#179 Musings Beyond the Bunker (Tuesday October 26)
Good morning!
It’s Tuesday and time to share ideas from friends…
I wrote a couple of weeks ago supporting the notion that one is not going to convince someone who clings to cult-like support of a demonstrably false narrative with a head-on attack. Instead, I supported the idea put forth by Tony Canzoneri (and those who have succeeded in reversing the brainwashing of cult believers) that one must address a basic premise of their convictions from a place of empathy.
Alan Rosenbach and I agree in our analysis of the machinations of the Trumpian Republicans and how they are manipulating our voting systems to undermine democracy. But Alan disagrees that constructive, patient discussion can get us there—only defeat and humiliation. Here is an excerpt from his response:
“I hope you are right. Perhaps the normal people can persuade others on the mask thing. Maybe even throw in the concept that crazy people shouldn't be allowed to buy machine guns at Walmart
I'll repeat, I hope you are right. I suspect you are wrong. I think that the masks are a distraction. The larger issue is the two thirds of Republicans who are certain Biden stole the election. Bonding with these people perhaps by conceding some points while singing Kumbaya won't change anything…
Like other national movements of craziness, the tens of millions who are certain that the election is rigged and who think Liz Cheney is a left wing menace are not going to change their minds. They need to be defeated and embarrassed, much like the early 1960s white Southerners were defeated and shamed for making blacks ride on the backs of buses, or for spewing hatred at black first graders walking into class. Those Southerners needed to be defeated and embarrassed to the point that they stopped yelling the N word in public. This collective embarrassment, which resulted in change, was probably no different than what happened to Mussolini supporters in Italy…
The Republicans have devolved to the point that they are willing to alter election laws and replace non-partisan election officials. Put another way, they are collectively willing to change laws to steal an election because they believe in their mission with intense fervor. This being the case, kindness ain't gonna work. These people need to be defeated at the polls, smitten, vanquished and embarrassed.
The problem is that the Democrats are Nero playing the fiddle, quibbling about the size of Biden’s stimulus. They need to protect the next election because if they don't, the vanquishing ain't gonna happen and the US becomes Hungary...
The right wing authoritarian wannabe government that gets installed by cheating in 2024 will be horrific. There will be violent protests put down by the National Guard. This right wing minority government will go after the deep state and attack the professional class (turn the mob against doctors and lawyers so their rich benefactors are left alone).”
As to the observations in his last two paragraphs, I generally concur and share his fears. I’ll be commenting on the likely nomination of Trump and his reasonable chance of victory in the 2024 cycle next week.
Glenn
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