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The Virtue Signal

The Virtue Signal: DEPENDENCY

Co-hosts Bill Whittle and Alfonzo Rachel discuss the corrosive effect of losing control of your own destiny.

The Virtue Signal: DEPENDENCY

Co-hosts Bill Whittle and Alfonzo Rachel discuss the corrosive effect of losing control of your own destiny.

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52 replies on “The Virtue Signal: DEPENDENCY”

You can certainly help your friends, but it is better to help them up. Carry your friend or get him on his feet so he can walk beside you. I thought it was interesting, in the story of Ruth, that the Israelites would leave a bit of the field unharvested for the poor and destitute to come and pick. If you had nothing else but could walk, you could get some food (or something to sell for food).

There was an arthritis commercial that used the “a body at rest will stay at rest” law of physics showing someone with pain sitting on a porch bench, then implying that if you took their medicine and eased your pain you would be able to get up and move easier. Laying on the couch waiting for a welfare check induces inertia and that takes some willpower to overcome.

I don’t want to tell the world my woes, but I was dependent on SSDI for several months until my Social Security started. I needed SSDI because I became physically handicapped and couldn’t find a job. At the present time I rely on SS for nearly all of my income and it hurts to be dependent. I guess I could rationalize it by saying I worked all my life for it, but it still makes me feel not fully functional as a man who was a skilled tradesman.

There is a season for everything. The key to your future as I see it is giving back if you are able. There is a whole generation needing guidance and our public offices need watching and input from the public to we see them. It has been this way for generations and will for more to come.

I tried to teach the metalworking skills, but I needed college credits and certification for that, plus high schools aren’t teaching industrial skills anymore. In the 60’s we had an automotive shop class where kids could work towards state certification as a mechanic. Trade schools do that now at college tuition rates.

Well it may not be a good money maker but there might be some interest in home schooling collective or private schools. But it would be passing on your knowledge.

The closest and most meaningful I’ve come to passing on my knowledge is a Jeep forum in which I’ve tried to pass on all my years of automotive experience by diagnosing problems these guys have with their jeeps. Also engine work and fabrication. With a plasma cutter and a welder, you can build your own car!

That sounds great. I used to be involved with an off road group in my younger days. Knowledge and experience are valuable I am happy to see you are sharing them I know they are appreciated.

Sometimes you need to pay back with time instead of money. I think our society has moved away from financial support from local help with all of the taxes pulling money to DC to be dolled back out. Do you have any experience or contacts through 4-H, is there a MakerSpace group in your area, possibly Scouts or one of the other teaching groups? You might have to make your own but often there are small, under the radar groups of people dedicated to teaching and sharing knowledge.

I tried our local BOCES which is sometimes volunteers, but they weren’t interested because of the necessary machinery and cutting tools involved. If I had my own shop, I would do it for free, just to keep the spirit of craftsmanship alive.

You don’t have to be a religious person to appreciate the story of the Exodus and how it relates to dependency and the lack of gratitude. The Israelites not only witness the complete humiliation of their masters (each biblical plague is an attack and repudiation of an important Egyptian god), but the destruction of a powerful army bent on destroying them. Then they are fed with mana from heaven and water from miraculous springs, and what do they do, complain and which to return to Egypt and servitude. Then they revert to idolatrous worship. Now G-d reveals himself at Mt. Sinai and they Israelites hear his voice directly. You might think that would have done the trick, but nope, there’s going to be more rebellion in their future and cowardice in the face of conquering the promised land.
The generation of Moses was provided for as servants in Egypt and provided for by G-d in the desert. Despite of all that was done for them, or perhaps more likely because so much was done for them, that generation was unsuited to start again in the new land. Only a new generation used to the hardscrabble life of wandering in the desert would have the ability to rule themselves as a people in their own land.
You may as a skeptic dismiss the divine miracles and presence of G-d in the story as fanciful elements, but I don’t think you can deny the realism in the behavior of the Israelites. The unfortunate truth is that people don’t act in the long term with gratitude. Dependency breeds resentment and defiance. To govern themselves people must do for themselves. The ideas of liberty and self reliance which go hand in hand in the American founding are derived from much older ideas, and it is sad that so many ‘modern’ people seem hell bent on forgetting the lesson.

