affairs junky since the 8th grade. I'm now 59. I know I'd be happier if I didn't read what I read or watch what I watch. But I'm sucked in every day. In fact, just today I got an email from someone I really like (but she's pushing my envelope) about how illegal immigrants are draining our economy! Pissed me off. And I responded while in that mood. I agree. I wish I didn't care or, more importantly, I wish I didn't know. I wish I were an uninformed AMERICA FIRST supporter. But I'm just not and I just can't be and it has led to unbelieveable depression. So much so, that I've basically become a hermit because I cannot deal with people anymore who think that things are hunkey dorey, but don't understand why it takes $60 to fill up their 15 gallon tank on their car. Or who can't understand why a small loaf of bread costs $2. Etc. etc. etc.

Hugs & Kisses

[kentuck]

20. K & R

For a friend. :-)

[ClayZ]

21. Your words make me weigh my heart.

Verdict: Heavy!

I also sometimes wish I didn't know what I know. Other times I am wondering what "Parade of Horribles" did I not learn of thus far.

Thanks! K and R

[madamesilverspurs]

22. Oh, yeah.

A while back I posted a piece to our local newspaper. In it I posited that there is a very significant difference between ignorance and stupidity. Ignorance, by definition, is a state of not knowing. Stupidity, on the other hand, often seems to be a matter of making a deliberate choice to remain in ignorance. All of this was, of course, in response to a series of comments to the effect that Bush is right about everything (which should tell you something about the composition of the population in these-here parts). You can imagine the names I was called.

At present, there are many around here who agree with Bush's opinion that people are poor due to laziness, and they have been very vocal with that opinion in the county that has led the nation in foreclosures. Thus, your last line is very compelling. It suggests that, in many cases, deliberate ignorance gives the appearance of permission to be indifferent to the suffering of others. For those so inclined, the energy sapping exertions of such mental and emotional contortions leaves little energy for the experience of honest happiness. More's the pity for them.

As for me, I'll continue in the ranks of those who, from time to time, wish we didn't know. It beats the hell out of the alternative.

[grantcart]

23. pain is good it means your still alive

pain in your soul is good it means that your still growing.

And on Jan 20, 2009 we are going to be able to put a lot of that pain aside and rejoice in a victory long long in the making.



And maybe for the first time in my life I will be able to use what I consider to be the stupidest phrase ever uttered, "Only in America". For the first time in a long time America will actually be doing something unique.

[NanceGreggs]

26. "... rejoice in a victory long in the making ..."

Beautifully put.

[rasputin1952]

24. Maintaining a level of ignorance has become an art form...

for some people. Despite of all of the evidence to show show so many things, from torture, to global warming, to the shredding of our Rights under the Constitution, I find it incredible that there are some who still don't see the obvious, or worse yet, see it and still do nothing to change course.

The history of this nation is not what the textbooks have told us. Few people realize that the largest single expense, if you go by items, for the Continental Congress, was the money spent on whiskey. Not that they didn't do a pretty good job putting cobbling things together, but they missed a lot too.

Scandals come and scandals go; Alexander Hamilton's dalliances are a footnote now, but at the time, he was seen as a charlatan. When he was called a "bastard and a womanizer", he stood right up and stated he was indeed a bastard, and as for the womanizing, he stated, (probably correctly), that he never forced a woman to do anything, they were all willing, he killed the scandal on the spot. Since that time, people from all political points, have picked up what power there is in coming clean, but they fail to use that power.

But I digress. The level of self-imposed ignorance is incredible. Most people have been moved out of their comfort zone during the past 7+ years, and yet most people haven't a clue about the Teapot Dome Scandal; they should look it up, as the current thieves make those of the time look like pikers.

I sit here and wonder how much of the money used to kill and maim others, could have been used for education, health-care, feeding the poor at home and around the world. The vast sums of cash that are unaccounted for, that could have aided so many, bringing them up from poverty and starvation...the tools to help them to become self-sufficient that were never bought.

Years ago I saw a picture that has haunted me since I first laid eyes on it. An African child is crumpled, in the dust waiting for death, a vulture on the ground waiting patiently for it's next meal. I often think of that picture, and the better angel of my nature believes that the photographer could not have left that starving child in the dust, just as the mother of that child could not, if she were still alive. But it was another turning point for me, how could I accept this as any kind of "norm". The usual discussion of drought in Africa was gone into in detail, but what was missing, was what nations were doing to alleviate the horror. The UN sent food, water and some medical supplies, (not nearly enough to deal with the immediate problem), but the supplies were waylaid by gangsters who called themselves a government and sold on the Black Market. No one did anything to stop the theft. The world, (with the exception of a very vocal Sweden), sat on the collective hands of the nations.

