When these persecuted megalomaniac people gain power, they begin their campaign of 'justified' reprisals and revenge. They justify the purge to their believers by saying I'm only doing to them what they would have been trying to do to us. Republicans take the mantra of "elections have consequences" to a terrifyingly brutal level.
How do we get through to people what is most certainly going to become our future if we don't stop the neo-fascist party now? We need an aggressive, relentless and unsparing prosecution of the entire Republican Party and the majority of their members. Anything less will allow them to live on to fight again. They have been trying to destroy a democratically formed government since the days of Reagan, every decade getting more extreme and more dangerous. They won't stop unless they are crushed and sent to the dustbin of history.
Republicans are desperate now because they have gone too far and are starting to realize that their sins, lies, and corruption are catching up to them. If they succeed in stealing the coming elections at the state and Congressional levels, they will lock in place laws that further entrench their hold on government. They will move to further suppress the vote and stop investigations of their wrongdoing. Do not underestimate their treachery or their capacity for attempting a coup!!
If the Justice Department doesn't act soon or if Republicans act to fraudulently overturn an election result, we should be prepared to forcefully fight to take back what was stolen. There is a stacked deck against the will of the majority.
I and many others have serious doubts about whether the Democratic Party and the Justice Department fully appreciates the gravity of the situation. Their failure to recognize the peril the country is in, and the violence which will erupt because of drawn-out, overly cautious hearings, investigations, and lack thereof is putting us on a path to a violent civil war. They have been unwilling to quickly prosecute traitors and insurrectionists. They have failed to call out elected representatives who swore an oath to defend and protect the Constitution. They have allowed Republicans to steal Supreme Court seats and seat ultra-right-wing justices.
When they write the history of the United States this period, 1980s to now, will be marked by a massive failure of political leadership and failure to prosecute those who violated their oath of office. Can there be any doubt that Republicans have disavowed their oath?
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”
"...1980s to now, will be marked by a massive failure of political leadership..."
It is no coincidence that 1979-1980 was also when the major shift in economics started. The change-over from capitalism to neoliberal economics began. The assault on the New Deal was in full swing and the establishment of a corporatocracy was on the move. Politicians relinquished their power to corporate bosses. The electorate was left out in the cold. The wreckage caused by the neoliberal order gave rise to a charismatic fascist.
You nailed it! In a few words you captured what has happened in America in recent political history. I would only add, it was not solely Republicans. The transition from the traditional Democratic ideology to neo-liberal Democrats on the take did not go unnoticed by union members, blue collar workers and recent college graduates. Thank you.
There is something known as the victimized bully syndrome (VBS) that is used by people like Trump to claim that they are victims and therefore rationalize their right to be a bully. But the victimization is just a phantom that they create to rationalize their deviant behavior. One doesn't have to be a secondary psychopath like Trump to suffer from VBS, but it seems to be common among these people. Since Trump deems himself as a demigod and someone to be worshipped, he needs to have followers feel sorry for poor Donald. VBS fits perfectly into his twisted reality. His followers are just dripping with obsequiousness at the thought of hearing that their god-like hero is in pain. This whole scenario just adds to the anger, hate and vengeance already prevalent in society.
Hey, good to "see" you. Excellent post. VBS and obsequiousness. WOW, I had to look both up. Awesome, demigod for sure. What made people sacrifice their children to Moloch and Baal ? "Rationalization" is an addictive drug. I was going to end the subscription, but I just plain couldn't. It is an awesome learning platform and Ruth, is an incredible stimulus for Pedagogy. "We come together, to name our world." We do so in peace, love, respect and learning. They almost killed Frerie for this honor of experience. I'm here for another year. Thanks Steve.
Are we having fun yet ? State and local elections up in Maine, have taken on the insanity of the MAGA Brigade. There is no distortion anymore, just plain outright lies. Confrontation of such, is fruitless. I think it very important to remember that Putin, is a Master of psyops. As are other State actors who wish us in turmoil. I live by the statement:" Just cause you're Paranoid, don't mean they ain't out to get ya." This is a time for us to be extremely aware and very vigilant. Keep up the good fight.
Re: state elections, in Illinois I reviewed by mail an 8 pg newspaper, might as well be a fascist paper degrading through subtleties the (democratic) Governor for the covid lickdown, replete with tables and charts showing the decline % in math and reading scores. Stories on how Illinous was one of the only states to cancel h.s. football and how athletes have suffered. Charming photos of republicans, embarrassing non- flaareing photos of democrats. An article listed Chicago's schools that are not privatized, as "traditional" and implied less successful. Public education is definitely a target to extinguish. Not a person's name associated with any of the 8 pages, no sponsors or ads. Pure propaganda, a new version of political campaigning. Frightening, because of the subtleties implied.
