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Book
Description | Foreword | Excerpts
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TABLE
OF CONTENTS:
1) What Would George Washington Think About Us?
2) George Washington Provided Powerful Words of
Wisdom for Us
3) The Founding Fathers and The “Republic”
4) The Spirit of “Honest Abe” Lincoln
5) Free or Equal: Which Do You Prefer?
6) What’s a Level Playing Field?
7) Tyranny, Terror & Sharansky
8) Judgmental Reformers Often Need Reforming
9) The Terrifying “Radical” Legacy in Politics
10) Global Warming Derangement Syndrome
Spreading
11) Propaganda: True or False?
12) Knowledge and Propaganda
13) A Minority View on Climate Change
14) Dissenting Views on Climate Change
15) The Tao of Government
16) Choosing Leaders...Some Guidelines
17) The Divine Plan for America
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Tom O’Connell’s key philosophy about individual liberty is stated in the opening paragraph of the first essay: “Life is a divine gift. Each person’s life is sacred. Each life contains a spark of the divine energy. Each life is designed to freely fulfill its own destiny. Individual liberty is our birthright. That is why human life deserves our respect and protection from the moment of conception to the moment of death. These are the underlying truths that must guide the shaping of our private lives, our social lives, and our political lives. Respect for life is the key to both individual liberty and group harmony.”
This collection of essays is a reminder about the importance of individual liberty in a world rapidly moving toward more governmental systems that put the group first and threaten individual liberty.
The dedication of the book sums up the kinds of readers the author expects to reach: “To lovers of personal freedom and autonomy who have difficulty with arbitrary authority and find it painful to adapt to systems that attempt to dehumanize participants.”
The author explores aspects of power, politics and propaganda that can lead to the supremacy of the collective over the free individual. The danger, he contends, is that despite allegedly good intentions the elite collectivists and secularists tend to downgrade those who believe in God and are apt to consider believers to be candidates for the Flat Earth Society.
The 17 essays are arranged in sequence yet may be read as freestanding commentaries. The first two essays are reminders of our national heritage, with each looking at George Washington’s Farewell Address. Washington’s emphasis on the link between spirituality and liberty is described as “fundamental to the healthy existence of this republic.”
Next, in Essay 3, comes an exploration of Thomas Jefferson’s thinking in which a case is made for Jefferson’s status as a believer in the need for “dependence on God’s guidance.”
A similar case is made in Essay 4 for Abraham Lincoln’s “strong belief in God and destiny.”
In Essay 5 the author emphasizes the primacy of individual freedom over the “equality” that can lead to bondage in the quest for security.
Then, in Essay 6, O’Connell aims at “the level playing field” which he asserts is “one of the most rapidly spreading fraudulent cliches of the 21st Century.”
Expressing his thoughts on tyranny in Essay 7, the author says that when opinion leaders and mass media engage in political rallying for favored candidates they are “setting the stage for authoritarian tyranny.”
Then, while indicating that he played the role of reformer himself, O’Connell says in Essay 8 that reformers who try to make the world over are often in need of help for their own psychological excesses.
In Essay 9 he takes on the Alinsky-inspired Marxist radicalism that has moved from Chicago to other urban areas and the academic elites.
Then, in Essay 10 he explores “Global Warming Derangement Syndrome” and the excesses of “the green bureaucrats” with their obsessive approach.
In Essay 11, taking a close look at propaganda, he examines its use in modern times beginning with “master propagandist Joseph Goebbels.” He finds parallels in 21st century politics and sees the worship of government as the kind of misguided idolatry found in communism, fascism and extreme socialism. “It robs people of their sacred liberty and attempts to replace the worship of God with the worship of human systems and leaders.”
In Essay 12, the author describes how Goebbels and Hitler transformed Germany into “a nation in which individuals would sacrifice their own consciences on the altar of the totalitarian state.”
Then, in Essay 13, he compares Goebbels’ approach to campaigns by climate change alarmists who effectively spread their own “crystal-clear knowledge.”
In Essay 14, he states, “The Pied Pipers of Planetary Destruction have rapidly spread their negativity and pessimism so effectively that billions of people now believe the planet won’t survive climate change events unless massive radical reform takes place.”
In Essay 15, O’Connell uses the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching as a guide for current leaders and then, in Essay 16, he provides guidelines for choosing leaders. He cautions about deceptively attractive propaganda masquerading as truth and he counsels, “Keep an open mind and avoid surrendering your mind to any institution, group, faction, or philosophy.”
