Paul Schmutz Schaller for The Saker Blog
PART I
Living in a rich Western country is by far not without problems. Sure, until now, I do not suffer from material worries. No sanctions are imposed on the country. No bombs are put on the roads or fall from above. Police is not knocking on my door and I can move more or less without restrictions (no, no, I will not cry because of some limitations due to the Covid-19 crisis). I am even not forced to hate anyone or to believe in anything. As long as I pay my taxes and do not violate the laws, more or less nobody disturbs me. You may call this a privileged situation. You may even dream of such a life.
The other side is less funny. Whatever newspaper I open – whatever day – I find at least one article which is profoundly anti-Chinese, or anti-Iranian, or anti-Russian, or anti-Syrian. On the whole, this has stopped upsetting me, but still, it is really boring. And then there is the absence of all sense of logic. When US-ships are far from at home, in the Persian Gulf or in the South China Sea, say, then this is just „normal“ for these professional journalists. But when Iranian ships are going to Venezuela, then this is much less „business as usual“. Or, for them, more or less every problem of the USA is a result of the craziness of Trump. But miraculously, as soon as the USA act against China or Iran or Russia or Syria, then the Trump’s craziness is like blown away.
There is a big mental problem in the West: a sickly conviction in the own superiority combined with systematically blaming others for the own weaknesses. No, no, you cannot say that this is just the fault of the ruling classes or of the evil monopoly capitalists. It is not that simple. Quite many „ordinary people“ think in this way. Of all sorts of education or profession. And they have no real excuse. Still, I will not condemn them. I will not throw the first stone. Nevertheless, I would like to be less alone with my feelings, my convictions, and my ideas.
Since quite some time, I have named four guiding principles for me: autonomy, humility, perseverance, and positivity. Let me explain them a little bit. Autonomy stands for a proper mind. Feel, act, think in your own way, on your own responsibility. Support President Assad as one of the outstanding leaders of our time, even when many of your own friends and relatives see him as a criminal. Be just astonished by the existence and the amazing strength of Hezbollah as one of the authentic miracles nowadays, even when the government of a neighboring country has declared Hezbollah as a threat and when you can see no big protest in this neighboring country against this cowardly act.
Humility is crucial for a citizen in a Western country. After centuries of world domination, every criticism (in the West) of non-Western countries should be taboo. Not because of the (wrong) idea that non-Western countries are without problems or better by principle. Just by humility; you cannot life in a rich Western country and give lessons to others. This also includes accepting that the driving force for a better world is not a Western one; as citizens in a Western country, we are only a supporting force, at best. During this Covid-19 crisis, I was very disappointed by some genuine anti-imperialist Western people who were admiring Western scientists and professors as heroes, due to some criticism against their government. But what about scientists and professors in China, Iran, Syria, or Hezbollah? Stop thinking that Western scientists and professors are better.
Perseverance was not always easy for me. As a gifted child, things were sometimes too simple for me. I had to learn not crying about every small problem. You have to work hard for many years in order to get expert in some domain, even when you are gifted. This Western style of life with all these amusements and conveniences is not very beneficial for perseverance. And this ideology of just believe in yourself and realize your dreams is very lightweight.
Positivity is truly important. Being angry and full of hate cannot help much. Even when there is a reason. For example, I usually avoid writing about Israel, I even avoid thinking about Israel. This is merely in order to keep my mental health. I prefer by far to write and think about Iran, Syria, Hezbollah. My aim is another world, which, by the way, is already existing. I agree, blaming is sometimes necessary. But blaming is also quite easy. Look at this Covid-19 crisis. You cannot expect that your government makes no mistake during this crisis. What would YOU do in such a situation? Ok, it is probably not your job to govern. But even in your job, new, unexpected situations arrive and you have to struggle in order to find a solution. This might be difficult, even when you are well intended.
Overall, this is the logic behind my four guiding principles and I have tried to describe the „state of the art“ such as it existed some weeks ago. But meanwhile, my perspective has changed. I am still judging these principles as positive; however, I am now convinced that they are somewhat outdated and much too defensive. A step forward is urgently needed. What follows is a first try – which surely has to be adjusted subsequently.
PART II
In March 2020, in a joint letter to UN Secretary General Guterres, the ambassadors of eight countries, namely China, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Nicaragua, Russia, Syria, Venezuela, urged that the present pandemic should not be politicized. They underlined that the fight against the pandemic is difficult – if not impossible – for countries facing sanctions. The latter are described as illegal, coercive measures of economic pressure.