Narrow. That's the word that comes to mind after re-reading today's essay. GOP wants us to narrow our language (see Tim Snyders Be Kind to our Language), minds, opinions, rights and relationships.
The opposite - if we play their game - is plurality, joyful diversity, openness, free media. That is why it is paramount that the media continue to bolster, promote the wide vast array of legislation and work that the Biden administration is working on and accomplishing. Be the opposite of 'narrow' and be joyful.
The opposites game -- the persecuted is really the persecutor. That twisted mess messes with people's minds, logic and emotion. The cult members can't see the sunlight thru the trees. It becomes a fear-based swirl. Who has time (as an average busy citizen) to sort it all out?
Yes, and the drama is the hook that sucks people in. Remember when we all use to just watch 'Dallas' on Friday nights for our taste of drama -- we'd talk amongst ourselves about it at the water cooler , and be done with it until the next episode. Back then government was boring. This time period we are living thru, has mixed these two elements into a dangerous (unwanted) cocktail. Let's bring back those good elements back into society!!!
I get what you're saying, Jan. Sort of like high school at 15. Our world certainly isn't boring anymore. I sent my oldest a copy of Selma Fraiberg's, "The Magic Years." That book never gets old. We recycle the age. I read Mary cat post and thought of Kohlberg's stages of moral development. I think we missed some. Anyway, good to "see" you at the "water cooler."
Thanks!! and I always appreciate when I see the book recommendations on Lucid. Re-reading Strongmen and On Tyranny (Tim Snyder), and appreciative of free thinking authorship. Where would we be without Ruth and the other thinkers who skillfilly communicate concepts to us? Books +++
"Food may not be the answer to world peace, but it's a start. Let's start today."
As one busy citizen to another: quoting activist Arthur Ashe - start where you are, use what you have, do what you can. And advice from the Talmud - do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly now … love mercy now … walk humbly now. You are not obliged to complete the work … but neither are you free to abandon it. And me, personally, I hang as much as possible with much smarter people like Ruth, who see the enormity much clearer and farther ahead … and invariably communicate with grace and hope
Agree. The term 'social media' is really a peculiar term. I would love to know who thought that up.... obviously someone who doesn't hold the press, journalism and the media in high regard, because social 'media has no standards. I can post something completely made up on social media. So we have 350 million reporters in the U.S. with no professional guidelines or ethics. It should have been named 'social water cooler' or something of the like ,,,, but here we are! The term undermines truth.
The FBI executed a legally issued search warrant keeping the event as low key as possible. Trump announced the event which gave him the opportunity to characterize it as a “raid.” Pls don’t use the word “raid” when describing this event as it was not a raid and adds to the Trump narrative.
The person who speaks first to announce, is granted by default the headline or verbiage going forward. It's honorable that the DOJ works in silence until there is something to say, if there is. Trump worked both these levers.
I feel deep in my bones that he will be re-elected, even if he is prosecuted. History points to it, all alarms ringing, and this 1.6B gift to right wing causes seals the deal. I despair.
I truly get your "despair." And, have also felt so. "Mans Search for Meaning," Victor Frankl. I cannot recommend it enough. You, are such an important part of our lives history. Thank you for this beautiful post.
I also feel the despair, Cecilia. I am buoyed with hope … seeing how so many Black Americans, in spite of 400 years of brutality suffered on this continent, fight for freedom with courage, resilience and creativity. It’s in us all to do the same
I have been and will keep fighting. What else would we do? Right action is not determined by the outcome. “We do not fight fascists because we think we can win. We fight fascists because they are fascists.”
The intersection in this conversation today is the student loan debt. If we really wanted to keep innovation thriving, isn't that the place to put your 1.6B?
Excellent post, the fact that Flynn (special operations) has been running an Alekdandr Dugin style psyop on a media dummied down society in America has certainly lent opportunity for fascist leaders like Trump and his band of unctuous derps!
Again, another brilliant and deeply insightful analysis. As I read this, I keep thinking, why do authoritarian followers not see the many tactics being used on them to accept and buy the autocrat’s scam? The Strongmen as victim is such a blatant ploy. Historians recognize the replay immediately. The ignorant cash in everything to purchase the charlatan’s do nothing diploma from Trump U.
Thank you, Art, for these great references! Without reading either of these, yet, do either of them address how people can be best taught or learn discernment to recognize lies in propaganda?
Or does the repetition of lies in propaganda replicate what Rachel Maddow described in a section of her book, "Blowout", regarding a Russian Troll Farm, that posted a sign in their enclave that read, "If you repeat a lie 100 times, it becomes a truth." Thanks, again, for your reference, and, in advance, if you have a reply to my question.
