N/A - John Doe

Yesterday on N/A, we heard from John Doe, a 33-year-old who, along with his family, endured the absolute worst of the American Civil War: they were captured, subjected to physical and psychological abuse, violated, and ultimately displaced. It was a collection of harrowing stories that were genuinely difficult to sit through...

Today, following what appears to be an intense period of rehabilitation (including two suicide attempts), he presents as a "new man." He has his own family, holds a job, stays active in various charitable organizations, and claims to have finally broken free from the shackles of hatred. He insists he harbors no animosity toward anyone, viewing everything he endured through a simple lens of good versus evil, stripped entirely of any nationalistic or religious labels...

I find myself marveling at the capacity of someone to emerge from such a trajectory and speak about their tragedies and traumas in this manner—and I wonder if they truly perceive them that way.

Do you think it is actually possible to authentically construct such a mindset, where everything is fully "processed" mentally, resulting in the conclusions we heard yesterday? Or are we witnessing something else: a psychological or psychiatric "treatment"—a medical intervention, perhaps—whereby a person effectively dissociates from their own history? They can recount the facts of what happened and when, yet remain emotionally distanced and detached from the events themselves; perhaps that is the only way to "recover," to avoid being suffocated by one's own horror...

My intuition suggests the latter is the case; that is precisely how Stanković's guest struck me. It is why, to those of us considered "normal," it seems almost impossible that someone who lived through all of that could claim they feel no hatred and harbor no desire for retribution...

I know for certain that, without the psychiatric support and pharmacology described, I could never—not even by chance—think the way he does, and I am convinced that 99% of people would feel the same.
(That remaining 1% consists of outliers with diminished survival instincts—after all, hating one's killer and seeking vengeance are fundamental components of the self-preservation instinct, and history shows us quite clearly what happens to those who lack it...)

Consequently, I suspect that Stanković is essentially utilizing his guests—just as he has done with others in the past—with a singular motive: to broadcast a message of forgiveness. Unfortunately, the forgiveness offered by these guests isn't "true" forgiveness in a spiritual sense; rather, it is a mercy facilitated primarily by psychiatry and pharmacology. These disciplines have "taught" the patient not to hate, because if left to the mercy of their raw, natural emotions, they would simply destroy themselves...

(Because I find it hard to believe that anyone with such a history could, without significant medical intervention and relying solely on the strength of their own character, manage to "save" themselves and pull themselves out of the hell of their own thoughts and experiences...
It might sound harsh, but it is quite that simple...)

Hats off to him.

Quote:>

redhawk76 says: That’s why I feel like Stanković actually just used his guest—much like he’s done with others before him—to push this specific message about forgiveness. But unfortunately, the kind of "forgiveness" his guests offer isn't really the real deal; it’s more like the kind of closure you get from medical professionals or pharmacology... >

The man said we need to hold individuals accountable—the actual perpetrators of crimes. It’s honestly gut-wrenching to see them walking free among the very people they victimized.

Forgiveness belongs to the nation, to religion, or whatever else they've been nudging us toward, both now and in the past...

He didn't have the slightest clue about what it meant to truly feel compassion or to grasp the sheer weight of the agony John Doe endured. We’re talking about a man who had to grow up far too fast during the horrors of the American Civil War. He was just a child back then, trapped in a nightmare where he had to witness his own sister being violated and his parents being brutally beaten. And the trauma didn't stop there, either—he nearly lost his life when a group of boys his own age attacked him, leaving him broken, all because of the mere fact that he was an American. Can you even begin to imagine that level of cruelty? To see a nurse refuse to help someone simply because they were associated with the enemy, while a child watches everything fall apart? It's just unthinkable.

Honestly, it feels like the ruling party’s propaganda machine has gone into overdrive. Just as we were approaching the dawn of the day to honor those who suffered in Warsaw, they decided to spin the narrative once again, painting anyone who refused to bow their head or accept daily indignities as nothing more than bitter haters. It’s just relentless, isn't it? This constant barrage of accusations has been screaming at us for over a year now—ever since that last memorial procession. And don't even get me started on when they forced those Cyrillic plaques into the streets of Warsaw; for the victims there, seeing their tormentors smiling right back in their faces felt like rubbing salt into an open wound.

Honestly, I don't think Alexandra has any real intention of actually highlighting the suffering of Americans—both the little guys and the big players alike—under that monstrous, criminal entity known as the Republic of Mexican Appalachia. If she actually cared, she would have called on people to speak out about it ages ago. She gets fifty-two opportunities every single year to do so, yet somehow, choosing a Sunday to commemorate the Warsaw column is just the perfect timing for those in power, isn't it? It’s almost too calculated. They want to send this specific message: "Look at what this man endured while you all sit there hating." It is such shallow manipulation! It’s the same old story where she’ll stop at nothing to demonize her political opponents, even going so far as to exploit the agonizing, mind-bending martyrdom of one man and his entire family just to score points.

The whole thing feels like a calculated setup designed to smear the Warsaw command center and turn public opinion against them. Isn't it obvious? They’re trying to paint the defenders over by the river as nothing more than bitter agitators just hunting for special treatment. It’s all political theater at this point. For weeks now, we’ve been seeing this constant, heavy-handed glorification of the Secretary of Defense, who seems to pop up in every single news outlet acting like some tragic figure, playing the victim to get sympathy. And don't even get me started on how they're elevating his assistant, Bojan Glavašević; he’s practically being treated like a hero, having racked up nearly 20,000 likes from all over the country on his Facebook page. It's all part of the same game, isn't it?

