Good Afternoon Amy,
I confess that my lack of influence in the world is exacerbated by the realization that those with the most influence are unscrupulous immoral liars. To me, that seems counter intuitive. How can evil deceptive frauds be the most influential?
I think about the power of Fox News and right-wing propaganda machines. They are responsible for Trump. I do not mean just getting him elected. It is painfully obvious that his thoughts and behavior are the result of right-wing media programming. He is the manifestation of right-wing propaganda. And it is not just Trump Republican politicians all across the country and in every position parrot the talking-points of right-wing media as do all regular consumers of right-wing propaganda. Most disturbing is that these people are “true believers” and are filled with hate, fear, and anger because they are programmed with false beliefs.
Because I am an independent-minded reasoning soul, I tend to be naïve about the power of propaganda to influence people. I cannot fathom how people allow their minds to absorb myth, lies, and conspiracy as real. Their minds become a cesspool of false memories, disinformation, and absurd beliefs. My notion that I can offer these people the truth using logic and facts is as absurd as the beliefs they hold.
Tomorrow I will explore the nature of propaganda and influence. Am I to accept that I cannot be a counter influence or are there vaccines and treatments that can prevent and cure viruses of the mind?