There are certain things that I'm afraid to say.

[Philosoraptor]

And I won't say here what they are specifically. I've been consciously and unconsciously afraid to say certain things aloud. I think them in my head, but then, I stop myself, and I'm talking about everyday conversations of the political or religious type.

It seems to have all started right about the time Bush stole, I mean, about the time Bush became the president. I saw what happened in 2000 and I began my strange practice of not saying things out of fear of being looked at as some sort of radical or whacko.

But I do it every day. and so do our politicians, and I thought I was better than them, but I'm not. They don't have the guts to stand up there in public and say what really needs to be said because they are afraid they won't get re elected to their extremely lucky positions of power and wealth.

Just like I, a schmuck out here in schmuckland, am afraid to say things that ought to be said. Uncover truths that ought to be uncovered, and expose lies that ought to be exposed.

I wish some Democrat would say damn it all, I am going to stop being afraid to say things.

I'm afraid to say our troops have died in vain. I'm afraid to say that Bush could've stopped nine eleven but chose not to. I'm afraid to say that more than just a few of our soldiers are committing war crimes. I'm afraid to say that Dick Cheney is really in charge and we are preparing to become a fascist military state of 300 million people.

I'm afraid to say that 100,000 Iraqis have died and the war which isn't a war is lost, yet it will continue on forever into the future even if we all hate it.

I can say these things here, and most will agree with some of it, but I can't say these things to a table full of folks discussing things over drinks. it's just not fashionable or socially acceptable to speak the truth, the total, brutal truth.

[Virginia Dare]

1. I'm not afraid to speak up...

sometimes you get shocked and puzzled looks, and usually the other person (or people) quickly want to change the subject, but you know that later on they think about what you said, and that's a good thing. More and more, I find that most people have started to agree with my statements.

[cali]

2. Maybe you need a different social circle

'cause I say things to my friends, over a few g&ts, as we swat away the bugs on muggy evenings, that I wouldn't say here.

[Dhalgren]

3. Gods! You break my heart. I know exactly what you are feeling.

I have the same internal shame as you. Shame that I'm afraid to let what is happening to my country ruin the life that my wife and I have built. Because if I were really brave, I would act - not just speak - and I haven't yet summoned up the courage to do so. What will it take? What did it take for our Founders to finally stand up and say, "Enough! Liberty or death!"
I think of those Buddhist monks who immolated themselves as a protest to what was going on in their lives and I hang my head. I think of the rebels, the insurgents, the lone heroes who have faced tanks and bayonets and I can't look myself in the mirror. Where did the humanity go...

[napi21]

4. I was listening to some guest on a radio show yesterday, and the guy

had the perfect description of ALL our elected officials in Wash.

He called them "Mutants in a slime pit!"

I think it was on the Tom Hartmann show, and someone was filling in for Tom. Sorry I can't recall the name of the guest, but the his point seemed to be that none of them were working the the good of the people or the Country, but for their own reelection!!!!

I think the Dems are all afraid of being promoted as "doves" on the Iraq mess, and for some reason, Dems have long been painted as the Dove Party anyway.

[nuxvomica]

5. Don't be so afraid

I say such things to people I haven't quite "parsed" yet and usually I get the smile of agreement. A lot of people think the same as you but they're afraid too. And some people aren't sure what to think and need a little push. The crimes of this administration are so outrageous that sometimes people don't know whether they are just going crazy in thinking such outrageous things. Say stuff with conviction and it will get to through to people, even if they don't want to hear it.

[marions ghost]

6. it is strange

when you are thrown with people who can't handle the truth of what's going on today. And it's understandable why they might not. It's ugly.

Because conversation is awkward around social subjects and politics, you can find yourself discussing the color of carpet like the mentally challenged.

This is a form of self-censorship, and of course people modify their behavior to keep peace all the time. But there is a new element of "social acceptability" that you referred to that runs deeper than just keeping the peace.

This is what the Masters have done to us by bringing us frogs to a slow boil. Certain topics become taboo.

[obreaslan]

7. Whatever you say, say nothing, when you talk about you know what...

You reminded me of a song I once heard....

WHATEVER YOU SAY, SAY NOTHING
(Colum Sands)

Chorus:
Whatever you say, say nothing, when you talk about you know what
For if you know who should hear you, you know what you'll get
They'll take you off to you know where for you wouldn't know how long
So for you know who's sake don't let anyone hearing singing this song

You all know what I'm speaking of when I mention you know what
And I fear it's very dangerous to even mention that
For the other ones are always there, although you may not see
And if anyone asks who told you that, please don't mention me

Chorus

You all know who I'm speaking of when I mention you know who
For if you know who could hear you, you know what he'd do
So if you don't see me again, you'll know why I'm away
And if anyone asks you where I've gone, here's what you must say

Chorus

Well, that's enough about so and so, not to mention such and such
I’d better end my song for I've already said too much
For the less you hear and the less you say, the less you'll go astray
And the less you think and the less you do, the more you'll hear them say

Chorus

[MadHound]

8. Self censorship out of fear only plays into the hands

Of those who wish to impose censorship by legal means.