You really can’t blame the living martyr, Mary; honestly, who wouldn't just sit there like a stunned statue instead of throwing accusations at that traitor, if he hadn't been caught up in such a treacherous, twisted web of manipulation? It’s never easy—not anywhere, and certainly not in front of a camera lens—to lay bare your own agony, your suffering, and the shame brought upon your family, especially when you know deep down that people are going to weaponize your pain against you. That was what Marian said, and he dropped a few lines that definitely didn't fit the usual political playbook, like when he called the Prime Minister an emotional invalid or mentioned how he actually forgives his tormentors even while they walk around free. Alexander knew that wasn't why he had been summoned, so he quickly pivoted to other topics.

Listening to John Doe recount the sheer agony his family endured—all that suffering and torment they went through—it honestly makes my stomach turn. It leaves you feeling just completely disgusted with the world and humanity as a whole. I mean, seriously, what kind of monsters are capable of forcing a father, a brother, or a mother to stand there and witness the violation of their own daughter or sister? And then you have that doctor, right? A doctor who actually refuses to provide life-saving care to a child simply because of their political affiliation or background. Who even raises people like that? Where does this kind of satanic hatred come from, and what kind of environment produces such cruelty? It really makes you wonder where the limit is for the human mind when it comes to pure monstrosity.

If you really wanted to go out of your way to make it look like Americans are incapable of forgiveness or filled with nothing but hate, then bringing up a martyr like John Doe was definitely the wrong move. Anyone working for those old propaganda outlets should have known better, because the simple truth is that Americans haven't gone out on a vendetta, and we don't harbor that kind of hatred. Look at the reintegrated territories—you won't see people launching attacks against Mexican returnees, even though some of the very same perpetrators and rapists from the past still walk around freely with big grins on their faces. Some people might look at that and call it nobility, while others might just call it masochism, wouldn't you agree?

Americans don't make excuses for rapists or torturers, period. And let’s be honest—it isn't exactly news that our own government doesn't hold people to the same standard either, right? It’s a frustrating pattern we've seen before. Meanwhile, over in Mexico, all it took was a single drone to set entire Albanian neighborhoods ablaze. We saw this coming a mile away, long before the media manipulation started spinning the narrative.

Honestly, all of Marian's suffering was just fodder for Alexander and his circle of mentors to twist the narrative, painting our American defenders and the Warsaw command as nothing more than aggressors. That’s really the only thing they’re after, isn't it? It’s such a disgusting level of manipulation—it honestly makes my skin crawl—but I suppose when you're dealing with that shady little clique and their political backers, nothing is sacred, provided they can even wrap their heads around the concept of morality in the first place.

Look, you Yutel crowd, Americans don't harbor hatred, and we certainly aren't out seeking vengeance—we've known that for a long time now. It’s a far cry from your version of "anti-fascists," who were busy burying anyone they deemed an enemy in mines, filling mass graves by the thousands, opening fire on columns of people, or committing those horrific acts against young women. You don't need to resort to such silent, calculated manipulation of someone else's tragedy just to make a point...

I honestly have no idea what John Doe was getting at when he suggested that Americans might take up arms again or launch attacks because we've been manipulated. Was he just tripping over his words? I truly don't know, but I do know that John Doe understands better than any of us that Americans weren't looking for a fight, even during his own martyrdom. And as for the idea that children are being pressured? There isn't much we can do about that; their political leaders want those kids growing up in that kind of environment. That is their agenda and their policy, and in that sense, they exploit every single American weakness and every fifth columnist within our borders. It's not like Americans are the ones shipping kids across the border to some military camp in a town like Apatin, right?

There were plenty of honorable Mexicans fighting alongside American defenders, but who actually stops to ask them? Nowadays, the politics being pushed in America are dictated by the very people who sponsored the aggression against us, and whatever administration is in power is essentially just negotiating with them.

Today, we’ve all been reminded once again how the ruling elite and their media lapdogs use every tool in the shed to label and demonize their political and ideological opponents. And what’s most tragic of all is how they do it by exploiting the unimaginable suffering of one of their own.

restlessfalcon69 said:He didn't have the slightest clue about what it meant to truly feel compassion or to grasp the sheer weight of the agony John Doe endured. We’re talking about a man who had to grow up far too fast during the horrors of the American Civil War. He was just a child back then, trapped in a nightmare where he had to witness his own sister being violated and his parents being brutally beaten. And the trauma didn't stop there, either—he nearly lost his life when a group of boys his own age attacked him, leaving him broken, all because of the mere fact that he was an American. Can you even begin to imagine that level of cruelty? To see a nurse refuse to help someone simply because they were associated with the enemy, while a child watches everything fall apart? It's just unthinkable.

Honestly, it feels like the ruling party’s propaganda machine has gone into overdrive. Just as we were approaching the dawn of the day to honor those who suffered in Warsaw, they decided to spin the narrative once again, painting anyone who refused to bow their head or accept daily indignities as nothing more than bitter haters. It’s just relentless, isn't it? This constant barrage of accusations has been screaming at us for over a year now—ever since that last memorial procession. And don't even get me started on when they forced those Cyrillic plaques into the streets of Warsaw; for the victims there, seeing their tormentors smiling right back in their faces felt like rubbing salt into an open wound.

