Podcast Summary
Discussing ongoing protests and encouraging engagement: Support the podcast through Patreon and sponsors, engage in Q&A, and read Natural Selections Substack for weekly essays
During the Dark Horse Podcast livestream number 114, the hosts discussed various ongoing protests, primarily the truckers convoy in Ottawa and across Canada. They encouraged viewers to engage in the Q&A session after the first hour and to support the podcast through Patreon and their sponsors. The hosts also recommended subscribing to the Natural Selections Substack for weekly essays and guest posts. The sponsor Vivobarefoot was highlighted for making shoes that prioritize foot function and natural movement, allowing feet to feel and build strength. The hosts emphasized their commitment to carefully selecting sponsors and only advertising for products they believe in.
Exclusive discounts from Vivo Barefoot, Allform, and Public Goods for 'Dark Horse' listeners: Listeners can enjoy savings on unique products from Vivo Barefoot, Allform, and Public Goods with exclusive discounts and special offers.
The discussion covered three sponsors offering unique products with exclusive discounts for "Dark Horse" listeners. Vivo Barefoot presented odd-looking shoes with a 20% discount and a 100-day free trial at vivobarefoot.com/darkhorse. Allform offered customizable sofas with a 20% discount at allform.com/darkhorse, promising durability for pets and a forever warranty. Lastly, Public Goods provided a $15 discount on the first order for essentials at publicgoods.com/darkhorse or with the code "darkhorse" at checkout. The conversation also touched on the positive happenings in Canada and shared Mila's story, bringing a sense of hope and joy.
A young girl's tragic suicide due to lockdown's effects on education and isolation: The lockdowns' disruption to education and social isolation can have severe consequences for children, including suicide, emphasizing the need for normalcy in their lives.
The COVID-19 lockdowns have had devastating effects on children, as illustrated by the story of Mila, a young woman who died by suicide after the isolation and disrupted education took a toll on her. Her mother reached out to the truckers and the government, but received no response. Mila's story is a reminder that children need their normal lives back, and the actions of the truckers to protest the lockdowns are important for all families who have been affected. Mila was a talented and beloved person, with a passion for learning and a love for animals. Her death came after Ontario imposed some of the most draconian lockdown measures, leaving Mila feeling isolated and disconnected from her education. Her mother shares Mila's story in hopes that it will make a difference and bring attention to the impact of the lockdowns on children.
The pandemic's impact on young people's lives and societal response: The pandemic disrupted young lives, causing isolation, mental health struggles, and societal misunderstanding of peaceful movements, emphasizing the need to prioritize children's wellbeing and fact-check information.
The pandemic caused significant disruptions to young people's lives, including isolation, loss of normal activities, and mental health struggles. Mila, a well-adjusted high school student, was one of those affected, leading to tragic consequences. Society's failure to prioritize children's wellbeing is evident in various ways, including the mischaracterization of peaceful movements like the truckers' convoy. The convoy, initially hailed as heroic for keeping goods on the shelves during the pandemic, is now being demonized as hateful and divisive. By following independent journalists and fact-checking information, we can uncover the truth and understand the complexities of these situations. The pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to address societal issues that harm children and undermine their potential for a fulfilling future.
Media's selective reporting creates a blurred reality: Media's portrayal of events can manipulate public perception, leading to a dangerous suspension of disbelief and potential harmful actions based on false information. Stay informed by fact-checking from multiple sources.
The distinction between reality and media portrayal is becoming increasingly blurred, leading to a dangerous suspension of disbelief that can manipulate public perception. The discussion highlighted the contrasting narratives surrounding protests in Ottawa and Black Lives Matter protests in Portland, where media coverage presented peaceful scenes despite evidence of destruction and chaos. This selective reporting, which often inverts the truth, requires viewers to accept a fictionalized version of reality and overlook the actual facts. The consequences of this trend are concerning, as it undermines critical thinking and can potentially lead to harmful actions based on false information. It's crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and fact-check information from various sources to maintain an accurate understanding of current events.
Trucker protests mischaracterized as violent and racist: The media's simplistic portrayal of trucker protests as violent, racist, and anti-vaccine fueled by white supremacists and big oil money overlooks the complexities of the situation and potentially harms those with differing views.
The characterization of the trucker convoy protests as violent, racist, and anti-vaccine fueled by white supremacists and big oil money is a simplistic and misleading narrative. This perspective, often espoused by mainstream media, overlooks the complexities of the situation and potentially gaslights those who hold different views. The reality is more nuanced, with the protests being a manifestation of various concerns, including freedom and vaccine mandates. The labeling of protestors as white supremacists is not supported by evidence and can be harmful and divisive. It's essential to critically evaluate information and avoid oversimplifying complex issues.
Meeting the Convoy Protesters: Beyond the Headlines: Encountering the convoy protesters challenges the media narrative and highlights the importance of open dialogue and understanding to bridge the divide.
