Historical Roots of Dehumanization: The Story of the Clan (Fifth Wave of Hate)

There was a time when people openly debated whether individuals of certain races had souls (and even today, some still question whether certain religions “have souls”). Through deeply flawed and dysfunctional thinking, those with power granted themselves rights over others—rights that cannot legitimately be given away. Generations later, people stood together to free human beings whom society’s worst actors had dehumanized and claimed ownership over. Many sacrifices were made in support of freedom.

(illustrative)
Jerry learned about
the struggles of the past
and the one's some
face today. The 
story of this generation
and the next has
not been fully written. 
He desires people to think
about prior choices and
how to avoid repeating the
bad ones. 
He encourages healthy 
adaptation through
learning; even in 
difficult environments.
He understands 
why we swear the oaths we
do and the importance
of believing in them.

Yet even after emancipation, some courts undermined those gains by rewarding landowners and social insiders who intentionally eroded those freedoms. These actions were products of their time, but they should still provoke deep reflection. The lessons of that era continue into the modern age, particularly when hate quietly enters decision-making—whether openly acknowledged or not.

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The Story of the Clan: A Philosophical Thought Experiment

The Story of the Clan is a philosophical learning narrative that explores how segregationist beliefs can reappear in modern forms, targeting certain religions, races, and out-groups. In this thought experiment, unwritten and implicit codes of hate prove more powerful than codified law. This is not accidental; it is the result of years of compromising.

In this story, nearly anything can be manipulated to reinforce the idea that “out-group” members are pseudo second-class citizens—people without meaningful rights of recourse, to whom sacred principles no longer apply. With no effective safeguards and open protection for those who cause harm, the system collapses under the weight of its own social and symbolic distortions. (Symbolic here refers to how the subconscious processes others and assigns—or denies—responsibility toward them.)

Allegations in this narrative range from sexual misconduct, to endangering children for personal gain, silencing whistleblowers by following them home, and targeting religious minorities to remove them from “their land”—despite the fact that many have lived there far longer. The issue is not history but perceived entitlement. These behaviors escalate into repeated attempts at open aggression designed to inflict physical and psychological harm. At that point, institutional failure becomes complete as nefarious actors seek to avoid accountability or profit from wrongdoing. Greed and corruption frequently intertwine with hate.

---

When Partisanship Overrides Purpose

Imagine a society where generational promises are discarded and political norms make deeply illegal acts functionally permissible. One of the risks of extreme partisanship is that it abandons the middle ground which should be our center. In such an environment, the very purpose of society is thrown aside, and hate becomes collectivized among individuals who are easily manipulated into scapegoating others for their problems.

History has already shown us the damage caused by ignorance, dehumanization, and moral blindness. In this hypothetical, harming others to enrich an in-group becomes normalized. Self-proclaimed “elite” members boast of power over others while openly mistreating them and encouraging others to do the same—creating social rules such as “you can’t talk to the victims” or “being their friend is uncool.” The victims have done nothing but behave politely, yet the clan system repeatedly rewards inappropriate and harmful behavior.

Even after severe harm to innocent people, perpetrators feel entitled to their actions, confident they are shielded by corruption and courts aligned with clan interests. In this story, they are correct: immunity is known, smirked about, and exploited through backroom deals that shield correction. Violations of human and civil rights cannot be ignored, nor should the damage caused by dark-triad traits be dismissed.

---

The Silver Lining: Oaths Still Matter

Despite coordinated efforts to harm, there are still individuals who believe in their oaths. Most officials and citizens do—especially when reminded of them—though they are often constrained by more toxic members within institutions. In the face of extreme backsliding, victims choose to challenge wrongdoing peacefully and persistently, not for recognition, but because they know it matters for the next generation. They have responsibilities where others have neglected theirs.

They ask for nothing and expect no protection, understanding how misuse of power operates at the unwritten level. They stand calmly in the presence of hate and corruption to strengthen the safety of others and brighten their future. Those who engage in wrongdoing do not represent the majority of public servants, many of whom act with integrity—but these failures occur precisely where systems break down. We owe it not only to the victims but also to those who work with integrity to strengthen these institutions as much as we can. 