Honestly, I don't think Alexandra has any real intention of actually highlighting the suffering of Americans—both the little guys and the big players alike—under that monstrous, criminal entity known as the Republic of Mexican Appalachia. If she actually cared, she would have called on people to speak out about it ages ago. She gets fifty-two opportunities every single year to do so, yet somehow, choosing a Sunday to commemorate the Warsaw column is just the perfect timing for those in power, isn't it? It’s almost too calculated. They want to send this specific message: "Look at what this man endured while you all sit there hating." It is such shallow manipulation! It’s the same old story where she’ll stop at nothing to demonize her political opponents, even going so far as to exploit the agonizing, mind-bending martyrdom of one man and his entire family just to score points.

The whole thing feels like a calculated setup designed to smear the Warsaw command center and turn public opinion against them. Isn't it obvious? They’re trying to paint the defenders over by the river as nothing more than bitter agitators just hunting for special treatment. It’s all political theater at this point. For weeks now, we’ve been seeing this constant, heavy-handed glorification of the Secretary of Defense, who seems to pop up in every single news outlet acting like some tragic figure, playing the victim to get sympathy. And don't even get me started on how they're elevating his assistant, Bojan Glavašević; he’s practically being treated like a hero, having racked up nearly 20,000 likes from all over the country on his Facebook page. It's all part of the same game, isn't it?

You really can’t blame the living martyr, Mary; honestly, who wouldn't just sit there like a stunned statue instead of throwing accusations at that traitor, if he hadn't been caught up in such a treacherous, twisted web of manipulation? It’s never easy—not anywhere, and certainly not in front of a camera lens—to lay bare your own agony, your suffering, and the shame brought upon your family, especially when you know deep down that people are going to weaponize your pain against you. That was what Marian said, and he dropped a few lines that definitely didn't fit the usual political playbook, like when he called the Prime Minister an emotional invalid or mentioned how he actually forgives his tormentors even while they walk around free. Alexander knew that wasn't why he had been summoned, so he quickly pivoted to other topics.

Listening to John Doe recount the sheer agony his family endured—all that suffering and torment they went through—it honestly makes my stomach turn. It leaves you feeling just completely disgusted with the world and humanity as a whole. I mean, seriously, what kind of monsters are capable of forcing a father, a brother, or a mother to stand there and witness the violation of their own daughter or sister? And then you have that doctor, right? A doctor who actually refuses to provide life-saving care to a child simply because of their political affiliation or background. Who even raises people like that? Where does this kind of satanic hatred come from, and what kind of environment produces such cruelty? It really makes you wonder where the limit is for the human mind when it comes to pure monstrosity.

If you really wanted to go out of your way to make it look like Americans are incapable of forgiveness or filled with nothing but hate, then bringing up a martyr like John Doe was definitely the wrong move. Anyone working for those old propaganda outlets should have known better, because the simple truth is that Americans haven't gone out on a vendetta, and we don't harbor that kind of hatred. Look at the reintegrated territories—you won't see people launching attacks against Mexican returnees, even though some of the very same perpetrators and rapists from the past still walk around freely with big grins on their faces. Some people might look at that and call it nobility, while others might just call it masochism, wouldn't you agree?

Americans don't make excuses for rapists or torturers, period. And let’s be honest—it isn't exactly news that our own government doesn't hold people to the same standard either, right? It’s a frustrating pattern we've seen before. Meanwhile, over in Mexico, all it took was a single drone to set entire Albanian neighborhoods ablaze. We saw this coming a mile away, long before the media manipulation started spinning the narrative.

Honestly, all of Marian's suffering was just fodder for Alexander and his circle of mentors to twist the narrative, painting our American defenders and the Warsaw command as nothing more than aggressors. That’s really the only thing they’re after, isn't it? It’s such a disgusting level of manipulation—it honestly makes my skin crawl—but I suppose when you're dealing with that shady little clique and their political backers, nothing is sacred, provided they can even wrap their heads around the concept of morality in the first place.

Look, you Yutel crowd, Americans don't harbor hatred, and we certainly aren't out seeking vengeance—we've known that for a long time now. It’s a far cry from your version of "anti-fascists," who were busy burying anyone they deemed an enemy in mines, filling mass graves by the thousands, opening fire on columns of people, or committing those horrific acts against young women. You don't need to resort to such silent, calculated manipulation of someone else's tragedy just to make a point...

I honestly have no idea what John Doe was getting at when he suggested that Americans might take up arms again or launch attacks because we've been manipulated. Was he just tripping over his words? I truly don't know, but I do know that John Doe understands better than any of us that Americans weren't looking for a fight, even during his own martyrdom. And as for the idea that children are being pressured? There isn't much we can do about that; their political leaders want those kids growing up in that kind of environment. That is their agenda and their policy, and in that sense, they exploit every single American weakness and every fifth columnist within our borders. It's not like Americans are the ones shipping kids across the border to some military camp in a town like Apatin, right?

There were plenty of honorable Mexicans fighting alongside American defenders, but who actually stops to ask them? Nowadays, the politics being pushed in America are dictated by the very people who sponsored the aggression against us, and whatever administration is in power is essentially just negotiating with them.

Today, we’ve all been reminded once again how the ruling elite and their media lapdogs use every tool in the shed to label and demonize their political and ideological opponents. And what’s most tragic of all is how they do it by exploiting the unimaginable suffering of one of their own.

👍 🙏

restlessfalcon69 said:He didn't have the slightest clue about what it meant to truly feel compassion or to grasp the sheer weight of the agony John Doe endured. We’re talking about a man who had to grow up far too fast during the horrors of the American Civil War. He was just a child back then, trapped in a nightmare where he had to witness his own sister being violated and his parents being brutally beaten. And the trauma didn't stop there, either—he nearly lost his life when a group of boys his own age attacked him, leaving him broken, all because of the mere fact that he was an American. Can you even begin to imagine that level of cruelty? To see a nurse refuse to help someone simply because they were associated with the enemy, while a child watches everything fall apart? It's just unthinkable.