The common action of these countries is highly noteworthy. It is well known that they all have to counter Western sanctions of different degrees, ordered by the USA. Even if there are rather big differences among the eight countries, let me try to treat them as a unity, as the representatives of the now world, together with some other forces, Hezbollah and Ansarullah in particular. From their point of view, what can be said concerning my four guiding principles?
Autonomy or independence are derived values. They are related to somebody else, you are independent of somebody. In particular, one may be autonomous or independent with respect to Western hegemony. Obviously, this does not correctly describe the current situation. Independence is no longer the big problem. The new forces have already taken their own way. They are neither imitating nor competing the Western system. They just try to advance, based on their own historical experiences and their own wisdom. They know that Western hegemony would like to stop them. While they take this threat seriously, they are not at all paralyzed by it. The hegemonists have become quite predictable, with few creative ideas. Of course, the possibility exists that they will act still more desperately. But this is life and one has to be prepared.
Advancing on their own way naturally needs competences. This was one of the advantages of the West in the past. But the new forces rapidly cutch up and are already in the lead in some domains. In short, the main task of the new forces (I repeat that, simplifying, I look at these forces as a unity) is resolving the problems and obstacles which they meet on their way, prudently, confidently, creatively, competently. So, „autonomy“ has to be replaced by something like „firm self-confidence and competence“.
I would say that arrogance is the most typical behavior of Western hegemonists. Certainly, humility is not an adjusted answer, the hegemonists would just laugh about. Humility is too weak and too defensive. Manifestly, strength and courage are required. Of course, they have to be combined with caution. Yet, we may be assured that the new forces have accumulated enough knowledge about Western tactics and tricks. The Western arsenal is quite limited. Essentially, it consists of a big mouth and nothing behind. Nevertheless, one should not be impressible nor provokable. I would like to propose something like „robustness and solidity“ instead of „humility“.
Perseverance is not enough. The new forces need a long-term strategy. The Western hegemony has lasted for some centuries while we may say that the new forces exist since some 100 years. These 100 years were however quite wild and unbalanced. At least, a lot of experiences was acquired. In some sense, the „youth“ of the new forces is now over. They have entered the age of adults. They take more and more responsibility.
Related to perseverance is the question of rigor. In the ascending period of Western hegemony, rigor was essential. In the middle of the last century, rigor was still a strength of the West. This is now over. The new forces show more rigor. Their societies are more serious and much less exposed to Western amusements and decadence. You may look at Hassan Nasrallah and Netanyahu with respect to rigor and you immediately see that there is no comparison; to the point that something in me strongly objects putting these two names in the same sentence, it is like a sacrilege. Here is another illustration: Clearly, Karl Marx was exemplary as a rigorous scientist. But the European left of today see rigor, seriousness, and discipline merely as suspect. Quite to the opposite of someone like famous German supermodel Claudia Schiffer who knows very well that without discipline, there is no career.
So, let us replace „perseverance“ by „perspicacity and rigor“.
Finally, what may signify positivity for the new forces? What immediately comes to mind is confidence. Confidence in their case, confidence in their struggle, confidence in their success. For example the confidence of the Chinese that they will reach their target of eliminating poverty in their country at the end of 2020. Or the confidence of the Syrians that they will liberate every inch of their country.
Some weeks ago, on May 9, I was very impressed by the text written for this blog by Faina Savenkova, a child of 11 years from Lugansk. Above all by her confidence. This is really a deciding factor. It is as she writes: „I know for sure […] that the war will end sooner or later, and we will create a new future.“
Accordingly, let us replace „positivity“ by „deep confidence“.
I recapitulate. My guiding principles have emerged from „autonomy, humility, perseverance, positivity“ to something like „firm self-confidence and competence, robustness and solidity, perspicacity and rigor, deep confidence“. This is less static, less neutral, less defensive as well as more dynamic, more purposeful, more optimistic. And more in line with existing reality. We may trust in this new world. Which is in the process of being created, before our eyes.
“Whatever newspaper I open – whatever day…”
Why would you do that? I suppose you even pay for them!
I have not read any newspaper or commercial magazine for about 10 years, and I believe I am far better informed than at any previous time of my life.
Moreover, I believe that I am far less deceived and disinformed.