Linking God’s will with trends in U.S. history, the author concludes in Essay 17 that a Divine Plan is at work in the destinies of individuals and nations. Unimpressed with mob dynamics, he stresses individual liberty.
COMMENTS ON TOM'S WORK:
“Tom O’Connell connects with readers soul to
soul...inspires.”
-- Jordan Rich, WBZ News Radio 1030, Boston
“It’s the finest example of anyone writing on this
subject.”
-- Don LaTulippe, WPLM Radio, Plymouth
“Your talk was warm and funny...You are a natural
storyteller.”
-- Shirley Eastman, Friends of the Cotuit Library
“A page turner...mind boggling...a stunning view.”
-- Melora North, Cape Cod
Magazine
“O’Connell writes compellingly.”
-- Melanie Lauwers, Cape Cod Times
“Thank you for your delightful presentation.”
-- Justine Bowen, Irish AmericanClub of Cape Cod
“Very vivid...A fascinating read.”
-- Bob Silverberg, Books & The World TV
“Thank you for your delightful presentation...warmly
received.”
-- Kathie Glynn, Falmouth Public Library
“Earthy dialogue sprinkled with wit, candor and
affection.”
-- Dedham Times
EXCERPTED:
Quotes from the pages of
Power, Politics & Propaganda:
Observations of a Curious Contrarian
17 Political & Philosophical Essays
Emphasizing Individual Liberty
by Tom O’Connell
I urge you to notice the words “heaven,” “sacredly,” and “liberty.” Washington’s emphasis on the link between spirituality and liberty is fundamental to the healthy existence of this free republic. A truly free “spirit” doesn’t try to control others. (Essay 1)
For those who currently misinterpret the intent of our Constitution and exaggerate the need to separate religious principles and government, George Washington’s words make it clear that he and other founders of this republic favored a mix of spirituality and politics. “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports,” he asserted.
(Essay 2)
Jefferson urges his fellow citizens to take steps leading to peace, liberty, and safety. “May that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe lead our councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity.” Clearly, dependence on God’s guidance is included in the picture Jefferson paints. (Essay 3)
In David Herbert Donald’s masterful biography, Lincoln, it is possible to trace Honest Abe’s virtues back to his strong belief in God and destiny. When surrounded by dismal failure and Confederate victories he nevertheless gave evidence of a deeply spiritual philosophy: “I am almost ready to say...that God wills this contest, and wills that it shall not end yet.” (Essay 4)
Do you see where I am headed? Let’s start with one of my favorite quotes from the late Sean O’Faolain who is still highly respected in Ireland and elsewhere. The author of The Irish: A Character Study, said, “In the Irish mind there is an ineradicable love of individual liberty...equality, so far as I can see, they never bothered about.” Apparently, I have an Irish mind. (Essay 5)
We seem to live in the age of the “level playing field.” It’s one of the most rapidly spreading fraudulent cliches of the 21st Century. But otherwise intelligent people are saying it as if it makes sense. From my perspective, the expanding use of this ridiculous phrase has coincided with the near disappearance of the words “excellence” and “merit.” (Essay 6)
When opinion leaders of a free republic start to squelch the voices of critics, and when mass media stifle views that oppose the reigning politicians, or those they have decided to favor in elections, they are setting the stage for authoritarian tyranny. (Essay 7)
This reminds me of one of my favorite books which has a description of the reformer’s personality that is right on target. “Judges of others have crafty consciences. You will find that reformers are the ones who need help. That is why they took to making the world over. When evils press within a man, it is easier to deal with faults in others.” (Essay 8)
The more I learned about Alinsky and his radical “activist” strategies, the more disillusioned I became about the political process itself. You might say I got to know too much about the inner life of party politics. Actually, heavy exposure to the thinking of one fanatic Alinsky disciple and his political operative pals set the scene for my departure from the party. I now belong to no party. (Essay 9)
To save civilization, I mused, do we need oppressive global government? Does “with teeth” mean that if we don’t obey the green bureaucrats they’ll put us in concentration camps...excuse me...I meant to say re-education facilities. And they want a Global Marshall Plan? Really? That will require huge outlays of taxpayers’ money, won’t it? Where will it come from in this era of financial instability? What will we all be called on to sacrifice? (Essay 10)