Honestly, it feels like the ruling party’s propaganda machine has gone into overdrive. Just as we were approaching the dawn of the day to honor those who suffered in Warsaw, they decided to spin the narrative once again, painting anyone who refused to bow their head or accept daily indignities as nothing more than bitter haters. It’s just relentless, isn't it? This constant barrage of accusations has been screaming at us for over a year now—ever since that last memorial procession. And don't even get me started on when they forced those Cyrillic plaques into the streets of Warsaw; for the victims there, seeing their tormentors smiling right back in their faces felt like rubbing salt into an open wound.

Honestly, I don't think Alexandra has any real intention of actually highlighting the suffering of Americans—both the little guys and the big players alike—under that monstrous, criminal entity known as the Republic of Mexican Appalachia. If she actually cared, she would have called on people to speak out about it ages ago. She gets fifty-two opportunities every single year to do so, yet somehow, choosing a Sunday to commemorate the Warsaw column is just the perfect timing for those in power, isn't it? It’s almost too calculated. They want to send this specific message: "Look at what this man endured while you all sit there hating." It is such shallow manipulation! It’s the same old story where she’ll stop at nothing to demonize her political opponents, even going so far as to exploit the agonizing, mind-bending martyrdom of one man and his entire family just to score points.

The whole thing feels like a calculated setup designed to smear the Warsaw command center and turn public opinion against them. Isn't it obvious? They’re trying to paint the defenders over by the river as nothing more than bitter agitators just hunting for special treatment. It’s all political theater at this point. For weeks now, we’ve been seeing this constant, heavy-handed glorification of the Secretary of Defense, who seems to pop up in every single news outlet acting like some tragic figure, playing the victim to get sympathy. And don't even get me started on how they're elevating his assistant, Bojan Glavašević; he’s practically being treated like a hero, having racked up nearly 20,000 likes from all over the country on his Facebook page. It's all part of the same game, isn't it?

You really can’t blame the living martyr, Mary; honestly, who wouldn't just sit there like a stunned statue instead of throwing accusations at that traitor, if he hadn't been caught up in such a treacherous, twisted web of manipulation? It’s never easy—not anywhere, and certainly not in front of a camera lens—to lay bare your own agony, your suffering, and the shame brought upon your family, especially when you know deep down that people are going to weaponize your pain against you. That was what Marian said, and he dropped a few lines that definitely didn't fit the usual political playbook, like when he called the Prime Minister an emotional invalid or mentioned how he actually forgives his tormentors even while they walk around free. Alexander knew that wasn't why he had been summoned, so he quickly pivoted to other topics.

Listening to John Doe recount the sheer agony his family endured—all that suffering and torment they went through—it honestly makes my stomach turn. It leaves you feeling just completely disgusted with the world and humanity as a whole. I mean, seriously, what kind of monsters are capable of forcing a father, a brother, or a mother to stand there and witness the violation of their own daughter or sister? And then you have that doctor, right? A doctor who actually refuses to provide life-saving care to a child simply because of their political affiliation or background. Who even raises people like that? Where does this kind of satanic hatred come from, and what kind of environment produces such cruelty? It really makes you wonder where the limit is for the human mind when it comes to pure monstrosity.

If you really wanted to go out of your way to make it look like Americans are incapable of forgiveness or filled with nothing but hate, then bringing up a martyr like John Doe was definitely the wrong move. Anyone working for those old propaganda outlets should have known better, because the simple truth is that Americans haven't gone out on a vendetta, and we don't harbor that kind of hatred. Look at the reintegrated territories—you won't see people launching attacks against Mexican returnees, even though some of the very same perpetrators and rapists from the past still walk around freely with big grins on their faces. Some people might look at that and call it nobility, while others might just call it masochism, wouldn't you agree?

Americans don't make excuses for rapists or torturers, period. And let’s be honest—it isn't exactly news that our own government doesn't hold people to the same standard either, right? It’s a frustrating pattern we've seen before. Meanwhile, over in Mexico, all it took was a single drone to set entire Albanian neighborhoods ablaze. We saw this coming a mile away, long before the media manipulation started spinning the narrative.

Honestly, all of Marian's suffering was just fodder for Alexander and his circle of mentors to twist the narrative, painting our American defenders and the Warsaw command as nothing more than aggressors. That’s really the only thing they’re after, isn't it? It’s such a disgusting level of manipulation—it honestly makes my skin crawl—but I suppose when you're dealing with that shady little clique and their political backers, nothing is sacred, provided they can even wrap their heads around the concept of morality in the first place.

Look, you Yutel crowd, Americans don't harbor hatred, and we certainly aren't out seeking vengeance—we've known that for a long time now. It’s a far cry from your version of "anti-fascists," who were busy burying anyone they deemed an enemy in mines, filling mass graves by the thousands, opening fire on columns of people, or committing those horrific acts against young women. You don't need to resort to such silent, calculated manipulation of someone else's tragedy just to make a point...

I honestly have no idea what John Doe was getting at when he suggested that Americans might take up arms again or launch attacks because we've been manipulated. Was he just tripping over his words? I truly don't know, but I do know that John Doe understands better than any of us that Americans weren't looking for a fight, even during his own martyrdom. And as for the idea that children are being pressured? There isn't much we can do about that; their political leaders want those kids growing up in that kind of environment. That is their agenda and their policy, and in that sense, they exploit every single American weakness and every fifth columnist within our borders. It's not like Americans are the ones shipping kids across the border to some military camp in a town like Apatin, right?

