(Article changed on June 16, 2013 at 09:30)
Edward Snowden, Patriot of Oligarchical Collectivism
By Ethan Indigo Smith
w t heck by ethan
Surely the Edeward Snowdens of the world all ask themselves at one point or another, in one way or
another however exactly phrased, "what is patriotism?' Sometimes little questions turn into very big
contemplations. Occasionally simply
asking the time is a very big deal.
Today, "what is patriotism?' is one such question.
Edward Snowden had a job very much like
Winston Smith from 1984, although in a different ministry or department, one
that scoured the communications of all citizens, something George Orwell
probably couldn't technologically foresee. Edward Snowden was figuratively snowed in by information and probably the question,
"what is patriotism?' lingered. If there
are not any behind the scenes scenarios which prove this all to be a play to
spoon feed us information on the Orwellian state structure to maintain a level
of tolerance, than Edward Snowden is a patriot pure and simple.
What is
patriotism? It is all about
information. The fact that Edward Snowden
shared information of relevance to all people makes him a patriot. The reason for intelligence agencies is because
information is strength. And what is the
reason for keeping secrets?
The whole scenario
is so similar to 1984 as to almost be definable through the characterizations in
1984. In 1984 there are four types off people;
the proles, the outer party, the inner party and the brotherhood. It's as if Edward Snowden, a former prole, made
his way into the outer party and then gave us a glimpse of how the inner party
is spending our money, what concerns them and in what direction they are taking
us. And it's as if in doing so, he
became part of the brotherhood.
In order to best understand
patriotism it is optimal to contrast it with the other types of political
thinking and being, four in total. First
there is information, the complex information on the erosion of our First Amendment
rights and the right to go and do as we please without having to be accompanied
by fed-bugs, or any information. Let's
use fire for simplicity.
There are the idiots
who do not want to change their thoughts or opinions. When idiots are informed of the dangers of
fire, they will shut their eyes in fear and later be burned. When zealots are told about the dangers of
fire, they won't hear the words because they are transfixed with their preconceptions
and later be burned. When elitists learn
about fire, they will look and listen and later remain silent while others are
burned. In all likelihood, the elitists
will have bandages ready to sell to the idiots and zealots who burn themselves,
and may have set the fire to begin with.
Patriots learn
about fire, patriots question the heat and light of fire and do everything in
their power to inform others about the dangers of fire and also its potential
usefulness. If the others ignore the
patriots, patriots stop until they open their eyes and ears. Patriots will not gather fuel for the fire,
their arms are crossed and they cease until the others learn. Patriots look, listen, speak and cease to
supply the fire.
Idiots and zealots
shut their eyes and clasp their ears to new information that could possibly
change their mindset about subjects as dangerous as fire. They would rather be ignorant. They know that asking questions risks
revealing new information, which can make it extremely difficult to continue
their course in the status quo, more difficult even than nursing burns.
Idiots storm out
of rooms and flee from new information in any and every way imaginable. They support the status quo by refusing new
knowledge. One could point out they are
shackled and being played, but they don't want to know. The best way to convince idiots to question
is to provide them with information. Thank
you, Edward Snowden for doing so. Idiots
are passive and slow to react. It takes
time to inspire questioning among them.
The best way to reach idiots is by informing them of parallels and
relevant information.
Idiots and zealots
may be frightened to go outside the cave to look and listen; patriots have to
show them it is possible. Gripped by
fear, they need to see and hear what's outside the cave before they will go
outside. Patriots may be afraid at times
as well, everyone is afraid sometimes; only patriots are not afraid of obtaining
or supplying any information. Patriots
are unafraid of obtaining information or speaking out on their perspective of
the truth. Patriots are unafraid of
taking action or halting action on behalf of what is right. If patriots are wary of anything, it is the
outcome of the fear and ignorance of others, continuation without relevant information. For more on patriotism and the four character
types in the political spectrum read the Complete Patriot's Guide to
Oligarchical Collectivism: Its Theory and Practice.