America Emboldened

The sun launched six powerful coronal mass ejections at earth over the past 72 hours. On Friday a severe geomagnetic storm hit the earth and many witnessed the northern lights dancing in the sky in the early morning on Saturday. The auroras are normally only in the northern hemisphere, however, due to the intensity of the storm, the lights appeared in lower latitudes of Puerto Rico and Mexico. The light show was shared and loved by many around the world.   There was a lesson that may have been missed during the beauty. The potential impact of a solar storm on modern technology, including the power grid, GPS, and cell phone networks, as discussed in various articles this past weekend, underscores the need for more robust and resilient infrastructure. This includes developing technologies that can withstand or adapt to the effects of solar storms. As a whole, society seems ignorant to the dangers and scope of crisis that awaits. The global nature of solar storms necessitates international collaboration in predicting and mitigating their effects. The involvement of organizations like NASA, NOAA, and other international bodies in space weather research and prediction demonstrates the importance of such collaborations.   Those collaborations and coverage by the media have gone silent for decades. There are those in the know about these events, but they seldom get the attention they deserve.  Historical solar storms, like the 1921 event and the Carrington Event of 1859, provide valuable lessons on the potential impact of solar storms on our society. These events underscore the need to learn from the past and prepare for future events that could have even more significant consequences due to our increased dependence on technology.   The unpredictability of solar storms and the Sun's activity cycle serves as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance and preparedness. Even with advanced technology and research, the Sun's behavior can still surprise us, and we must be ready for such surprises. Are you prepared for the earth’s weakening magnetic field? And, do you care if there is nothing you can do about it?

American journalist Addy Adds was sent on an assignment to the capital of Brazil to cover the protests. The 2022 election was mirrored with the 2020 American election as there were calls of fraud and election integrity tampering. The National File sent Addy down to embed him in the chaos for stories. When he arrived he noticed that something was off about the people he was speaking with and he felt uncomfortable. He was told people were watching his phone, and in some cases, spoken in code to test to see if he was an intelligence agent.   He began reflecting back on his journey to Brazil and realized that he was likely surrounded by American intelligence agents, perhaps even the CIA. He believed they were upset with his presence because he was not agreeing to be controlled to tell stories they wanted. His new book "Escape from Brazil: Spooks in the Grass" is now available on Amazon. He joins America Emboldened to tell his story and answer our questions about his experiences.

An explosive episode of America Emboldened that was worth the wait. Mike ter Maat, presidential frontrunner for the nomination of the Libertarian party joined the show. We heard about the issues in the first half. In the second half of the show we heard inside info about Robert F. Kennedy Jr's campaign offer, and a challenge sent his way from Mike. Do not miss this show!

Sit down in silence and try to remember something from your past. Take note of the details that you remember, can you pinpoint the day, the time, what happened a week before and after. Focus on the feeling of the moment, what feeling is tied to it and how does that assist in your memory. After this reflection, ask yourself, is this an imprint of my past, or is this an illusion?   The past exists as a collection of memories, experiences, and events that have shaped who we are today. It's important to recognize that our perception of the past is subjective and can be influenced by our memories, emotions, and interpretations. Memories are not perfect recordings of past events; they are reconstructed and can be distorted over time. Therefore, while the past has contributed to our present reality, it's essential not to dwell on it excessively or allow it to dictate our lives. Instead, we can learn from the past, cherish fond memories, and use our experiences to inform our present actions and shape our future.   Living in the present means focusing our attention and energy on the current moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It involves being fully engaged and aware of what is happening right now, appreciating the experiences, sensations, and emotions of the present moment without judgment or distraction. It's about embracing the here and now, letting go of regrets and anxieties, and finding contentment and peace in the present moment.   I offer thoughts on a meditation I completed this weekend and how it assisted in focusing today’s show and looking at the headlines that are in the media landscape. I’m hopeful that this helpful exercise I completed also is of assistance to the listeners of the America Emboldened family.

