RE: The Daily Meme #323!

I have learned that in a crisis, the hot potato that underlies it has to cool down before you can talk about it freely at some point. In the time stream of an event, new events are needed to let the former slowly slide into oblivion. I think we are talking about many years. Some things remain taboo for centuries, I think. Free speech crosses this taboo line and therefore it is something that those who do so always expose themselves to the risk of experiencing consequences of one kind or another. For example, if free speech were always an unchallenged element, it would not be recognised as valuable. It is only by experiencing it as fought against or suppressed that one can see where the value lies.

In Bernie's case, it caused confusion as to what he had actually launched his actions for or against. In retrospect, I interpret it as cynical or jester-like action, and I think such power and attention can confuse even the funniest journeyman in his own actions. I watched the whole thing and only had one encounter with him in which I wanted to test whether I would be flagged. I don't remember what I said to him exactly, I was friendly but sincere and he surprised me with a decidedly calm response.

I suppose he wanted to make an example and he did and has become a legend in this sphere.

I think the powerful are also utopians who fall for ideas and, compared to the citizen, they have ways and means to sell their utopia well. The citizen, who only knows celebrities and politicians and no one else, helps this power achieve long-term fulfilment. I even think that the voices that rail most against oppression actually support it in some ways. One can forget that between black and white there is much more, unknown, surprising and healing.

By the way, why did you send me the users guide?