Milk, Misinformation and Memorial Day

Sometimes you overhear comments that just make you shake your head.  I heard something a couple of days ago that lodged in my mind simply because it was intended to be a condemnation of specific behavior.  It bugged me because it was such a meaningless statement but, meant to be definitive.  The comment was intended to condemn the drinking of milk by adults.  It was, "Man is the only animal that drinks milk after weaning."

I opened my mouth to retort back, but then closed it again because I knew the conversation from that point would not be a good one.  If I had done so, this might be what I would have said:

That isn't technically correct.  I have observed grown cattle nursing other cows.  It isn't common, but they are opportunistic, just like every other animal.  But, it really doesn't matter, because many grown ups drink milk, just like they behave in other ways that no other animal behaves.  Some examples are:  1)  Humans also cook their food.  I don't know of any other animal that does that.  2)  Humans also take multiple food stuffs, mix them together through the "magic" of chemistry and change them into fabulous dishes like pancakes, sauces, casseroles, or other delicious things.  I don't think any other animals do that.  3)  Only around 2% of humans in the United States raise and harvest the food consumed by 100% of the population.  Ants and a few other insects also utilize a division of labor in the collection (notice that I said collection) of food and its transport, but most animals do not raise their own food -- in fact I don't know of any that do.  4)  There are a few animals that utilize tools of some fashion, but man is the only animal that uses tools to make even more complex tools that increase their power to accomplish work.  Some examples would be automobiles, tractors, airplanes, computers, etc.  Should I go on?

The groups that are opposed to the use of animals for food in any fashion constantly seed society with misleading phrases like the one above.  The trouble is that people don't stop and think about them, they just latch on to the ones that resonate personally and propagate them in ways that are negative.  In this case, the person saying it may be lactose intolerant, or simply doesn't like milk.  It doesn't really matter, it is the negativity that grates on me.

What makes me sad though, is that mankind, the creative animal that is both opportunistic and yet foresighted enough to conserve resources in a sustainable fashion, is also gullible enough to fall for deception.  It is confirmation there is a God out there that keeps us from destroying ourselves, and that God certainly isn't man himself.

Okay, I'm done with my rant.  Enjoy your Memorial Day, but keep in mind why we have this holiday on which we honor those who gave the supreme sacrifice that we might enjoy the freedom we have -- even if that freedom means some will use it to promulgate propaganda.

At War for Your Mind

In today's world of technology we are bombarded with information.  For those who watch television, or listen to radio (which includes virtually everyone), there is a never-ending stream of messaging that influences what we think, what we want, what we buy, and who we trust.  When you add to that the sources on the Internet which includes various Social Media platforms, the stream of information aimed at each of us is overwhelming.

I read a lot.  Much of what I read that is non-fiction is either Biography, or history.  Within the history category, I am somewhat divided but, with a slight preference toward Old West history (U.S.).  Other categories though, include U.S. and other histories related to various wars and the events leading to them.  I have a number of books related to intelligence gathering, espionage, etc. especially as relates to World War II and Vietnam.

I am currently reading a history of MI6, the British Intelligence Service -- comparable to our CIA.  One of the things that strikes me as I read that history is the amount of propaganda that was sown both directions -- into Germany and its allies as well as that which was sent into Great Britain and her allies.  Propaganda was a tool employed by both sides to sow unrest and to attempt to sway public opinion.

I believe that today we are in the midst of a propaganda war.  It is a war of ideas.  It is a globalist vision versus a nationalist vision.

There are valid arguments for both views.  A global government could potentially resolve many issues such as war between sovereign states and could remove many dictatorial type governments that repress and enslave people.  Conceivably, it could eliminate, or greatly reduce poverty.  Then again, on the other side of the coin, the paramount question is of what form that government would take.  The values codified in the U.S. Constitution are precious to us.  At its heart is the concept that government is established by the consent of the people and is limited in scope and power.  Globalists, on the other hand, seek an all-powerful government that supersedes the rights of the individual and would concentrate control in the hands of the few who, in their minds at least, know what is best for the masses.

The globalist vision crosses political party lines.  It is not a Republican versus Democrat issue, although it appears based on rhetoric that Democrats are at least more obvious in their call for open borders and a one-world government.  It is not a rural versus city issues although values of independence seem to remain stronger in rural areas.  It is not a U.S. versus other countries issues.  On some levels it is a rich versus poor issue.  Wealth concentrates power.  Power lusts for more power.  Global companies want global governance because it makes doing business easier.

I don't really have a point to this brief commentary other than to say, be very critical of what you hear and see in the way of information.  Keep in mind that whoever is behind the message has an agenda.  Discontent is being sown and fomented by the messaging.  Don't take any of it at face value.