We have to speak out, protest loudly, write to our Congress
people and to our newspapers. And financially support all those who are working to make a difference.....even if it means giving up a couple Starbucks coffees, or sacrificing more deeply. For in n a very real sense we are fighting for our lives, and for Mother Earth.
Nihilism is easier to combat than denialism imho. The MAGA adherents I know are fairly religious so I can appeal to life having meaning simply because its creation, and that as instruments of creation, ethics are important. I can also use examples that illustrate times when the how mattered. Denialism is another story. And I guess part of the question is effective at what? I had a conversation with someone who was trying to tell me the courts are only supposed to interpret the law, not be a check on power. I don’t practice law but went to law school and he was mansplaining. Usually I feel like my most effective tactic is asking questions but that day I couldn’t do it anymore so the question I asked was “Have you actually specifically studied the Constitution for a year like I did or are you spouting off what some hack said?” It was effective at ending the conversation and stopping all political commentary since. It was also effective at emasculating him, which isn’t what I set out to do even though he probably needed that lesson. But did I move the opinion needle? I doubt it.
Everyone is in denial about something-- usually several somethings. I am 77 and have lived long enough to have overcome some of my own denials. It takes time, and both respect and a willingness to listen from those around you who recognize your situation. And it requires the softening of whatever need is driving your denial.
The "Good Conflict" people have some good strategies and resources, including Amanda Ripley's book titled "High Conflict". (I am not affiliated with them.)
"What are your most effective tactic(s) for combatting MAGA denialism and nihilism?"
Let me know when you find out.
Based on occasionally dipping my toe in on my brother's Facebook page, nothing yet has swayed him from the MAGA path. Although he thinks going to war with Iran was stupid and will "damage Trump's legacy."
Giant eyeroll accompanied by the sound of my heart breaking.
My experience too. Mostly arguing with other commenters at the WSJ. They’re convinced that “60 Minutes” is desperately in need of a makeover, because no one likes their far left crap.
I point out that Jeff Bezos completely failed to attract right wing readers at the Washington Post and has lost hundreds of thousands of subscribers and is now laying off staff.
Response: No one read it before so it makes no difference.
I hear you. I have not severed my MAGA family members relationships. But, communication is muted or carefully crafted to maintain a minimal civility. Problem is that they are only spoon fed lies and misinformation and never get Bulwark type articles or facts. I am hopeful that their eyes will be opened someday.
It's weird for me to be so reserved with my sibs. My sister and I used to be on the same page politically but COVID radicalized her. She's an RFK Jr fan.
Sherrod Brown's wife, Connie Schultz, wrote a piece a couple of months ago that described where I am now with my family. My comment on her post:
"I will not let this man and what he's doing destroy my love for my family but yes...for now, we are not the family we used to be."
We have to speak out, protest loudly, write to our Congress
people and to our newspapers. And financially support all those who are working to make a difference.....even if it means giving up a couple Starbucks coffees, or sacrificing more deeply. For in n a very real sense we are fighting for our lives, and for Mother Earth.
💡 “The Light That Outshone the Lies”
In a world full of shadows where tyrants still try,
Where bullies spread darkness and truth starts to cry,
A spark from the past flicked alive in the night—
It came from the families who once chose to fight. 🔥
From the beaches of Europe to islands afar,
Came grandfathers brave like a blazing North Star.
They battled the fascists in World War Two,
Giving all that they had so our freedom stayed true. 🪖
Their courage now echoes in Ukraine today,
Where people stand tall in the very same way.
They push back the tyrant who barges and breaks,
Defending their future no matter the stakes. ✊
And here in America, truth needs us too,
For propaganda spreads fast like a virus will do.
The right-wingers spin while we struggle to eat,
With wages that buckle beneath corporate feet. 🌪️
So the grandparents gathered with wisdom and grit,
“We know how to stand when the world throws a fit!”
They lifted their phones like their elders once fought,
But now with information—the battlefield: thought. 📱
They shared Indy media with clarity bright,
And boosted the watchdogs to spread the true light.
They challenged the fear that the spin doctors claim,
And amplified facts in democracy’s name. 📢
And soon, like a beacon, their posts filled the feed,
A lantern of justice for all those in need.
They carried the legacy passed through the years—
A line of defenders who conquer dark fears. 🛡️
So honor these heroes of past and of now,
Who lift up the truth with a hand to the brow.
For democracy stands when the brave reunite—
From WW2 veterans to grandfolks of light. 🕯️
We are the Pro-Democracy Comment-Crew, using our comments to boost pro-democracy leaders and indie media so the truth can grow!✨🇺🇸🗳️⚖️🕯️
I love you
Thanks Jim for the link to General Hertling's article; i missed it. Truly an exceptional read.
Nihilism is easier to combat than denialism imho. The MAGA adherents I know are fairly religious so I can appeal to life having meaning simply because its creation, and that as instruments of creation, ethics are important. I can also use examples that illustrate times when the how mattered. Denialism is another story. And I guess part of the question is effective at what? I had a conversation with someone who was trying to tell me the courts are only supposed to interpret the law, not be a check on power. I don’t practice law but went to law school and he was mansplaining. Usually I feel like my most effective tactic is asking questions but that day I couldn’t do it anymore so the question I asked was “Have you actually specifically studied the Constitution for a year like I did or are you spouting off what some hack said?” It was effective at ending the conversation and stopping all political commentary since. It was also effective at emasculating him, which isn’t what I set out to do even though he probably needed that lesson. But did I move the opinion needle? I doubt it.
It’s very difficult to move the needle. That’s my experience.
I would like to report that in Prague there are folks in public spots with Putins imagine on the pavement for you to step on.
Good to hear!
Everyone is in denial about something-- usually several somethings. I am 77 and have lived long enough to have overcome some of my own denials. It takes time, and both respect and a willingness to listen from those around you who recognize your situation. And it requires the softening of whatever need is driving your denial.
The "Good Conflict" people have some good strategies and resources, including Amanda Ripley's book titled "High Conflict". (I am not affiliated with them.)
"What are your most effective tactic(s) for combatting MAGA denialism and nihilism?"
Let me know when you find out.
Based on occasionally dipping my toe in on my brother's Facebook page, nothing yet has swayed him from the MAGA path. Although he thinks going to war with Iran was stupid and will "damage Trump's legacy."
Giant eyeroll accompanied by the sound of my heart breaking.
My experience too. Mostly arguing with other commenters at the WSJ. They’re convinced that “60 Minutes” is desperately in need of a makeover, because no one likes their far left crap.
I point out that Jeff Bezos completely failed to attract right wing readers at the Washington Post and has lost hundreds of thousands of subscribers and is now laying off staff.
Response: No one read it before so it makes no difference.
*screams*
I hear you. I have not severed my MAGA family members relationships. But, communication is muted or carefully crafted to maintain a minimal civility. Problem is that they are only spoon fed lies and misinformation and never get Bulwark type articles or facts. I am hopeful that their eyes will be opened someday.
It's weird for me to be so reserved with my sibs. My sister and I used to be on the same page politically but COVID radicalized her. She's an RFK Jr fan.
Sherrod Brown's wife, Connie Schultz, wrote a piece a couple of months ago that described where I am now with my family. My comment on her post:
"I will not let this man and what he's doing destroy my love for my family but yes...for now, we are not the family we used to be."