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Victims, Accountability, and Institutional Repair

Intentionally created victims—often treated as second-class citizens—continue pushing for healthier institutions and a brighter future for everyone, including the children and grandchildren of those who harmed them. Good is rarely rewarded in systems that embrace corruption but that doesn't change the need to continue to encourage a higher moral order. Still, these individuals care enough to learn from history, understand risk, and insist that societies improve by strengthening what works and correcting what does not.

The misuse of institutional authority only weakens those institutions. When those entrusted with responsibility fail to meet the higher purpose of their roles, others step in to reinforce the foundations they neglected. 

As victims come forward and failures in clan-aligned courts become visible, more officials and citizens begin to understand the truth. Hate-based narratives weaken, and the full scope of wrongdoing becomes clearer—including sweetheart deals granted to those caught in misconduct. A different future begins to emerge, grounded in moral awareness and accountability. The rewards of doing what is right slowly become visible.

---

Shared Values and the Cost of Silence

Standing for shared values is as important today as it was in the past—not only for justice, but for economic stability and a truly indivisible society. History teaches us what happens when good people are silenced, rights are undermined, and distorted consciences justify nearly anything without checks and balances. Manipulation, hate-based rumors, coordinated retaliation, and the misuse of taxpayer money against whistleblowers are signs of systemic failure, no matter how some attempt to rationalize them.

When these behaviors are normalized, low trust becomes the rational response. Two systems of justice emerge—one for insiders, another for everyone else. The same problem found in history repeats itself because it has not been truly resolved only pushed out of conscious to resurface again from failures to learn.

---

True North and the Fifth Wave of Hate

The written and unwritten rules of society must align with true north. If we claim to believe in certain values, we cannot tolerate clan courts or enrich those who benefit from them. The emergence of a “fifth wave of hate” in this philosophical series represents a final lesson—after which understanding must be consolidated into wisdom.

Accountability may or may not arrive, but the system itself is on trial. Give hate an inch and it takes a mile. If clan courts give it yards, it will take entire roadways. The tragedy is that those most despised by hate groups are often the very people trying to prevent worse outcomes—urging accountability before stronger leadership arrives and reverses the damage.

---

The Final Question

The central question remains: when the curtain is pulled back, do the perpetrators recognize their actions as an honest reflection of their values? Are they willing to own what they believe and what they have done?

The victims understand their sacrifice and what is at stake when values are treated as decoration rather than obligation. Hate, when normalized, endangers generations. The freeloaders of our rights feel entitled despite never having helped earn or protect them.

The final irony is this: those who dehumanized others ultimately undermined themselves. They mistook immunity for justice. But no amount of backroom deals or institutional protection can outrun the long tail of justice. No individual, institution, or authority is immune to change when society deems that change as necessary for their health.

Doing what is right strengthens society. Doing wrong steals from the next generation to satisfy the unquenchable appetite of a few. As Plato’s Allegory of the Cave reminds us, when people are shown a higher truth, their reaction reveals who they truly are.Allegory of the the Cave

What do you think?

“Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness, but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.”  Plato

*This is a philosophical thought experiment for learning purposes. 

NY Fed Reserve Released December Survey of Consumer Expectations (Sally's Fishing Job Opportunities)

(Illustrative Purpose)
Sally works as a commercial
fisherwoman and thinks 
her industry is poised to grow
but she is concerned if she does
lose her job she will have 
a hard time finding another one.
She hopes someday they find a
way to improve fish stocks
on the Great Lakes. Maybe
reallocate a higher percentage
of money from overseas to
domestic issues like this.

 She may branch into guided fish
tours and a fish lunch and 
launch from Escanaba harbor. 
It has been getting great
reviews from other boating
enthusiasts. 

Perhaps Delta County 
needs a hatchery to feed 
the area with healthy protein fish, 
a potential commercial source,
and tourism. Not to mention
the tax revenue that comes from
increased licenses, restaurant
and hotel stays. The impact
could have some broader
appeal

Great Lake Fishery Commission

In December, consumer sentiment appeared to shift as concerns about job security and the ability to find new employment increased. Interestingly, many people still reported feeling more comfortable about their overall financial situation. This contrast likely reflects the fact that individuals can feel secure financially while still worrying about future employment risks.