We have come full circle. We are now in a time when government is seen by some of the extremely wealthy who see the Treasury as nothing more than a personal account, a slush fund for use in their own largess. The next administration is going to have a hard time correcting so many wrongs, and if there is an opposition congress based on numbers of D' vs R's, we will not see much changing.

It is the duty and obligation of every citizen to ensure our nation is run responsibly. We do this with our vote, and our ability to hold those elected to office accountable. We have failed in the accountability area for quite some time. But a new warm breeze is beginning to blow across the nation, people are sick of being scammed, the end of the neo-con age is our hands. But we must be pro-active, we cannot allow this war to continue, we cannot see our Treasury filled w/IOU's and cobwebs, we cannot allow ourselves to be beaten into the ground by the incredible greed of a few.

The potential for this nation has been barely tapped, and yet those who hold the reins of power, would drag us back into a Dark Age, where there are the Lords of the Manor...and the rest of us. Perhaps, just perhaps, the majority of the people of this great nation are willing to stand up and say enough. Keyboard Warriors abound, let's see if those who pound the keyboard in earnest, have the gumption to step up to the plate and retake our nation.

One of Lincoln's greatest fears was that, "a nation of the people, by the people, and for the people", might someday perish. We live in the shadow of those words, and we must ensure that this nation shall so long endure.


edit: clear up grammatical errors.

[NanceGreggs]

27. As always, Rasputin ...

... I will say that this should be posted as a separate thread. And as always, my words will fall on deaf ears.

This reply is too good to gulp - please post it where it can be savoured.

[rasputin1952]

28. Once again, I am comfortable in your shadow...

:hug:

[rasputin1952]

29. Sorry, dupe post...

:blush:

[annabanana]

37. You can never really crawl back into the matrix.

. .. . not once you've been outside and started to discover it's true nature.

[bdamomma]

25. great post Nance,

for me I could not walk around in denial or willful ignorance, but WE THE PEOPLE, sooner or later, we waited long enough to rise up, that time may be coming, cause it seems we will be the only ones who could something, and everything that happens in the US has a ripple effect to other countries, do we really want other countries to feel the wrath to.

[bigbrother05]

30. My life was easier, when I didn't know

it was easier to raise Kids, and not be involved in politics. I learned many years ago, that if it did not involve you, why care. I was shocked at the lack of involvement. My favorite saying
If we only tax the stupid people, we would be a rich nation.

[JeffR]

31. K & R

:kick:

[Oldtimeralso]

32. Nance, another one out of the park!

One of my favorite saying is "there are dumb people, and there are stupid people".
I think if I had ever had the chance to say that to you I'm sure you would know exactly what I mean.
THANKS and keep them coming, your work is superb!

[caseycoon]

34. I wish that a lot.

But unless I get alzheimer's I am doomed to know.
Damn DU anyway!
:rofl:

[sinkingfeeling]

35. Although polls say that 81% of Americans believe we are on the 'wrong track', they also are saying

McCain can beat either Democratic candidate. Therefore, the majority of Americans are choosing not to know what they know.

[BrklynLiberal]

42. I was also dumbstruck when I read about that as well!!!

How can 80+% of the people believe that Bush is wrong wrong wrong.....and yet there is not going to be a Democratic landslide this year..no matter who the Dem candidate is??!!!:wtf:

[raccoon]

36. "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then."--Bob Seger. Sometimes I feel this way too.

Rec'd.

[indepat]

38. The number of Amurikkkans who choose not to know is inexplicable/utterly mind-boggling

:cry:

[Caretha]

39. Sometimes I'd like to stick my head in the sand too,

but everytime I do, someone comes along and kicks me in the ass.

[mrbluto]

40. This post was.....good.

I actually agree with you on this Nance.

I recognize the sentiment.

The post was well written.

One comment about this bit:

Sometimes I wish I could ignore the plight of my fellow citizens, and just tell myself that survival of the fittest, however immoral the unleveling of the playing field, is what America is all about.

Lucky for future generations (perhaps not us, perhaps not even our children) ethics, empathy and cooperation are important parts of "fitness" - selection will eventually get around to discouraging a**holes (terminally). Let's just hope the reality-based types can survive the fallout and get our liberal (rational) democracy back.

