The based draft and the death ground

He signs up to the based draft because he has no choice, but he exists in the death ground because he must do whatever he can to survive.

‘Throw your soldiers into positions whence there is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight.’

-       Sun Tzu (The Art of War)

A recent addition to the political dissident’s dictionary, the based draft describes a situation where the powerless political minority faces imminent ostracization – to the point of total societal excommunication – for his actions and beliefs which naturally fail to conform and uphold the prevailing winds blown by the political, media, and corporate classes (among others).

Left with little option, the dissident formally detaches himself from this unwelcoming realm; it is a rather enthusiastic resignation as the environment has become so alien and unhabitable. With each passing season, the punishment for rebellion becomes harsher while the parameters of what constitutes taboo and unorthodox behaviour expand like a balloon purposefully pumped until it bursts.

At a certain epoch, those playing judge, jury, and executioner indirectly row the dissident across the Rubicon River, as any potential benefits that the world affords, be they financial or social, are far outweighed by the risks.

Alexander Adam’s recent summary of the based draft offers the example of mandatory vaccinate mandates. Theoretically, those who have pledged not to receive the jab and have the courage to dig their heels in until they bleed will, in effect, be coerced out of their jobs and cut from their income.

Their sole method of fighting back is by banding together and forging their own enclave, consisting of members with strong personal attributes: bravery, determination, independence, and intelligence especially, given the group’s instinct for non-conformity and scepticism of blind belief in authority. The inclusion of the word ‘draft’ is accurate, as the dissident is either pushed or jumps before the ruling regime’s hands reach his back, with the lack of choice serving as the catalyst for this end result.

The based draft describes the process into how this dismissal is brought about. It can be seen as the chemical reaction which changes the physical substance from one state into another, but does not accurately detail the situation which encircles the dissident after the transformation has taken place.

The dissident enters the death ground. This is where the military theorist Sun Tzu arrives to help scribble the rest of the story. The quote above indicates that when an army is under siege and surrounded, then it will fight like a wild animal to break free. There are two options: life or death. The emergence of imminent peril triggers man’s survival instinct, igniting the adrenaline in his body; in an instant, he becomes much stronger, more agile, more ruthless, more cunning, and adept at overcoming whatever obstacle stands baring its razor-sharp teeth.

When it becomes crystal clear to the dissident that the institutions and support networks he relies on for employment (a synonym for food, shelter, utilities, and other necessities) will one day be weaponised against him and withdrawn, he sinks into a frightening place. As the list of capital offences against the sensibilities of the raging mob stretches to the sky, and quasi-religious rituals become even more depraved and humiliating (think ‘white guilt seminars’ in the workplace), coupled with the absence of any statute of limitation, which is amplified by the complete uncertainty about what tomorrow’s blasphemy will be, the dissident knows he will soon be a target.

He signs up to the based draft because he has no choice, but he exists in the death ground because he must do whatever he can to survive. The dissident must reach a state of financial independence and security, constructing defences so that the enemy can’t touch him. He has to become the strongest possible version of himself; disciplined, alert, and unbothered by temptation. He will be hardened by the cold, and a shining example to all those who will soon follow – after all, they have no choice in the matter either, they just signed up to the based draft later.

Upon wandering into the death ground, the dissident either succeeds, or he perishes.