Expectations for inflation one year ahead rose slightly to 3.4 percent, while expectations for inflation three and five years out remained unchanged at 3 percent.

Confidence in finding a new job if one were to lose their current position declined to about 43 percent, the lowest level on record. This drop was driven primarily by households earning under $100,000, with the largest declines among individuals over age 60 and those with a high school education or less.

At the same time, concerns about job loss increased. The perceived likelihood of losing one’s job in the next year rose to roughly 15 percent, above the recent average. Fewer people expected to leave their jobs voluntarily over the next twelve months.

Despite these employment concerns, household perceptions of their financial situation improved. More respondents reported being better off than a year ago, fewer reported being worse off, and expectations for financial conditions in the year ahead also strengthened.

You can read more about this at New York Fed Survey of Consumer Expectations

The Day I Went Saber Fencing: A Few Tips and Fitness Benefits

 I’ve fenced on and off over the years, and I’d rate myself as solidly average—maybe average-minus on a good day—especially offensively. That said, I’m actually not terrible when you factor in how little I practice. My true athletic strategy is simple: do lots of different sports and hope competence emerges somewhere along the way. Sometimes it does and many times it just fizzles.

Saber fencing is no joke for cardio. Your heart rate spikes almost immediately as you bounce back and forth on the strip, trying to watch blades, anticipate attacks, counter, parry, counter the counter, and then wonder how you still got hit. Bouts are short, but they feel like sprinting while playing chess with sharp objects.

Some great warriors in history
were Samuria, Knights, Mameluke, Ninjas, etc.

 Spruce Bruce from the Order
of Elken Pine Nuts 
are not among those great
warrior classes.

Ancient Warriors

We held a small club competition, and I finished just about last—which honestly felt appropriate. Most of the other fencers train four times a week. I show up about once a week, sometimes less, occasionally by accident. Still, I know enough to land a few clean points, which makes me a fun target for more experienced fencers. Every now and then I even surprise myself… and them. Sometimes they run into my blade.

A few nights ago, one seasoned fencer definitely did not expect me to nearly beat her. She did score the final point and win the bout, but for a brief moment, I lived in a universe where I was winning—and that’s what really counts.

I’m also a licensed fitness trainer and yoga instructor, with experience in a few other disciplines. If you want help getting in shape—whether for general fitness or sport-specific conditioning—send me a message and we can set something up virtually. I can’t promise fencing greatness, but I can help you get fitter while laughing at your own progress. En garde!

Fencing can burn around 400+ calories and hour and provides some cardio vascular benefits. Fencing Cardio

The hypothetical Feather Party: A Matrix-Based Approach to Political Decision-Making

(Illustrative only)

Todd believes

that bringing in a fresh

perspective might

help in creating pathways

for average folks

to share their concerns,

propose ideas, and

develop their communities.

Farmers, store clerks,

small business owners,

concerned citizens,

investors, all welcome!

He thinks the hypothetical Feather Party

should consider a cap on all

donations and no special interests.

Flatter party structure

means less overhead.

All decisions must be free, 

independent and for the

best interest of society as

a whole.

"In politics, we presume that

everyone who knows how

to get votes knows how to

administer a city or a state. When we are ill…

we do not ask for the

handsomest physician,

or the most eloquent one."

-Plato

Todd knows he is ugly but

he still tries anway.🤷😲

Let us continue this philosophical discussion of the hypothetical Feather Party, which exists at present purely as a thought experiment. The idea is to explore the potential role of a small, independent third party that seeks to influence and occasionally tip votes in order to preserve core national values, provide a more direct route to governance for average people, think about the needs of the next generation and enhance strategic decision making. 

(It is ok if this is the world's dumbest idea. We are just enjoying the discussion here. Pet rocks made millions and this one will be a headache but all in good kharma.)