On Thursday, a rumor spread that Donald Trump would be speaking at the Libertarian national convention in May. America Emboldened quickly reached out to party leadership and affiliates and was able to get an interview to confirm the news as an exclusive to the show. Today we are joined by Project Manager working on the campaign of Mike ter Matt for President, Dr. Irene Mavrakakis. Dr. Mav shares the breaking news that the Libertarian Party is excited to extend invitations to both Donald Trump and Joe Biden. There may also be more news from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., if he decides to attend as well.   This week saw a uni-party vote bi-partisan to rob Americans of their first amendment rights with the vote for HR 6090. The Libertarian party could be poised to leave the children’s table in political circles and move towards having an equal voice in conversations. All eyes will be on D.C. in May when the convention takes place which is a remarkable achievement by the leadership in the party.   HR 6090, officially known as the Antisemitism Awareness Act, is a piece of legislation passed by the United States House of Representatives that aims to expand the federal definition of anti-Semitism. This expansion is intended to help the Department of Education determine if harassment or discrimination against Jewish students on college campuses is motivated by anti-Semitic intent. The bill requires the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism when making such determinations. The IHRA definition includes examples of anti-Semitism, such as denying Jews the right to self-determination or drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.   When the news broke about the vote results, Michaels and Boulden took to X with a live show blasting the ramifications of the language in the bill. Critics of the bill argue that this could conflate legitimate criticism of the Israeli government with anti-Jewish bigotry, which could potentially chill free speech and violate the first amendment. Using the IHRA definition to determine anti-Semitic incidents could suppress criticism of Israel's policies and actions towards Palestinians, thereby hindering broader efforts to combat true instances of discrimination against Jewish communities.   Additionally, some people, including members of the Jewish community, are concerned that codifying a single definition of anti-Semitism is inappropriate and that the Jewish community has not reached a consensus on the matter.   Learn more on today’s episode.

In 2023 worldwide advertisers spent approximately $30 billion on influencer marketing. The Biden Administration and the political parties have also spent undisclosed millions on this practice with hired employees in charge of procuring results. The practice of social engineering results through influence culture is no longer limited to advertisers. Religion and politics are now reaching out and marketing themselves and their message.   During the 2016 campaign, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton spent $80 million on social media. Now the Catholic Church and other denominations seem to be joining the trend of marketing to a broader audience to spread their message.  Russell Brand, the English comedian and actor, just publicly stated he was baptized as a Catholic. Candace Owens also posted in the same time frame with positive press for the church. Could this be the price that they are willing to pay for your soul?   The influence culture is not new, advertisers have understood the importance and lobbied for human attention for hundreds of years. The covert nature is now slicker and with more reach. Soros and Rockefeller groups are now allegedly being tied to funding protestors on college campuses. The organic rise of protest and influence cannot be distinguished between paid advertisers and concerned citizens.   There is no price to steep for their agenda, and they believe you can be bought.

Last week the Federal Trade Commission ended Non-Compete clauses with it's "Final Rule". Soon after the filing companies will have 120 days to prepare for the new ruling. If you are like many Americans, you may have never signed a non-compete clause. That stated, companies that handle fast food franchises to media empires have long relied on them to keep talent from leaving and taking trade secrets with them.  Big tech has used non-compete to maintain intellectual properties. The FTC endangers innovation with their latest ruling. Today's show I ask, "How is this Constitutional?" Will this be a positive or a negative for America?

Kenny Biddle is an investigator of paranormal claims. He is chief investigator at the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and a fellow of the same organization. Initially interested in ghost hunting, UFOs and other fringe pursuits, Biddle gradually adopted a scientifically minded approach to the study of a wide range of paranormal phenomena.