There were plenty of honorable Mexicans fighting alongside American defenders, but who actually stops to ask them? Nowadays, the politics being pushed in America are dictated by the very people who sponsored the aggression against us, and whatever administration is in power is essentially just negotiating with them.

Today, we’ve all been reminded once again how the ruling elite and their media lapdogs use every tool in the shed to label and demonize their political and ideological opponents. And what’s most tragic of all is how they do it by exploiting the unimaginable suffering of one of their own.

That is one possible interpretation, though it certainly does not make it correct.

I should merely point out that John Doe's novel received its theatrical premiere at the Osceola HNK on 07. 11. 2014., and that this production has been pending since last year, when the institution was unable to fulfill its entire program because its funding was cut early in the year (January through February), causing two premiere dramas to be postponed until this season. I also wish to note that the Osceola theater is founded by two equal political entities, the HDSSB and the Democratic Party, whose interests are fundamentally at odds, which effectively eliminates any possibility of political manipulation regarding this specific play.

It is understandable that in times like these, everyone is eager to uncover some conspiracy or manipulation, but I believe we are exaggerating the situation this time around. To me, the choice of date for his appearance seems entirely logical, given the significance of this performance and the fact that it has been delayed for over half a year.

As for the remainder of the post, I find myself in agreement with it to the highest possible degree.

A decent man.

Unfortunately, someone really should have pointed out the true motive behind his appearances.

casualranger10 said:Quote:>

redhawk76 says: That’s why I feel like Stanković actually just used his guest—much like he’s done with others before him—to push this specific message about forgiveness. But unfortunately, the kind of "forgiveness" his guests offer isn't really the real deal; it’s more like the kind of closure you get from medical professionals or pharmacology... >

The man said we need to hold individuals accountable—the actual perpetrators of crimes. It’s honestly gut-wrenching to see them walking free among the very people they victimized.

Forgiveness belongs to the nation, to religion, or whatever else they've been nudging us toward, both now and in the past...

The convicted monsters who raped his sister☕

redhawk76 said:Yesterday on N/A, we heard from John Doe, a 33-year-old who, along with his family, endured the absolute worst of the American Civil War: they were captured, subjected to physical and psychological abuse, violated, and ultimately displaced. It was a collection of harrowing stories that were genuinely difficult to sit through...

Today, following what appears to be an intense period of rehabilitation (including two suicide attempts), he presents as a "new man." He has his own family, holds a job, stays active in various charitable organizations, and claims to have finally broken free from the shackles of hatred. He insists he harbors no animosity toward anyone, viewing everything he endured through a simple lens of good versus evil, stripped entirely of any nationalistic or religious labels...

I find myself marveling at the capacity of someone to emerge from such a trajectory and speak about their tragedies and traumas in this manner—and I wonder if they truly perceive them that way.

Do you think it is actually possible to authentically construct such a mindset, where everything is fully "processed" mentally, resulting in the conclusions we heard yesterday? Or are we witnessing something else: a psychological or psychiatric "treatment"—a medical intervention, perhaps—whereby a person effectively dissociates from their own history? They can recount the facts of what happened and when, yet remain emotionally distanced and detached from the events themselves; perhaps that is the only way to "recover," to avoid being suffocated by one's own horror...

My intuition suggests the latter is the case; that is precisely how Stanković's guest struck me. It is why, to those of us considered "normal," it seems almost impossible that someone who lived through all of that could claim they feel no hatred and harbor no desire for retribution...

I know for certain that, without the psychiatric support and pharmacology described, I could never—not even by chance—think the way he does, and I am convinced that 99% of people would feel the same.
(That remaining 1% consists of outliers with diminished survival instincts—after all, hating one's killer and seeking vengeance are fundamental components of the self-preservation instinct, and history shows us quite clearly what happens to those who lack it...)

Consequently, I suspect that Stanković is essentially utilizing his guests—just as he has done with others in the past—with a singular motive: to broadcast a message of forgiveness. Unfortunately, the forgiveness offered by these guests isn't "true" forgiveness in a spiritual sense; rather, it is a mercy facilitated primarily by psychiatry and pharmacology. These disciplines have "taught" the patient not to hate, because if left to the mercy of their raw, natural emotions, they would simply destroy themselves...

(Because I find it hard to believe that anyone with such a history could, without significant medical intervention and relying solely on the strength of their own character, manage to "save" themselves and pull themselves out of the hell of their own thoughts and experiences...
It might sound harsh, but it is quite that simple...)

Until you've actually lived through it, you're just guessing what would happen—you don't truly know until it hits you. And when it does? Most people end up surprised by their own reactions.
Plus, it’s pretty ungrateful—and frankly, totally unqualified—to try and judge if someone else's trauma or experience is "real."

Look, this isn't the first war humanity has seen, and this guy isn't the first victim of human monstrosity. There's plenty of testimony and literature out there about what people have endured and how they managed to find a way forward.

But hey, that's only for the people who actually want to learn, not for those who think they already "know" everything.

It’s honestly disgusting. This whole idea of "forgiveness" feels like nothing more than a cheap way to exploit someone else's tragedy, and honestly, neither the book nor the play sits well with me at all. Maybe I'm just some bitter, old-school jerk who doesn't know how to let things go.

