by Ian | Apr 18, 2012 |
Derrick recently posted his interactions with the state prosecutors and referenced “Non Violent Communication“, a communication tactic that has surfaced among a fairly large group of liberty activists.
I wouldn’t say that there is not value in “NVC”. People are excited by it for a reason – who doesn’t want to be a better communicator? It’s certainly true that empathizing and being able to understand what someone wants is critical to productive communication. It appears NVC has these goals in mind, which is certainly good. However I encourage people to be cautious, as it has the hallmarks of a self-improvement cult.
I think it’s great that people want to improve their communication skills. However, having been involved in network marketing (which also has similar cult hallmarks) at a much younger age, it’s pretty easy for me to spot this stuff. One look at the NVC website makes it pretty clear that it’s just another self-improvement cult. Browse the seminars, costing as much as hundreds of dollars, and don’t forget to order audio and video (cassettes!) available with quantity discounts.
I like the intentions of NVC, but not how it mixes wants with needs. You need food, water, shelter, and air. Most other things are not needs. They are wants and desires. Because of this, NVC screams “jargon”. Caution is advised. You’d think someone ostensibly focused on language (the NVC creator) would have noticed he was using a term incorrectly.
Besides, who would want to be seen as needy?
Easy suggestions for better communication: (more…)
by Derrick Horton | Apr 17, 2012 |
In the past week, I have been conversing via e-mail with some the men who are prosecuting me. I have copied the correspondence below for public perusal. I am feeling confused because my need to understand and be understood is not being met. It would make life more wonderful for me and meet my need of understanding to receive constructive feedback regarding ideas on how to proceed. Please send e-mails with suggestions to LiveFreeOrDance (at) gmail (dot) com
E-mail 5: (Prosecutors’ “Final Offer”) April 17, 2012
Dear Mr. Horton,
My e-mail to you dated April 12, 2012 and sent at 9:46 AM (see below) constitutes my and Attorney Webb’s final offer prior to trial. Regarding the charges Attorney McLaughlin is prosecuting, you will need to contact him directly.
Should the matters being prosecuted by me proceed to trial, all charges will be brought forward for trial, and, should the State prevail, the State is, obviously, not bound by the proposed resolution below.
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by Derrick Horton | Apr 13, 2012 |
I miss my gays.
At the time I write this, I have stayed up all night, exhausted by the mental energy I’ve exerted negotiating via e-mail with the little boys in men’s suits who are seeking to put me in a jail cell.
I didn’t know what I was getting into when I came to Keene to be an activist. I wanted to stand on the right side of history. I wanted to live and breathe total liberty. I wanted to show the world the limitless joys their imaginations don’t permit them to envision. I wanted to be famous. I dared to dream.
(more…)
by Derrick Horton | Apr 9, 2012 |
On Friday evening, some friends came to the Cheshire County House of Corrections (AKA the Keene Spiritual Retreat) with $500. They gave it to some of the agents working there with an agreement that in exchange, the agents would release me from their cage. I am now out of jail, but I am to be under house arrest.
THANK YOU to those of you who donated to my bail campaign. When it is returned after trial, it will be reinvested to help the next victim of state aggression. Any amount over the initial $500 needed will go toward paying legal council. That donation page can be found here.
Thank you also to those of you who visited, wrote letters, made phone calls, wrote blogposts, and shared links on facebook. I’ve caught up on everything facebook related, but since a lot of the letters didn’t reach the jail before I left, it will take more time to get back to those (since they have to forward them to me).
Thanks especially to those of you who filmed and edited video of the story. I have no doubt that this video helped to introduce the story and get everyone on the same page and resulted in my speedy return.
I have blogged extensively about my experience at LiveFreeOrDance.com/Released-from-Jail. It’s a dream to be a part of a community that is so supportive. Thank you.
by Ian | Apr 4, 2012 |
Most people are aware of cults. Some are more familiar than others, having actually been in one, or having a loved one who was or still is. Religious cults are the most obvious. In addition there are self-help cults and marketing cults.
Some critics have accused the liberty movement as being a cult. However, when you break it down, it doesn’t fit the parameters. Really what is happening, is those accusing liberty-oriented people of being cult members are just projecting. Whether they realize it or not, they are deep within a cult of their own. It’s a cult so pervasive and effective, that people don’t realize they are a part of it.
Until a better name is put forth, I’d call it the Authority Cult. In Larken Rose’s excellent book, “The Most Dangerous Superstition”, he clearly outlines how the belief in “authority” is incredibly destructive to the ends of peace. It’s an excellent and enlightening read.
There are classic signs you are in a cult, and the Authority Cult is replete with them:
Brainwashing Techniques
There is no shortage of brainwashing going on in the Authority Cult. Children are indoctrinated from a young age to believe in “authority” and to respect those who claim to have it. The message is very effective, and the government schools churn out wave after wave of worker drones who are not likely question their beliefs and will hand over a huge portion of their earnings to the Authority Cult leadership.
Chanting is also another serious warning sign, and Authority Cult members are inculcated from an early age with the “Pledge of Allegiance” (more…)
by Ian | Mar 29, 2012 |
Perhaps you’ve seen the excellent youtube animation, “The Philosophy of Liberty” and really wished it was available in paper form? Your wish has come true. Now you can easily put the Philosophy of Liberty into people’s hands and at the same time promote the Shire Society. This flyer is suitable for distribution internationally.
Just download our new trifold and send it off to your favorite printer! Thanks to Meg McLain for the always-spiffy design work.
Get it here:
Inside
Outside
See more downloadable and printable outreach tools here.