Government is not the Power that creates Life. God is the Power with a capital “P.” Worship of government and political parties and philosophies is idolatry. That is why totalitarianism in the form of an extreme “ism” such as communism, fascism, and socialism is so abominable. It robs people of their sacred liberty and attempts to replace the worship of God with the worship of human systems and leaders. (Essay 11)
When Joseph Goebbels made his statement about propaganda in 1928 to National Socialist party members, he was looking forward to developing a nation that would put the good of the state above the individual’s personal good. In other words, Germany would become a nation in which individuals would sacrifice their own consciences on the altar of the totalitarian state. (Essay 12)
Goebbels predicted a future army of propagandists “spreading our crystal-clear knowledge to the masses.” Also, he predicted that the Nazi movement with its “worldview” would take over the state. In a strikingly similar way, climate change alarmists are effectively spreading their own “crystal-clear knowledge.” (Essay 13)
As we move into the future, be prepared for propaganda of outlandish proportions followed by extreme governmental action at every level, along with “mandatory” action by organizations and industries at all levels, thinking that they are honorably dedicated to improving society for “the common good.” The Pied Pipers of Planetary Destruction have rapidly spread their negativity and pessimism so effectively that billions of people now believe the planet won’t survive climate change events unless massive radical reform takes place. This is no exaggeration. So be ready for the time when the reform aims at your neighborhood, your yard, or you. (Essay 14)
We need fewer impetuous self-serving braggarts who are more concerned with advancement than they are with applying themselves to their current work. “Those who know do not talk and talkers do not know.” We need leaders who are not angling for their next position as soon as they start their current one. “No calamity’s worse than to be discontented.” Many of our political leaders are discontented the moment they achieve a goal. Instead of applying themselves to the job at hand, they put their energy into clambering egotistically toward their next self-serving goal. (Essay 15)
Be wary of deceptively attractive propaganda masquerading as truth. Question popular “truth” based on widespread opinions, polls, or alleged “science.” Keep an open mind and avoid surrendering your mind to any institution, group, faction, or philosophy. (Essay 16)
Being neither an anarchist nor a revolutionary, I abhor crowds ranting and chanting the ravings of activist organizers. When I see a mob forming I think of psychologist Carl Jung’s comment: “Unfortunately, a million zeroes still do not add up to one.” It’s not that the crowd is worthless. But the worth of the crowd is in the individuals who comprise the group, not in the vast numbers assembled. A mob, from my perspective, has no mind. Members of mobs tend to surrender their minds to leaders who manipulate their way into power. I prefer individual freedom, not mob dynamics. (Essay 17)
FOREWORD:
Whether I am writing about politics or another subject, I enjoy locating quotations that reflect ideas compatible with my thinking. There is much wisdom available to us, so here are three excellent quotes for you to ponder:
“In the Irish mind there is an ineradicable love of individual liberty... equality, so far as I can see, they never bothered about.” --Sean O’Faolain, author of The Irish: A Character Study.
( I guess I’m very Irish.)
“The less people know about how sausages and laws are made, the better they’ll sleep at night.”--Otto von Bismarck & H. L. Mencken
(I am also somewhat of a skeptic.)
“A man who ceases to believe in God does not believe in nothing; He believes in anything.”
--G. K. Chesterton
(I believe in God. I know God exists. I hope you do too.)
In recent years, my own political belief system has become hard to define. That’s why I call myself a TLC. Do I have a political philosophy? Yes, but it’s very brief. I believe in Traditions based on individual Liberty and national virtue. I believe in the divine spark of freedom in the soul of every person. And I believe in the need to be Contrary at times and shun the conformity of the crowd, social system, or institution. In other words, I’d rather be a minority of one than a mindless conformist.
What have I learned about choosing leaders? Enough to shape a philosophy. And where did I learn this? I learned it in the crucible of experience as a community leader; chief executive of four organizations; elected official; appointed member of local, state and national committees; registered lobbyist; organizer of campaigns to impact legislation; member of various boards of directors; college professor; and freelance journalist.
Do I belong to a political party? Not right now. However, I was an active member of the Democratic Party, member of a Boston area suburban Democratic Town Committee, and delegate to the Democratic State Convention in Massachusetts. That was decades ago.
