As an American, I was raised to believe "we the people" were the source of the power from which the State derives its authority to rule over us. We do not exist to serve the State. The State exists to serve us.

I'm also an American, in NY, and a Marine Corps veteran. Although in this point in my life, being fortunate (or cursed?) enough to understand some truth(s), I certainly would never join a military branch again.

far too many of my countrymen have lost the will to hold our governing officials accountable.

I've been reviewing the constitution, as well as history. As I see it, it's the only avenue we have to combat the illogical things happening. I am in utter shock at how so many, including law enforcement are blatantly dismissing the constitution. It really puts into perspective the layers involved in this brainwash.

In my very simplistic understanding of the Hegelian Dialectic, essentially our "adversaries" control both sides of the "public" debate, successfully getting us to "take the bait" in reaction to what is only an "illusion" ...

Exactly! If the end goal is the same,(which of course it is, that's the whole point.) and you give the oppressed the illusion of choice, then they will be much more complicit in their own demise.

No surprise then, a deeply entrenched "ruling class" now has our fate in its hands ...

I would agree, it's no surprise at all. The biggest surprise to me is how easily people are deceived. (collectively)

P.S. I am a part-time engager on these blockchains, so patience at times is needed, if waiting for a response ... 🙂

No worries at all! I'm online quite a bit, but I also take a while to respond sometimes, due to the fact that I am usually researching, studying different things. Right now of course I have been deep diving pretty hard, so I just pop onto Steem a couple of times a day, and some messages just have to wait :)

I'm very grateful to know you, thank you for the great communication with me!