What I can't understand are the people who choose to believe such whopping untruths only based on the statements of a convicted felon, a proven liar, someone who hates just about everyone else. Why do his followers want to believe his lies? Are they afraid of him? Do they want his approval? Do his lies justify their own hatred and prejudices?
It is a choice, believing without proof; a weakness, not a strength. His statements are never proven, never include facts. He just throws this stuff out there, after mulling over his hatred and jealousy until he comes up with a way to hurt something or somebody. He demands loyalty as the justification for belief. Loyalty versus proof. There's something seriously wrong with that.
How does believing and jumping on board with the lie, even without proof, suit THEIR purpose? People are innocent until proven guilty. Just because someone you "believe in" says something doesn't make it true. Just because you dislike someone doesn't make their statements lies, either. As discerning beings, we should consider the source, the facts, and the circumstances. Again, why do they want to believe his lies? We know what his lies say about him, but what does believing them say about his followers?
I will be so sad when the burden of proof is no longer the norm in this country, when facts no longer matter. We will all be slightly less human as a result.
 |
Why do they WANT to believe? That is the exact right question. From what I can tell by talking to someone who is determined to believe that the self-styled "freedom" convoy in Ottawa did not include any of the unlawful behaviour some participants were charged with, I can only deduce that they picked a "side" before facts were known and now are unable to move off their position. Any evidence that doesnt support their initial belief is discounted as "fake news" and they refuse to even consider it for one moment.
ReplyDeleteAnd as we well know "beliefs" are based on emotions, not the intellect.
DeleteI'm as baffled as you are as to why so many people go along with the endless stream of lies and threats and self-promotion. Why haven't they long ago dismissed most of what he says and does as destructive claptrap?
ReplyDeleteI wish I knew.
DeleteBecause people are using any old wierd and social media outlets as news sites. How many in your family and circle of friends are getting their news exclusively from facebook and friends where anybody can post anything?
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in school, we learned about the fourth estate, ie independent, accountable and watchdog media and its important role as a pillar of democracy alongside the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Journalism working with fact checking and oversight.
It's true.
DeleteFor some he justifies their prejudices and gives them permission to be their worst selves. And they don't want any truth that will make them have to see themselves in a different light, challenge their ingrained beliefs. I was just talking to a friend yesterday about how mean people in this country have become. How on earth does that make life better for anyone.
ReplyDeletePerfect response.
DeleteEven his own Truth Social has been fact checking him. When it corrects him he has it re-programmed. It still corrects him. I like an honest system.
ReplyDeleteHa! I hadn't heard that.
DeleteIt's nuts. That's all I got.
ReplyDeleteGood enough for me!
DeleteI think they want to believe his lies because of their own prejudices. They don't read or listen to other news sources that report facts they don't want to hear. The Internet has played a huge part in letting anyone say anything without fact checking. People believe crazy things that don't make any sense and you are right, it's scary (and sad).
ReplyDeleteIt is.
DeleteFacts and Truth already don't matter to anyone whose bought into a Cult of Personality. He does have reptilian instincts about whose his most easily exploited Marks... every Consummate Conman knows who his best Victims will be. And, those who are most like him, well, they really do LIKE him, don't they?
ReplyDeleteReptilian instincts! Good one.
DeleteThe comment above by Ellen perfectly conveys how I see these times we're living in. I am utterly disheartened by these times, but not surprised. I worry about the future of everything. (NewRobin13)
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you, Robin.
Delete