but perhaps you misunderstood my question,
Yes...
So my next question is *why* did you want to avoid admitting you have a mind
I didn't see THAT as the question.
Are you concerned that I might go off on a tangent about mental states, mental manipulation, mind control, group-mind-vs-individual-mind theories?
Yes, and from what else you've written here and elsewhere, that does seem to be your major theme. That's what the "MindWar" shouted to me. I think discussion of any of that belongs in a different thread. I apologize that I made too large a leap and did not consider everything you wrote here carefully enough.
why would you want my question to be directed to a private discussion? I am just asking, as it leaves me baffled.
A prolonged discussion about mind control, etc. did not seem appropriate for this thread. I still think another - or several other threads would be more appropriate. I only suggested the PM in case YOU felt a need for it. I always offer it.
that this place is named The Mental Militia, and that the very name itself indicates that members here value mentality, and that ownership of one's mind is a basic prerequisite, and that personal responsibility for the structure, nature, and content of one's individual mind is the door to personal freedom, and that no "militia" ever existed outside the purpose of obtaining and maintaining "freedom".
Of course. I don't think TMM has ever completely lost that focus. There are a few regular members who seem to think this involves endless posting of the "news" and various atrocities, etc. - but I don't know why that should be a problem. Anyone who does not share that focus is perfectly free to ignore it. I post the "news" or commentaries from outside with the intent to encourage discussion. Sometimes those discussions get heated, and sometimes nobody cares enough to contribute, but I don't see that as a problem either.
I don't want to see some cadre decide that there can only be ONE kind of discussion here, ONE philosophy, ONE method... or even only two or three, and attempt to seize "control" of the forum in some way. It can happen so easily...
then we can talk about personal responsibility for the content of one's mind,
Seems to me that anyone who does not take personal responsibility for the content of their mind isn't going to be interested in anything we write. I happen to think that everything is a choice. The fact that some people make choices based on faulty information or motives doesn't change that. But if they are not willing to understand that they DO have a choice, and can find better information if they want it... and that better information is what is worth talking about. As far as I'm concerned, the only rational motive for choices is honest self interest, based on the integrity of non-aggression.
But you can't make that damned horse drink no matter where you try to lead him if he's plain NOT THIRSTY. I spent a good part of the last 60 years trying to lead those horses around and found it was a fat waste of my time and effort. Now I look for THIRSTY horses, and indicate where they might find water if they want it. If others want to trail along out of curiosity, terrific, but it is their CHOICE. If people want to die of thirst, I really can't do a damned thing about it but sigh a little now and again. I have no responsibility to save anyone but myself, and the older I get, the less interested I am in saving the world.
See, I don't believe for a moment that any entity on earth can control the minds of people against their will. They can be seduced, bought, and intimidated, of course... but that's a different thing. And I don't believe in any kind of supernatural or extra terrestrial entity either. But I have zero interest in preventing anyone else from discussing any of it, to say the least. None of my business.
ML, you don't need to be uncomfortable speaking with me --
LOL! You know me better than that, my friend. I've never been shy about speaking my mind... and many here have made it plain that I do too much of it... so I've quit to a great extent. Far too many people seem to be intimidated by someone speaking their mind powerfully, and with conviction. They want everything couched in conciliatory and apologetic terms, and I won't be bothered.
we've been friends since the year 2000, when I drove from Memphis, Tennessee to Lobo's and Sunni's LRT conclave in Utah.
I remember that week with great fondness, and still have the tiny polished stone you gave me. I keep it handy, and rub it in my fingers at times... savoring so much goodness.
If I happened at some time to let you know "your slip is showing",
And I appreciate it.
Just realize that I might say to you that "that's the way I wear it." Something one person sees as a problem might not be a problem for someone else... it's a matter of perspective. We usually don't know unless we ask, of course. And it is good to ask...
I am trying to find out if this place wants to die a slow death of disinterest, or if it wants to accept a new challenge to actually become a "Mental" militia,
But I think this is the crux of the thing... we need to honestly and openly discuss what that means. I don't think it has anything to do with a "group mind" or any "consensus" - Gnu forbid. sigh
I'm an individual sovereign. I very much appreciate voluntary association, cooperation and discussion with those of like mind. I find the idea of a mind meld of any king abhorrent. That's the difference for me.
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