The Saker’s Web site is an excellent source of news and opinion. So are many, many others: I might mention as examples Dr Malcolm Kendrick, Off-Guardian, Hector Drummond, Spiked, Rob Slane, Lockdown Sceptics, John Helmer, C.J. Hopkins, Michael Hudson, Dmitry Orlov, Andrei Martyanov, FAIR, Caitlin Johnstone, Moon of Alabama, Tom Naughton, Vanessa Beeley, Andre Vltchek, Eva Bartlett, Ron Unz, ConsortiumNews, RT, The Register, Paul Craig Roberts, Lew Rockwelll… and on and on and on.
Even if I trusted any of the mainstream media rags written by presstitutes paid by government, I wouldn’t have any time.
i could not agree more….and i will add, for myself anyway, it has been 15 years since i have had a television in my home that received any channels.
Same here … I haven’t watched TV for 11yrs.
After not going into the living-room (where the TV was) for 1yr (bedridden) I realised I didn’t miss it & cancelled it.
Haven’t looked back.
And I hear more people doing the same because of paying $$$$$ for “nothing to watch”.
Good riddance!
Didnt knew it was a trend. I also closed off the TV one year ago. Plus I never read MSM since 5 years ago.
Almost 2 decades ago while we still had TY I recorded 60 min. Then I replayed these 60 min with a stopwatch in my hand. Out of the 60 min. I got 14 min content the rest was advertising even the channel I was tuned on to. The outfit that was piping its crap into my house was Comcast. Since I am also bilingual, I can greatly expand my sources of information and even entertainment – if I have time for it.
There are sites where one can watch current TV content for free.
One problem is that the content is worth less than free.
Other problem is that the content is hazardous to one’s mental health.
Keep in mind the first rule about dealing with vampires, never invite one into your home.
Agreed! Good list too. I haven’t read a newspaper for 30 years. Ditto no TV. Rule no.1, do not treat your head like a trash bin or a toilet. Use discipline and discernment.
Tom, I would add Charles Hugh Smith, James Howard Kunstler and a few others to that list.
I, like yourself, will generally not read the Corporate Media but for a different reason than you mention. When I read an article in the Corporate Media, I always background check the sources (where possible) and the factual allegations. That takes a lot of time. I generally find that the stories in the Corporate Media are collages of cherry picked facts, misrepresentations, distortions and opinions from biased “experts.” When you do that type of background research you end up convinced that the Corporate Media is nothing more than deliberate disinformation. However, it is often done very well and it takes a lot of research to get to the truth. I really have better things to do with my time.
Sometimes, however, I will read CNN. CNN’s propaganda is so poorly done that their articles are sometimes hilarious reads. I read it like I would read good comedy. I find myself laughing out loud.
I too enjoy a few minutes of the Comedy News Network………………….some of the best fake comedy on tv anywhere!
“Tom, I would add Charles Hugh Smith, James Howard Kunstler and a few others to that list”.
So would I if I had thought a little longer! 8-)
And Tom Naughton’s “Fathead” site on nutrition and health.
It is impossible to isolate yourself and not watch or read media.
In this times you need to be in contact with what is said and distinguish noise from information.
Certainly you do filter information and you read very critically.
The counterbalance to the matrix of disinformation from the empire is my selected reading from other chosen sources, as it is The Saker, Moon of Alabama, Martyanov and many others.
It is certainly extremely frustrating to see intelligent people ignoring hard evidence of the evilness of the empire, such as self-collapsing towers in 09/11, such as non existent weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, vote ‘fraud’ by Evo Morales in Bolivia, ‘chemical weapons’ in Syria, Maduro involved in the ‘drug trade’, Israel allowed to have nuclear weapons but Iran not, etc
I do measure the decay of an empire:
(1) The increasing number of their media constructed enemies: Initially solely communists, now ‘jihadists’, Russia, Syria, Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea, China and counting.
(2) The amount of debt it requires to maintain the ‘house of cards’ it is.
Enter now the pandemic, which has shown, at least, the fallacy of neoliberal economics and politics on issues of public health.
Cheers from France.
Mario José Medjeral.
It is impossible to isolate yourself and not watch or read media.
In this times you need to be in contact with what is said and distinguish noise from information.
Certainly you do filter information and you read very critically.
your logic is deeply flawed and will bring you no peace of mind. it is the same logic that says in order to understand what the dating scene (if you were in the time of your life) was all about it was necessary to date women or men that you knew or suspected were un-healthy to your well being (you decide what that means) BUT because you wanted to see all sides and NOT ISOLATE yourself you socialized or even slept and had a relationship with them.
clearly if knowingly bring disease into you life you pay a price down the road.
