Gunnar wrote: ↑Wed May 21, 2025 10:36 pm
Another excellent book I have recently read is:
The Echo Machine, How Right-Wing Extremism Creates a Post Truth America, by David Packman. I wish everyone would read this book.
One of my favorite passages from the book, on page 28:
The last two decades have witnessed a concerted effort from certain segments of the Republican Party to downplay the value of critical thinking. This strategy, whether overt or subtle, serves a dual purpose: it solidifies base support and undermines institutions that promote critical thought, such as academia. The "liberal indoctrination" narrative not only discredits educational institutions but also paints intellectualism and critical thinking as enemies of so-called traditional values. This anti-intellectual sentiment feeds into a broader narrative where experts such as scientists, economists, or educators are viewed with inherent suspicion. Under MAGA Trumpism, it has become a point of pride not to trust actual experts, instead supporting and trusting a cadre of nonexperts who compete with those bringing actual knowledge of the subject under discussion.
Well Gunner, Critical thought is important. I learned a deep and important lesson about critical thought in my deconstruction from Mormonism. That said in regard to our conversation.
I concede that the GOP uses dark money (superPACs) as a means to an end for their interests, as you asserted. And applying critical thought, in looking at the bigger picture, I showed you the democrats received double the dark monies. I am sorry but the right, and the left, are whores, they take money from wealthy folks, via lobbyists and superPAC's,, and then become rich themselves.
When you asserted and then confirmed that judges taking monies from billionaires/millionaires for trips was a bribe, thinking that only GOP appointed judges did this. But when I pointed out Ruth Bader Ginsburg led all judges in taking monies for trips a few years back when she was alive, and that Whitehouse himself took almost 1 million from superPACs....you bailed out of the conversation. Obviously not being able to take a criticle look at what is just true.
So where is critical thought with you? I bought a book I would normally not purchase and read so I could be open and honest with your assertions, and I am listening to a over 30 episode series for the same reason. Then when I bring up questions that contradict, or show hypocrisies what reading and seeing....you again bail out when having to test your assertions.
Very few liberals here will dare step out of their testimony of the left wing party, and follow some of these issues out to a logical end.