The convoy protesting vaccine mandates in Ottawa is not as monstrous or faceless as portrayed in the news. The author, who lives near the convoy site, shares his personal experiences of meeting the protesters and learning about their deep love for Canada and concerns over creating an untouchable class of citizens. He encourages people to flip their perspective and question the narrative presented in the media. The convoy is not a story that adds up when scrutinized, and the lack of reporting or misreporting from news agencies raises questions about their intentions. The author's encounter with the protesters reminds us that we should not accept an untouchable class of citizens in Canada. Instead, we should engage in open dialogue and understanding to bridge the divide.
GoFundMe's Actions During Freedom Convoy Campaign: GoFundMe's arbitrary suspension and reversal of a fundraiser during the Freedom Convoy campaign showed disregard for the rule of law and users' opinions, highlighting the importance of consumer power through social media trends and alternative platforms.
The actions of GoFundMe during the Freedom Convoy campaign revealed their business to be ideologically driven and morally bankrupt. The company's arbitrary suspension of a fundraiser, followed by their reversal, demonstrated their disregard for the rule of law and their users' opinions. This incident highlights the need for consumers to use their power, such as social media trends, to hold businesses accountable for their actions. The proposed experiment using the hashtag #GoTruckYourself aims to express public disapproval and encourage support for alternative platforms. It's crucial for consumers to remember this incident as a reminder for businesses to respect the rights and opinions of their users.
Speaker discusses issues with website access for donations and highlights importance of civil disobedience and personal freedoms: Support causes and stand up for personal freedoms, even if it means civil disobedience and violating rules.
There are issues with accessing a specific website for donations related to a cause, and the speaker suggests using the term "dissident" for those who voice disagreement on COVID science and public policy. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of civil disobedience and the violation of rules when necessary. In Canadian politics, there have been recent developments with the Conservative Party's new leader, Candace Bergin, and the former premier of Newfoundland, Brian Peckford, who is actively standing up against COVID era violations of personal freedoms. The speaker encourages the individual to come first, as outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which is similar to the American Bill of Rights. The speaker also mentions a video they will show later in the discussion. Despite some technical difficulties with the website, the speaker emphasizes the importance and honorability of supporting causes and standing up for personal freedoms.
Tension between individual moral convictions and state orders: The resignation of Corporal Daniel Bulford highlights the courage it takes to stand up for one's beliefs, but raises concerns about long-term implications of such a process, including the potential for a force lacking critical thinking and resistance.
The resignation of Corporal Daniel Bulford from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police highlights the growing tension between individual moral convictions and state orders. Bulford's decision to leave rather than comply with what he believed to be unlawful regulations showcases the courage it takes to stand up for one's beliefs, but it also raises questions about the long-term implications of such a process. As more people are forced to choose between compliance and resignation, we risk creating a force that is devoid of critical thinking and resistance. Instead, we should encourage individuals to use their positions to resist immoral orders, as seen in the example of tow truck drivers who refused to tow away rigs during the Ottawa protest. The draconian mandates aim to create a compliant force, but this approach may ultimately backfire and leave us with a force that lacks the ability to think for itself.
Intolerance and divisive rhetoric replacing inclusive dialogue: Intolerance and divisive speech are becoming pervasive, leading to the condemnation and forced removal of individuals for their beliefs, and hindering open and respectful dialogue.
We are living in a time where inclusive and respectful dialogue is being replaced by intolerance and divisive rhetoric, even from those in positions of power. This issue is pervasive at all levels, from politics to education. The consequences of this trend are alarming, with dedicated individuals being forced out of their roles due to counterproductive demands and divisive speech. An example of this can be seen in the ongoing protests in Ottawa, where peaceful demonstrators are being condemned for their beliefs, while the Prime Minister's hypocritical words are juxtaposed over footage of inclusivity and unity. Another concerning trend is the targeting of individuals for perceived gaffes or unpopular opinions, as seen with Whoopi Goldberg, Jordan Peterson, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. These instances highlight the need for open and respectful dialogue, rather than intolerance and condemnation. It's important to remember that everyone deserves respect and the freedom to express their opinions, even if they may not align with our own.
Individuals tackling sensitive topics despite potential backlash: Free speech debates highlight complexities and nuances, sparking intense reactions, and showcasing the power of media to amplify and distort messages.
There seems to be a growing trend of individuals stepping into controversial topics, despite potential backlash. From Whoopi Goldberg discussing the Holocaust on The View, to Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan debating race, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaking about Nazi ideology, these instances highlight the complexities and nuances of free speech. The specifics of what was said can be debated, but the fact that these individuals dared to tackle sensitive subjects sparked intense reactions. The Dean Scream incident serves as a precedent, showcasing the power of media to amplify and distort messages. Ultimately, it's essential to consider the broader implications of these discussions, rather than focusing solely on the details.
Suppressing Speech Based on Perceived Errors: Silencing individuals based on their perceived misunderstandings is a counterproductive approach that undermines empathy and understanding, and hinders the creation of an inclusive and equitable society.