You only pay a price if you are weak of mind. Yes, sex with various partners may well bring disease into one’s life. I can assure you, reading, regardless of it’s source is very important, and if ones mind is closed then disease will surely follow, yet for those whose brain can handle more than one or two simple but complex tasks understanding where and how the enemy directs it’s propaganda is of the utmost importance. Hard to counter bullshit if you don’t know where it’s coming from.
Yes America is self-destructing. A malignant narcissist in charge and a man who cannot construct a sentence is an alternative. A stock market devoid of reality and a 1% devoid of conscience. The biggest scandal in US history will be the lack of medicare, UBI and help for small business in reply to the C19 epidemic. The macinations of feeble, self-serving politicians is a given.
Why is it that the same politicians and mainstream media treat their citizens as if they have IQ levels of 50 when the average is 100? Could it be because the general population is more worried about income, jobs, health security and family and have only have time to look at headlines. Is this why two clowns are running for office? The destruction of the empire will happen from within while China and Russia etc. need do zilch
@John Hagan
All the idiots and psychos are carefully selected to management and key positions to cause tension and frustration among the normal IQ’s, and to carry out tasks no normal person would do.
Previously you needed a CV with skills. Today they use psychological profiles for more and more sophisticated profit schemes.
Good article and much could be commented about it. I will just include two examples. One is regarding humility and the constant hate spewed by the west. Here in Canada the Conservative Party candidates are trying very hard to impress people. One of their ways is to bash China. I saw one such effort last evening on social media telling us how we need to stand with Hong Kong and democracy and against the ruthless Communist Chinese. I couldn’t help but comment at how arrogant this is, that we would insist that an ancient civilization is supposed to become like us. As if the west has no sins for which we need to repent.
The second example is regarding the people in general. When this virus started my early view was that this was released against China to hurt their economic progress. A neighbour down the road who I don’t credit with having much clear thought on world events had concluded the same thing. And this was before I heard anyone else even make such a suggestion. I was impressed that a light had gone on in my neighbours mind. Then a few weeks went by and his view had changed. China had released the virus to damage the west, the U.S. in particular! My neighbour had succumbed to the propaganda dished out daily upon us.
Thank you Paul Schmutz Schaller I like the way you analyzed it and found the word you feel fit… I love to find the right words too… as they actually represent concepts… no idea from which country you speak from… by my guess is one of the few European countries that does not go overboard whenever there is a problem that need to be handled… it could be from my country, but your name is not very Danish… I usually say or write ”our future is towards the East”… and that goes for all areas of life… … I agee with you that to succeed, as a human being one need to have confidence in one self and the road one is taking – everyone of us is in that sense a pioneer… noone has been me and taken that road I am taking – and every pioneer get scratches on the way… and should keep the eye on the mountain… and keep going… and know that the price of freedom, is constant alertness and willingness to fight back… and AND !!! know exactly what freedom means… to know one has a choice… and take responsibility for what one choose…
Paul Schmutz Schaller nails it (emphasis added):
Well, that proves the conclusion about what passes for Western ’individualism’:
Scratch a Western ’individualist’ and marvel at the little invertebrate that peeps out beneath
The rest of Western mendacity and slandering is simple projection. Beyond redemption; below contempt. Mind you, it’s quite pleasurable to note the cognitive dissonance among the faithful believers in ”Western Democracy” with all their ridiculous superstitions being challenged by the neoliberal rot from within and by the mounting, ever more successful resistance from without.
That’s taking understatement to the point of caricature. Today, more than ever before, the West’s truly fundamental message amounts to The sillier the hogwash, the better. Consume our MSM!.
” China, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Nicaragua, Russia, Syria, Venezuela”
Now if those 8 countries,and they could probably add another 10 to it if they tried.Belarus,Mongolia,Kazakhstan,Lebanon,Tajikistan,,Cambodia,Laos,and Myanmar, are 8 right of the bat that would be more than likely to sign on,since they are connected to either Russia or China economically.And some politically.Where to declare that they no longer would be following any sanctions on those nations.And that if the US retaliates they would in unity end any and all trade in their countries using the US dollar.Not in accepting in it payment for imports.Nor accepting it in payment for exports.There is power in unity.Which those countries seem to not understand.And the more countries that can be brought on board to oppose the US,the harder it will be for the US to keep its power over the world.
With just a little bit more open support, Serbia would join to.
And there was a time in life, around my 28 to 30, when I used to read as many and two, sometimes three newspapers a day – though I was no journo ou any other professional requiring extensive reading.
It was a stupid wish of getting ‘informed’.
It took a few years but later I succeeded , thanks to a U teacher, to get rid of the garbage.