Censorship: I can only see what I choose to see

Paul G via Compfight

I find I am processing EVERYTHING uttered by politicians and pundits through a heavy filter. I confess this human tendency, to listen best to what I already agree with.

Yet I do pay attention to the other points of view, for I think it wise to understand counterpoints; and because I read on both sides, I continue to notice so many places where both major parties, beneath the huff and puff and blowhards, actually agree with each other (but gods forbid we can say that!).

I also notice so many people around me are unaware that they are filtering. They hold the belief that this election is about Good/Evil, Satan/God, Renewal/EndOfTheWorld and the differences are so stark that we are heading for either heaven or hell. The amount of censoring — intentional and invisible — going on astounds me. In that context, I found this observation on censoring that resonates with me in this time of lying and hate-mongering and theatrics that passes for politics in this country.

I invite you to read this not as an indictment, but as an observation:

“Censorship is the tool of those who have the need to hide actualities from themselves and from others. Their fear is only their inability to face what is real, and I can’t vent any anger against them. I only feel this appalling sadness. Somewhere, in their upbringing, they were shielded against the total facts of our existence. They were only taught to look one way when many ways exist.” Charles Bukowski, 1985

There are, almost always, MULTIPLE correct answers.  Be careful of believing that the platforms of the anointed ones are the Only Correct Answer.  I’m not suggesting I have the best answer; I just beg you to notice that you cannot see what you choose not to see.  Look.  See.  Learn.