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires that warrants be issued only upon probable cause and supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. The application of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in relation to the Fourth Amendment has been a subject of debate and legal scrutiny. On April 20th H.R. 7888, “Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act” became public law. The bill reauthorizes Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for another five years, while also enacting important changes under Section 702. Section 702 of FISA is a provision that authorizes the collection of foreign intelligence information on non-U.S. persons located outside the United States, often through the surveillance of electronic communications such as emails and phone calls. It has been a key tool used by the U.S. government to monitor communications involving foreign individuals who are suspected of being involved in terrorism, espionage, or other national security threats. Section 702 evolved in response to the changing nature of global communications and the need for intelligence agencies to adapt to new technologies and threats. FISA was put in place due to several factors in 1978. In the 1960s and 1970s, there were revelations of various government surveillance programs targeting political activists, civil rights leaders, and other individuals deemed as dissenters. One notable example was the FBI's COINTELPRO program, which targeted domestic groups perceived as subversive. These revelations raised concerns about the potential for government overreach and violations of civil liberties. After Watergate and some other abuses of power in government, the Church Committee began investigating intelligence activities of the CIA and FBI. Starting in 1975 the committee would highlight numerous instances of illegal and/or improper surveillance of individuals that needed immense oversight. FISA aimed to strike a balance between national security and safeguarding individual rights. After September 11th, 2001, the Government quickly enacted the Patriot Act a month later. There was a significant expansion of U.S. counterterrorism efforts, including increased surveillance activities by intelligence agencies. This quickly passed act expanded the government's surveillance powers in various ways, including the authorization of roving wiretaps and the use of National Security Letters (NSL). The NSL has been controversial since the introduction of the Patriot Act and the 2008 renewal. The FBI no longer needed prior judicial approval, meaning they can receive customer records, transactional Dara, and other information from 3rd parties while never obtaining a warrant from a court. In the new 2024 renewal, my guest today, Paul Engel, explains that the practice of not needing a warrant continues and is now expanded. According to his research into the new law of the land, Paul discovered a warrant was not needed, simply verbal approval from a superior. We discuss today how Americans continue to allow unlawful bills to be passed and enacted. You can follow Paul Engel on X @cyberengel, and catch his show “The Constitution Study” on the America Out Loud News Talk Radio program.

Global communication comes at a cost to human survival. Radiation increases as we continue to push faster upload and download speeds for convenience and instant gratification. Users of cell phones can read the terms of use agreements and discover that the exposure from use may be harmful over prolonged usage. The warnings are acknowledged and quickly forgotten and ignored. But why?   Humanity does not need to look back too far into history to see a similar scenario. In the middle of the 18th century tobacco began advertising far and wide to consumers. Over the next 150 years they successfully convinced users of tobacco that it was a healthy choice. During the wars of the 20th century the military promoted cigarettes to reduce stress and promote social wellness.   Science caught up as research showed definitive information that it was harming more than helping. Clear evidence was rebuked as those who smoked continued to explain away how the science was flawed. The tobacco industry purposefully distorted and suppressed information while glamorizing the lifestyle in advertisements. The economic interest on the global economy kept governments from choosing to regulate. It took many decades to shift people to awareness of risks and change the societal perception.   Our society is in the same predicament now, but worse. Food selection is leading to mental health decline as more processed meals are prepared than natural whole food. We are becoming what we eat. We are increasing communications capabilities at the cost of our brainwaves and skin health. Our bodies are becoming part of the communications grid without our consent. Convenience and misdirection keep us looking away. At some point in time we need to acknowledge the harm from convenience we are bringing upon ourselves.

