Politics of Hate category archive
“But There’s No Other Possible Explanation” 0
David talks with Northeastern University professor Edward Miller about the how conspiratorial thinking infiltrated the Republican Party and the American right-wing, with a focus on the role of Robert Welch and the John Birch Society.
Dis Coarse (Legitimate Political) Discourse 0
The Arizona Republic‘s E. J. Montini notes that, in censuring Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for agreeing to serve on the January 6 Committee of the House of Representatives, the notice of censure referred to the January 6 insurrection as “legitimate political discourse.” In the light of that, Montini has some questions for Republicans.
Here are two of them; follow the link for the others.
And, “Do you believe that legitimate political discourse includes defecating in the Capitol and then spreading the feces in the hallways?” Because that also took place.
Dis Coarse Discourse 0
Farron discusses the implications of defining armed insurrection as “legitimate political discourse.”
We are a failing state.
A Question of Identity Politics 4
At the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Kevin McDermott has a wonder:
What do you suppose is the difference here? . . .
Follow the link for his answer.
“Laboratories of Autocracy” 0
Sam talks with David Pepper about how Republicans craft their skills to gut out the vote.
Repairing the Disinformation Superhighway 0
In an article syndicated by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, three scholars speak out on the role of “social” media in spreading mis- and disinformation, suggesting possible remedies to the flood of falsehoods pouring out of our screens. Here’s a bit of what one of them, a Michigan State professor, has to say (emphasis added); follow the link for the rest.
The bit I put in bold reinforces something I’ve observed since my earliest days participating in computer bulletin board systems and Usenet: For some reason, persons will believe unquestioningly something they read on a computer screen when they won’t believe the same thing if if happens right before their eyes.
And the reverse is also true: persons will refuse to believe something that happens before their very eyes if some rando on “social” media tells them that it didn’t happen (see the link to Dan Casey’s article in the previous post).
We are a society of stupid willing to cling to the stupid if being stupid makes us feel better, regardless of the harm it will bring in the end.
I am not sanguine.
“Inside the Trump Hate Tunnel” 0
Congressperson Debbie Dingell discusses the voicemails she has been receiving from Trump supporters for over two years.
Via C&L, which has commentary.
The Kult of Kyle 0
This is just creepy.
Denial Is Not Just a River in Egypt 0
It is also a key element in the strategy of American racists and bigots going back over a century and a half.
An Ill-Advised Alliance 0
PoliticalProf is concerned that Republicans have clasped a viper to their bosom (and, by extension, to that of the polity itself).
The Great Roll-Back 0
The Las Vegas Sun editorial board considers a speech at a recent right-wing gathering and concludes:
Follow the link for their reasoning.
Anime Antics 0
The writer of a letter to the editor is less than impressed with antics of Arizona’s Paul Gosar.