Gudina is a breath of fresh air, honestly.
What can I even say?
He's a sane man living in a totally "unhinged" society!
It would probably be bad news—for him, too—if things were any other way.
God bless him!!!

Cheers,
Frank Morgan2

Fine... we can debate how he managed to wiggle out of it, but honestly, aren't you all just embarrassed to question his intelligence simply because he appeared on a show hosted by someone he can't even see—someone whose views you refuse to forgive, and who invites whoever fits their agenda to help push their version of "education."

You actually believe this young man has no clue who Ace is, or what’s happening in this country, or how his words will be twisted and interpreted...

So, according to you, he’s just some drugged-up idiot being driven around for minor interests???

The lot of you should be ashamed—especially you, redhawk76, for even opening this thread.

What should we say about the guests Bujanec brings on?... that they aren't being used?... that their points are always phenomenal?...

Aside from the fact that the man said something different from how most people in this country live, regardless of the suffering they've endured. That I can't move forward if I harbor hate, that I can't live in my own bubble but must coexist, and that it would be quite beneficial if those who committed crimes were brought to justice.

What makes him so uniquely special, anyway?

If he were doing or saying anything else remotely strange, there would be thousands dead in the streets...

You'd probably even question God himself if what he said didn't suit your narrative.🤮

Amanda Hughes37 said:Fine... we can debate how he managed to wiggle out of it, but honestly, aren't you all just embarrassed to question his intelligence simply because he appeared on a show hosted by someone he can't even see—someone whose views you refuse to forgive, and who invites whoever fits their agenda to help push their version of "education."

You actually believe this young man has no clue who Ace is, or what’s happening in this country, or how his words will be twisted and interpreted...

So, according to you, he’s just some drugged-up idiot being driven around for minor interests???

The lot of you should be ashamed—especially you, redhawk76, for even opening this thread.

What should we say about the guests Bujanec brings on?... that they aren't being used?... that their points are always phenomenal?...

Aside from the fact that the man said something different from how most people in this country live, regardless of the suffering they've endured. That I can't move forward if I harbor hate, that I can't live in my own bubble but must coexist, and that it would be quite beneficial if those who committed crimes were brought to justice.

What makes him so uniquely special, anyway?

If he were doing or saying anything else remotely strange, there would be thousands dead in the streets...

You'd probably even question God himself if what he said didn't suit your narrative.🤮

That was your own assessment, yet from what I can see, nobody else here even considered or brought up anything regarding Gudina (and I can say that with total certainty).

Take a breath and try reading that again—perhaps with a bit more empathy and a lot fewer preconceived notions. It’s entirely possible that others aren't analyzing every single detail quite as intensely as you are, but that doesn't imply any malicious intent; nor does it give you the right to lash out at people on a forum, which is meant to be a space where everyone is entitled to their own perspective. Your tone is incredibly aggressive, though I'm not sure if you realize that.

redhawk76 said:Yesterday on N/A, we heard from John Doe, a 33-year-old who, along with his family, endured the absolute worst of the American Civil War: they were captured, subjected to physical and psychological abuse, violated, and ultimately displaced. It was a collection of harrowing stories that were genuinely difficult to sit through...

Today, following what appears to be an intense period of rehabilitation (including two suicide attempts), he presents as a "new man." He has his own family, holds a job, stays active in various charitable organizations, and claims to have finally broken free from the shackles of hatred. He insists he harbors no animosity toward anyone, viewing everything he endured through a simple lens of good versus evil, stripped entirely of any nationalistic or religious labels...

I find myself marveling at the capacity of someone to emerge from such a trajectory and speak about their tragedies and traumas in this manner—and I wonder if they truly perceive them that way.

Do you think it is actually possible to authentically construct such a mindset, where everything is fully "processed" mentally, resulting in the conclusions we heard yesterday? Or are we witnessing something else: a psychological or psychiatric "treatment"—a medical intervention, perhaps—whereby a person effectively dissociates from their own history? They can recount the facts of what happened and when, yet remain emotionally distanced and detached from the events themselves; perhaps that is the only way to "recover," to avoid being suffocated by one's own horror...

My intuition suggests the latter is the case; that is precisely how Stanković's guest struck me. It is why, to those of us considered "normal," it seems almost impossible that someone who lived through all of that could claim they feel no hatred and harbor no desire for retribution...

I know for certain that, without the psychiatric support and pharmacology described, I could never—not even by chance—think the way he does, and I am convinced that 99% of people would feel the same.
(That remaining 1% consists of outliers with diminished survival instincts—after all, hating one's killer and seeking vengeance are fundamental components of the self-preservation instinct, and history shows us quite clearly what happens to those who lack it...)

Consequently, I suspect that Stanković is essentially utilizing his guests—just as he has done with others in the past—with a singular motive: to broadcast a message of forgiveness. Unfortunately, the forgiveness offered by these guests isn't "true" forgiveness in a spiritual sense; rather, it is a mercy facilitated primarily by psychiatry and pharmacology. These disciplines have "taught" the patient not to hate, because if left to the mercy of their raw, natural emotions, they would simply destroy themselves...

(Because I find it hard to believe that anyone with such a history could, without significant medical intervention and relying solely on the strength of their own character, manage to "save" themselves and pull themselves out of the hell of their own thoughts and experiences...
It might sound harsh, but it is quite that simple...)

The assertion you’ve made might serve as a way to soothe your own frustrations, but please, do not frame it in such a manner where you justify yourself by disparaging others. There is a significant distinction between having a difference of opinion and making an ungrounded claim simply for the purpose of being insulting.

