One thing I’ve learned in my 37 years, is to question almost everything, especially when reported by mainstream media.
This was more difficult when I was younger. A product of the public school system, we didn’t have computers or the internet to do research. We weren’t able to google the opinion of someone half a world away with the click of a button in .00368 seconds. We had pen pals. We used postage stamps. We had Encyclopedias. I remember that you were considered RICH, if you actually had the latest set of Britannica in your house, and didn’t have to trudge to the local public library to research Aardvarks for your next paper. Just pull the “A” encyclopedia, right off the shelf. Heaven.
Next came the age of personal computers, and entire sets… volume after volume of encyclopedias, were available right at your fingertips. Digitized encyclopedia software and disks became “bonus” items when purchasing a computer. My first home computer was a Packard Bell. 14.4 modem and all. How did we cope before home computing???
All of a sudden, everything you ever needed to know was seconds away. Enlightening and scary. I’ve discovered so much information in the past 10 years, I sometimes don’t know how it all fits in my brain. Sometimes, it doesn’t. And although I’ve forgotten some details along the way… the one thing I certainly don’t forget, is to question almost every thing you hear.
Almost every *fact* we’re taught in history class is completely bogus. An alternate reality created to make us, the United States of America, Americans; seem like the most powerful and wonderful country on the planet. The most giving, the most caring. I bring this up today, on Thanksgiving… because again, we’ve been given misinformation. I’m not saying to give up your pumpkin pies, your turkey, your football.. I’m just saying educate yourself. Research all sides of each and every thing you’re fed on CNN and Fox News. Use your brains and come to your own conclusions.
http://www.danielnpaul.com/TheRealThanksgiving.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pequot_War
So today I’m thankful for my children, my family and friends, my cats, the roof over my head, the food on my table.
And I’m really thankful I’m not a Pequot Indian 369 years ago.
Happy slaughter day…
Laura
Summit Lake : Hatcher Pass Alaska : (C) 2007 Laura Thayer
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