I’ve read through the comments and I heard some who are not happy with this content. I understand where they are coming from, I too want a quick fix, but that has seldom been the best way forward. What I heard was a step for the foundation that must be laid. I heard a call to action, reach out and help people in your world to break free of the chains of dependency and teach the young the freedom you gain from earning your own way. Yes we need to:

  • Buy American
  • Buy from patriots only
  • Get involved in local politics
  • Vote and make your voice heard
  • Share your story and others stories on how to be independent

Our country fell a long way because too many were just like me, we were not active enough in our governance, we sold out to cheaper products and electronic gadgetry took prominence in our lives. We want only quick fixes so we can feel everything is right in the world. But quick fixes often crumble taking more of the good with them as is happening to us now. We must turn hearts and minds, we need to teach freedom.

I feel like what Bill is doing with this show is necessary, although it will be a slow build. While his MB2A series is more of an analysis of how we lost our way and what we can do to fix things politically, my impression of this show is that he is working on how we lost our way and what we can do to fix things morally. It goes back to the John Adams quote we often hear only in part. This is a larger part of that same quote:

“While our Country remains untainted with the Principles and manners, which are now producing desolation in so many Parts of the World: while she continues Sincere and incapable of insidious and impious Policy: We shall have the Strongest Reason to rejoice in the local destination assigned Us by Providence. But should the People of America, once become capable of that deep <, Start deletion,[. . .], End,> simulation towards one another and towards foreign nations, which assumes the Language of Justice and moderation while it is practicing Iniquity and Extravagance; and displays in the most captivating manner the charming Pictures of Candour frankness & sincerity while it is rioting in rapine and Insolence: this Country will be the most miserable Habitation in the World. Because We have no Government armed with Power capable of contending with human Passions unbridled by <, Start deletion,[. . .], End,> morality and Religion. Avarice, Ambition <, Start deletion,and, End,> Revenge or Galantry, would break the strongest Cords of our Constitution as a Whale goes through a Net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

(Source: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-3102 )
I think Bill has hit spot on that we need to address the moral failings as well as the political failings in our country if we are going to move back to America. This is only the 2nd show and it was recorded at the same time as the 1st one, so I’m willing to give Bill and Zo time to figure out the show and see where it goes.
That said, I really want to see more of Scott again in one show or another. His unfailing optimism has been a boost for me in the past few months, and I would like to see more of that. Perhaps Scott would be willing to do a series about how to run for a local office?

Not comparing humans to animals, though sometimes that could be argued, but this is the same LOGIC of why people should not feed the bears. If bears become dependent on humans for their food, when they’re cut off, they become aggressive and belligerent, which is why we shouldn’t help them become dependent, then they are mad or even put down/get shot. We get this about bears. Not sure why we can’t notice that dependency is bad for any being and apply the same logic of helping them to become or stay independent.

The ugly truth to what you are saying is that Leftists dehumanize the “dependent class” to make them less than human, or animals, if you will. Thus, what happens to the dependent class is not really all that important to the Leftist. There is a never-ending supply of dependent class participants, and to Leftists the dependent class’ only value is as an excuse to further expand the statist empire.

Indeed. Making them dependent and dehumanize is really just a tactic to achieving the goal of power and control. The end justifies the means.

I have seen a variety of sometimes humorous, other times instructive, posters, memes and such juxtaposing a “don’t feed the bears” sign with welfare lines.

This also goes with the idea mentioned in another comment here, that what you subsidize you get more.

I have been a follower on YouTube of Zo for a long time now and have done my best to “share and like” to support him, his work and his overall ethic, which, I believe, is one of the purest on the “air” out there. Your inclusion of him on the Bill Whittle platform is an answer to prayer. Keep it up. Increase it if possible. May I suggest occasionally bringing in Steve or Scott for discussion or possibly doing one on ones with him as you are doing. Each of your interactions with him could be very enlightening and edifying. Thank you for the move.

Remaining dependent has consequences for all of us. Dependent people never get to experience a wider world, never get to really understand not only themselves but others around them, never form the tools for making reasonable judgments, nor gain the ability to differentiate between what is really valuable in the face of conformable illusions and the allure of deceptive pleasure palaces. One consequence is the emergence of a virtue-signaling elite trapped in their own bubbles. For it is no wonder that four or five generations of inbreeding have left the Left vulnerable, dependent on the work of others to survive, and incapable of dealing with a complex non-linear world. This is but one example of how the lack of openness, intelligence, reasonableness, and responsibility degrades our capacity to face reality, to “embrace the suck.” It permeates our world at all levels, from the family to free associations, from local governments to world-spanning institutions. This is why the Left is so destructive; they can’t help themselves.

