I’ve bought many of my clothes at thrift stores. It’s a treasure hunt. Each item is one of a kind. Most of the stuff is unappealing or the wrong size. But sometimes I find something that’s well-made and fits. It feels like a minor accomplishment. In November, 2019, an emaciated, white-haired guy in a Red, White & Blue Thrift Store just south of Pittsburgh smiled at me, pulled a black leather jacket from his full shopping cart, put it on and asked what I thought of it. I told him it looked good on him.
When my son was 13 he became a super shopper at thrift stores. For years he put together the coolest outfits and was known for being a sharp dresser. While thrift shopping with him I once found two top quality, luxury brand cashmere sweaters that to this day, 25 years later, still look brand new, unlike the cheap, pilling cashmere I've purchased from department stores in recent years.
These days it feels like we've all been herded into a "thrift" store with nothing of lasting value. Everything is disposable and unrepairable. What will be left for future generations?
I really like this point: "Covid Era bureaucrats, politicians and Pharma got an intense high from controlling others." And we (or the press) had to "laud" these power-hungry bureaucrats.
I often ate at a pizza joint in Southern California that told the county “health” twerps to take a hike when they told the owner to close. Management discouraged anyone, including employees from wearing a mask. It was hassle free for patrons. Of course the county initiated bogus legal action, made threats, and fines began piling up. At the end of the day, however, all fines and charges were quietly dismissed. They were illegal and wouldn’t stand judicial review.
All it took was employing the power of NO. Too bad more folks couldn’t muster the guts to do that.
The number of individuals exhibiting stereotypical "Karen" behavior is truly astonishing—people seem to enjoy asserting their control over others when given the opportunity.
This reminds me of a description of the East German Staasi (secret police) I read years ago. The Stassi cultivated a reputation of being everywhere and seeing everything, which was not the case. In reality their numbers were very few in relation to the general population. It was actually the neighbors and civilians in the community who did most of the spying and reporting.
People have also learned to "self censor" ... so this saves the State and Deep State a lot of effort and money.
At some point, the blowback from these on-going crimes and frauds could lead to a real "insurrection.'
However, this scenario is also highly unlikely as the Thomas Paine or Patrick Henry types who might lead such a revolt .... are too terrified to do so. They know they'd be thrown into a gulag just like Julian Assange was ... and for the same reason - to send a powerful message to the most dangerous dissenters.
Everything that's happening - even today - is about throttling dissent, which ensures even greater control for our real rulers in the future.
The fastest way to control individuals and groups and nations is to addict them. It's easy. More effective than a simple bribe is the threat to take something away. The US gives money around the globe and threatens to stop payments if the country does not comply. Debt works the same way, banks can call their loans if you don't comply.
If you gIve people money, sugar, comfort, social approval, handouts, deals, free stuff, a job, or even kind words, it corrupts them - they'll do anything to keep it coming.
The average MD gets $300K/year - takes about a minute to get them addicted. They'll do anything to keep that money coming with endless rationalizations like "I have to support my family," "everyone does it," "I deserve it because I'm helping people." Works best when you have mortgage or rent or a family to pay for.
We're all well controlled rats in a maze. Only the rich and the homeless can say and do what they want. In the old days we were independent and free, not anymore, and likely not ever.
I am also a bargain shopper and just sewed up 8 small holes in a ten year old favorite summer top I have (no one will notice)- I used to shop at thrift stores and grew up wearing "other kids' clothing" my dad would bring home from the donation boxes in the public schools where he worked. I was told at a young age that I "wasn't allowed to wear these clothes to school"- which was perplexing for a second/third grader but I understood at a young age there were classmates of mine who got new dresses for every and many occasions and we, literally, lived on the other side of the tracks. My "uniform" has and is jeans and t-shirts, with a few nice tops and a couple of dresses.I agree that clothing quality has declined over the years. Bring back the days of buying a pair of Levis, stiff as a board and wearing them for ten years or more! Our walk in closet is pretty sparse because I really don't care what I am wearing most days. I don't shop at thrift stores anymore given my upbringing, but still hunt for bargains if I need something. It's ingrained in me from my parents who lived through the depression, and who used something, especially clothing, until you wore it out and couldn't wear it anymore. Just bought some 70% off material yesterday to sew a summer top. Will cost me about five bucks and a couple hours of my time. Great read as always....always enjoy waking up to one of your articles!
