Author Todd Hayen, in his recent Off-Guardian.org article titled "They Must Have A Good Reason," explores the human tendency to rationalize away ignorance by assuming that those in authority must have a good reason for their actions. He argues that this mindset can be detrimental when it discourages critical thinking and prevents individuals from seeking out the truth.
Hayen begins his argument by noting how people often dismiss unknown information with the assumption that they don't need to know everything. However, he warns against complacency when it comes to matters of importance, stating: "Not every piece of information is essential for us to vet for its veracity, but there are many pieces we should not let slip through our fingers without a second thought."
The author then delves into experiences from his own childhood during what he describes as the "safety craze." He recalls various toys and vaccines being introduced with little scrutiny or consideration taken towards potential dangers - all under the guise of public safety. This leads him to question whether regulatory agencies and governments truly know what's best for society at large.
To further illustrate his point, Hayen brings up Iran's Mosaddegh and his involvement in the CIA's 1953 assassination attempt. The US government may have had reasons behind this action; however, Hayen suggests that citizens shouldn't blindly accept these motives without questioning them first.
He concludes by mentioning President Obama's drone war campaign as another example where apparent success could overshadow any ethical concerns or negative consequences associated with such an approach. In each case presented throughout his article, Hayen emphasizes the importance of avoiding blind trust in authorities' decisions and instead promoting transparency and informed decision-making processes.
In an exclusive interview with Todd Hayen about his Off-Guardian.org article, he shared some insights on why he believes it is essential to challenge this mindset: "I think it's crucial for people to question the rationale behind decisions made by those in power. When we don't know something, instead of rationalizing it away, we should be asking ourselves why we don't know and what are the potential consequences of not knowing."
Hayen's article serves as a reminder for individuals to remain vigilant in their pursuit of truth and knowledge, even when faced with seemingly justifiable actions carried out by authorities or regulatory agencies. By encouraging critical thinking and fostering an environment where questions are welcomed rather than dismissed, society can work towards more informed decision-making processes that better serve the needs and concerns of its citizens.