The scope of the lies and mis/disinformation is just unimaginable, and yet it is all around us. With millions of Americans being drawn into and captured by this doom spiral, how can we begin to imagine any return to normalcy. Getting through this election cycle is going to be bad enough. But when Trump is in the rear view mirror (I'm holding onto a positive vision), where does it leave the radicalized followers who have swallowed his vitriol, hook, line and sinker? I cannot imagine how one extricates oneself from such a nihilistic world, one with no discernable connection to truth or reality. Moreover, how can those of us in this world even begin to grapple with it all?
The only constructive response that I can think of is to not focus on the forest, but instead to focus on the trees. If you happen to live in a politically diverse area, as I do, you probably know people (associates, friends and maybe family) who are living in the Trump alternate reality. Focus on these people -- the ones you know and interact with. Use every encounter with them to *show* them that you are not the enemy that they are being led to believe. If they are going to find their way back, the impetus must come from within them, and only they can walk that path. But it may be possible to help. If you stop talking, pay attention and listen, you may perhaps be able to provide a safe space for them as they emerge back into the light.
I think politicians like Brian Kemp, Youngkin, etc should fear how the billionaires directly involved in politicians. These billionaires are filthy rich and they think highly of themselves. They assumed they know how to govern efficiently. Republican should wary the influence of the super rich. Are we going to be like South Korea?
Jim - I suspect Trump & Musk each imagine they’re manipulating the other for their personal interests. Each believes he’s brilliant and tricky and can make others bend to his will. They’re used to getting that, and can forget/ignore/redefine their losses; a mental mechanism to protect the delicate flower of their egos.
I will say, that I haven’t used Twitter (will never be anything else to me) since Musk bought the company, but unfortunately there are a number of groups (e.g. “Political Twitter”) and individuals that remain or have returned here due to ego, return on content, etc.
Mike, I see how many times a day you post on twitter (albeit mostly responses) Sorry Mike, but you are part of the problem here, not part of the solution.
I wasn’t trying to pick a fight. I’ve followed your journey to Mastodon, Call-in and Threads and ultimately back to Twitter. I’m not upset that you’ve made those decisions, I’m just sad that Twitter hasn’t gone away.
Greg - please consider this analogy: Twitter was a widely used tool with wide opinions & participation- kinda like a city. Musk took over - different method than a political takeover but imagine extremist politicians taking over your city. Do you give up & move? Or do you stay and try to maintain communication with good neighbors you’ve known for years? Maybe you can’t “take back” your city or social platform but you can still get thru the craziness w a little help from your friends. You can be rays of light in the twilight.
I believe that’s very different from ego or monetizing, and it’s NOT being the problem.
The scope of the lies and mis/disinformation is just unimaginable, and yet it is all around us. With millions of Americans being drawn into and captured by this doom spiral, how can we begin to imagine any return to normalcy. Getting through this election cycle is going to be bad enough. But when Trump is in the rear view mirror (I'm holding onto a positive vision), where does it leave the radicalized followers who have swallowed his vitriol, hook, line and sinker? I cannot imagine how one extricates oneself from such a nihilistic world, one with no discernable connection to truth or reality. Moreover, how can those of us in this world even begin to grapple with it all?
The only constructive response that I can think of is to not focus on the forest, but instead to focus on the trees. If you happen to live in a politically diverse area, as I do, you probably know people (associates, friends and maybe family) who are living in the Trump alternate reality. Focus on these people -- the ones you know and interact with. Use every encounter with them to *show* them that you are not the enemy that they are being led to believe. If they are going to find their way back, the impetus must come from within them, and only they can walk that path. But it may be possible to help. If you stop talking, pay attention and listen, you may perhaps be able to provide a safe space for them as they emerge back into the light.
Musk is a very real national security threat. Haven’t seen any discussion of this on the socials or in the press. That bothers me. A lot.
Great analysis of musk and the bigger picture.
I think politicians like Brian Kemp, Youngkin, etc should fear how the billionaires directly involved in politicians. These billionaires are filthy rich and they think highly of themselves. They assumed they know how to govern efficiently. Republican should wary the influence of the super rich. Are we going to be like South Korea?
Jim - I suspect Trump & Musk each imagine they’re manipulating the other for their personal interests. Each believes he’s brilliant and tricky and can make others bend to his will. They’re used to getting that, and can forget/ignore/redefine their losses; a mental mechanism to protect the delicate flower of their egos.
All part of the Grifters Bible.
Spare Us the Tears, Trump: Your Rhetoric Has Been a Loaded Gun for Years
https://patricemersault.substack.com/p/spare-us-the-tears-trump-your-rhetoric?r=4d7sow
I will say, that I haven’t used Twitter (will never be anything else to me) since Musk bought the company, but unfortunately there are a number of groups (e.g. “Political Twitter”) and individuals that remain or have returned here due to ego, return on content, etc.
Mike, I see how many times a day you post on twitter (albeit mostly responses) Sorry Mike, but you are part of the problem here, not part of the solution.
Fighting the good fight on enemy territory used to be called courage in an America where character matters.
Retreating and trying to shame others for fighting is the character of this new generation that enabled all of this.
The problem my friend, is you.
I wasn’t trying to pick a fight. I’ve followed your journey to Mastodon, Call-in and Threads and ultimately back to Twitter. I’m not upset that you’ve made those decisions, I’m just sad that Twitter hasn’t gone away.
Is Pete Buttigieg the problem when he goes on Fox?
Greg - please consider this analogy: Twitter was a widely used tool with wide opinions & participation- kinda like a city. Musk took over - different method than a political takeover but imagine extremist politicians taking over your city. Do you give up & move? Or do you stay and try to maintain communication with good neighbors you’ve known for years? Maybe you can’t “take back” your city or social platform but you can still get thru the craziness w a little help from your friends. You can be rays of light in the twilight.
I believe that’s very different from ego or monetizing, and it’s NOT being the problem.