The iconic camera maker Nikon inked a deal with NASA to create a camera system for their lunar Artemis III project. The next day Nikon discontinued their flagship technological consumer camera, the Coolpix P1000. Photographers have hailed the P1000 for it’s technical abilities in capturing images at what is effectively a 6000mm zoom lens, and could zoom in on people 4 miles away with clarity. For several years images have been made and videos of the lunar surface using this camera.   Images of the moon with Nikon’s product have raised questions in the observer community as many have caught abnormalities in measurements and events. Most recently the camera caught planets that appeared to show them vibrating at unique frequencies. An ancient world of a time long before humanity was able to be viewed by anyone that purchased this camera. However, after the deal with NASA, Nikon announced the camera would no longer be in production. Inventory immediately ceased on their website within 24 hours.   The deal with NASA has raised questions about whether Nikon was forced to pull their camera from the market. Over the past few years cell phone maker Samsung has used an AI algorithm to provide users “photo” capabilities of the moon. The cell phone images are doctored and not authentic recreations.   Earlier this week, Chris Michaels found an account on social media creating artificial granite out of ash. The creator has been making “molds” that could explain the ancient structures seen around the world. While many have asked whether lasers were available centuries ago, this new method shows that these structures could have been molded in place with no issues. Perhaps the changing energy on the earth is connected to earlier civilizations that were advanced in alchemy and knowledge.   As Chris and Greg discuss the awakening of people to new possibilities and openness to ideas, Greg mentions that he has become fatigued with politics. There is a constant barrage of information with a need for a hot take, and we discuss Donald Trump’s court case and the jury selection without the sensationalism.   They round out the show talking about biohacking. There are many looking to extend their life through drastic measures. These include plasma transfusions from younger family members to parents and strict regimens of saunas and hyper basic oxygen. Who wants to live forever?

In a recent book, The Anxious Generation, the author, Jonathan Haidt presents facts about an epidemic of mental illness. His book focuses on teenagers and the connection to the virtual world where he claims we are killing our children. The book is a great read and highlights a larger issue in society, the general disconnect from the physical world and escapism into the virtual. This is not an epidemic of teens, this is a global crisis of the developed world and creating mental health issues in all ages.   Augmented reality begins daily each morning as humanity awakens to cell phone messages via text, email, and social platforms. Cortisol shoots through the body in quick production as images begin to be processed in our awakening brain. For the next twelve to eighteen hours we continue to plunge into screen time and a false reality disconnected from nature. Humanity has always been connected to the earth. The post-modern human is now connected to fiber optics and 5G.   There are people who are in tune with the false reality facing society. These individuals are often quietly living contently and counter culture while others walk by them in ignorance. You may see them on nature walks, meditating in a park, or notice them in line as they exude peace and tranquility. Perhaps you may even be jealous that they seem unfazed by the drama of politics and headlines.   My guest today is hiking to become, healthier, focused, successful, inspiring, at peace, and much more. Jessica DeAngelo is a trailblazer in nature-inspired business consulting, offering transformative experiences for impact-driven leaders and their teams. As a keynote speaker, executive coach, and business strategist, Jessica empowers individuals to embrace authenticity and fearlessly collaborate, leveraging unconventional methods for strategic success. Formally a Global Account Director and Regional VP,  she has orchestrated multimillion-dollar strategies fostering brand-to-brand alignment for Fortune 500 companies like Amazon, Apple, Nike, and Uber. With her experience managing multicultural teams and achieving remarkable revenue goals, Jessica is uniquely positioned to guide diverse teams towards vulnerability and mindfulness, unlocking incredible results.   Today, Jessica is the Chief Hiking Officer and Strategic Visionary behind the brand “Hike to Become.”  She is the creator of the HIKE 31 Challenge.  It is her mission to harness the power of nature and inspire everyone to discover their authentic self again.  Jessica has been called an Innovative Disrupter at heart, changing the way business consulting and coaching is traditionally done by empowering her clients to find strategy and innovation from the trail to the boardroom.   Jessica strives to share her love of the outdoors with everyone around her and instill confidence to navigate the unexpected.  Our conversation today should begin to help you with scientific backed evidence that connecting with nature works.

