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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

What’s happened to us?

We’ve all heard the phrase “Drink the Kool-Aid.” It surprises me how many young people say it, sometimes in jest, and have no idea what it really means.

In 1978, over 900 people did exactly that – and died. Jim Jones, the leader of The People’s Temple in Guyana, convinced his followers that their only option was to drink poison and to give it to their children. Believe it or not, most were intelligent, moral and ethical people who had been dazzled by a forceful and charismatic leader. They had turned off their own minds in blind allegiance and loyalty to him. Those who tried to resist were shot.

Please. Use your mind and listen to that little voice whispering in your heart. Do not let it be drowned out by the noise or blinded by smoke and mirrors. Rome collapsed from the inside, too.

Doug Kaer

Spokane

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