False Trilemma: On Sheepdogs

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Photo credit, fair use

Fairly recently, I posted a psychoeducational lesson regarding my approach to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), entitled False Trilemma. In the blogpost, I stated:

[F]alse trilemmas result when only three choices are presented, yet more exist, or a spectrum of possible choices exists regarding three extremes. These dilemmas are usually characterized by “either this, that, or that” language, though may also be characterized by omissions of choices.

To illustrate a proposal which isn’t rational (not in accordance with both logic and reason), it may be worth briefly defining a couple terms. “Logic” is the interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable.

“Reason” is a statement offered in explanation or justification. While a proposition may be logical, it can simultaneously be unreasonable. As an example, consider the logical form of a false trilemma: Either x, y, or z is true. This logical proposition is as follows:

You can figuratively be either a sheep (x), be a sheepdog (y), or be a wolf (z) within society. This isn’t a reasonable proposal, as there are other figurative options worth considering. For instance, one can function as a figurative honey badger.

For context on this illustration, I posted a blog entry entitled On Sheepdogs a couple years ago. In it, I stated:

From 1996 to 2007, I served in the United States (U.S.) Marine Corps in the field of military police (MP). During that time, I naïvely considered myself to be a sheepdog—a protector of the flock, as set forth by author Dave Grossman in his book On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society.

Essentially, the average law-abiding citizen is categorized as a sheep, though not meant as a pejorative term. Wolves are those people who are said to prey on the sheep (i.e., terrorists, violent criminals, etc.).

Sheepdogs (i.e., police officers, military members, and so on and so forth) have fangs and to the sheep may appear ferocious like wolves. However, sheepdogs are bound to safeguard the sheep.

Highlighting Grossman’s concept of the sheepdog, one source states:

If you have no capacity for violence then you are a healthy productive citizen, a sheep. If you have a capacity for violence and no empathy for your fellow citizens, then you have defined an aggressive sociopath, a wolf.

But what if you have a capacity for violence, and a deep love for your fellow citizens? What do you have then?

A sheepdog, a warrior, someone who is walking the hero’s path. Someone who can walk into the heart of darkness, into the universal human phobia, and walk out unscathed.

[…] Using a rational approach to this matter, I think I’d rather be a honey badger that isn’t anywhere in the vicinity of the sheep, wolf, sheepdog trio. After all, I’ve been reliably informed that “Honey badger don’t care, honey badger don’t give a shit.”

Ultimately, I didn’t endorse the false trilemma on sheepdogs, as set forth by Grossman. Favorably, my stance from years ago has aged like fine wine. I say this, because it’s become increasingly apparent to me that so-called sheepdogs are virtually indistinguishable from wolves.

Bear in mind that I was once of the irrational “sheepdog” mindset, as I foolishly believed that I was protecting people as an MP. However, I eventually understood that the U.S. behaved like the baddies on the world stage. For a current example, one source states:

Beginning in September 2025, the United States military has carried out airstrikes on vessels that the US government alleged were trafficking drugs in the Southern Caribbean and Pacific Ocean.

The administration of Donald Trump stated that the vessels were operated by members of the Colombian guerilla group National Liberation Army and the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua but hasn’t publicized any evidence.

As of 22 October ]2025], at least thirty-seven people have been killed and two have been captured across nine strike incidents—seven in the Caribbean and two in the Pacific.

Experts questioned the legality of the killings under law, both US and international; the Colombian and Venezuelan governments have accused the US of extrajudicial murder. The US states that its motive is to fight cartels, though some political analysts and Venezuelan politicians have accused the US of attempting regime change.

Perceivably without publicizing evidence that allegedly justifies the killing of at least thirty-seven people in waters outside of U.S. jurisdiction, do the actions of U.S. intelligence agencies, the military, law enforcement, or otherwise constitute the behavior of a sheepdog?

I argue in the negative. Ergo, the false trilemma on sheepdogs is something with which I don’t identify. I’m not a sheep, nor am I a wolf or sheepdog. I’d rather be a figurative honey badger, even though there are other foreseeable options (e.g., a mountain goat, removed from society).

How about you? Are you able to understand how false trilemmas aren’t particularly useful? As well, do you support potentially immoral, unethical, illegal, and unconstitutional actions taken by so-called sheepdogs originating from the U.S.? If so, what logic and reason do you use?

Granted, this topic isn’t necessarily comfortable. It isn’t the sort of syrupy-sweet content one may expect to encounter on a mental, emotional, and behavioral health blog. Still, do you know what else isn’t saccharine-sweetened? At least thirty-seven dead people!

As for the “honey badger don’t give a shit” view, it’s a joke. I clearly care about the unlawful and unjustifiable deaths of people who alleged sheepdogs have been accused of slaughtering. Personally, an “America First” policy would be preferable to whatever Trump is currently doing.

Alas, I have no control or influence in this regard. In fact, the only thing I can control is my reaction to this undesirable matter. Thus, I’ll post this poorly written blog entry and carry on about my business. How about you? What do you do when faced with unpleasant news?

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

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