Perhaps; perhaps not. IMO, the current mess is only one battle in an ongoing conflict between two fundamentally opposed worlds:the life-affirming principle grounded in the Transcendent, and a death-embracing one grounded in man’s rebellion against any outside influence including God. Sometimes the conflict shifts to the creative side: progress is made and evil countered; sometimes it shifts to the destructive side, and a heavy dose of chaos enters the socio-political realm. Even in the short term they cannot win, even if they win; for in winning they lose all. The difference is that positions based in a life-affirming mentality can be improved for they are securely grounded in reality, while counter-positions developed by those who enjoy destruction are so flawed they can only be reversed. As uncomfortable as it may be, this reversal is now taking place. Even though it may take a few generations, it will make be the making of a nation.

I didn’t say they had won, I said they were winning.
I’m a board wargamer. There’s a game, I can’t recall the name now, it’s one I played way back in college with the Rutgers University Gamers, where the game is a series of wars, and the loser of the last war gets an advantage in the next one, because the winner gets complacent, while the loser stays hungry. An interesting game dynamic, to be sure. Sometimes it works that way in the real world, too.

Over the years I have had conversations with many people who are confused/upset/angry with the attitudes of people they have been helping. From my own bitter experience, I have learned that it is much easier for people to be hateful than grateful. And for those who suck up your time with non-productive, repetitive conversations, I recommend “souring the milk” and telling them the truth they do not want to hear. Works every time. Bill was lucky that his friend helped place him somewhere he could pull himself up. More importantly, Bill pulled himself up, instead of wallowing in the gutter with a bottle railing against the friend who didn’t help him enough.

If these videos become more about the personalities of Zo and Bill, rather than about the content being discussed, then they will fail in their intent. Both men (and the people supporting them) need to implement this venue in a way that achieves their goal.

Let’s give them truthful feedback, pro and con, to promote that achievement. 🙂

This was the first that I had heard of the CA exit fee for businesses leaving the state. I can’t believe that would pass constitutional muster; or that it hasn’t already been challenged and dismissed, if it is in fact a true situation. I can believe they might have tried to implement this tax/fee, but ??? Does anyone know any details?

When Zo says we have too few conservatives in our various cultural institutions, the reason is that the conservatives were pushed out or not selected to enter in the first place. On top of that, conservatives tend to avoid situations involving nonreality or irrational viewpoints. [See Bill’s other video about Truth.] If we are to succeed without entering a violent CW 2.0 I suspect the battle between red and blue will be won by those most able to acquire the green in a nominally free marketplace. Facing reality tends to make such success in that venue more likely than when you ignore reality. But no firm guarantees either way.

It’s still an idea and it is in flight. Lately most of the actions are unconstitutional and around CA even more so. Doesn’t stop them either from attempts or even execution. Even though I don’t see how CA could arrange the collection part, it’s more than hot wind to just dismiss. As just the fact it can reach proposal state is frightening on many levels.

Regarding dependency, I believe that anyone receiving a “dependency payment” from a government (Fed, State or local) should be denied the vote in that governments elections. Universal suffrage is a mistake that allows the dependents to vote themselves more; it gives them a power they do not deserve.

Agreed. Your “skin in the game” can’t be that you need the government to survive. It’s the old adage about how it all comes to an end when the electorate realizes they can just vote themselves a raise.

Excellent chat about how people are way too dependent and not willing to get up and put in the work required to fix their own situation. Too many people wanting a quick fix and not realising that it took time to get into this situation and will take time to get out of it; as Zo pointed out in today’s video

Yeah. I think one of the following episodes should be set on “forget short-term progress for good” theme. As I detect plenty of people thinking they can just wake up from the dream and “go back to normal”, be it whichever year from the past. It must be realized that there are no unicorns, no miracles, no deus ex machina (earlier episode already told us to not expect stuff from above).

Only hard work for *long* time, with the ship sinking and fragmenting around — till it can even be stabilized and start to move in the right direction again. Also I don’t think 40 min clips daily with full focus on a new element can be sustainable. Let’s just enjoy Bill’s enthusiasm and cut him some slack on expectations.

And in the meantime everyone has plenty to do on what was already stated. People can start sharing what they started on doing and where they got on the forums. It will create both a sense of local progress and good opportunity to help out each other.

I have watch Zo’s podcasts for over two years and I am really happy he is with Bill. He may be one of the top victims of Utube’s war on conservatives.

