Cognitive Dissonance

The cognitive dissonance caused by our "2-Party System's" push for the Hobson's Choice between the "lesser of 2 evils" is abusive and will cause deep-seated emotional trauma in the psyche of the American people.

The voter suppression, the election fraud, and the uneven-handed portrayal of what occurred by the media, presents a stark contrast between what is actually happening and how Americans were raised to view themselves and the virtues of their Government. 

The cognitive dissonance that results from trying to hold onto one's perceptions in the face of mounting evidence that things, in reality, are of the contrary, can cause conflicts with friends and loved ones; and create emotional anxiety, which can cause physical harm.

Awakening to the realization that the Government you love and trust, manipulated your emotions with deception is a painful pill to swallow. 

Mere questioning the official story tears at our heartstrings of patriotism and national pride. Friends & family shame us for even going to that place of inquiry. It's discomforting and taboo. "How dare you!" "You must be crazy!" And so, this disconnect between what is empirically real and what is dogmatically allowed to be believed, festers within us, unresolved.

The trauma it causes is no different from that sustained in an abusive relationship, where one unquestioningly wrestles between the beatings received while in a relationship of love.

While the awakening process can be disheartening, the old adage "the truth will set you free," still holds true.

I recognize my Government has misbehaved. And, I'm prepared to forgive it, if it changes its oligarchic & imperialistic ways.

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For more musings of Michael Arlen, see #MikeDrop