Concerned

 Often times when I comment on a Facebook posting it is met with this question; why so angry. The truth is I'm not angry at all, just expressing my opinion. Ok, so there are times when that is expressed in more forceful terms than at others. Still, I don't classify that as anger, instead I think of it as conviction. And conviction is an important step in the sales process. If you have ever taken a course in sales or psychology that should be obvious. The course I took spelled it out this way. The five steps to the sale. Conversation, curiosity, conviction, desire and close. The conversation is the original post, that's why you post something isn't it? The purpose being to start a conversation. I was curious and so I read that. I answered with conviction! Rather like saying to the salesman I don't need a new car. Then it is up to the salesman to create a desire in me for that new car and close the deal. 

 I think the problem we are having today is that people really aren't that committed to what they are posting. Many are posting just for the reaction that post will garner. Others are posting in an attempt to gain followers, to become popular and respected, if only in their own minds. What is lacking however is any conviction that their statement is valid. That's why they struggle to support that opinion, often citing others with advanced degrees, or social popularity as proof. They can not really discuss the topic at all, they have little knowledge beyond that opening statement. And perhaps most disturbing of all is when I see the same individual posting opposing opinions on the same topic depending upon the audience. You really do have to believe in the product, that product being yourself. 

  Do I have followers on Facebook? I suppose I do by some measure, not my own. I really have no clue about any of that. I have a friends list, surprisingly long to me, I don't recall many of the names on that list at all. I don't think of every person on that list as a friend per se, just folks I have agreed to interact with over a period of time. I have been on Facebook for a couple decades I guess. Only in the last few years did I begin to not accept friend requests because of scammers and those with bad intentions. Have I made any friends on Facebook? Well, that depends upon how you wish to define a friend I suppose. I enjoy having far more acquaintances than I do friends. I really can't "share" all of me with that many people, and if you are a friend of mine, that does require a closer personal relationship. There are times when I share me with others  and that's when they ask me, why so angry. They're angry because my opinion doesn't agree with theirs.

  I do think that we have become more of an aggressive society in general terms. I've written about that several times describing what I call polite company. What I'm talking about are the social dictates I was raised observing compared to what is being promoted today. Possibly the most glaring, the most obvious is the choice of language we use in public today. It isn't just the common people either, politicians and others in a position of authority just let fly with that language as well, It's a verbal assault! I've been aware of this psychological ploy for many years. Even as a kid I knew that there were those guys and gals that would use coarse, vulgar and threatening words in an attempt to intimidate you. Yeah, the tough guys talk like that. That was in full bloom and display while I was in the Navy as well. And today you might hear that in the halls of Congress, or indeed on the chamber floor!  

  Many are confusing that with anger. It isn't anger at all, it is insecurity. It is the need to be accepted, or at the very least make others afraid of you. This need is increasing as we become more "civilized" more "advanced" and "progressive" in our society. The need arises because we are surrendering our independence in favor of  convenience, safety and the removal of accountability. We are being bombarded with a simple message, over and over again. You can't do that on your own, you are a victim, and deserve so much more. You are being treated unfairly and unjustly. You should be angry! Very angry! You probably should seek help.

  I'm not angry, I'm concerned for the future. It's the same concern my parents had and each generation before them. My concern centers on the America I grew up in and love. An American that was focused on American values, traditions and cultures. We were certainly interested in other cultures, as a matter of curiosity. We weren't adopting those however. We seem to have forgotten the reason we rebelled and formed our nation in the first place. It was to be independent, to establish a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, those people being Americans! We declared our intentions  and established our constitutional republic for Americans. 

  It wasn't about popularity, it was about being independent. That applies to people as well as nations. When raising our children what is it we all wish for them? For them to grow up to become independent, responsible adults able to take care of themselves. To grow up accepting and understanding the responsibility being a citizen of this great nation. Yes, it is a responsibility and one to be taken seriously. Yes it does come with certain perks, entitlements and benefits, but those must be earned. The constitution was created to protect those rights from government while providing for penalties for non-compliance as well. If you are a bad citizen, bad things happen to you. Not too difficult a concept to grasp.