Hey Mike, sure, be happy to. Yes, both books teach recognition. Ruths book "Strongmen", is all about recognition. Ruths greatest gift is "Pedagogy of the Oppressed." She is a master at it. I believe Maddow quote is from Goebbels. Part of his "19 Principles of Propaganda." Leonard Doob presents a very clear concise vision to Goebbels theory. Actually, Goebbels probably got it from Bernays, they were contemporary's........... Basically, recognition begins with: "the one thing I know, is, that I don't know." From that position, we are teachable. If we don't come from that, forget it. From there we must "prove all things.", which takes work. Add to that, awareness and the ability to critique. The one major key propaganda uses is, to redefine our reality. It is a crazy maker. Hope this helps. Ruth probably can add to this. She is absolutely, a very grounded expert.
Super great response and detail, Art! Thank you so very much!
Seems like one of the missing components for those that get “sucked in” by lies is a willingness to admit that you may not have all the answers. It seems to go hand-in-hand with never admitting one has made an error, or apologizing. The need to be absolutely right all of the time.
Ruth’s book Strongmen is what has drawn me to Lucid, and its many thoughtful and compassionate community members.
Thank you, again, Art, for your detailed response and guidance here. Your answers to my question are spot on!
Propaganda has a cognitive bias component as well, and when those exposed to propaganda try to discern truth from fiction, their existing biases come into play. Motivated reasoning plays a big part in accepting lies; so does confirmation bias. The belief in postmodernism can affect the belief system also. Having a fantasy prone personality (FPP) leads to the gullibility needed to accept propaganda as truth. To recognize propaganda, people need to be introspective about their own behavior; to know their cognitve biases and adjust their responses accordingly. With 74 million people voting for Trump, this is not being done to any degree. It's easy to believe lies from the head of your clan, over the truth from anyone outside the clan.
I especially like your insight: “To recognize propaganda, people need to be introspective about their own behavior; to know their cognitve biases and adjust their responses accordingly.”
How this higher order skill is taught or learned, to me, is essential for a peaceful community.
Trump gets away with all this because Republicans allow it. There is a column written by conservative Peter Wehner that I can't get out of my head. He wrote it just after Trump's inauguration. He wrote "Republicans in Congress need to be ready to call Mr. Trump on his abuses and his excesses, now that he is actually in office...They need to ask themselves a simple, searching question...'If Barack Obama did this very thing, what would I be saying and doing now?' - and then say and do it." We can just imagine what Republicans would have done if it were Obama who said "Lock him up", who encouraged the insurrection, who took classified files to his home, who said to the president of Ukraine "I want you to do me a favor, though". I could go on and on...
President Obama's election, manifested all the hatred that has been building since the Civil War. CRT is essential to understanding, what we are living. Which, is why so many are against it. Excellent post, thank you........ By the way, they "crucified" Obama for wearing a Tan suit. A stinking tan suit. Imagine if it was 1920's in Mississippi, and he did that. Emmett Till comes to mind. Colson Whitehead, "The Nickel Boys". Excellent read.
The Republicans are completely complicit in this Trump-ification of this country. We actually NEED to turn the legislative branch completely Blue Democratic. Then "maybe" we will get our democracy back. Michael, great reminder about what Peter Wehner wrote to and about Republicans. And all the MANY OTHER reminders they received by his actions something was REAL FISHY AND STINKY in our White House
It’s truly frightening to think of Trump making a comeback in 2024. But his followers are still sending him their hard-earned money. To a criminal and obvious traitor to the US. If Erdogan can pull off a return to power…what’s to stop this from happening here? If the DOJ works fast enough, maybe not. But his people and the Republicans say YES to him. Scared in Colorado
Fascism thrives when enough people lose touch with reality, that they accept authoritariansim over democracy and insanity over sanity.
Hitler was in prison for a year before he made a push for power. Germany should have locked him up for life. Their mistake cost them dearly. Trump needs to be put in a mental institution for the criminally insane. He's a destructive secondary psychopath.
Agree. America has been the leader in innovation since her inception. Innovation dies under fascism. Don't people realize that? Don't corporate boards realize the bottom line risk? Right now they are minions, posed to lise.
And DOJ or NY should have prosecuted trump & family) decades ago for financial and other fraud, ties to the mob, and more. But intone did and it brought us to this point. He must be held to account t now or this country is gone.
