Political Theatre category archive
“History Does Not Repeat Itself, but It Often Rhymes”* 0
Rep. Melanie Stansbury argues the we are facing McCarthyism v. 2.0, with extra added malice and stupid (commentary by Cliff Shecter).
Via C&L.
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*Mark Twain.
Kashing It In 0
Mrs. Betty Bowers looks into why Donald Trump wants Kash Patel to run the FBI.
Above the Law 0
Methinks my old Philly DL friend Noz makes some telling points.
All the News that Fits 0
Steven A Hassan, who in his youth was enticed into the Moonies, discusses how to help persons escape the influence of cults. In the course of his article, he discusses “the BITE Model, which is presently used to evaluate the destructive (or constructive) qualities of a cult or to identify undue influence.” It caught my eye because it seemed eerily familiar.
Here’s his short definition of the BITE model; the second and third items seem particularly to echo elements of dis coarse discourse (emphasis in the original).
Behavior Control: Your actions, environments, and routines are strictly dictated.
Information Control: The flow of free, accurate information is restricted to influence perception.
Thought Control: Techniques like loaded language or thought-stopping are used to suppress dissent.
Emotional Control: Guilt, fear, or other emotions are manipulated to ensure obedience.
Methinks you will find it a worthwhile read.
Gutting Out the Vote 0
It appears that Republicans did not have to gut out the vote.
Voters did it for them.
My Daddy taught me through example that voting is not a right.
It is a duty.
Via PoliticalProf, it would appear that a large portion of the citizenry was not taught that lesson or, perhaps, chose to ignore it.
I fear that they–and the rest of us who did vote–will pay dearly for their indolence and apathy.
It Could Be Worse
It’s Just a Verse
0
Here’s a little Christmas ditty.
I hope that you will find it witty.
The Art of the Con 0
PoliticalProf perceives a pattern.
The Broligarch 0
David comments on Elon Musk’s ascension to the throne and Republicans’ rationalization thereof. (Warning: Short commercial at the end.)
See Foot. Shoot Foot. 0
David parses the magical thinking of MAGA and the upcoming “I told you so.” (Warning: Short commercial at the end.)
All the News that Gives You Fits 0
Arash Javanbakht, writing at Psychology Today Blogs, notes that studies show that many Americans are not just turned off by the news, they are turning off the news because they are emotionally worn out. He looks into thee reasons why.
Here’s a bit of his article (follow the link for the rest–it is a worthwhile read):
Over the past few decades, many people have felt a strong push for tribalism, an “us vs. them” way of seeing the world, turning Americans against one another. This has led to a point where we are not just in disagreement with each other. We hate, cancel, block, and attack those who disagree with us.
I agree that the news is very bad. The nation may well be in its worst crisis since the 1850s. I also agree that not wallowing in the news from dawn to dusk is wise.
But turning away from it entirely–not a good idea in these fraught times.