Yesterday, I found a box full of old family photo albums. Last night, my two children, ages 12 and 8, sat by me as we looked through some of these old photos. My daughter kept seeing pictures of me from 25 and 30 years ago and kept saying, "Dad you still have that coat" or that sweater. I do. And I still wear them.
Gawd. My husband is *very* picky about his clothing. Mind you, it's not fashion or anything mostly old Carhartt jeans made for working men--that they don't make the same anymore. He literally has clothes at least 20 years old--some of it in decent shape but (as a working man) much of it in tatters--and yes he still wears it. He has couple of "newer" pants that he wears "to town" or family functions because you can't see skin thru them--but at home--something is always on display. LOL!
Hah! I am now sitting in Carhartt shorts bought how many years ago? which are shredding at hem and rear pocket. I will continue to wear them until they become indecent even for private (in my veg. garden) use.
As I've evaluated stuff on thrift store racks/shelves, I've often told myself that, at one time, people had to have all of this stuff. Now, they're practically giving it way b/c people don't want it anymore.
At the department store where I work they installed (taped) all those flimsy plexiglass partitions on the counters. I and most of my customers would move down to the end of the shields so we could hear each other. In retail there is a lot of chatting, small talk, and customers want to know about sales, etc. You HAVE to be able to talk. Duh! It's not a liquor store.
Yes! These dumb dumbs feel satisfaction bossing us around.
I doubt Newsweek would appreciate me comparing Public Health operatives to heroin addicts. But I'd like it if they would pass this along to more readers.
I guess the PH operatives are more like dealers. Though many say that most street level drug sellers are users.
Another true and beautifully woven analogy/story Mark.
Just yesterday, a doc in his 40's came into our clinic for an interview wearing a mask. I was told he had a cold and wanted to be respectful. He was mentally commended by all staff, except me, of course. Arghh. wtf
"causes deep, lasting pain to those who are sucked into these delusional addicts’ orbits."
The thing about addicts is that when you engage with them, you are stepping into THEIR world. You may think of yourself as the sane, sober one (maybe you want to rescue them). But YOU are stepping into THEIR world. And THEY are very aware of this. You aren't. And you WILL be played the fool. Because when you step into their world, they know how the game works. I've never met an addict who wasn't fully aware of this. They also know your sympathies and weaknesses and know exactly how to play this in their favor (key word: manipulate). It is important to know that when you engage an addict (whether drugs, power, etc.), you are stepping into their game and their rules (or lack thereof).
Better to not enter their world. You getting in there thinking you will save/change them will only mess you up. I've only seen change come from Higher intervention or a shift within.
Great read, Mark! I'm still a nurse but did not dance or kill. Left to wait tables. Back working in surgery and have to see all the carnage caused by the gene therapy shots.
Mark, Wow...as compelling a piece as you have written. I continue to find O Henry-like twists in everything you write...which just brings home the message even more. Bravo.
When my son was 13 he became a super shopper at thrift stores. For years he put together the coolest outfits and was known for being a sharp dresser. While thrift shopping with him I once found two top quality, luxury brand cashmere sweaters that to this day, 25 years later, still look brand new, unlike the cheap, pilling cashmere I've purchased from department stores in recent years.
These days it feels like we've all been herded into a "thrift" store with nothing of lasting value. Everything is disposable and unrepairable. What will be left for future generations?
Your list of things we "had to do" is excellent.
I really like this point: "Covid Era bureaucrats, politicians and Pharma got an intense high from controlling others." And we (or the press) had to "laud" these power-hungry bureaucrats.
We didn't HAVE to do any of these things.
They'll just hire more bureaucrats to "fix" it.
I often ate at a pizza joint in Southern California that told the county “health” twerps to take a hike when they told the owner to close. Management discouraged anyone, including employees from wearing a mask. It was hassle free for patrons. Of course the county initiated bogus legal action, made threats, and fines began piling up. At the end of the day, however, all fines and charges were quietly dismissed. They were illegal and wouldn’t stand judicial review.
