"A significant portion of Americans (perhaps one-fifth) have become so epistemically captured that they will believe any explanation their leader offers, regardless of contradictions or evidence."
I think you're off by a factor of two. Most of my life I thought the number of my fellow citizens susceptible to such capture was between 5-20% and probably closer to the low end. As I've watched recent events unfold, the realization of how foolish I was, and the implications of the true reality, have really stung.
I think Isaac Asimov explained it best: “There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.” .
The question in my mind is how to oppose this fascist regime in the US successfully - by what means? Will laws and judges' rulings ultimately overcome the illegal and unconstitutional actions of this regime? Will opposition voices and demonstrations bring an accountability? Will we have to resort to fighting in the streets against local law enforcement, state national guard troops, and the federal military? It is a given that we are hurtling into more fascist actions by this regime. What is going to stop it?
"A significant portion of Americans (perhaps one-fifth) have become so epistemically captured that they will believe any explanation their leader offers, regardless of contradictions or evidence."
I think you're off by a factor of two. Most of my life I thought the number of my fellow citizens susceptible to such capture was between 5-20% and probably closer to the low end. As I've watched recent events unfold, the realization of how foolish I was, and the implications of the true reality, have really stung.
I appreciate your work and I'm with you.
I think Isaac Asimov explained it best: “There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.” .
The question in my mind is how to oppose this fascist regime in the US successfully - by what means? Will laws and judges' rulings ultimately overcome the illegal and unconstitutional actions of this regime? Will opposition voices and demonstrations bring an accountability? Will we have to resort to fighting in the streets against local law enforcement, state national guard troops, and the federal military? It is a given that we are hurtling into more fascist actions by this regime. What is going to stop it?
Look at the posting related to the bill they Just past in house
Right On Brother!