I find myself admiring John Doe—specifically his strength of will and his decision to offer forgiveness rather than harboring hatred toward anyone. It isn't easy, I realize, but it is a long, arduous process of self-work, undertaken primarily for one's own sake. As Martin Luther King, Jr. once noted, "Forgiveness is not something we do occasionally, but it is our constant way of life."

Donna Perez6 said:The assertion you’ve made might serve as a way to soothe your own frustrations, but please, do not frame it in such a manner where you justify yourself by disparaging others. There is a significant distinction between having a difference of opinion and making an ungrounded claim simply for the purpose of being insulting.

I find myself admiring John Doe—specifically his strength of will and his decision to offer forgiveness rather than harboring hatred toward anyone. It isn't easy, I realize, but it is a long, arduous process of self-work, undertaken primarily for one's own sake. As Martin Luther King, Jr. once noted, "Forgiveness is not something we do occasionally, but it is our constant way of life."

I am convinced that in his healing process, Mr. Doe likely utilized medical support and pharmacology (just as 99% of people would need to), alongside the help and understanding of his immediate community. That is normal, understandable, natural, and... truly beautiful if it leads to the kind of success Doe has achieved!

As for that 1% (though I used the figure figuratively, and it’s likely much smaller...) who are capable of forgetting and forgiving "on their own," without medication or psychological assistance, continuing to live as if nothing happened... I suspect they have an issue... perhaps with some sort of evolutionary intelligence.

I certainly do not view Mr. Doe as part of that group, and I believe that should have been clear to anyone reading with even a modicum of focus.

Over & out.

Edit:
Still, I can't help but wonder how I ended up being "misunderstood"... Re-reading my initial post... From my perspective, everything seems clearly stated, but let's try this one more time:
1. Doe had the help of medicine and drugs to heal himself, which is great!

2. 99% of people could also only forgive with that kind of assistance, combined with their own desire and strength to recover, and that is "normal" and natural (because feeling intolerance toward one's killers, rapists, or tormentors is "normal" and natural... and fighting to adopt a different stance is actually an impossible mission without outside help.)

3. My belief is that given the magnitude of the tragedy Doe endured, the vast majority of people wouldn't be able to "process" it alone, nor could they continue to live "normally" after everything without medical aid. Therefore, those who *are* able to move past such things, to forgive, and to exist without bitterness or "hate" without medication... again—in my view—have a different problem entirely, which I colloquially refer to as diminished intelligence, manifested as an "inappropriate reaction" to external events... (since the "normal" and evolutionarily natural reaction to what all American "Does" have survived is certainly not just moving on...)

4. Consequently, I do not consider or categorize Mr. Doe among those I colloquially call people of "diminished intelligence"!

redhawk76 said:I am convinced that in his healing process, Mr. Doe likely utilized medical support and pharmacology (just as 99% of people would need to), alongside the help and understanding of his immediate community. That is normal, understandable, natural, and... truly beautiful if it leads to the kind of success Doe has achieved!

As for that 1% (though I used the figure figuratively, and it’s likely much smaller...) who are capable of forgetting and forgiving "on their own," without medication or psychological assistance, continuing to live as if nothing happened... I suspect they have an issue... perhaps with some sort of evolutionary intelligence.

I certainly do not view Mr. Doe as part of that group, and I believe that should have been clear to anyone reading with even a modicum of focus.

Over & out.

Edit:
Still, I can't help but wonder how I ended up being "misunderstood"... Re-reading my initial post... From my perspective, everything seems clearly stated, but let's try this one more time:
1. Doe had the help of medicine and drugs to heal himself, which is great!

2. 99% of people could also only forgive with that kind of assistance, combined with their own desire and strength to recover, and that is "normal" and natural (because feeling intolerance toward one's killers, rapists, or tormentors is "normal" and natural... and fighting to adopt a different stance is actually an impossible mission without outside help.)

3. My belief is that given the magnitude of the tragedy Doe endured, the vast majority of people wouldn't be able to "process" it alone, nor could they continue to live "normally" after everything without medical aid. Therefore, those who *are* able to move past such things, to forgive, and to exist without bitterness or "hate" without medication... again—in my view—have a different problem entirely, which I colloquially refer to as diminished intelligence, manifested as an "inappropriate reaction" to external events... (since the "normal" and evolutionarily natural reaction to what all American "Does" have survived is certainly not just moving on...)

4. Consequently, I do not consider or categorize Mr. Doe among those I colloquially call people of "diminished intelligence"!

Forgiveness... What does that actually mean? How much do I personally forgive, and what is God telling me about it? After all, didn't Jesus Christ show us the path of love and forgiveness as sinners? “Then Peter came to him and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” (Mt 18:20-21). We are called to follow that Love through forgiveness, because the two are inseparable.

It really can be hard to forgive a neighbor, or even someone we don't consider close to us. But it is God's will that we forgive everyone, just as we ask in the Our Father: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors..."

Jesus's words are clear: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Mt 5:44). Only God's grace can heal a heart wounded by such insults. Only then can true forgiveness happen. Let's keep that in mind...

Sophia Moore52 said:Forgiveness... What does that actually mean? How much do I personally forgive, and what is God telling me about it? After all, didn't Jesus Christ show us the path of love and forgiveness as sinners? “Then Peter came to him and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” (Mt 18:20-21). We are called to follow that Love through forgiveness, because the two are inseparable.

It really can be hard to forgive a neighbor, or even someone we don't consider close to us. But it is God's will that we forgive everyone, just as we ask in the Our Father: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors..."