I'm starting to wonder if registered GOPers are funded. Like years ago, from my insurance company, I'd get a yearly cash rebate, applied to my annual premium. There's just a preponderance of cash, are people paid to support? Not a far off idea when you consider Trump paid people at the rallies ~~
The psychology behind the movements, is fascinating. The question really becomes: what is it that stops some from being brainwashed. "The Corruption of Reality", John Schumaker, is an excellent read.
Regarding group-think, I was thinking this as I shopped at a national department store today. I got the 20% Friends & Family discount. Corporations began this lingo ~ 20 years ago. I remember thinking then, what a peculiar name. What if you don't have friends or family, do you not get the discount ("outcast"). I remember at the time thinking of immigration. . . People happily chomp at the bit, and gush with thank yous....I just want the discount, no warm fuzzy relationships needed with the retailer. It's sitting up for a dog treat training. In my view, you shouldn't have to give your phone number to be part of the gig. Ot has seemed a weird indoctrination. Call me weird, most shoppers go wild over it. I'm opposed to the concept ( dog treat for a discount) and the peculiar name that promotes inclusion, and therefore exclusion. I long for the day when corporations grow back more of their moral backbone, that would help. Until then, between these subtleties and tax evasion ( hopefully addressed w/ 15% corporate tax),,,,,, corporate America is somewhat forward complicit in these societal problems we are now wading through.
Great synthesis of multiple factors. Like you highlight, the mob/ group think becomes a snowball going down the hill ,,, gets bigger by the minute. Also as Steve mentioned the lack of introspection is stunning. We think it's so cool to be rapid-speed on everything we do,,, with increased volume of what people are suppose to do work-wise and outside of work, leaves no time or energy to think. This is a society loss. Volume x speed = no thought.
The psychology of the Trump cult explained well in Dr Steven Hassan’s THE CULT OF TRUMP (lots of free video on his freedomofmind.com). The sociology exposed every week on Mary Trump’s NERD AVENGER podcast
Along with Strongmen, and On Tryranny, The Cult of Trump is a good read. I also mention here Bill Eddy's Why We Elect Narcissists and Sociopaths & How Can We Stop! As an excellent field manual of practicality.
Deregulation, privatization, austerity for the masses, formation of oligopolies and the formation of a corporatocracy are all a part of the neoliberal economic order's agenda that began circa 1980. It could be the stepping stone to a fascist cartel system.
Our lack of foresight led us down this rabbit hole -- getting out is now taking real work. Persuasion is the hardest task. Persuading one person is a mountain climb. We've got 74 million. We gotta do this, give it our all ---- Democracy is all about consensus and persuasion to the greater good. May each of us be able to persuade one person today. Think exponentially~~
I know several people whom are part of that 74 million. They are convinced that fascism is the best path forward for this nation, but when confronted that fascism is what they are supporting, they reject the idea, even when knowing little about the subject. It has been proven that the conservative brain is different from the liberal brain. An important difference is the size of the amygdala. Conservatives will hold on to an erroneous belief even after being given corrective information that shows them being wrong. It's called the Backfire Effect. This is what we are fighting when trying to convince people that Trump is a secondary psychopath that is selling fascism. They are in the post-truth mode, where their opinion supersedes facts. It becomes easy to see now, why fascism has been a far right movement. It all goes back to the conservative mind and the ease in which it is to use their fear based amygdala to drive conformity to authoritarianism.
Our task to convince them that they are wrong is a talll order but we cannot give up.
Thanks Steve, always appreciate your insight. It's especially helpful to hear you message it in this way based on science. It helps re-establish more grace that fellow Americans are not being this stubborn 'on purpose'. But rather their reasoning and responses are more embedded. Some fellow Americans may have fallen into cult-like members. A talll order indeed. I know we can make changes. I am grateful to Ruth and the Lucid community for the exchange of knowledge and ideas in this fraught time. Thank you! Message on. Have a great weekend.
Far too much information to unlock here!
When these persecuted megalomaniac people gain power, they begin their campaign of 'justified' reprisals and revenge. They justify the purge to their believers by saying I'm only doing to them what they would have been trying to do to us. Republicans take the mantra of "elections have consequences" to a terrifyingly brutal level.
How do we get through to people what is most certainly going to become our future if we don't stop the neo-fascist party now? We need an aggressive, relentless and unsparing prosecution of the entire Republican Party and the majority of their members. Anything less will allow them to live on to fight again. They have been trying to destroy a democratically formed government since the days of Reagan, every decade getting more extreme and more dangerous. They won't stop unless they are crushed and sent to the dustbin of history.
Republicans are desperate now because they have gone too far and are starting to realize that their sins, lies, and corruption are catching up to them. If they succeed in stealing the coming elections at the state and Congressional levels, they will lock in place laws that further entrench their hold on government. They will move to further suppress the vote and stop investigations of their wrongdoing. Do not underestimate their treachery or their capacity for attempting a coup!!
