October 27, 2005

THE INCOMPETENT CONSPIRACY

Monica Benderman

As we watch the events of our lives unfold millions of people breathe the word “conspiracy” as if everyone is out to get them. Why?

The only conspiracy is the conspiracy of incompetence.

It begins by being afraid – very, very afraid. Of what – the men with guns? That happens later, much later. This fear is far more simplistic, and it truly threatens your way of life.

The conspiracy begins with very small people living in fear of being discovered – to protect the illusion of competence, they tell a lie.

Uh-oh. The fear grows. Now they've done it. They've told everyone they can be trusted – so they lied. Who will know? Just one little white lie -- an experience they never had - but in their mind they are sure they “would have been an expert at it if they had tried.”

Hide the fear behind a flourish of good will – a helping hand, an unsolicited gift, an expensive meal. And the world is good and fear lurks in the shadows - until the next question is asked.

UH-OH. The fear grows. And the white lie takes on a shade of gray as the story grows to encompass the fear.

Ah, the lies. It is far easier to pretend competence than to own it.

What is integrity? Strength of principle. Where does it come from? Knowledge.

A knowledgeable man has nothing to hide – and nothing to fear.

Truth comes from Knowledge, but to have knowledge one must learn. Who has time for learning these days?

Our world is full of smart people but smart doesn't give you knowledge. Smart sometimes fuels incompetence. A smart man with very little knowledge – perfect “petrie dish” for breeding an incompetent conspiracy.

The great American success story – it's not so much about integrity. Those with integrity do not often announce their own success – preferring to quietly help others find theirs.

The “great American success story” is the smartest demonstration of a lack of incompetence, cleverly accomplished with the eventual establishment of a conspiracy.

The American way – destroying many before they ever see it coming.

Why are military commanders so determined to punish soldiers who think with their own mind? Why do they use such desperate measures to keep the voices of these soldiers from being heard? To preserve national security – or prevent being discovered?

UH-OH. The fear grows – incompetence discovered.

Why do we go after “evil” dictators? Long ago we courted them, gave them their wings, taught them to fly. But the lessons backfired when the student became more than the teacher, and we could no longer control their flight. A conspiracy forms, so the incompetence of the teacher remains hidden behind the façade of a protector, a benefactor for good and “national security”.

“Destroy everyone,” the smart man cries. “Be very, very afraid.”

“For reasons of national security we must classify our words. We must get to them before they get to us.”

Fear of discovery – the downfall of a very smart, but unknowledgeable man.

The conspiracy grows and control is a must – to keep lies from being discovered. But incompetent men have never lived, and therefore, have never learned. In the bubble of their fabricated world all is good until the next question is asked.

UH-OH. The fear grows. And the gray lie draws closer to black as the story grows to encompass the fear.

Walls are built, and fences raised up as the blinds are pulled down. The inner circle becomes the only people who will never tell the secrets of one very smart, incompetent man. The conspiracy expands to those faithful cronies who will do whatever they must to protect their benefactor. It's part of the plan – as the circles of their own little life's conspiracy intertwine in a grand web of deception.

Control tightens as fear deepens. Furtive glances across the table at co-conspirators whose silence is bought with the promise of power and prestige. How can you trust someone whose silence has been paid for?

Tensions mount as forgotten nights blend with remembered days – and confidantes lose their confidence with twisted facts that no one dares to discuss for fear of being discovered as - incompetent.

UH-OH. The fear grows. And the black lies come together as the story grows to encompass the fear.

Incompetent Conspiracy. Be very, very afraid.

Monica may be reached at monica@bendermantimeline.com or mdawnb@coastalnow.net .

Please visit the Bendermans' websites at www.BendermanDefense.org and www.BendermanTimeline.com to learn more about Sgt. Kevin Benderman's battle for Conscientious Objection.