In “As You Like It” by William Shakespeare, there are famous words recited that remind us that what we see may not be all that it seems. “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players.” In this monologue the character Jaques takes us through the stages of life. Since the advent of television the stage has been set for entertainment and infotainment. In the events of Iran and Iraq, I could not help but notice the theater on display over the weekend.   The Biden administration and senior intelligence officials have been warning that Iran would attack within 48 hours. That warning went without action for a week. Then by this weekend our naval forces moved closer to the coast to respond to what was deemed, an imminent launch against Israel. Hours before the Iranian offensive ABC News reported there were going to be 400 to 500 drones and missiles launched at Israel by 12:30am. Air space was closed throughout the Middle East.   The specifics of the attack and the ability to maneuver seem to be scripted. Even the Biden administration acknowledged that Israel came out unscathed, as they successfully stopped 99% of the Iranian barrage thrown at Israel. There were no reported casualties as of this reporting. Hollywood movies and suspense television seldom produces results this successful.   Immediately the mainstream media and the alternative media began pushing a narrative of World War III being imminent. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) was clairvoyant. She called for the stern attack of Iran for their actions against Israel before the attack was even launched. Looking into her campaign finances on Open Secrets, her top donor over the past five years was “American Israel Public Affairs Committee.” The lobbyist have been hard at work to manufacture the result they seek. Social media influencers joined in on the ruse as they posted photos and videos of destruction. Eagle-eyed viewers were quick to point out the recycled footage on CNN and on many other accounts. Most footage was not from Israel. The “players” took to the stage, and many remained unaware of what they were watching.   Conflict is not healthy anywhere in the world. It is important that we calmly assess truth and ask questions. How can the Biden administration reconcile the $6 billion released to Iran with the attacks. The USA is ironically funding all sides of the war and your elected officials are becoming fatter by the day. Enjoy the show!

The beginning of the week began with a celestial vision in the sky above as millions paused to witness the eclipse over much of America. By the end of the week news confirmed what many have speculated for the past year about the sky above, solar geoengineering is active. According to multiple news organizations the experimental procedure of launching salt crystals into the atmosphere had been hidden from the public to avoid backlash. Researchers at University of Washington were quoted by Scientific American as being interested in discussing how to effectively ad ethically implement the experiments that could harm communities and life below.   Listening to Representative Sheila Jackson Lee speak about the moon is terrifying. Acknowledging that representatives like Ms. Lee can both graduate from Yale and also be complete morons is not a good look for those hoping our representatives can push back against solar geoengineering. Perhaps the only thing worse than her moon misinformation is the stories out of NOAA that show weather centers are not online, but continue to report temperature abnormalities that are appearing in their climate data.   The Federal Reserve and the CIA both were caught by undercover journalism tactics this week. James O’Keefe released a video exposing a Federal Reserve speech writer who claimed that Powell took actions to hurt Trump. This story was a good case for Ending the Fed. And the CIA was exposed by a contractor who claimed they went after individuals civilly to hurt them in their pockets when they could not find a criminal charge.  It’s becoming clear that there is a problem with influence for agendas throughout social media and now perhaps within our federal systems.   The earthquakes continue in New Jersey as over eighty aftershocks have struck the region over the past week. Could the area be experiencing a shift on the Ramapo plate? This is the most active an east coast fault has been in decades.   In an interview this week, the BBC gets complete destroyed by the President of Guyana over their oil field discovery. And in another interview RFK Jr. took to the Hodgetwins podcast and discussed who killed his Uncle. This explosive interview connects the murder of JFK to some individuals still in American politics.