Let us consider there are many options and ways to do this. We can use our imagination to think what that part would look like and its benefits or detractors. Rather than defining itself in opposition to existing parties, the hypothetical Feather Party would operate through a decision-making matrix designed to evaluate legislation and policy choices based on agreed-upon principles. Conservative or liberal are not central to the discussion but is left in the hands of the independent voter.

At its core, this would be a forum for discussion, analysis, and informed opinion—offering guidance to independent voters without requiring them to vote a particular way. By doing so, it could introduce additional perspective into the political process, potentially shaping decision-making and outcomes in meaningful ways. It helps to inform people objectively about issues and then provide what it believes would make the most sense based on the factors involved. If nothing else, it creates an element of fluidity in thinking.

Such an approach would require a clearly defined decision-making matrix that is broad enough to encompass many discussions.  It should remain flexible, yet structured enough to evaluate decisions against established criteria. Each policy or piece of legislation could be reviewed through this lens and receive an endorsement, rejection, or recommendation for revision. 

Given the complexity of modern governance, there could also be value in creating more direct channels for collecting ideas and perspectives. In effect, this would function as a meta-analysis of public input—allowing individuals to submit thoughtful proposals and analyses addressing societal challenges. With today’s technology, it would be entirely feasible to build platforms where ideas and evidence could be shared, reviewed, and discussed.

While the Feather Party would often serve to tip votes one way or another, it could also introduce policy initiatives it believes reflect the needs of everyday people. This would likely require a structured process for gathering ideas from across society—whether from citizens, academics, or public officials—and synthesizing them into coherent proposals through vetting and review. Party members are voted into position based on their ability to critially think and be objective.

Representing that independent
voters were here.

Party members could then evaluate which proposals best address identified problems using the decision-making matrix. Those that show the strongest potential could be presented to the broader governing bodies for consideration. Even when proposals are not adopted, the act of examining old problems through new lenses often leads to better understanding and more innovative solutions. 

The decision-making matrix itself would need to include multiple dimensions, such as constitutionality, economic and social impact, scientific evidence, ethical considerations, and international implications. Policies that perform well across these criteria could then be opened for public discussion and debate. Those that make sense and reasonable but don't cut the mustard still could be open to public review in case they become more important in the future. 

(In other words, the only right answer is that which helps achieve societal and national objectives.)

At that stage, the party could either leave the ideas in the public sphere or formally propose legislation. The same matrix could also be applied to proposals originating from existing parties. Because the hypothetical Feather Party is not designed as an opposition group, it would simply evaluate each proposal on its merits and decide whether to support or oppose it. This additional perspective could help reduce legislative deadlock by introducing a fresh, principled viewpoint.

 (Maybe it just adds to the complexity, so make up your own mind. There is some good points for a third lens outside of current perspectives and some against.).

Importantly, party members would not be required to vote in any particular way. They would be encouraged to review the guidance, analysis, and feedback, then vote according to their conscience. The only expectation would be that votes are cast based on principles and ideas—not partisan advantage or special interest influence. When viable ideas align with core values, they should be supported; when they do not, new ideas should be solicited, vetted, and thoughtfully debated.

This is just a discussion for fun. However, one might wonder if 15% of the voting population and legislative seats would have a positive impact. What do you think? Stupid idea or could it have merit? Either way is just fine. 🤔

Small-Busines Bankruptcies Rise: What Drives Business Success—or Failure—in Emerging Markets

According to the article below, business bankruptcies appear to be increasing, which is something worth watching closely going forward. As more businesses are started, closure rates naturally rise as well—most new ventures do not survive their early years, and that is a normal part of the business cycle. There are also well-established economic theories that explain these boom-and-bust patterns in business development. The market constantly changes so small business adapt the best they can through the cycles. A rise and change in trend could indicate other things are going on.

Conference Board Boom and Bust

Business Life Cycle

Illustrative only.
Aron knows that much of his business
success comes from finding
the right start up location. He also
knows that if he keeps learning about
business and adapting while
keeping an eye on unnecessary 
expenses he can match
market need while 
making a strong profit. 

He works with some of the other
businesses on Ludington St. to  enhance
the downtown environment
and community because he has experienced
that his business is part of a network
of other busineses in the area. 