The attempt to silence speakers based on their perceived errors or misunderstandings, particularly when they are not members of the affected group, is a modern and mean-spirited approach that undermines the very principles of empathy and understanding that we as a society should be striving for. This approach, which prioritizes individual anecdotal experiences over objective discussion and critical thinking, is incoherent and ultimately counterproductive to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Instead, we should focus on a civilization where backgrounds do not dictate opportunities, and where we can learn from each other's perspectives through open and respectful dialogue.
Fostering merit and reducing chance in society: Focus on increasing merit and decreasing chance for a fairer, more stable society, as shown by individuals like Dan Arcand and the truckers' resilience.
Meritocracy, a system where individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and efforts rather than privileges or luck, is desirable. However, we don't currently have a perfect meritocracy, and attempting to reapportion privileges as a solution to societal issues is not feasible or stable. Instead, we should focus on increasing the role of merit and decreasing the role of chance and luck in our society. This can be achieved by fostering merit and helping others do the same. The recent actions of individuals like Dan Arcand, who stood up against injustice, serve as inspiring examples of this. The narrative of the truckers, who were once hailed as heroes but then faced backlash, highlights the importance of staying resilient and not giving in to despair. It's crucial to continue supporting and promoting merit, rather than attempting to reapportion privileges, in order to create a more stable and fair society.
Canadian Trucker Convoy: A Symbol of Unity and Hope: The Canadian Trucker Convoy, a protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and restrictions, drew a large and diverse crowd, becoming a symbol of unity and hope for many Canadians. It highlighted the power of grassroots movements and the importance of individual freedom and transparency in government policies.
The Canadian trucker convoy, which aimed to protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other restrictions, drew a large and diverse crowd of supporters. Despite facing criticism from the mainstream press and skeptics, the convoy became a symbol of unity and hope for many Canadians. The event, which lasted for hours, brought people together in a powerful display of solidarity and determination. The convoy's impact was significant, leading to a wider discussion about the importance of individual freedom and the need for transparency in government policies. The event also highlighted the power of grassroots movements and the resilience of those who refuse to be silenced. The convoy's success in garnering support and attention is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of collective action. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, people can come together to make a difference. The convoy's impact is far from over, and it is likely that it will continue to inspire and influence people in the days, weeks, and months to come.
Discerning valid criticism from invalid: Heavy criticism doesn't always mean being wrong or over the target, it's essential to evaluate the validity of the criticism before defending or attacking.
Receiving heavy criticism or "flack" doesn't necessarily mean one is right or over the target. Instead, it's essential to discern whether the criticism is valid or not. In the case discussed, the COVID narrative has been subjected to intense criticism, and it has been shown to be morally, analytically, and humanly bankrupt. This criticism is not a sign of a person being wrong or over the wrong target, but rather an indication that the target, in this case, the COVID narrative, is flawed. It's crucial to recognize this difference and not let the criticism deter us from defending important ideas and figures, such as Joe Rogan, who have been unfairly targeted. The attempts to deplatform, cancel, or destroy cannot be allowed to succeed, and we must do everything in our power to ensure the truth prevails. This is a valuable lesson learned from personal experiences of being slandered and seeing false narratives spread. We have an obligation to defend those who are doing important work, even if it's not immediately clear how our position aligns with theirs.
The impact of handling difficult conversations and experiences: Spending time with loved ones' bodies after they pass away is important, and we have the power to shape the future
The way we handle difficult conversations and experiences, such as dealing with slanders or grief, can have a profound impact on our lives. A young man named Diedrich, who is currently doing a PhD in biotechnology, shared his experience of losing his sister and regretting not being able to spend enough time with her body after her death. This resonated with the speaker, who has been reflecting on grief and loss during the pandemic. Diedrich's story highlights the importance of spending time with the bodies of loved ones after they pass away, which is one of the recommendations in their book, "Hunter Gatherers Guide to the 21st Century on Grief." The speaker emphasizes that we are the ones responsible for creating the future and the "normal" that we want in the world. The pandemic has shown us that things will not go back to the way they were, but rather, we have the power to shape the future. The speaker encourages listeners to read two pieces, "The Cavalry Rolled In" and "Mila's Story," which have the potential to change people's perspectives and affirm our shared humanity.
Mila's story: A reminder of empathy, love, and living fully: Empathize with loved ones, savor good food, enjoy nature, donate to those in need, and live fully to honor stories like Mila's.
Mila's story, as shared by the speaker, is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, love, and living fully. The story is extraordinary yet heartbreaking, and it demands that we understand its meaning and respond accordingly to prevent similar tragedies from happening. The speaker encourages readers to be good to those they love, appreciate good food, and spend time outside. Additionally, they suggest donating to GoFundMe campaigns, as was the case with Mila's story, to support those in need. Overall, the speaker emphasizes the significance of being moved by stories like Mila's and using that emotion to make a positive impact in the world.