All it took was employing the power of NO. Too bad more folks couldn’t muster the guts to do that.
The number of individuals exhibiting stereotypical "Karen" behavior is truly astonishing—people seem to enjoy asserting their control over others when given the opportunity.
Right?!
At least we've identified who would drive the one way train of box cars.
This all ends with your neighbors being the henchmen for the surveillance security state.
Just watch. That's the ultimate goal. It's the lowest "acquisition cost" for the state to build out their technocratic neo-feudal state.
This reminds me of a description of the East German Staasi (secret police) I read years ago. The Stassi cultivated a reputation of being everywhere and seeing everything, which was not the case. In reality their numbers were very few in relation to the general population. It was actually the neighbors and civilians in the community who did most of the spying and reporting.
People have also learned to "self censor" ... so this saves the State and Deep State a lot of effort and money.
At some point, the blowback from these on-going crimes and frauds could lead to a real "insurrection.'
However, this scenario is also highly unlikely as the Thomas Paine or Patrick Henry types who might lead such a revolt .... are too terrified to do so. They know they'd be thrown into a gulag just like Julian Assange was ... and for the same reason - to send a powerful message to the most dangerous dissenters.
Everything that's happening - even today - is about throttling dissent, which ensures even greater control for our real rulers in the future.
Look at it this way- we know who is who now. Ironic that an era of mass physical masking led to a kind of inherent unmasking of individuals.
That is the perfect way of putting it
Blessing in 'disguise'. Instant karma in action. (I am in love with the divine and those mysterious ways.)
The fastest way to control individuals and groups and nations is to addict them. It's easy. More effective than a simple bribe is the threat to take something away. The US gives money around the globe and threatens to stop payments if the country does not comply. Debt works the same way, banks can call their loans if you don't comply.
If you gIve people money, sugar, comfort, social approval, handouts, deals, free stuff, a job, or even kind words, it corrupts them - they'll do anything to keep it coming.
The average MD gets $300K/year - takes about a minute to get them addicted. They'll do anything to keep that money coming with endless rationalizations like "I have to support my family," "everyone does it," "I deserve it because I'm helping people." Works best when you have mortgage or rent or a family to pay for.
We're all well controlled rats in a maze. Only the rich and the homeless can say and do what they want. In the old days we were independent and free, not anymore, and likely not ever.
Thus the legalization of 'stink weed'.
I am also a bargain shopper and just sewed up 8 small holes in a ten year old favorite summer top I have (no one will notice)- I used to shop at thrift stores and grew up wearing "other kids' clothing" my dad would bring home from the donation boxes in the public schools where he worked. I was told at a young age that I "wasn't allowed to wear these clothes to school"- which was perplexing for a second/third grader but I understood at a young age there were classmates of mine who got new dresses for every and many occasions and we, literally, lived on the other side of the tracks. My "uniform" has and is jeans and t-shirts, with a few nice tops and a couple of dresses.I agree that clothing quality has declined over the years. Bring back the days of buying a pair of Levis, stiff as a board and wearing them for ten years or more! Our walk in closet is pretty sparse because I really don't care what I am wearing most days. I don't shop at thrift stores anymore given my upbringing, but still hunt for bargains if I need something. It's ingrained in me from my parents who lived through the depression, and who used something, especially clothing, until you wore it out and couldn't wear it anymore. Just bought some 70% off material yesterday to sew a summer top. Will cost me about five bucks and a couple hours of my time. Great read as always....always enjoy waking up to one of your articles!
Yesterday, I found a box full of old family photo albums. Last night, my two children, ages 12 and 8, sat by me as we looked through some of these old photos. My daughter kept seeing pictures of me from 25 and 30 years ago and kept saying, "Dad you still have that coat" or that sweater. I do. And I still wear them.
Gawd. My husband is *very* picky about his clothing. Mind you, it's not fashion or anything mostly old Carhartt jeans made for working men--that they don't make the same anymore. He literally has clothes at least 20 years old--some of it in decent shape but (as a working man) much of it in tatters--and yes he still wears it. He has couple of "newer" pants that he wears "to town" or family functions because you can't see skin thru them--but at home--something is always on display. LOL!
