Extremists and Education

We have all heard about the value of education and know that it’s benefits will produce results. But what if we are sheltered and dominated by parents who believe that education is a way for the government to interfere in our lives and take away our freedom? What if that type of conspiracy theory is all we know of and we don’t have access to the outside world through television and other sources?

In the past this may have felt unlikely, but now through social media, we are beginning to see how disinformation can capture a person’s ability to discern what is truth. More and more we are hearing about people, who we consider intelligent and educated, being drawn in to believing shocking and ridiculous scenarios. If they can be swayed into believing crazy stuff then young children cut off from the world would be extremely vulnerable, right?

Anarchists, militia groups, political and social revolutionary groups, religious extremists, racial hate groups, and other extremists groups are climbing out from under their rocks with newfound confidence and their ranks are increasing. Adding to the mix is the problem of social media giving them a platform to grow and gain in strength and be assisted by foreign elements that want to weaken our country by dividing and conquering.

The news that a terrorist group in Michigan was conspiring to kidnap the Governor and take over the Capitol and the government, is shocking, but not shocking enough when we know that our President tweeted “Liberate Michigan!” and “Save you great 2nd Amendment. It is under siege.” Isn’t this is a virtual call to arms for these groups?

No longer does it seem far fetched to have parents living off the grid in complete control of their children’s lives and minds. Sadly, the unlikely biographical story, EDUCATED, by Tara Westover, seems not only true, but highly likely in today’s world. But, the great gift of reading this book is that Tara and one brother of hers found a way out of the abyss by a desire for education. There was something deep within them that made them question their parents and have the strength and determination to break away from disinformation and abuse. If you haven’t read it, you must. Inspiring.