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lostnfound

(16,138 posts)
Sat Dec 9, 2017, 02:25 PM Dec 2017

How do we reprogram a cult with 30% in its spell, which billionaire media machines reinforce daily?

They are a cult, and the cultmakers’ organizational power is growing. Its biggest strength has been in the brainwashing mechanisms that have been set up to immerse people in right wing ideology, and program them like robots to interpret everything in the same ways. Breitbart on Sirius? Oh, yeah, that’s what we need. Pre-packaged and filtered content after net neutrality rules are reversed? Great. Expansion of Sinclair into more markets? Check. Witch hunts helpful in taking down or intimidating outspoken countervailing voices? Got them too.

This cult is led not by Jim Jones or even by Trump, but by voices coming over Fox News and Breitbart. Well funded voices, and their funding may become self sustaining if the Koch Brothers and Mercers and Adelsons get their wish to leave their massive estates tax free in the hands of ideological organizations. The mechanisms to defend the cult have been perfected, because cult members have been trained to reject all other sources of information, particularly major news media of NY Times and Washington Post.

It would be hard to overestimate the danger the country and its democracy is in. Authoritarianism and extremist ideologies are solidifying their position every day. The Resistance needs brave, loud voices in Congress and the Senate who can break through the spell. The Resistance needs methods to drive “paradigm shifts” en masse. The Resistance needs tools to stop the automatic funneling of our resources through the very channels that are holding us captive (I.e., cable bills that put FOX News on every TV in the country, for example; or oil and gas lobbyists that twist legislation and legislators to suit their needs).

Does anyone know how to reprogram a cult?

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NRaleighLiberal

(59,940 posts)
1. Precise description of exactly what is going on. As to what happens next....
Sat Dec 9, 2017, 02:28 PM
Dec 2017

we've watched through history of what happens to cult members when they go all in. I just hope that they don't take us all down with them - which, considering the environment and NK nukes....well, I am thankful for each day at the moment.

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,280 posts)
2. We can't. What we need to do is light a fire under the butts
Sat Dec 9, 2017, 02:34 PM
Dec 2017

of the 45% who didn't vote last time. We win when more people vote.

ffr

(22,649 posts)
4. +1
Sat Dec 9, 2017, 02:40 PM
Dec 2017

Yep. We vote, we win. Early voting is the best tool we have at our disposal. Get them to vote before election day. Bank the votes.

lostnfound

(16,138 posts)
6. Restoring some degree of sanity is necessary, not their vote.
Sat Dec 9, 2017, 02:56 PM
Dec 2017

Too many crazies in their ranks and too many of them.

ffr

(22,649 posts)
3. War usually. They're not going anywhere and need their cult vision satisfied
Sat Dec 9, 2017, 02:38 PM
Dec 2017

So you will be unsuccessful in deprogramming them. It comes down to your word against the word that they trust.



You best stay out of their way.

VOX

(22,976 posts)
7. The cult is like a virus; those in opposition are like the immune system.
Sat Dec 9, 2017, 03:07 PM
Dec 2017

Obviously, the virus will flourish and destroy its host unless the immune system can beat it.

Republicans are doing anything/everything to weaken the immune system. Our survival depends on strengthening it.

There’s no magic vaccine, it’s a fever that has to be gutted out. And you finally beat it by persistence— never give up.

lostnfound

(16,138 posts)
8. Good analogy. Building on that analogy, the general health of the organism is important
Sat Dec 9, 2017, 03:29 PM
Dec 2017

Education, travel, music and positive constructive affiliations are helpful in creating health.
I remember the 70s as being a time when people had more free time. Keeping people busy and desperate is useful to authoritarians.

VOX

(22,976 posts)
9. Precisely. You have to step away from the insanity regularly to survive.
Sat Dec 9, 2017, 03:51 PM
Dec 2017

It’s essential to be involved in pursuits or activities that give you life— reading (fiction!), travel, exercise, exploring nature, being with friends, painting, doing some photography, anything that clears the mind and offers an escape from the continuing craziness that pollutes our lives.

pansypoo53219

(20,906 posts)
10. we need a rock star candidate for the gnewz media to love. the moron is a ratings hit.
Sat Dec 9, 2017, 04:30 PM
Dec 2017

tho he makes me wanna shoot something.

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