If the Justice Department doesn't act soon or if Republicans act to fraudulently overturn an election result, we should be prepared to forcefully fight to take back what was stolen. There is a stacked deck against the will of the majority.
I and many others have serious doubts about whether the Democratic Party and the Justice Department fully appreciates the gravity of the situation. Their failure to recognize the peril the country is in, and the violence which will erupt because of drawn-out, overly cautious hearings, investigations, and lack thereof is putting us on a path to a violent civil war. They have been unwilling to quickly prosecute traitors and insurrectionists. They have failed to call out elected representatives who swore an oath to defend and protect the Constitution. They have allowed Republicans to steal Supreme Court seats and seat ultra-right-wing justices.
When they write the history of the United States this period, 1980s to now, will be marked by a massive failure of political leadership and failure to prosecute those who violated their oath of office. Can there be any doubt that Republicans have disavowed their oath?
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”
"...1980s to now, will be marked by a massive failure of political leadership..."
It is no coincidence that 1979-1980 was also when the major shift in economics started. The change-over from capitalism to neoliberal economics began. The assault on the New Deal was in full swing and the establishment of a corporatocracy was on the move. Politicians relinquished their power to corporate bosses. The electorate was left out in the cold. The wreckage caused by the neoliberal order gave rise to a charismatic fascist.
You nailed it! In a few words you captured what has happened in America in recent political history. I would only add, it was not solely Republicans. The transition from the traditional Democratic ideology to neo-liberal Democrats on the take did not go unnoticed by union members, blue collar workers and recent college graduates. Thank you.
There is something known as the victimized bully syndrome (VBS) that is used by people like Trump to claim that they are victims and therefore rationalize their right to be a bully. But the victimization is just a phantom that they create to rationalize their deviant behavior. One doesn't have to be a secondary psychopath like Trump to suffer from VBS, but it seems to be common among these people. Since Trump deems himself as a demigod and someone to be worshipped, he needs to have followers feel sorry for poor Donald. VBS fits perfectly into his twisted reality. His followers are just dripping with obsequiousness at the thought of hearing that their god-like hero is in pain. This whole scenario just adds to the anger, hate and vengeance already prevalent in society.
Cult
Hey, good to "see" you. Excellent post. VBS and obsequiousness. WOW, I had to look both up. Awesome, demigod for sure. What made people sacrifice their children to Moloch and Baal ? "Rationalization" is an addictive drug. I was going to end the subscription, but I just plain couldn't. It is an awesome learning platform and Ruth, is an incredible stimulus for Pedagogy. "We come together, to name our world." We do so in peace, love, respect and learning. They almost killed Frerie for this honor of experience. I'm here for another year. Thanks Steve.
Thanks so much Art.
I just subscribed because I feel, as a group, we are united to fight insanity in leadership and the current fascist trend.
Yup.
Are we having fun yet ? State and local elections up in Maine, have taken on the insanity of the MAGA Brigade. There is no distortion anymore, just plain outright lies. Confrontation of such, is fruitless. I think it very important to remember that Putin, is a Master of psyops. As are other State actors who wish us in turmoil. I live by the statement:" Just cause you're Paranoid, don't mean they ain't out to get ya." This is a time for us to be extremely aware and very vigilant. Keep up the good fight.
Re: state elections, in Illinois I reviewed by mail an 8 pg newspaper, might as well be a fascist paper degrading through subtleties the (democratic) Governor for the covid lickdown, replete with tables and charts showing the decline % in math and reading scores. Stories on how Illinous was one of the only states to cancel h.s. football and how athletes have suffered. Charming photos of republicans, embarrassing non- flaareing photos of democrats. An article listed Chicago's schools that are not privatized, as "traditional" and implied less successful. Public education is definitely a target to extinguish. Not a person's name associated with any of the 8 pages, no sponsors or ads. Pure propaganda, a new version of political campaigning. Frightening, because of the subtleties implied.
Narrow. That's the word that comes to mind after re-reading today's essay. GOP wants us to narrow our language (see Tim Snyders Be Kind to our Language), minds, opinions, rights and relationships.
The opposite - if we play their game - is plurality, joyful diversity, openness, free media. That is why it is paramount that the media continue to bolster, promote the wide vast array of legislation and work that the Biden administration is working on and accomplishing. Be the opposite of 'narrow' and be joyful.
The opposites game -- the persecuted is really the persecutor. That twisted mess messes with people's minds, logic and emotion. The cult members can't see the sunlight thru the trees. It becomes a fear-based swirl. Who has time (as an average busy citizen) to sort it all out?