I appreciate the idea of this virtue series yet it seems we’re being sidetracked. The first video left me thinking that the purpose was to demonstrate what were “dealing with” as we try to move back to America. This second video left me with the same message. For the first time since joining, I actually stopped watching a video before it was finished. I’m convinced that Lorenzo Rachel has an important message to share but I have a hard time sifting through all the “man” and the “you know”.
At the same time, I’m disappointed in the drastic shortening of the moving back to America videos. I’m rapt as I listen to Bill’s intelligent, sarcastic, insightful commentary. Today, I got a seven-minute video. Maybe I’m becoming too dependent.

I made it to 8:18 before coming to the same conclusion. My son has the annoying habit of saying, “You know what I mean?” every few minutes. I’ve told him repeatedly that if I don’t know what he means, I will ask…

If it takes that damned much time to continually ask filler questions like, um, y’know, you aren’t conveying your message.

I listened carefully but I did not hear a litany of the “man” and the “you know”. Was it supposed to be in this video?

I feel the same way. I don’t need more of the “why have are we here” videos. I still think Bill is preaching to the choir. We know what is wrong and don’t need to keep rehashing it. I thought the idea behind MB2A was to come up with a PLAN OF ACTION. Many of us in BWN are trying to come up with our own ideas and plans to fight against the Left’s agenda that is moving at warp speed. But there is strength in numbers and I feel we need Bill to formalize a plan and get groups working on it with a sense of urgency to what we are facing. He has momentum now and resources to get things done. I’d hate to see that diminish while he goes off in tangents and spreads himself too thin leaving the main point to why we all joined this cause to suffer.
https://billwhittlecom.wpenginepowered.com/virtue-videos-is-this-the-best-we-can-do/

That’s why I started my group, to actually get things moving. It’s taking longer than I would like but that’s me – I always want everything, right now. I know I’m like that, though, so I actually can be patient.

What bothers me, and led to my starting the group, is the lack of indication that Bill is taking any actual steps beyond making the videos. He told us what he wants to do and why, and he mentioned raising massive amounts of money to do it. That suggests the existence of at least an incipient plan that all the money is to be used for. But after the first few MB2A videos, he drifted away from action and gradually returned to merely discussing the day’s events. “Moving Back to America” disappeared from the background of the videos and yesterday’s release, “How to Tell the Truth,” was about nothing more than a couple of Biden’s mental decline indicators with a smattering of psychology on top.

In one of the early videos, Bill emphasized that the 2022 elections are just two years away and that’s very little time to work with so it’s essential that we get to work now. So I did, at a 12 – 15 hour per day clip. Well, that now is a month past and in this now I wonder if Bill’s MB2A vision is going to amount to anything.

We are not dependent…we are hopeful that someone with a member base, that would be Bill, is motivated to rally his members in a movement, hmm maybe like MB2A, knowing that their are strength in numbers. Bill brought this to us we didn’t ask him for this. Now we want to known if there is a plan of action or not. The problem is lack of communication on that point from Bill.
Why are you having a problem with people wanting to take action and asking for Bill to provide input as to whether or not he is planning any further action with the MB2A? People are spending their money and time here and are passionate about doing something. He said he needed more members and financial backing. For what? We don’t have right to know if it’s just for him to make more videos? If it is then fine. My money, time, talents and passion will find somewhere else to work towards reform. Things are happening quickly and there may not be much left in 2 years when we can challenge for our legislative seats back. We need a plan and we need to know if Bill is staying true to his word of fighting for real change.

Gallstones, et al.;
I listened to the video after reading Jessica’s heads up on this language concern. I then was listening for those words and found Zo provided 5 “man” ‘s and 9 “you know” ‘s, plus 1 “you know what”. But Bill also said “you know” 2 times. Whether that was Bill’s normal language or he was “parroting” Zo is beyond my ken. I may have missed 1 or 2 incidents, too.

The later incidents of this phrasing did not bother me as much as the first few. I also got more out of it by just listening to their dialog and moving the video off screen. Maybe it is something about that “busy background” in Zo’s presentation that is distracting. I learned many decades ago not to let off- putting visual signals distort the value or wisdom of what you might learn from someone else (long hippie hair, wrong clothes, etc.). Most of the time I can look past such things, although sometimes it takes a conscious effort to recognize that I need to do so. For whatever reason, this video inserts more distractions to my concentration, even if I recognize Zo and Bill have useful information to impart.

And not a one of those, if true, even registered on my attention. I would not bother spend the time watching a video over again just to tally words used. I don’t think it is the discussion style that has a problem.

Not sure, but from what I hear, YouTube banned Zo and his channel. I think Bill may be helping Zo still get his word out, even though that may jeopardize Bill’s channel as well. YouTube just doesn’t want Rachel to speak his mind….sadly.
I do enjoy the Back to America videos.

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