As time went by, the underlying philosophies of the Democratic Party changed, especially when it came to values related to human life. Finding the party more and more difficult to live with, I experienced a revolutionary burst of self-actualization. Then I terminated my affiliation with the Democrats in favor of total freedom of conscience.
I did not become a Republican, nor did I become an anarchist. In my roles as a chief executive and lobbyist I worked closely with high level Republicans and Democrats at state and national levels. There are some fine people in both camps. But neither party has been able to attract my enthusiasm in recent years.
Actually, because of over-exposure I have become allergic to party politics and participating in committees. Also, I shun labels. So they have not yet invented a political party that would suit my current outlook. However, if a Contrarian Party came into existence I might qualify as a member. But being contrary, it’s likely that I wouldn’t join.
Actually, here on Cape Cod I sometimes joke about myself as the founder of the Cape Cod Contrarians. The catch is that, as Contrarians, we wouldn’t hold meetings or caucuses because we would be too contrary to show up. So we would remain unaffiliated.
As I look more carefully at my thinking in recent years, it’s obvious that I have become the blend I mentioned earlier called TLC: Traditionalist, Libertarian and Contrarian. But don’t ask me to rigidly adhere to this.
After becoming an ex-Democrat, the town hall listed me as an Independent for a while and I was okay with that designation, but they went and made a party out of it. So I shifted to my current status as a “U” which stands for “Unenrolled.”
Actually, I find my “U” symbolic of the freedom to vote as I please, for Democrats, Republicans, or any others who think they’ve found a political calling. Why should I rigidly adhere to one political outlook anyhow? As a student of history and a journalist, I am aware of the need for objectivity and as much impartiality as possible when observing governmental affairs. So I think it’s best if I don’t link myself with a political party.
In addition to participating in the political process, I’ve learned much from studying history and government. With a strong interest in these areas fairly early in life, I obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree cum laude in History & Government from the College of Arts & Sciences at Boston College. This was followed by a Master of Arts Degree in History from Boston University’s Graduate School of Arts & Sciences where I concentrated on U.S. and European History. I chose the liberal arts with a concentration on history to help me develop a broad outlook and an open mind.
I knew even then that I didn’t wish to become a specialized professional; I preferred to be a curious student of life. So, eventually, I added still another “degree” to my educational credentials. I call it my M.E. Degree and it’s the same kind of degree that guided philosopher Roger Bacon’s wisdom in the 13th Century. The M.E. stands for “Master of Experience.” This is the sort of degree in which one never graduates with a certificate to frame and put on the wall.
Although I benefited greatly from my higher education, my own experience has taught me far more than the excellent formal programs at two outstanding colleges. With my higher education as a basis, my varied experience has helped me to shape my own philosophy and outlook. Now I think of life itself as an ongoing educational process.
In my 17 essays, the topics are drawn mostly from history, philosophy, and spiritual values. I will emphasize the importance of useful and wise traditions such as those provided by the founders of this great nation. We are so fortunate that they shaped our constitutional democracy and included such values as freedom of speech, equality under the law, and basic fairness.
I will also stress the primacy of individual liberty and the sacred nature of the person. I will repeatedly refer to the importance of the freedom to pursue one’s own destiny with minimum interference from various levels of government.
What is my intention? It’s not to hammer my own ideas into your head. It’s not to lecture you. It’s not to get you to agree with everything I say. It’s simply to provoke your own thinking about important issues that will affect your future.
As a curious Contrarian, I will provide observations that may help you to adjust your own philosophy based on a better understanding of power, politics & propaganda. I wish you satisfaction as you pursue your own destiny!
Sincerely,
Tom O’Connell
Yarmouth, Massachusetts, USA January 1, 2009
Power, Politics & Propaganda:
Observations of a Curious Contrarian
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Power, Politics & Propaganda:
Observations of a Curious Contrarian
17 Political & Philosophical Essays
Emphasizing Individual Liberty
by Tom O’Connell
Published in the United States by
Sanctuary Unlimited
P.O. Box 25, Dennisport, MA 02639
Copyright 2009 Tom O’Connell
ISBN 10: Softcover 0962031887
ISBN 13: Softcover 9780962031885
Library of Congress Control Number: 2008912225
All rights reserved.
1. O’Connell, Tom 1932- 2. Journalists-United States-Essays.
3. History
4. Politics 5. Propaganda 6. Philosophy
I. Title.
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