• From: Esoterica

Interesting question. I’ve read Joel Skousen’s books, met him on several occasions, and even had phone consults with him for specific relocation strategy questions. While I don’t agree with everything, he’s quite the expert at what he does. When we shared we were hoping to home-school once we start a family, he graciously shared his family’s homeschooling curriculum at no charge. I’m with you… neutral option.

If Juliann is reading, local liberty events are a great place to connect with decent people. I hope that you find a sense of connection.

Thank you for informative comment and your kind outreach to Juliann.

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• From: Russ

In regard to Joel Skousen, I do have some familiarity with the man. He is a near neighbor that lives in a town (****) about 17 miles from where I live (****). I have been a subscriber to his weekly periodical, World Affairs Brief, for some time now. He does try to give a broad update to things going on in the world, but with a definite conservative perspective. In the **** group, he has had some controversy because he does have a fair degree of skepticism about dreams and visions, for which there is a large degree of acceptance in the group – particularly with tent cities. His information is pretty mainstream, without any wild claims or speculations. But it is his opinion, for better or worse, that sets the tone to his information. Much of what he sends out, I am already aware of, but he does pretty well in getting detailed information to the reader on specific issues. Most of what he relates is pretty much in the way of current events and perhaps looking at future trends as to what is going on. About the only thing that I see his projecting on a fairly regular basis is when he feels that Russia and China will act on the US. I find it to be of worth to me, personally.

You are right about the large degree of contention in ****, for which it has gone down to some extent – particularly after the ******* brouhaha. And there is still an occasional edginess in the posts. I still am a member to at least get information from, but I have given up pretty much on posting anything, although I make occasional comments on posts. *********** is interesting. Joel’s newsletter is a bit of a back water on the **** site now. I see hardly any reference to him anymore. As for me paying for anything on ****, it is just the membership fee, for which I still occasionally debate within myself.

It appears that the person writing to you is looking for confirmation outside of herself. And this is always a hard thing to deal with. She has to get things directly from the spirit, as you have gently tried to encourage her to do. People are always looking for answers and tend to not pay attention to going directly for personal revelation. Loneliness can be a difficult road to travel unless you just push yourself to reach out to others, (Been there, done that).

If you are not familiar with his weekly, you can take a look at it by going to worldaffairsbrief.com

I hope this isn’t an information overload to you.

[edited Russ’s comment for privacy]

Hey Russ,

Thank you for all the information! And no, it was not “information overload” for me. I enjoy hearing other folks opinions and gaining valuable information…both of which you did an excellent job with. I also enjoyed your encouragement to Juliann; I hope she reads this post.

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• From: no name given

Wow, you really have a burr under your saddle. Find something worthwhile to talk about. This is not helpful to anyone.

Okay, let’s recap…

1. I was asked my opinion on a specific website. I gave my honest opinion without publicly naming the website since it was only my opinion and I haven’t been on that site for quite a long time. I see it as giving them the benefit of the doubt and being respectful enough to not name them.
2. I was asked my opinion on Joel Skousen. I gave my honest opinion on him. I was very neutral on my opinion of him. Which would be appropriate since I am not familiar with him or his work. My only knowledge of his work comes through the website mentioned above. My statement in that regard was “I have a natural resistance to anything associated with them.” Again, no derogatory words towards Joel Skousen. And only a mild rebuke of the website based on my personal experience.
3. Then the writer mentioned she was praying to die. That is an extreme cry for help. I responded the best I could to her given the circumstances and platform.

You said…

• “…a burr under your saddle.” Well, I think you are referring to the website mentioned with ****. Sorry, no…I don’t have a “burr” about them. I was asked my opinion about them, I gave it based on my personal experience. I didn’t even mention them by name so I don’t see the problem that you do.
• “Find something worthwhile to talk about.” If you don’t think Joel Skousen is, or my opinion of him is, “worthwhile” then why did you read the post at all? Seems a bit weird to me.
• “This is not helpful to anyone.” Sorry, you are mistaken. This reader, a very nice older widow, asked my opinion on this matter…so she obviously thought it would be both worthwhile and helpful. Whether my opinion was actually worthwhile or helpful to her, that remains to be seen since I have not heard back from her. But she thought enough to ask…didn’t she?

A couple of my thoughts…

1. If you don’t like the subject of one of my posts, or don’t think it is worthwhile or helpful, then don’t read that post.
2. If you think my articles/posts are not generally worthwhile or not helpful then don’t come to the website. May I suggest that you use your time more wisely with information you find of better quality or with other endeavors that are more to your nature and liking. I won’t be offended. Actually, I would be glad for you to find something else more worthwhile and helpful if that is your real desire. I only want what’s best for my readers.
3. I noticed that you didn’t put your name or email address on your comment submission. Sad, we could have had a more direct and productive conversation.

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Related Article –

• Do you like Joel Skousen?

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