‘Social engineering’
Two things are important to note: The CIA pushed the term “conspiracy theory” into popular parlance after the “official story” of the John F. Kennedy assassination aroused suspicion in the minds of critical thinkers.
Ever since that time, we can expect to hear this term used in order to discredit people who refuse to swallow the concocted and ever-evolving “narratives” promulgated by the government. “Tin foil hat” was often added, to accentuate the ad hominem attack.
The second thing, and one that many might not be aware of, is that during the Obama administration, the National Defense Authorization Act had a portion called the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act. This act allows military intelligence to now aim government propaganda directly at the American public. Formerly, this was illegal.
In other words, the government can now tell us — through any sort of medium (cable news, TV, radio, books, movies, social media, etc.) — whatever it wants us to believe. It is called “social engineering” in its broadest sense of the term — manipulating people to do what they want you to do.
Vicki Vierra
Keaau
Testing questions
I keep reading about those who suggest all arriving passengers to Hawaii be tested for COVID-19 before they get on a plane to fly here. This is not a valid proposal. How in the world could Hawaii enact such methods, considering the following:
• We are talking about a dozen different airlines flying in from several dozen cities worldwide.
• How would we know the planes coming here do not have virus infections on board after other stops on their routes, and what about all the baggage?
• What’s to guarantee the tests being used prior to flying are 100% reliable in the countries where they are administered?
• Are the crews that fly Hawaii routes going to have to be tested daily or four or five times a week for months on end?
• Who’s going to pay for this? The county of origin? Each airport’s individual budget? The airlines themselves?
• Who will enforce this at point of departure?
No, this is not a realistic proposal. Point of arrival is the only real way to monitor passengers.
Jim Jenson
Ka‘u
Essential workers
Every day, our essential workers leave their homes to help others knowing the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thank you to our police officers, firefighters, store clerks, bus drivers and the medical professionals for risking your health to help others.
Jeyla Bettis Shigeishi
Hilo