You are so right about this. And Senator Mike Lee and the MAGA cultists will go to any length to blame Democrats. How does one become so hateful and ignorant of the truth?
Good question, because we sure don't start out that way. As the song from the classic musical SOUTH PACIFIC has it, "You've got to be taught to hate." And if you're surrounded by people who hate what you hate and are fine with their own ignorance, there's little incentive to do otherwise.
I’m from Minneapolis originally, have met Melissa and received her emails, a truly dedicated, loving and devoted representative to our community and state.
It appears this blue spinning cosmic ball has fallen off its axis with everything you’ve described in this well researched, and crafted piece Nina!!
The white nationalist and religious right are insanely focused on the great replacement theory, with the odious career criminal Trump, as their god appointed savior…colour me disgusted!!
I'm so intrigued by your comments about living in the rural Midwest: "I know well how weird shit can take root in people’s heads when they’re alone in the empty miles. Minds can get bent around conspiracy theories. In many cases, those conspiracy theories promote violence in service to some greater cause, and often that cause is some perverted form of Christianity." Having lived all my life on the East Coast, 2/3 of it in Massachusetts, I don't know that world -- but I can see connections to the world(s) I do know. Those "perverted form[s] of Christianity" are closely allied with perverted forms of patriotism -- what's Christian nationalism about, after all?
Thanks much for the introduction to Jeff Sharlet. Gotta read his book and subscribe to his Substack.
The “spin” (to put it incredibly generously) from the MAGA influencers is as amazing to behold as it is scary and dangerous. I’ve just discovered your writing, Nina, and really appreciate it.
You are so right about this. And Senator Mike Lee and the MAGA cultists will go to any length to blame Democrats. How does one become so hateful and ignorant of the truth?
Good question, because we sure don't start out that way. As the song from the classic musical SOUTH PACIFIC has it, "You've got to be taught to hate." And if you're surrounded by people who hate what you hate and are fine with their own ignorance, there's little incentive to do otherwise.
Well said Helen!!
The list of NAR cult members in our country and government is very scary stuff!!
I’m from Minneapolis originally, have met Melissa and received her emails, a truly dedicated, loving and devoted representative to our community and state.
It appears this blue spinning cosmic ball has fallen off its axis with everything you’ve described in this well researched, and crafted piece Nina!!
The white nationalist and religious right are insanely focused on the great replacement theory, with the odious career criminal Trump, as their god appointed savior…colour me disgusted!!
I'm so intrigued by your comments about living in the rural Midwest: "I know well how weird shit can take root in people’s heads when they’re alone in the empty miles. Minds can get bent around conspiracy theories. In many cases, those conspiracy theories promote violence in service to some greater cause, and often that cause is some perverted form of Christianity." Having lived all my life on the East Coast, 2/3 of it in Massachusetts, I don't know that world -- but I can see connections to the world(s) I do know. Those "perverted form[s] of Christianity" are closely allied with perverted forms of patriotism -- what's Christian nationalism about, after all?
Thanks much for the introduction to Jeff Sharlet. Gotta read his book and subscribe to his Substack.
Loneliness and isolation, long winters and windy cold springs, vast empty spaces between drive-throughs. I love the region, but it's hard.
Remember when people in rural areas couldn’t get high-speed Internet? Those were the days.
The “spin” (to put it incredibly generously) from the MAGA influencers is as amazing to behold as it is scary and dangerous. I’ve just discovered your writing, Nina, and really appreciate it.