Carpman drama triangle: Victim, Rescuer, Persecutor. Very interesting theory.
Yes, and the drama is the hook that sucks people in. Remember when we all use to just watch 'Dallas' on Friday nights for our taste of drama -- we'd talk amongst ourselves about it at the water cooler , and be done with it until the next episode. Back then government was boring. This time period we are living thru, has mixed these two elements into a dangerous (unwanted) cocktail. Let's bring back those good elements back into society!!!
I get what you're saying, Jan. Sort of like high school at 15. Our world certainly isn't boring anymore. I sent my oldest a copy of Selma Fraiberg's, "The Magic Years." That book never gets old. We recycle the age. I read Mary cat post and thought of Kohlberg's stages of moral development. I think we missed some. Anyway, good to "see" you at the "water cooler."
Thanks!! and I always appreciate when I see the book recommendations on Lucid. Re-reading Strongmen and On Tyranny (Tim Snyder), and appreciative of free thinking authorship. Where would we be without Ruth and the other thinkers who skillfilly communicate concepts to us? Books +++
"Food may not be the answer to world peace, but it's a start. Let's start today."
Anthony Bourdain
Down with drama ( other than theater and books!).
As one busy citizen to another: quoting activist Arthur Ashe - start where you are, use what you have, do what you can. And advice from the Talmud - do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly now … love mercy now … walk humbly now. You are not obliged to complete the work … but neither are you free to abandon it. And me, personally, I hang as much as possible with much smarter people like Ruth, who see the enormity much clearer and farther ahead … and invariably communicate with grace and hope
Love what you have written here.
As a con-artist said to me, "keeps people on their heels ..." oh, the magic of emotions
Agree. The term 'social media' is really a peculiar term. I would love to know who thought that up.... obviously someone who doesn't hold the press, journalism and the media in high regard, because social 'media has no standards. I can post something completely made up on social media. So we have 350 million reporters in the U.S. with no professional guidelines or ethics. It should have been named 'social water cooler' or something of the like ,,,, but here we are! The term undermines truth.
The FBI executed a legally issued search warrant keeping the event as low key as possible. Trump announced the event which gave him the opportunity to characterize it as a “raid.” Pls don’t use the word “raid” when describing this event as it was not a raid and adds to the Trump narrative.
The person who speaks first to announce, is granted by default the headline or verbiage going forward. It's honorable that the DOJ works in silence until there is something to say, if there is. Trump worked both these levers.
I feel deep in my bones that he will be re-elected, even if he is prosecuted. History points to it, all alarms ringing, and this 1.6B gift to right wing causes seals the deal. I despair.
I truly get your "despair." And, have also felt so. "Mans Search for Meaning," Victor Frankl. I cannot recommend it enough. You, are such an important part of our lives history. Thank you for this beautiful post.
I also feel the despair, Cecilia. I am buoyed with hope … seeing how so many Black Americans, in spite of 400 years of brutality suffered on this continent, fight for freedom with courage, resilience and creativity. It’s in us all to do the same
I have been and will keep fighting. What else would we do? Right action is not determined by the outcome. “We do not fight fascists because we think we can win. We fight fascists because they are fascists.”
Capitalism served the innovation of America as a driver. The problem now is too much money. Ill-disibuted.
The intersection in this conversation today is the student loan debt. If we really wanted to keep innovation thriving, isn't that the place to put your 1.6B?
Excellent post, the fact that Flynn (special operations) has been running an Alekdandr Dugin style psyop on a media dummied down society in America has certainly lent opportunity for fascist leaders like Trump and his band of unctuous derps!
How do you hook Flynns style up with Dugin ? I'm very interested in your thoughts on this.
I have far too much info to unpack here, but another Substack has an interesting take: https://jimstewartson.substack.com/p/mike-flynns-muse-is-aleksandr-dugin?r=qvheo&s=r&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
Again, another brilliant and deeply insightful analysis. As I read this, I keep thinking, why do authoritarian followers not see the many tactics being used on them to accept and buy the autocrat’s scam? The Strongmen as victim is such a blatant ploy. Historians recognize the replay immediately. The ignorant cash in everything to purchase the charlatan’s do nothing diploma from Trump U.
Because, Propaganda works. Oldie, but goodie: Edward Bernays "Propaganda." Also, Jason Stanley, "How Propaganda Works." Good reads.
Thank you, Art, for these great references! Without reading either of these, yet, do either of them address how people can be best taught or learn discernment to recognize lies in propaganda?
Or does the repetition of lies in propaganda replicate what Rachel Maddow described in a section of her book, "Blowout", regarding a Russian Troll Farm, that posted a sign in their enclave that read, "If you repeat a lie 100 times, it becomes a truth." Thanks, again, for your reference, and, in advance, if you have a reply to my question.