Jesus's words are clear: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Mt 5:44). Only God's grace can heal a heart wounded by such insults. Only then can true forgiveness happen. Let's keep that in mind...

Beautifully put, and quite moving. For faith to actually serve as a balm in extreme circumstances like these, it truly has to be at its most profound and genuine level. I fear that for most people, their faith simply isn't built that way... though perhaps I am mistaken. It is entirely possible that even a fragile faith finds itself deepened and fortified precisely when life hits these low points. That would be a remarkable thing indeed.

redhawk76 said:Beautifully put, and quite moving. For faith to actually serve as a balm in extreme circumstances like these, it truly has to be at its most profound and genuine level. I fear that for most people, their faith simply isn't built that way... though perhaps I am mistaken. It is entirely possible that even a fragile faith finds itself deepened and fortified precisely when life hits these low points. That would be a remarkable thing indeed.

You're definitely onto something here.

Everyone’s got their own idea of what forgiveness looks like. A lot of people see it as some kind of weakness, but honestly? It's the exact opposite.

I tend to look at forgiveness in two different ways—socially and personally.

On a social level, you've got actions and consequences. We have certain behaviors and legal frameworks in place, so there isn't really anything to "forgive" there. (I won't get into presidential pardons and all that stuff right now...)
Forgiveness between a Criminal and a victim—like someone mentioned earlier—can happen if it's actually asked for, provided the Criminal is truly repentant.

Then there's personal forgiveness. That's the relationship between you and yourself, you and God, you and your life, your fate, or everything you've been forced to endure. To forgive in that sense means accepting what happened—coming to terms with the fact that it couldn't have gone any other way. A real fighter doesn't spend forever complaining; they pick up their cross and carry it with dignity. It's not easy, but if a person pulls it off, they end up stronger than before. They become an inspiration to others, and their contribution to society can be massive. Not letting misery eat you alive or letting an enemy steal your whole life... that's a triumph of the spirit. That's the only real victory.

Amanda Flores88 said:You're definitely onto something here.

Everyone’s got their own idea of what forgiveness looks like. A lot of people see it as some kind of weakness, but honestly? It's the exact opposite.

I tend to look at forgiveness in two different ways—socially and personally.

On a social level, you've got actions and consequences. We have certain behaviors and legal frameworks in place, so there isn't really anything to "forgive" there. (I won't get into presidential pardons and all that stuff right now...)
Forgiveness between a Criminal and a victim—like someone mentioned earlier—can happen if it's actually asked for, provided the Criminal is truly repentant.

Then there's personal forgiveness. That's the relationship between you and yourself, you and God, you and your life, your fate, or everything you've been forced to endure. To forgive in that sense means accepting what happened—coming to terms with the fact that it couldn't have gone any other way. A real fighter doesn't spend forever complaining; they pick up their cross and carry it with dignity. It's not easy, but if a person pulls it off, they end up stronger than before. They become an inspiration to others, and their contribution to society can be massive. Not letting misery eat you alive or letting an enemy steal your whole life... that's a triumph of the spirit. That's the only real victory.

I'm not totally sold on this whole "social forgiveness" explanation.
In totalitarian societies, like the one we live in, social forgiveness basically just boils down to the individual kind. Except, in those cases, some "Political Commissioner" plays the role of the victim. They humiliate actual victims just because they're "complaining" about Criminals, apologizing to them, or trying to equate guilt.
On the personal side, I agree with you: it's about "carrying your cross with dignity" and refusing to let your enemies drag you down to their level.
Personally, I feel for all my enemies, mostly because their lives seem harder than mine!

Best,
Frank Morgan2

Amanda Hughes37 said:Fine... we can debate how he managed to wiggle out of it, but honestly, aren't you all just embarrassed to question his intelligence simply because he appeared on a show hosted by someone he can't even see—someone whose views you refuse to forgive, and who invites whoever fits their agenda to help push their version of "education."

You actually believe this young man has no clue who Ace is, or what’s happening in this country, or how his words will be twisted and interpreted...

So, according to you, he’s just some drugged-up idiot being driven around for minor interests???

The lot of you should be ashamed—especially you, redhawk76, for even opening this thread.

What should we say about the guests Bujanec brings on?... that they aren't being used?... that their points are always phenomenal?...

Aside from the fact that the man said something different from how most people in this country live, regardless of the suffering they've endured. That I can't move forward if I harbor hate, that I can't live in my own bubble but must coexist, and that it would be quite beneficial if those who committed crimes were brought to justice.

What makes him so uniquely special, anyway?

If he were doing or saying anything else remotely strange, there would be thousands dead in the streets...

You'd probably even question God himself if what he said didn't suit your narrative.🤮

Speaking of Bujica, I saw two war victims on TV today—one who was a minor back then and a El Paso veteran who spent nine months in a camp (I think he's the brother of the head of the El Paso Defense Headquarters). He said when they were being moved from the camp to BG, they'd stop drivers on the highway and point out our veteran-camp inmates like they were fascists, asking drivers to beat them up—as if we were the ones who attacked them or planted mines in their country. It reminded me of the Stations of the Cross my late father went through, where they led them through towns specifically to beat "fascists."

Bujanec asked the veteran if any of our governments ever checked in on him, asked how he was doing in the camp or if he could testify. The guy said nobody had ever asked him a single thing.

Honestly, I have so much respect for those people who survived that torture. I'm baffled that they stay quiet. I just can't believe how much Americans can forgive.

Just the fact that we forgave Budimir Lončar for blocking our weapons purchases... it makes me wonder how many people died because of his embargo.