One key area of focus should be retaining businesses beyond their first few years so they can establish viable structures that support sustainable growth. A business may begin with a strong product or idea, but it must eventually develop a repeatable and profitable process that meets market needs. It doesn’t have to be large-scale or mass-produced, but it does need to deliver enough value for customers and generate sufficient returns to remain financially viable.

Rising costs can place pressure on businesses to adapt and make changes to improve efficiency. In some cases, this can be a healthy exercise that leads to better operations and leaner processes. However, when cost increases are rapid or structural—affecting inputs that cannot easily be reduced—bankruptcies become more likely. This is why factors such as inflation, infrastructure, taxes, and tariffs are so important to business survival.

From a theoretical perspective, business clusters can create efficiencies by sharing inputs, talent, and infrastructure, which can lower costs for individual firms. Certain environments naturally attract startups, and when those businesses are supported and connected to export markets—either nationally or internationally—overall wealth can increase. Entrepreneurial hubs often resemble startups themselves, experiencing cycles of experimentation, failure, and eventual stability as they mature. (In theory one might call this Perpetual Sustainable Development which furthers Creative Destruction concepts. If the environment is right it will continue to rejuvenate more cycles. It is just an idea so feel free to discard. This blog is about ideas.)

Government decision-making plays a significant role in shaping these outcomes, particularly through policies that influence costs, regulation, and legal frameworks for business development. When decisions balance economic realities with broader societal needs, they can foster more stable and sustained growth. Markets also exert pressure, requiring businesses and policymakers alike to adapt. Pressures are applied on all levels of governance from local to national creating the business environment and climate. Together, these forces shape the foundational conditions that determine whether a particular location is conducive to starting and sustaining successful businesses. If you find one then consider starting a business there. 

Small Business Bankruptcy Up

Sunset Isle Painting: To Soon Be Lost to the World!

Some type of sunset

I paint a little on the side purely for the joy of learning and the process. I’m not the world’s greatest artist—probably not even the best within a mile—but I am out here painting, which feels important (ok maybe not). If you’d like this piece, it’s available for $40 via PayPal (link below). Free shipping, because I’m generous like that. 😆

If you don’t buy it, it will eventually be painted over and quietly disappear from existence, like a forgotten civilization. Please consider its feelings.

Sunsets have fascinated people for centuries. I’m drawn to the water, and sunsets are a reminder that nature operates on its own schedule, completely indifferent to our plans. We live in nature and are part of it—though we often forget that, especially when scrolling indoors.

Sunset Isle Painting. 

Social and Economic Development is a Little Like Team Rowing (The Story of the Clan)

Isaac thinks of ways
to teach people about
the core values of society
and how economics
and root value
 assumptions relate.
Creating thriving communities.

Correcting wrongdoing is essential to the healthy development of any organizational system (Different shapes, sizes and purposes). It generally doesn't make much of a difference the type. The same is true for societies built on shared values, a sense of purpose, and expectations of fair treatment and exchange. To explore this concept, consider the story of the clan. It helps formulate how hate and corruption may lack sufficient checks and balances and how to better protect future victims as well as encourage communities/socieities to thrive. The issue is less about the individual actors and more about general response and capacity; like a stress test that points to a brighter or slightly darker future. You fill your own glass so half full or empty is up to you.

The story of the clan is a philosophical thought experiment that examines what happens when justice defaults—when systems fail to function as they should. Large groups of people, a judge and a couple of rogue officers knew about misbehavior and engaged in coordinated wrongdoing because of influence of a social network and unwritten expectations of institutional outcomes filtered through a lens of hate. In this scenario, the failure of justice leads to significant harm inflicted on families identified as “out-group” members, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation (Any "ism" can go too far including clannism.). Because the mistreatment is highly coordinated and patterned, it suggests that others may have been victimized in similar ways in the past. A wider issue of entitlement bullying and intentional mean spiritedness that seems to have special priviledges others don't get. No correction occured and the risks continue forward....