Hey Mike, sure, be happy to. Yes, both books teach recognition. Ruths book "Strongmen", is all about recognition. Ruths greatest gift is "Pedagogy of the Oppressed." She is a master at it. I believe Maddow quote is from Goebbels. Part of his "19 Principles of Propaganda." Leonard Doob presents a very clear concise vision to Goebbels theory. Actually, Goebbels probably got it from Bernays, they were contemporary's........... Basically, recognition begins with: "the one thing I know, is, that I don't know." From that position, we are teachable. If we don't come from that, forget it. From there we must "prove all things.", which takes work. Add to that, awareness and the ability to critique. The one major key propaganda uses is, to redefine our reality. It is a crazy maker. Hope this helps. Ruth probably can add to this. She is absolutely, a very grounded expert.
Super great response and detail, Art! Thank you so very much!
Seems like one of the missing components for those that get “sucked in” by lies is a willingness to admit that you may not have all the answers. It seems to go hand-in-hand with never admitting one has made an error, or apologizing. The need to be absolutely right all of the time.
Ruth’s book Strongmen is what has drawn me to Lucid, and its many thoughtful and compassionate community members.
Thank you, again, Art, for your detailed response and guidance here. Your answers to my question are spot on!
Propaganda has a cognitive bias component as well, and when those exposed to propaganda try to discern truth from fiction, their existing biases come into play. Motivated reasoning plays a big part in accepting lies; so does confirmation bias. The belief in postmodernism can affect the belief system also. Having a fantasy prone personality (FPP) leads to the gullibility needed to accept propaganda as truth. To recognize propaganda, people need to be introspective about their own behavior; to know their cognitve biases and adjust their responses accordingly. With 74 million people voting for Trump, this is not being done to any degree. It's easy to believe lies from the head of your clan, over the truth from anyone outside the clan.
I especially like your insight: “To recognize propaganda, people need to be introspective about their own behavior; to know their cognitve biases and adjust their responses accordingly.”
How this higher order skill is taught or learned, to me, is essential for a peaceful community.
Thank you, Gary, very much for this detailed response! I really appreciate your input!
The persecution is so great, it makes you just burst out weeping.
Is the Friday date for next Q&A is meant to be Aug 26?
I’d gamble on next Friday, the 26th …. In the past, we receive an email to register for the Zoom meeting 2 or 3 hrs before it begins
That's tomorrow, buddy.
Trump gets away with all this because Republicans allow it. There is a column written by conservative Peter Wehner that I can't get out of my head. He wrote it just after Trump's inauguration. He wrote "Republicans in Congress need to be ready to call Mr. Trump on his abuses and his excesses, now that he is actually in office...They need to ask themselves a simple, searching question...'If Barack Obama did this very thing, what would I be saying and doing now?' - and then say and do it." We can just imagine what Republicans would have done if it were Obama who said "Lock him up", who encouraged the insurrection, who took classified files to his home, who said to the president of Ukraine "I want you to do me a favor, though". I could go on and on...
President Obama's election, manifested all the hatred that has been building since the Civil War. CRT is essential to understanding, what we are living. Which, is why so many are against it. Excellent post, thank you........ By the way, they "crucified" Obama for wearing a Tan suit. A stinking tan suit. Imagine if it was 1920's in Mississippi, and he did that. Emmett Till comes to mind. Colson Whitehead, "The Nickel Boys". Excellent read.
Racism is the cornerstone of fascism, so is social Darwinism.
The Republicans are completely complicit in this Trump-ification of this country. We actually NEED to turn the legislative branch completely Blue Democratic. Then "maybe" we will get our democracy back. Michael, great reminder about what Peter Wehner wrote to and about Republicans. And all the MANY OTHER reminders they received by his actions something was REAL FISHY AND STINKY in our White House
NEED to vote blue, to retain democracy, says the independent voter.
It’s truly frightening to think of Trump making a comeback in 2024. But his followers are still sending him their hard-earned money. To a criminal and obvious traitor to the US. If Erdogan can pull off a return to power…what’s to stop this from happening here? If the DOJ works fast enough, maybe not. But his people and the Republicans say YES to him. Scared in Colorado
Fascism thrives when enough people lose touch with reality, that they accept authoritariansim over democracy and insanity over sanity.
Hitler was in prison for a year before he made a push for power. Germany should have locked him up for life. Their mistake cost them dearly. Trump needs to be put in a mental institution for the criminally insane. He's a destructive secondary psychopath.
