As a writer, it is my job to persuade the reader. However, it is important to be aware that in life, there is always an element of inquiry. As a consumer, one can choose to invest their time and energy into different concepts, or they can choose to challenge them. This is applicable to life in general. The renowned hip-hop group, Public Enemy, has famously stated, “Don’t Believe the Hype.” This phrase serves as a reminder to have a healthy skepticism of authority, rather than blindly accepting its claims. It is important to be mindful of the potential for deception and manipulation.

For instance, I think that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was aware that the majority of domestic terrorism is perpetrated by far-right extremists and, as such, actively encouraged right-wing conspiracies against wearing masks. They were cognizant of the difficulties that would arise in identifying these extremists, yet they still chose to propagate such beliefs.

My thoughts may not be the absolute truth, yet I am acutely aware of the contentious history of the United States government in dismantling organizations that are perceived as a danger to national security, such as the notorious COINTELPRO. My ideas are based on my own critical thinking and a desire to comprehend the world in a more profound manner. Whether I am correct or wrong is irrelevant; my opinions are my own, the purpose being to expose and confront the falsehoods.

*

The Process of Speech

The mouth is
a Vesuvius of
incessant whispers of dereliction.
Thoughts simmer
in the yawn of morning,
The mind cradles what was
written in the clouds.
Dreams dissolve as the hands elapse,
clasping a fading whisper like a pen,
A tower of Babble
hems the page
and exits from my lips
like a hiccup.

***

(Featured image from Flickr user Thomas Ricker; used under CC BY 2.0)