Perhaps my perspective on this is a bit different. I'm a big guy, 6'5", and have always had little fear of physical attack. Thus, I always speak my mind with little fear of physical retaliation. I also don't give a rat's ass about being perceived as a "whacko" or what have you. Most people who know me realize that while what I say may sound crazy on the face of it, time and again it has proven to be the truth.

Too many people practice self-censorship for many of the same reasons that you do, for fear of appearing crazy, out of fear of physical retaliation, or simply because it is impolite. Screw that, such silence, both on the part of our so called leaders and on the part of the public at large is part of what got us into this mess to begin with. Speak up, spread the brutal truth. People may not like to hear it, people may think you're crazy, and some may physicaly threaten you. But in the end, it is the truth that is needed to help return this country to sanity and sense.

"Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes"

[diamondsndust]

12. hear! hear!

I think just like you do, really. I'm 6'3", 275 lbs, wear a size 14 boot, long haired, long bearded, tattooed, have a martial arts background and worked as a bouncer in a biker bar for 6 years. I fear no man, yet I fear for the future of my kids. I don't give a damn what anyone thinks of me, I'm not on this earth to be in a popularity contest. I speak my mind when and where I want to and never give it a second thought. That being said.... I'll die fighting to make sure my kids don't grow up in a dictatorship, especially one led by the biggest moron that ever lived, George W. Bush!

[Philosoraptor]

13. So where are all the large, burly outspoken Democrats on the hill?

Don't you wish just even one of them spoke as freely as you do, but right there on the senate floor?

I admire you, I just wish we had a couple like you representing us plain, outspoken folks.

[diamondsndust]

17. I don't know where they are man, I wish I knew..

I could never be accused of being a pacifist though. I think that's the problem with a lot of Democrats and Liberals today... just too damned passive! Turn the other cheek my ass!

I'll tell you one thing though... the day is coming, and coming soon. I know more people like me who just aren't going to take much more...

[madokie]

9. I try to say what ever is on my mind, I either know it or will be

knowing it shortly. I love the looks I get, sometimes disbelief, shock, gasp but some times a big assed grin. have even heard a few attaboys. but I know what you are saying, some things I just wouldn't say on this board even though I would really like to know.:shrug:
just so much bruising I can take.

[calmblueocean]

10. That's how fascism works.

You think the Germans didn't see what was going wrong with their country? Many did. But they were too afraid to speak out. After a time, they couldn't speak out anymore, or they'd be shot. Speak out now, while it still matters.

[endarkenment]

11. Uh-oh you said lihop

soon it will be off to the dungeon for this thread.

[snappyturtle]

14. K&R....................

I think what you're said here is true. I, too, often think things that I don't say. I don't mind saying them here on DU because I'm with like minded people. But when I'm with repukes and I throw them some real information they are in such a disconnect mode that it goes right over their heads. Most of them haven't paid any attention to what's happening in this country and they look at me like I have three heads. The problem is, I don't have all day, to give them the background they need to understand what I'm saying. God knows, I need 28 hours a day to stay alive.

[Philosoraptor]

15. I tried it recently in a Mexican restaraunt with a Rush loving puke.

He was bragging about his republicansim in a loud voice, talking about illegal Mexican immigrants, liberal cowards, Bill Clinton the sex maniac, how wealthy he was, how he loves Bush cause he's saving big bucks on his taxes, etc., etc.

And I did speak out. I insulted him a few times, I made a big scene actually but in a quiet voice and without getting all explodey like he did.

And I agree, after you've spoken the truth, they reject it, and talk right over you.

[snappyturtle]

20. All I can say.....

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[deaniac21]

21. Thank goodness you didn't get all explodey!

[Warpy]

16. I've felt like that since 1980

because ever since Reagan got in, I've felt like an outlaw.

For 26 years I've been keeping the lid on, generally encouraging other people to speak, occasionally steering them to some media that would help them on the road to political enlightenment, staying quiet except for mild reinforcement when I meet someone who suspects that things are not as they appear to be on the evening news.

However, lately I've found that neighbors and acquaintances are starting to sound as crazy as I do when the subject comes up. Starting to talk about any aspect of modern life affected by current poltics is likely to stir up a wasp nest of complaints, an hysterical rant against the administration.

I'm feeling a lot less crazy and excluded than I did 26 years ago, or even 2 years ago. It's still not sinking in to people that it's not just the man, it's his party and their whole program. I suppose that is going to take more time.

[melissinha]

18. I'm only afraid of LTTE being published

I have a very unusual last name and I'm not unlisted.. Its a real fear.... Now speaking mind in public, no big deal. But here in Texas there are some real creeps who would seek someone like me out... I completely understand.....

I am afraid of saying the soldiers have died in vain, cause if I admit it, then it becomes true for me and I can't handle that.... My neighbors have to put up with enough shouting at the TV....

[Philosoraptor]

19. John Murtha & Helen Thomas come to mind as good examples.

I admire anyone who has the guts to confront Bush and his gang headon. Steven Colbert comes to mind.

Where are all the reporters with guts?

[watercolors]

22. speak your mind

they don't like , so what! I'd rather someone tell the truth then sit there and act like it doesn't matter.