The Story of Barry Cooper: A Cautionary Tale of Censorship and Hypocrisy
As the old Irish proverb goes, “it’s better to be a mouse in a hole than a fool in the open.” And that’s exactly what Barry Cooper, the former Texas narcotics officer turned drug war critic, has become – a fool in the open. His recent rant about “left wing trolls” going quiet on his social media page has left many scratching their heads, wondering if he’s lost the plot.
Cooper claims that the sudden silence from his critics is due to the “money running out” for these so-called “paid operatives.” But let’s be real, shall we? The simplest answer is often the right one. If the comments went quiet because Cooper hit “block,” then it’s not the money that ran out, but his tolerance for dissenting voices.
For those who may be new to the story, Barry Cooper is a media figure known for his work on KopBusters and the “Never Get Busted” brand, where he teaches people how police actually operate in drug cases. His story has been a thing for a long time, even being packaged into a documentary project that made the Sundance orbit. But it seems that with great power comes great hypocrisy.
Cooper’s recent behavior is a classic case of narrative control. By blocking dissenting voices and purging supporters who dare to question him, he’s manipulating his audience and avoiding the uncomfortable possibility that real humans are mad at him for real reasons. It’s the same tactic used by politicians when they say, “if you don’t support this bill, you don’t support the troops.” It’s emotional blackmail dressed up like virtue.
But here’s the thing: censorship is still censorship, even when your side does it. Liberty people used to understand that free speech isn’t a vibe, it’s a rule. When you build your brand on resisting abusive authority, then turn around and start running your own little speech police operation, you don’t get to act shocked when people notice.
The “paid operatives” excuse is a way to avoid looking in the mirror. Yes, paid trolling exists, but when you blame everything on “paid operatives,” you get to avoid the uncomfortable possibility that real humans are mad at you for real reasons. It’s like when the state destroys the currency and then tells you inflation is caused by “greedy businesses.” Inflation is the printer, always has been.
The solution to this kind of drama and control is boring, but it works: decentralize. Follow people across platforms, not just one walled garden. Build email lists and direct relationships. Support creators directly when they earn it. And stop treating social media like it’s a public square. It’s a mall, and the security guard can throw you out.
If your entire movement lives inside Facebook comment sections, you don’t have a movement. You have a permission slip. It’s time to stop outsourcing your spine and start being adults. If someone demands loyalty, walk. If someone frames all criticism as enemy action, be suspicious. If someone can’t handle questions, don’t trust their answers. And if someone blocks supporters for disagreeing, they’re not building a movement, they’re building a moat.
In conclusion, Barry Cooper’s recent behavior is a cautionary tale of censorship and hypocrisy. It’s a reminder that free speech is a rule, not a vibe. And it’s a warning to all of us to stop outsourcing our spine and start being adults. As the great Irish proverb goes, “it’s better to be a mouse in a hole than a fool in the open.” Let’s not be fools in the open. Let’s be mice in a hole, safe and sound, with our integrity intact.
As for Cooper, it’s time to take a long, hard look in the mirror. If he wants to claim he’s pro-freedom, he needs to act like it, even when it costs him something, like a little ego. Because when you start censoring your own supporters, don’t blame “paid operatives” when the room gets quiet. Blame the mirror. And as for the rest of us, let’s not forget the wise words of Mises, Rothbard, and Spooner. They didn’t ask us to pick a team or worship a personality. They asked us to think for ourselves and stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard.
So, let’s do that. Let’s think for ourselves, and let’s stand up for what’s right. Let’s not be fooled by the hype and the spin. Let’s look at the facts, and let’s make our own decisions. And if that means calling out Barry Cooper for his hypocrisy, then so be it. Because in the end, it’s not about Cooper or any other individual. It’s about the principles we hold dear, and it’s about standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. Sláinte, me friends! May the road rise up to meet you, and may your conscience be your guide.