In a Florida courtroom yesterday, Aimee Harris was sentenced to one month in jail with three months home confinement for stealing and selling Ashley Biden’s personal diary. Over four years ago the diary was taken from a residence in Delray Beach, Florida, and shopped to the Trump campaign and Project Veritas. Democrats dismissed the diary as a figment of imagination, a farcical political hit document meant to disrupt the election. The denial of reality regarding Hunter’s laptop and Ashley’s diary is creating a divide. Society is unable to converse with reason with those living in delusion.   The diary has entries that were published several years ago that raised concerns about the President’s daughter and whether she was a victim of sexual abuse by her own family and friends. Mainstream news covered up this story in shocking fashion and called it a fabrication. With the sentencing of Harris, Ashley Biden and the Biden family can no longer deny the diaries authenticity.   The reason this matters is because there are many trying to divide our nation. Influencers and mainstream media runs headlines to disrupt your happiness and keep you tuning in. Even the alternative mainstream media has begun to use fear and division to monetize your views into their wallets. The false narratives people repeat because of their inability to see outside of themselves and their “trusted news” sites, further misunderstanding and reinforce lies.   This is likely why many American’s are no longer shaming and pushing back against socialism and communism. Eighty years ago our country investigated, arrested, and shamed those that were looking to bring communism into the United States. Today, Senators are elected as socialist democrats, and there are official parties for communist and socialist to join. They have been brainwashed into a lie, and they are redefining their message to infiltrate the most precious document in our country, the Constitution.   Citizens who want property rights and a free society must put communism and socialism back where they came. There is no room for innovation, freedom, property rights, and competition in the society the far-left is envisioning. Failure to educate and push back now will be complacency in their success later.

The indigenous cultures believe that the eclipse is a sacred experience to pray and focus on the sun and moon in a cycle of death. The solar eclipse represents death and renewal. Headlines leading up to today’s event were a mixture of fear and spectacle. There was an exceptionalism assigned because the continental United States would be witnessing this event. An ordinary regular event that occurs in 18 month intervals was marketed as a once in a lifetime experience.   Eyes will be skyward to our star today while humanity takes a break from fighting and division. People will gather outside to witness nature and our heavens as they remind us of the complexities of creation. This moment is what is worthy of celebrating. Humanity leaving behind fear and celebrating each other and our place on this planet.   Four months into the new year and 2024 feels like it is just getting started. The news stories are ramping up for another election, there are advances in technology that deserve our attention, and there are major issues to debate for the betterment of society. Connecting with one another over something that can unite us may assist us in listening to one another in the future.   In Israel, the IDF is withdrawing from Gaza. This comes at the same time as support from the Biden administration and democrats is waning. The United States has awakened to the reality that they were providing missiles to kill the same people they were sending humanitarian aid to in Gaza. The hypocrisy has been long pointed out, but with the recent bombing that killed aid workers, the administration has been forced to rethink their strategy.   Perhaps the eclipse mindset can begin to create more thought and togetherness than division.

A few weeks ago, Unleashed’s host, Chris Michael’s, celebrated his wedding day. As his friend and podcast cohost on our recap episodes I was honored to be in attendance with my wife. Chris sat us at table with four others, two of which did not attend. During a great evening of conversation with the guests sitting alongside my wife and I, we discovered there was an infiltration of a plus one at the table. One of the guests not only worked with Mayor Adams, but he also was friends with Letitia James! During our spirited conversation that followed I learned a good deal of information. On today’s show I confront Michaels on how such a man could enter into the most holy of days in his life to put a face to all he is against. Does Michael’s also dine with Judge Engoron? Has our friendship been a farce? As we begin our recap of the week’s events listeners will hear RFK Jr. dismantle CNN’s Erin Burnett’s insistence that Biden is not dangerous to our country. Not only does he refuse to back down, but he states unequivocally that Trump is not a threat compared to the Biden administration. Are you concerned about next week’s solar eclipse? Chris and I break down the CERN lab and experiments. State of Emergencies are being declared ahead of April 8th. We speculate on why there is fear surrounding a semi-regular event. And, we discuss NATO and the Iran/Israel growing conflict. News media is sounding the alarm on a global war.

