Brain Lock

Brain lock, my definition: possessing reasonable mental acuity, but lacking the capacity for using it. To phrase it another way: Why do seemingly intelligent people sometimes act so stupidly? We can observe instances of brain lock in nearly every aspect of human behavior. Minor traffic accidents may be the result of momentary brain freeze. Thoughtless and hurtful statements directed toward those we love may have arisen in an instant of mental incapacity. In my experience, however, brain lock is most prevalent in the realm of political thought and action. People often promote and vote for candidates whose histories are antithetical to their own professed interests. For example, why would someone claim to desire a smaller, Constitutionally-based government, and yet, vote for a clown who habitually supports legislation that is extra-Constitutional and generally budget busting? Has our brain-locked voter bought the sizzle and ignored the steak?


For those of us who cherish freedom, who don’t want some overpaid bureaucrat calling the shots for every aspect of our lives, it is difficult to understand why some who apparently share our concerns and values continue to support lifetime politicians who betray those very values. It is frustrating for some of us who have been consumed by the passion for self determination and personal responsibility to comprehend how so many people can be duped by syrupy words that do not reflect the actual record of the politician who utters them. Are these people naïve? Are they ignorant and unaware of the politician’s perfidy? Are they stupid? It’s a mystery for many freedom lovers. The stock answer that we are given when we ask voter why she/he votes as they do is...”if I vote for your people, then that would dilute the vote and X would win.” So, what you’re saying Ms./Mr. Voter is that partisan considerations trump principle. You’ve always supported a particular party, and if they can retain or return to power, then maybe, just maybe, this time, they’ll live up to their platform. You’ve always voted that way, and you dare not change now because your doing the principled thing would shake and destroy the foundations of your long-time party. Is that what you’re saying?

My question for you, Dear Citizen, is why not consecrate your devotion to the Rotary or Lions Club rather than a big-tent political machine? At least as a Rotarian, when you engage in such brain-dead decision making, you will not be jeopardizing my freedom, my property and my life. As a member of the Lions Club, you would, at the very least, be helping individuals rather than putting the country, my country, at risk by continuing to support your long-time political club. Either stand up and step out for freedom, Citizen, or stay home. Your unwillingness to put it all on the line for freedom makes you unworthy of it.

Comment or email:  cnpearl@woh.rr.com