Disturbing Thoughts

First off, I condemn yesterday's attack on Paul Pelosi (the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi) in the strongest and most unambiguous terms.  Any way you slice it, this act of violence was especially heinous (1).  

Second, it amazes me how quickly some in the "Twittersphere" have reacted to this story.  In particular, the liberal blockheads over there didn't waste much time before jumping to a conclusion; specifically, that Republicans are responsible for this attack.  

Now, here's the section of the article where I express an idea that's somewhat controversial; hold on to your hats.  

If you are a movie buff, then perhaps you've heard of the 1962 film "The Manchurian Candidate".  The original version of this movie centers on an American veteran; he has been brainwashed and "programmed" by Communists.  Subsequently, our man is an unintentional participant in a plot to assassinate a major nominee for president (2).  

Disturbing though it is, I can't shake the thought that perhaps we're having a "life imitates art" moment.  

And we've been here before, haven't we? Time and time again, the left has seen fit to trot out the "by any means necessary" argument.  That is, they have used any and all means to hold on to their power.  This includes the harassment of ordinary, law-abiding citizens, the incitement and encouragement of violence, and making "true threats" to political opponents (see definition) (see also note 1).     

Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying that this act was committed by a Democrat, or left-leaning liberal.  For all I know, it could be a church-going, everyday conservative that did this.  I'm simply saying that I would not be surprised to learn that the assailant is, indeed, a liberal.     

And as the government has proven before, they have ways of making you do what they want.  Does this mean that they are engaged in brainwashing, or that they are even capable of doing so? No, not at all.  Just because you might suspect something is happening doesn't mean it's actually taking place.   

Nevertheless, this admittedly somewhat eccentric mind finds the idea of brainwashing not so far-fetched (see: "Project MKUltra") (3).  

Then again, maybe I've watched one too many "Uncle Howdy" videos (see note 2). 

Definition -

True threat: Noun, any statement "where the speaker (of the statement) means to communicate a serious...intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual (or group of individuals)". (4)

Note 1: Just this month, it was revealed that on January 6 2021, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi threatened then-president Donald Trump.  Pelosi remarked, "I've been waiting for this...I'm going to punch him out" (5).  

Note 2: "Uncle Howdy" is a character associated with current WWE wrestler Bray Wyatt.  The character's personality is that of a monster/other terrifying being (6).

Sources:

1. Norman, Greg, et al. “Nancy Pelosi’s Husband Paul Pelosi Attacked by Suspect David DePape, Who Shouted, ‘Where Is Nancy?’: Source.” Fox News, 28 Oct. 2022, www.foxnews.com/politics/nancy-pelosi-husband-paul-pelosi-assaulted-san-francisco-suspect-david-depape-police-say. Accessed 29 Oct. 2022.

2. “The Manchurian Candidate (1962 Film).” Wikipedia, 13 Oct. 2022, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Manchurian_Candidate_(1962_film). Accessed 29 Oct. 2022.

3. “MKUltra.” Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MKUltra. Accessed 29 Oct. 2022.

4. University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. “What Constitutes a True Threat?” Free Speech, Rights and Responsibilities, 2022, uwm.edu/free-speech-rights-responsibilities/faqs/what-constitutes-a-true-threat. Accessed 29 Oct. 2022.

5. Richard, Lawrence. “New Video Shows Pelosi Threatened to ‘punch Out’ Trump on Jan. 6: ‘I’m Going to Go to Jail.’” Fox News, 14 Oct. 2022, www.foxnews.com/politics/new-video-pelosi-threatened-punch-out-trump-jan-6-jail. Accessed 29 Oct. 2022.

6. Personal knowledge.