Hate Sells category archive
Megaphones on the Disinformation Superhighway 0
Steve M argues that a strong factor for the spread of mis- and disinformation is not necessarily the often anonymous liars who make it up, but rather well-know persons provide megaphones. A snippet:
But we’ve known for years that disinformation spreads most rapidly when high-profile people spread it. Thirty years ago, false rumors about Bill Clinton were spread widely in a video called The Clinton Chronicles, which featured an appearance by Reverend Jerry Falwell, who was a hosehold name at the time; Falwell also promoted the video. In 2004, the false attacks on John Kerry’s service record in Vietnam were made openly by named right-wing operatives. And the most famous promoter of many right-wing lies — that Barack Obama wasn’t born in America, that the 2020 presidential election was rigged — was Trump, who is very much not an anonymous figure.
I commend the entire article to your attention.
Twits Own Twitter X Offenders
0
The Arizona Republic’s E. J. Montini dissects the debunking of some Muskrat bunk.
The New Believer 0
F. T. Rea has a question:
Why has Donald Trump recently decided to become an unabashed, self-styled religious figure?
He also has some answers.
They’re at the link.
The Undammed 0
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gene Collier is skeptical that any court’s gag order with stifle the flood of vitriol, venality, and viciousness that streams daily from Donald Trump. A snippet:
Freedom of Screech 0
Above the Law reports that, following Donald Trump’s attacks on the families of various court personnel, including Judge Merchan’s daughter, Trump’s gag order has been extended to include said family members, but that
Details at the link.
Republican Family Values 0
David discusses Donald Trump’s attacks on Judge Juan Merchan’s daughter and points out that we do indeed have a two tier justice system. (Warning: Short commercial at the end.)
Still Rising Again after All These Years 0
At AL.com, Frances Coleman argues that the words might be different, but the thought’s the same. A snippet:
It may not have the same rhetorical ring as George Wallace’s “Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever,” but it puts the point across.
Stray Thought 0
I suspect that, if I looked up “truth” in my trusty Roget’s Thesaurus, which I’ve had for forty years, I would not find “divisive concepts” listed as a synonym thereof.
But, if I had an updated version, I think I just might.
American Taliban 0
A caller shares some stories about the antics of what he I think most aptly refers to as “Talibangelicals.”
Aside:
I was brought up Southern Baptist before the Texans took over the Southern Baptist Convention, or, to put it another way, when the SBC was sane.
I’ve read the Bible multiple times (mostly the Jerusalem translation, because in my opinion it best blends modern English with lyricism). It was a great comfort to me when my first marriage broke up. Nevertheless, I must say I haven’t read it recently, mainly as a visceral reaction to the antics of right-wing they-call-themselves Christian evangelicals merchants of hate.
These “Talibangelicals” worship no Jesus that I know.
“But It’s the Only Possible Explanation” 0
Using the recent kerfuffle over Kate Middleton, Rebecca Watson takes a look at the appeal of conspiracy theories and those who cultivate them. Here’s quote:
Those who make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities, and by “those” I also include, like, yourself.
Or you can read the transcript.
Establishmentarians 0
Long-time Baptist pastor Stephen Jones argues that right-wing extremist they-call-themselves Christians get it precisely backwards:
Follow the link for context.
Deep Uncovered 0
So much for attorney-client privilege.
From the Party of Lincoln to the Party of Stinkin’ 0
The editorial board of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch tells a tale of devolution.
The Rule of Flaw 0
At the Sacramento Bee, Erwin Chemerinsky wonders why the Trumpette’s don’t seem care–indeed, almost seem to relish–the impending indictments and existing judgements against Donald Trump. I commend his piece to your attention.
Here’s a tiny bit:
For decades, conservatives have identified themselves as the champions of “law and order.” It is ironic and perplexing that they could embrace a candidate who shows so little regard of the law.
Know Them by the Company They Keep, Reprise 0
Visitors to the House of Wax.
Establishmentarians 0
Michael in Norfolk is somewhat perturbed.
At the Des Moines Register, Jason Benell has more about the effects of establishmentarianism.