Agree. America has been the leader in innovation since her inception. Innovation dies under fascism. Don't people realize that? Don't corporate boards realize the bottom line risk? Right now they are minions, posed to lise.
And DOJ or NY should have prosecuted trump & family) decades ago for financial and other fraud, ties to the mob, and more. But intone did and it brought us to this point. He must be held to account t now or this country is gone.
The $1.6B to the Leonard Leo group makes the threat much greater.
Now that they bought as much of the courts as possible, expanding toward establishment of a theocratic autocracy.
Truly frightening.
I'm starting to wonder if registered GOPers are funded. Like years ago, from my insurance company, I'd get a yearly cash rebate, applied to my annual premium. There's just a preponderance of cash, are people paid to support? Not a far off idea when you consider Trump paid people at the rallies ~~
The psychology behind the movements, is fascinating. The question really becomes: what is it that stops some from being brainwashed. "The Corruption of Reality", John Schumaker, is an excellent read.
Regarding group-think, I was thinking this as I shopped at a national department store today. I got the 20% Friends & Family discount. Corporations began this lingo ~ 20 years ago. I remember thinking then, what a peculiar name. What if you don't have friends or family, do you not get the discount ("outcast"). I remember at the time thinking of immigration. . . People happily chomp at the bit, and gush with thank yous....I just want the discount, no warm fuzzy relationships needed with the retailer. It's sitting up for a dog treat training. In my view, you shouldn't have to give your phone number to be part of the gig. Ot has seemed a weird indoctrination. Call me weird, most shoppers go wild over it. I'm opposed to the concept ( dog treat for a discount) and the peculiar name that promotes inclusion, and therefore exclusion. I long for the day when corporations grow back more of their moral backbone, that would help. Until then, between these subtleties and tax evasion ( hopefully addressed w/ 15% corporate tax),,,,,, corporate America is somewhat forward complicit in these societal problems we are now wading through.
Great synthesis of multiple factors. Like you highlight, the mob/ group think becomes a snowball going down the hill ,,, gets bigger by the minute. Also as Steve mentioned the lack of introspection is stunning. We think it's so cool to be rapid-speed on everything we do,,, with increased volume of what people are suppose to do work-wise and outside of work, leaves no time or energy to think. This is a society loss. Volume x speed = no thought.
Like Lucy & Ethel in the I Love Lucy show, candy factory conveyor belt skit. Speed and confusion creates robots.
Quite a post, thank you.
The psychology of the Trump cult explained well in Dr Steven Hassan’s THE CULT OF TRUMP (lots of free video on his freedomofmind.com). The sociology exposed every week on Mary Trump’s NERD AVENGER podcast
Along with Strongmen, and On Tryranny, The Cult of Trump is a good read. I also mention here Bill Eddy's Why We Elect Narcissists and Sociopaths & How Can We Stop! As an excellent field manual of practicality.
Deregulation, poised as 'privatization', sounds so classy and upscale. Word-switching.
Deregulation, privatization, austerity for the masses, formation of oligopolies and the formation of a corporatocracy are all a part of the neoliberal economic order's agenda that began circa 1980. It could be the stepping stone to a fascist cartel system.
Our lack of foresight led us down this rabbit hole -- getting out is now taking real work. Persuasion is the hardest task. Persuading one person is a mountain climb. We've got 74 million. We gotta do this, give it our all ---- Democracy is all about consensus and persuasion to the greater good. May each of us be able to persuade one person today. Think exponentially~~
I know several people whom are part of that 74 million. They are convinced that fascism is the best path forward for this nation, but when confronted that fascism is what they are supporting, they reject the idea, even when knowing little about the subject. It has been proven that the conservative brain is different from the liberal brain. An important difference is the size of the amygdala. Conservatives will hold on to an erroneous belief even after being given corrective information that shows them being wrong. It's called the Backfire Effect. This is what we are fighting when trying to convince people that Trump is a secondary psychopath that is selling fascism. They are in the post-truth mode, where their opinion supersedes facts. It becomes easy to see now, why fascism has been a far right movement. It all goes back to the conservative mind and the ease in which it is to use their fear based amygdala to drive conformity to authoritarianism.
Our task to convince them that they are wrong is a talll order but we cannot give up.
Thanks Steve, always appreciate your insight. It's especially helpful to hear you message it in this way based on science. It helps re-establish more grace that fellow Americans are not being this stubborn 'on purpose'. But rather their reasoning and responses are more embedded. Some fellow Americans may have fallen into cult-like members. A talll order indeed. I know we can make changes. I am grateful to Ruth and the Lucid community for the exchange of knowledge and ideas in this fraught time. Thank you! Message on. Have a great weekend.
Love your post. Everything you said.