Hah! I am now sitting in Carhartt shorts bought how many years ago? which are shredding at hem and rear pocket. I will continue to wear them until they become indecent even for private (in my veg. garden) use.
I don't care about what I wear either! I'm an oddity to my friends and family who are stylish😂
Excellent and witty analogy.
Thanks, Timothy.
As I've evaluated stuff on thrift store racks/shelves, I've often told myself that, at one time, people had to have all of this stuff. Now, they're practically giving it way b/c people don't want it anymore.
Shame they can't return mRNA!
Sad but true.
You take it, you bought it.
Remember when shops used to have those signs "If you break it you buy it"? Now it's "If you buy it you'll break it".
Or ‘you buy it, it’ll break you’
Excellent!! Please publish in Newsweek.
At the department store where I work they installed (taped) all those flimsy plexiglass partitions on the counters. I and most of my customers would move down to the end of the shields so we could hear each other. In retail there is a lot of chatting, small talk, and customers want to know about sales, etc. You HAVE to be able to talk. Duh! It's not a liquor store.
Yes! These dumb dumbs feel satisfaction bossing us around.
Thanks, Laura.
I doubt Newsweek would appreciate me comparing Public Health operatives to heroin addicts. But I'd like it if they would pass this along to more readers.
I guess the PH operatives are more like dealers. Though many say that most street level drug sellers are users.
Yes and I bet the plexiglass was crawling with bacteria. Was always filthy.
Great post!
I occasionally visit thrift stores, and weekly I'll visit our Re-Store (typically furniture/building supplies).
This past January, the 1st thing I noticed walking in, was a Black leather coat, (they had decided to accept clothing).
Turns out it was lambskin, Made in Canada, about 20-25 years old.
Excellent condition, hardly worn.
Retail would probably approach $800.00...
Picked it up for 30 bucks.
Oh this is the perfect analogy, Mark.
But I don't think they would really mind if we had to live in a world with nothing but "thrift stores".
Maybe that was the point?...;)
Wait until The Climademic; Feed them candles!!!
Thanks, Ryan.
There are plenty of candles in thrift stores. But there might be a run on them.
Haha. Just like toilet paper!
These people are dangerous because they would do a REbleat in a New York second.
Another true and beautifully woven analogy/story Mark.
Just yesterday, a doc in his 40's came into our clinic for an interview wearing a mask. I was told he had a cold and wanted to be respectful. He was mentally commended by all staff, except me, of course. Arghh. wtf
Thanks, AnnMarie.
Oh, those crazy Oregonians....some of them live in NJ.
I sent your book on Monday. Please keep an eye out for it.
I reread it last night. I think it encompasses all/nearly all aspects of the Scam.
Can't wait.
I love your writing.
Got a pretty good education about thrift stores and addicts need to be out getting something, I had no, clue about.
Damn Mark, segueing from human interest seamlessly into a righteous but well-modulated rant, this is some fine writing.
Thanks, Risky. It's what I try to do every week.
"causes deep, lasting pain to those who are sucked into these delusional addicts’ orbits."
The thing about addicts is that when you engage with them, you are stepping into THEIR world. You may think of yourself as the sane, sober one (maybe you want to rescue them). But YOU are stepping into THEIR world. And THEY are very aware of this. You aren't. And you WILL be played the fool. Because when you step into their world, they know how the game works. I've never met an addict who wasn't fully aware of this. They also know your sympathies and weaknesses and know exactly how to play this in their favor (key word: manipulate). It is important to know that when you engage an addict (whether drugs, power, etc.), you are stepping into their game and their rules (or lack thereof).
Better to not enter their world. You getting in there thinking you will save/change them will only mess you up. I've only seen change come from Higher intervention or a shift within.
Great read, Mark! I'm still a nurse but did not dance or kill. Left to wait tables. Back working in surgery and have to see all the carnage caused by the gene therapy shots.
Mark, Wow...as compelling a piece as you have written. I continue to find O Henry-like twists in everything you write...which just brings home the message even more. Bravo.
Beautiful essay. Perfectly captures what we lived through... and it’s aftermath.
Thanks, Whip.
Yes, they HAD to HAVE compliance with all of the theater.