The perpetrators have no legitimate reason to hate out-group members. Instead, they have formed a kind of insular, cult-like social network inner members struggle to think independently (The fish in the fishbowl that may not see any other fishbowls. Consumed by their own social world.).  The victims were convenient scapegoats and a pathway to enrichment of friends through threats and intimidation suggesting a possible alternative type of citizenship with less rights (greed, bigotry and identity are tied together so this is why corruption and hate are often associate around the same latent issue(s). of projected self.) . A type of maladaptation of not only the people stirring the pot but also those who listen without critical thinking or outside anchors/perspectives. If you sort of look at this group with squinty eyes you may see the markers of Plato's cave of mental slavery where their lack of broader knowledge limits their internal knowledge (Some of used the word cultish. Exploring the Cult in Culture.)

You can actually feel a little sad for such groups....they don't know what they don't know.....

Society's sometimes create checks and balances to ensure such groups do not bend or warp the purpose of law or institutions for personal gain. For the most part, anytime bad behaviors occur on a group level and there is no correction or accountability we find biased and distorted views that have dehumanized others by fostering a perception of lower inherent value (i.e.slavery, hate crimes, and collective mistreatment all come from the same dark line of thinking and exclusion.). Since this appears to nearly always been destructive in society it helps to foster a sense of wholeness and togetherness by the way we interact and encourage the highest possible expectations of institutions along with those we trust to run them. If a group of wrongdoers are engaged in wrongdoing, even if we may not like this or that,  we have a collective interest in fostering certain foundational rules. As a metapher, if a good rower is thrown off the boat for inappropriate reasons not tied to merit/performance then the entire team will suffer. Races will start to be lost. Maybe more will start to fall out as well. We can't run a team by a high percentage of free riders who say they know alot but accomplish little (people who are not pulling their weight). 

Representing lots of people 
who are rowing together and
have enough motivation
to show up.

High performing teams work
together and pull the whole
team up.

The silver lining in our learning story is that many people at the community level understand the difference between right and wrong and begin to encourage higher moral standards (The vast majority of people outside the cultish clan seem to agree that the group has caused problems at various places and times. Most just childishness but sometimes they step way beyond that into something else. Literature has shown that in Game Theory eventually the perpetrators lose when people catch onto selfish or manipulative play. We have an inherent need to treat each other fairly so when it smells stinky it likely is stinky. Always try and do the right thing). As trust returns, economic activity and investment increase. With that growth comes a renewed sense of vitality and hope—more jobs, improved public spaces, and greater care for the community as a whole. The short and long tail of doing right over wrong. When people choose what draws us together through our shared values (i.e. unity) and reject what drives us apart, they create social patterns that can impact economic patterns (It is all just choice. Neural economics. ☝). It is the shared values that build a society and it is those shared values that create transactional activities that lead to social/economic exchanges and growth (In Theory: Economic Needs Feel free to reject that idea as well. It is just for philosophical purposes anway.💁).

The lesson is clear: doing the right thing often requires persistence even in the face of coordinated wrongdoing. The principles should be protected and this is why some may stand for what is right and why some default (decorative values to get them what they want). It requires people with real dense bedrock values that are not like dust in the wind. That is why when obvious wrongdoing is uncorrected despite its knowledge it is a sign of who they feel they serve and their value systems. Upholding certain shared values increases those who also believe in the very definition and purpose of society. Not all leaders are qualified for their roles nor are they the best that society can bring forward (High levels of vetting based on special interests may be limiting the candidates and the voices that can improve decision making leading to environments where defaults like this occur). Strong intuitive leaders help provide pathways to broad based needs fulfillment around shared values and oaths.  Wrongdoing must be challenged to ensure constant alignment to unifying values—principles that reflect generational to generational unfinished societal work that will make society's unbeatable as a single team rowing in well polished unison and propelled forward by purpose (If you don't trust that a leader understands that sacred duty or they don't have the capacity to correct wrongdoing then vote them out and find someone more capable.). No other team will catch up to a team like that where the best of the crew's skills and abilities are brought forward. We are all in this ship together so a general suggestion is for people to start rowing together. Failing us all for some is going to make us weaker. I hope we know where we are going....

What Makes People Think That an Action is Morally Wrong?

*This is a philosophical thought experiment so feel free to change around the elements and come to your own conclusion.