The media is full of sensationalized and weaponized stories. The upcoming eclipse should be a moment to pause and admire our cosmos and the beauty of our planet. There are many stories warning people that a catastrophe may strike on April 8th and for citizens to be prepared. The fear based culture is a death cult that will not be satisfied until everyone has been touched by the doom and gloom.   Looking through the stories about Israel and Iran, I quickly noticed that talk of World War III was highlighted in many writers future predictions. The destabilizing act of aggression from Israel killing the general from Iran could have dire consequences. Iran will likely respond to the attack with equal or greater force. However, there is no need to manifest a global war by typing out the playbook for all the countries to follow.   Stories are filled with accounts of the occult and there are individuals that would like to see the ushering in of evil and conflict. People can feel the discord amongst society. The average person knows they do not feel right, but many cannot quit the machine that feeds them the ideas they brood over each day. They want to divide to usher in the Revelations style event to justify what they are hoping will happen in the coming days, weeks, months, and year.   We are not made for doom and gloom. We are made for awe and wonder. Humanity deserves to live in the now without the prediction and willful spirit to watch a tragedy for entertainment. As the CERN lab fires up the collider once again during the eclipse keep your eyes on nature. Do not allow yourself to be distracted, do not be afraid.

In 1992, NPR published a story that Richard Nixon would be seeking a second term in the upcoming election. They used a voice actor to mimic Nixon’s vocal style, and the country began to explode in shock of the announcement. The date was April 1st. Unsuspecting listeners to the radio station had fallen for a classical April Fools day prank.   The stories of the gullible continue each year with unsuspecting victims reading and watching fake news stories created to trick the public. These date back to the change to the Gregorian calendar. The shift took the New Year to January 1st, as decreed in the Council of Trent. Those that did not get word of the change continued to celebrate the New Year on the first of April and were quickly labeled, “The April Fools.”   The lore of this day of fake news has been capitalized on by many, with my favorite occurring in 1957 where there was a story from the BBC stating the spaghetti crops were plentiful on the trees.  Many looked at the image and those that had difficulty with processing in the reasoning lobe of the brain thought, “I was today years old when I discovered spaghetti comes from trees.”   Applying logic and reasoning capabilities to the stories that surround us is a critical task that only 7 out of 10 individuals are capable of accomplishing. The global IQ is 85, with the United States ranked at a 98 in 2019. When researchers looked at verbal IQ, Republicans in 2014 scored higher than democrats. In fact, socio-economic factors contributed within the party and the ability to use logic.   Those that choose to question stories are label conspiracy theorist. This is often a defense of the low IQ, a self-preservation, because they lack the ability to ask questions they cannot comprehend.   Next time someone tells you to put on your tin foil hat, maybe check their back for an April Fools sign that says, “Kick Me”.

Selective muteness is the most common form of muteness, a person who chooses or has an inability to speak. There are various reasons for individuals to avoid audible communication which include shyness, social anxiety, and others due to medical reasons. Those that choose not to speak are often labeled as a silent rather than mute because the external factors may not be related to a speech disorder.   Humanity often has a habit of shutting up those they choose not to hear from, often with abusive behavior to stifle the speech that makes them uncomfortable. These abusive individuals deny others of the ability to be heard by destroying their sense of self worth and that their voice is worthy of others. In these circumstances trust is key to rebuilding a silent person to someone with a valuable voice. All people deserve to be heard, even when it does not align to what we believe in.   Technology is now enabling a new form of voice. Artificial intelligence makes it easier than ever to rob someone of their unique image and sound and replicate words into their personality and personhood. The new technology is an intellectual theft of the person and a misrepresentation and characterization of those mimicked and casted to be imitated. On today’s show I use an example of Joe Biden and Donald Trump, who both are speaking to me through artificial intelligence.   This week I was reminded that our voice is an identifier that should be treated with compassion and respect. It should never be delegated to “text-to-speech” for anyone to use. A student who was silent finally spoke. His words to me, “I trust you. I trust you, and want you to hear my voice”. These words moved me to tears. His voice was unique and amazing, and I celebrated that he was able to break free of his limitations.   His voice was a reminder of what is ours. I want YOU to hear my voice. I trust you. Do you trust me? If so, let us begin by listening and allowing others to be free to speak.