Democracy isn't merely nice - it's a good strategy (in the long run).

[guyanakoolaid]

43. Sometimes I wish I didn't know Pelosi and other Dem appeasers were completely OK with your list...

and completely willing to take appropriate reaction "off the table".

[libodem]

44. Thanks, Nance

for putting some words to that empty, hopeless feeling, in my heart. It's sad to be as cynical and sarcastic as I've become in order to cope with what I see as the destruction of our civilization. I came across the word Freeman, in something thing I was reading, as in freemen and slaves would be equal. Made me think of the 'Freeman', type of thinking that was around when people like Jefferson, were Deists. You know believing in a higher power but not being controlled by religion. I just feel like the Repubs came in and stoled religion, bought God, and have excused everything that they have done, because they have some special divine right. It's that 'Divine Right' that empowers 'Royal Families' and gives them special ruling power over the 'underclass'. I just never thought I would see in my life time where men were no longer created equal. And government was no longer for the people and by the people. Once we loose our Bill Of Rights it's not as if it will be restored to us without a fight. My heart is broken for our country.

[Pisces]

45. great post, maybe we should also ask where did our common sense go?

[Kindigger]

47. If you were in a room full of Freeps

I would guess the "common sense" would be on their side of the room. Out in the real world they're harder to sort out.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

46. My dear Nance...

How right you are, as always...

These facts make me weep...

Thank you, sweetie...

:cry:

K&R

[Freedomofspeech]

48. I never suffered from depression until this administration...

I'm actually on an anti-depressant thanks to these lousy no good bastards. Too many stupid people in this country still believe that Amerika does no wrong.

[bjobotts]

49. The only way to not know is to not 'want' to know how corrupt this administration is.

[bjobotts]

51. There is only a 25% chance that we will even have an election

[bjobotts]

52. Unintentionally, when Pelosi took impeachment off the table, democracy went with it.

[bjobotts]

53. We cannot keep Bush from attacking Iran if he decides to do it. That's a dictatorship.

[NNN0LHI]

50. I have had people say to me, "You know too much."

I consider that a compliment.

Don

[Jester Messiah]

54. I think most people know... some are just adept at living in denial. [nt]

[woundedkarma]

56. I feel that way sometimes, ty Nance

There's another question I ask myself at the same time though. I have a nephew and 4 nieces and over the last year I've entertained thoughts of having children and one of the many questions that comes to mind is: Is it better to allow others to stay ignorant? Or to introduce them to the truth?

If you let them be they may or may not figure things out on their own. They will never have a conscious choice about it. If you show them or tell them, they still won't get a choice as once you know and understand, it's too late, you are stuck knowing.

The answer I think, depends on the question Nance asks, would I have been better off ignorant or not? As they say, knowledge is power. If you know nothing, your life is not your own, you have no power. Your world is not your own. Knowing what's going on around you, knowing the wrongs and the injustices in the world give you the power to fight against them.

[bushmeister0]

57. No one left to speak in Germany either.

"When they came for the gypsies, I did not speak, for I am not a gypsy. When they came for the Jews, I did not speak, because I wasn't a Jew. When they came for the Catholics, I did not speak, for I am not a Catholic. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak."

[Ilsa]

58. Yeah, but if you didn't know, we'd have to call you a Republican.

Oh wait, that is if you knew and didn't CARE.

Great post.

[TechBear_Seattle]

59. Very nice

Thank you. :patriot:

[Altean Wanderer]

60. Wow. Thanks for that great essay! n/t

[progressoid]

61. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII, have become comfortably numb.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=tkJNyQfAprY&feature=related

[bobbolink]

62. I wish I didn't know that poverty isn't a priority with liberals and progressives.

I wish I wasn't left out of every list of important things.

It hurts.

But, who cares....

[dixiegrrrrl]

63. Joe Bageant calls it "rage fatique"

in a recent column..
( always a good read, is Joe)

http://www.joebageant.com/joe/2008/04/the-audacity-of.html

[ThoughtCriminal]

65. When I run into the kind of person who doesn't know

and learn what they are like - bigots, fearful cowards, functional illiterates and idiots - I come to the conclusion that knowing isn't as bad as the alternative.

[ms liberty]

66. Amen, sister. I feel the same way. Too late to Rec, but here's a kick. n/t

[NikolaC]

67. Amazing

I can't tell you how many times I have had a similar conversation with my husband and family. Life would be so much easier if I were not aware. But, in the end, my conscience would not allow me to be blind to what is going on in this world.